Under The Dome with Empower Missouri

The week of March 24 2025

Welcome to the latest episode of Under the Dome, your source for updates from Empower Missouri on the ongoing legislative developments in Jefferson City. Advocacy Director Sarah Owsley is joined by Criminal Justice Policy Managers Rika White and Gwen Smith-Moore to discuss their recent testimonies in both the Senate and House.
The discussions highlight the need for external accountability in Missouri's Department of Corrections and introduce Senate Bill 378, aiming to establish an Office of State Ombudsman. The episode also delves into House Bill 989, the Missouri Survivors Justice Act, addressing the sentencing concerns for domestic abuse victims. Explore how these legislative efforts resonate with Empower Missouri’s enduring commitment to evidence-based public policy.
In addition, learn about the Missouri Violent Crime Clearance Grant Program and the ongoing debates around affordable housing, with a spotlight on House Bill 595’s implications. This episode is a call to action for those passionate about social justice and offers avenues for citizens to participate actively in shaping Missouri’s future. Don't miss the updates on key bills and upcoming lobby days focused on correctional oversight and survivors’ rights.

Legislative Spring Break

Welcome to 'Under the Dome,' where we unravel Empower Missouri's efforts in addressing key legislative issues in Jefferson City, focusing particularly on poverty alleviation. In this special Spring Break episode, join Sarah Owsley and Christine Woody alongside Jessica Seitz and Meg Boyko from the Missouri Network Against Child Abuse as they discuss their impactful journey with the Missouri Foundation for Health's Exemplary Advocate cohort.
Throughout six transformative years, this dedicated team of advocates has worked shoulder-to-shoulder, building strong coalitions, fostering deep connections, and aligning diverse advocacy agendas to enhance Missouri's health equity landscape. From developing pivotal tools for advocacy networking to curating equity assessment resources, their collaborations promise to leave a lasting impact.
Tune in for insightful stories, the shared experiences of coalition-building, and the exhilarating pursuit of social justice and systemic change. Discover how these advocates are shaping the future of nonprofit work and ensuring that the voices of the underserved are amplified in a rapidly changing world. Learn how you can use the tools they created for advocates to improve your daily work and check out MOAdvocates.org.

The week of March 10 2025

Welcome to the latest episode of Under the Dome, where we delve into the dynamic developments in Missouri's legislative landscape. Hosted by Sarah Owsley, Advocacy Director at Empower Missouri, this episode brings together key policy leaders including Gwen, Lucas, Misha, and Mallory to discuss the week's legislative actions and their implications.
This episode covers the rapid progression of Senate Bill 4, which poses significant concerns over increased utility costs for Missouri residents and the potential impact on housing stability. With utility rate hikes expected to affect vulnerable communities, the conversation highlights the vital need for testimonies in the legislative process, despite the expedited decision-making witnessed this week.
Additionally, House Bill 495, focusing on state control of the St. Louis City Police Force, raises questions about local governance and resource allocation. Despite concerns, some positive provisions, including cost caps on jail phone calls and protective measures for pregnant women in incarceration, were included.
The discussion also sheds light on a promising voting rights initiative, House Bill 617, aiming to restore voting rights to individuals on probation and parole, showcasing bipartisan support towards empowering reintegrated community members.

Week of March 3 2025

Join us on 'Under the Dome' for the latest news from Empower Missouri, where Advocacy Director Sarah Owsley and her team discuss current legislative efforts in Jefferson City to combat poverty. In this episode, we explore crucial topics such as affordable housing, food security, and criminal justice reform.
Christine Woody shares insights from recent hearings on food security bills, highlighting the fight against restrictive measures on programs like TANF and SNAP. We also delve into the efforts to pass important housing legislation, including the source of income discrimination and workforce housing investment fund for rural communities.
Hear firsthand accounts from Gwen Smith-Moore and Rika White on advocacy days for criminal justice reform, emphasizing the challenges faced by incarcerated individuals and the push for fair treatment. Additionally, we discuss the significance of Missouri's treatment courts, particularly for veterans, and the ongoing struggle against legislation that undermines voters' choices and expands police control. Tune in for an insightful and comprehensive look at the policies shaping the battle against poverty and injustice in Missouri.

The week of Feb 24 2025

Welcome to "Under the Dome," the podcast bringing you updates from Empower Missouri on significant happenings in Jefferson City, especially focusing on anti-poverty efforts. For over a century, Empower Missouri has pushed for evidence-based public policies designed to eliminate poverty. In this episode, we delve into recent legislative activities and efforts to drive change in areas such as affordable housing, criminal justice reform, and food security.
Join us as we share insights on the Day of Action, a significant event where over 200 advocates engaged with lawmakers on vital poverty issues. The episode highlights the passion and commitment of various coalitions working toward social justice and fighting for systemic change in Missouri.

The week of Feb 17

Welcome to the latest episode of 'Under the Dome,' where we delve into the intricacies of advocacy in Jefferson City, focusing on Empower Missouri's efforts to combat poverty. Join Sarah Owsley, Mallory Rush, Lucas Caldwell-McMillan, Rika White, and Gwen Smith-Moore as they navigate a snowy week filled with hearings and testimonies, tackling issues ranging from affordable housing to prison reform. In this episode, we celebrate the opening of a new prison nursery, discuss the emotional impact of policy work, and examine Senate Bill 64 and its implications for property taxes. We also explore the challenges posed by proposed Medicaid work requirements and the controversial Misdemeanor Incarceration Reimbursement Act. Listen in as our team reflects on the past week's events, sharing insights, laughs, and the occasional gripe about the snows of Jefferson City. This is your front-row seat to the ongoing advocacy work aimed at fostering a more just and equitable Missouri.

The weeks of Feb 3rd and 10th

Welcome to another episode of Under the Dome, your go-to source for updates from Empower Missouri, focusing on anti-poverty initiatives in Jefferson City. Despite widespread illness, our committed team continues to advocate for progress in critical areas such as housing, food security, and criminal justice reform.
This week, we discuss the progress of House Bill 595, which bans source of income discrimination. We also delve into House Bill 916 concerning food security, which aims to remove the lifetime SNAP benefit ban for individuals with drug felonies.
Additionally, we explore the heated debates around mandatory minimum prison terms and their potential impact on Missouri's prison system. Our episode wraps up with a discussion about the St. Louis police takeover bill on the Senate floor and the tireless efforts of Senator Karla May in defending local control.

Contentious Immigration Legislation

Welcome to this episode of Under the Dome, brought to you by Empower Missouri. Join hosts Sarah Owsley, Gwen Smith-Moore, Jerika White, and Christine Woody as they delve into recent developments in Missouri's legislative landscape, focusing on anti-poverty efforts. In this episode, get insights into the heated debates over Senate Bill 72, which targets undocumented immigrants with severe penalties. Discover the controversial 'bounty hunter' program proposal and its potential impact on communities.Also on the agenda, a discussion on Missouri's Clean Slate legislation for automated expungement, which offers hope for many and reflects ongoing advocacy for criminal justice reform. Hear about efforts to address issues like food security, housing, and protest rights, and the challenges facing these initiatives.Stay informed about the policies shaping Missouri and how Empower Missouri continues to champion evidence-based solutions to complex social issues.

The week of Jan 21 2025

Welcome to the latest episode of "Under the Dome" by Empower Missouri, where we delve into the happenings in Jefferson City with a special focus on our long-standing anti-poverty initiatives. Having spearheaded evidence-based public policy to end poverty for over a century, we lead coalitions on matters such as affordable housing, criminal justice reform, and food security, while supporting initiatives in wages, health care, child care, and voting rights.
In this episode, join Advocacy Director Sarah Owsley and some members of our team as they break down the start of the new legislative session. Listen in as they tackle pressing issues like the contentious proposed state control of the St. Louis Police Department and the alarming new riot-definition laws. Our team also sheds light on the critical source of income discrimination discussions impacting housing rights in Missouri.
Stay tuned as we share insights from our experiences at the Capitol, discuss impactful testimonies and legal debates, and keep you informed on the strategic initiatives for housing justice and community reforms. And Lucas' lunch count.

Navigating Missouri's Ballot: Key Issues and Insights

Welcome to a special episode of Empower Missouri's "Under the Dome" podcast, where hosts Sarah Owsley, Lucas Caldwell-McMillan, and Mallory Rusch delve into the upcoming election and its implications for Missouri. 
The episode covers several critical amendments, including the Sports Gambling Amendment, which proposes legalized sports betting with potential tax benefits for education. The discussion highlights concerns over gambling addiction and financial implications for vulnerable families. The conversation then shifts to Amendment 3, addressing abortion laws, and the misinformation surrounding it, emphasizing the importance of accurate voter information.
Listeners are guided through other key amendments, such as the Lake of the Ozark Casino proposal, Empower's campaign to defeat Amendment 6 related to funding law enforcement pensions through traffic ticket fees, and Amendment 7, which tackles ranked choice voting. The team also highlights their support for Proposition A, advocating for a minimum wage increase and sick leave, and its potential impact on Missouri workers.
The episode concludes with a discussion on local ballot issues in St. Louis and Kansas City, insights into voting for judges, and the importance of making a voting plan. Empower Missouri encourages voter participation and provides resources for nonprofits to support voter engagement.