Under The Dome with Empower Missouri

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.

Tackling Food Insecurity Among Older Adults in Missouri

Welcome to Under the Dome, your update from Empower Missouri about what is happening in Jefferson City with a focus on our anti-poverty agenda. Sarah Owsley is joined by Christine Woody, one of our Food Security Policy Managers. Today, we discuss food insecurity in Missouri's older adult population. Christine sheds light on this often overlooked issue and shares how Empower Missouri aims to raise awareness and change policies to help seniors access necessary programs.
Empower Missouri is committed to public awareness and advocacy to improve food security for older adults. Learn how you can help by visiting EmpowerMissouri.org and connecting with us.

Advocacy Accelerator Mini Podcast

Welcome to "Under the Dome," your go-to source from Empower Missouri, updating you on the latest happenings in Jefferson City with a focus on anti-poverty initiatives. 
In this mini bonus episode, we introduce our rebranded "Advocacy Accelerator" program, designed to empower nonprofits with the skills needed to sustain their advocacy efforts. Dr. Amy Beck from the Missouri Psychological Association shares her transformative journey as a participant, highlighting the critical role of systemic change in her work with underserved populations. Learn more at EmpowerMissouri.org\advocacy-partners

Voices of Advocacy: Reflections from some Empower Missouri Partners

Welcome to "Under the Dome," your update from Empower Missouri, focusing on the latest happenings in Jefferson City and our anti-poverty agenda. Join Sarah Owsley, Advocacy Director, as she brings together longtime leaders and partners of Empower Missouri to share their experiences and stories.
Get inspired by their dedication and learn how you can stay connected and support the mission to end poverty in Missouri. Don't miss this engaging episode filled with heartfelt reflections and powerful advocacy stories.

Breaking Barriers: Empower Missouri's new Initiative for Healthy Food Access

In this episode, we explore the transformative power of Empower Missouri's recent grant for the Healthy Food Financing Initiative Partnership Program. With the legislative session wrapped up and the heat of summer settling in, this unexpected funding brings a refreshing wave of possibilities for improving food access across the state.
Join us as we dive into the significance of healthy food financing, a concept that's been evolving for over two decades. Learn how Pennsylvania's pioneering efforts in 2004 set the stage for Missouri's ambitious plans to address food deserts and low-access areas, both urban and rural.
Our guest, Trina Ragain, shares insights on the strategic partnerships with University of Missouri Extension, IFF, and Missouri Coalition for the Environment. Discover innovative solutions like mobile markets, school-based grocery stores, and regional food hubs that aim to restore food access in underserved communities.
Get inspired by the collaborative spirit and creative thinking driving this initiative forward. Whether you're interested in community engagement, healthcare, or regional food systems, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the future of food access in Missouri.

Supreme Court Ruling on Homelessness Criminalization

Welcome to Under the Dome, your update from Empower Missouri about what is happening in Jefferson City with a particular focus on our anti-poverty agenda. Our Advocacy Director, Sarah Owsley, is joined by affordable housing policy managers Misha Smith and Vee Sanchez to discuss a recent Supreme Court decision impacting homelessness.
The episode delves into the Supreme Court case Johnson versus Grants Pass, where the court ruled that cities can criminalize homelessness. This decision has raised significant concerns about the treatment of homeless individuals and the broader implications for public policy and legal interpretations of the Eighth Amendment.
The discussion explores the current state of homelessness in Missouri, the lack of emergency shelters, and the barriers created by criminalizing homelessness. The episode highlights the importance of recognizing the dignity and worth of all individuals and emphasizes evidence-based solutions like permanent supportive housing to address homelessness effectively.

Our Continued Advocacy: Empower Missouri's Future Vision

Join us as we delve into the future of Empower Missouri with insights from outgoing board president Marqueia Watson and incoming board president Dr. Tiffany Patton.
In this episode, Ms Watson reflects on her six-year journey with Empower Missouri, sharing her experiences and the organization's evolution. Dr. Patton discusses her vision for the future and her passion for addressing systemic issues through evidence-based public policy. Together, they highlight the importance of strong leadership and  planning in continuing the fight against poverty.

Under the Dome LIVE from Philadelphia

Welcome to Under the Dome, your update from Empower Missouri about what is happening in Jefferson City with a particular focus on our anti-poverty agenda. Today's podcast is hosted by Mallory Rush, Executive Director, and guests ML Smith and Patty Berger. Mallory is coming to you live from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the Clean Slate convening. Patty Berger shares her journey from incarceration to becoming an advocate, highlighting the importance of Clean Slate in providing a fresh start for individuals with criminal records. ML Smith, co-director of Missouri's To Abolish the Death Penalty and founder of Missouri Justice Coalition, discusses the collateral consequences of incarceration and the vital role of Clean Slate in helping individuals reintegrate into society.

The end of session: Wins, Filibusters, and Future Hopes

Welcome to Under the Dome, your update from Empower Missouri about what is happening in Jefferson City with a particular focus on our anti-poverty agenda.
This week we wrap up the last two weeks of the legislative session, otherwise know as: Fillibuster Alley. A session for the record books, and not really in the ways we’d hoped. And Mallory owes Sarah a candy bar!

Under the Dome May 3 2024

Join us in this episode of "Under the Dome" as we delve into the multitude of happenings in Jefferson City, which this week was nothing.
We explore the recent 41-hour filibuster in Missouri state government, its fatigue-inducing consequences, and its considerable impact on legislative agendas. This episode highlights the fact that the extended debate time did not meet its intended goals and primarily served as internal entertainment for our team. Join us as we unravel the complex dynamics of the Federal Reimbursement Allowance (FRA) tax and its profound effects on Missouri's budget. 
Tune in for this informative, engaging, and thought-provoking episode of "Under the Dome".