Under The Dome with Empower 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.

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.