Under The Dome with Empower Missouri

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".

Under The Dome April 26 2024

Join Sarah Owsley, and Affordable Housing Policy Manager Vee Sanchez, as we candidly unpack a spectrum of issues - from housing and legal system reform to food security.
Our experts delve into the intricacies of SB 895, a harmful bill that may hinder the local municipal government's responsive measures during emergencies. The conversation broadens to include proposed amendments in the House, source of income discrimination and the related struggles of families seeking safe, affordable housing. We also explore the unique challenges of foster youth aging out of the system, domestic violence survivors, and veterans - groups often discriminated against based on their income source.
On the health front, we dissect the pressing issues around telehealth accessibility, particularly in rural areas. We advocate for audio-only telehealth as a game-changer in rural health. A sizable part of our discussion veers towards House Bill 2413, the 'Women's Health Omnibus Bill,' and other allied subjects such as vaccine distribution, doula services, suicide prevention training, birth control, and STI treatment.
Join us in this comprehensive discourse to garner insights on policy advancements and pressing issues in our community. Whether you're an aspiring policy influencer or a concerned citizen, this episode is a must-listen!

April 19 2024

Discover the complexities of legislative adjustments in the state of Missouri with "Under the Dome" - a podcast presented by Empower Missouri. In this engaging episode, we emphasize our anti-poverty agenda and highlight our unyielding efforts in advocating for diverse coalitions. Join us as we deep-dive into SB 727, a recently passed education bill with implications on teacher salaries, charter schools, and virtual learning conditions. 
We also navigate the labyrinth of Missouri's state budgeting process, where 20 independent appropriation bills govern financial strategies. Stay tuned to discern how the intense debates and significant time allocations towards budget bills could potentially influence the legislature's prime focus on other pivotal issues. Our discourse also covers the compulsory renewal of the Federal Reimbursement Allowance (FRA), a voluntary tax scheme by hospitals that supplements Missouri's match for Medicaid funding.
The discussion ventures into the fiscal repercussions borne by taxpayers when legislators are compelled into a special session. Boone in on our examination of the monetary distress on Missouri's budget should the FRA fail to renew, thus affecting Medicaid services provisions. We dissect the ever-contentious issue of abortion laws in Missouri and its impact on the FRA and Medicaid funding, and how this has encouraged movements to 'defund' Planned Parenthood.
The podcast concludes with an insightful exploration into the political ramifications of these issues on the voting populace and advocacy efforts. Learn how public opinion on delicate matters like the death penalty and gay marriage can gradually influence legislative decisions. We also give a detailed commentary on the initiative petition process and its future in policy-making. This episode is a must-listen for anyone aspiring to partake in shaping Missouri's democratic process.