Under The Dome with Empower Missouri

Hope, Hustle, and Housing: Inside Empower Missouri’s 124th Summit

Empower Missouri staff and partners gather at the organization’s 124th annual summit to share memories, discuss anti-poverty policy priorities, and build connections across coalitions focused on housing, criminal justice, and food security.
Hear highlights from some of our staff around keynotes, breakout sessions, personal stories of engagement, and a renewed sense of hope and collective action for the year ahead.

Missouri’s Budget Time Bomb: Tax Cuts, Federal Cuts, and the Shortfall

In this episode, Empower Missouri’s Sarah Owsley and Gina Aitch of the Missouri Budget Project explain why Missouri faces a growing budget shortfall: one-time federal pandemic funds have ended, large state tax cuts have reduced general revenue, and new federal changes will shift more costs for Medicaid and SNAP to states.
They break down how those pressures could affect schools, health care, and local services, why replacing income tax with sales tax would deepen regressivity, and which policy options (eliminating loopholes or ballot measures for fair-share taxes) might help close the gap.

Missouri Special Session Explained: Who’s Messing with Your Ballot?

Empower Missouri’s Advocacy Director Sarah Owsley, Chief of Policy Lucas Caldwell-McMillan, and Executive Director Mallory Rusch break down the governor’s special session in Jefferson City. The legislature passed a controversial congressional redistricting proposal that will split Kansas City and the high-profile push to change Missouri’s initiative petition process.
They explain the components of the initiative petition changes — from bans on certain foreign contributions and new signature-fraud penalties to requiring public comment and printing full ballot texts — and focus on the most significant change: a new vote threshold that would require a majority in every congressional district for citizen-led constitutional amendments, a move critics say would effectively block ballot initiatives while leaving legislative amendments unaffected.

Missouri Special Session: Who Controls the Ballot?

In this episode of Under the Dome, Empower Missouri’s Sarah Owsley, Lucas Caldwell-McMillan, and Mallory Rusch explain the Governor’s special session in Jefferson City, focusing on contested U.S. congressional map changes and a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at restricting citizen-initiated ballot measures.
After a brief discussion of the redistricting, the team shifts to discussing the proposed changes to the initiative petition process. They break down the five proposed changes (including “ballot candy” items), highlight the core threat — requiring initiative amendments to win a majority in every congressional district as well as statewide — and outline what voters and advocates can do next, noting that citizens will ultimately have the chance to approve or reject any constitutional change on the ballot. Ballot nerds unite! 

A crash course in energy assistance for low income households in Missouri

Welcome to the latest episode of "Under the Dome," a podcast by Empower Missouri focused on the anti-poverty agenda in Jefferson City. Host Sarah Owsley is joined by Lucas Caldwell McMillan and Sandy Padgett to address the challenges of rising utility rates in Missouri, and the vital role of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The episode explores how these increases are impacting vulnerable communities, including families with children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. The discussion highlights the ongoing appropriation challenges at the federal level and emphasizes the importance of advocacy for maintaining funding for these crucial services amid energy inflation.
Join us for an insightful conversation on how public policy and community support can help stabilize households against the backdrop of increasing living costs and legislative changes.

Navigating the Challenges of SNAP and the Federal Budget Reconciliation Bill

Welcome to the "Under the Dome" podcast, where we provide updates on Missouri's anti-poverty initiatives. Join Sarah Owsley, Advocacy Director, alongside Christine Woody, one of our Food Security Policy Managers, and Lucas Caldwell-McMillan, our Chief of Policy Staff, as they delve into the implications of the budget reconciliation bill on SNAP and other essential programs.
This episode addresses the 20% SNAP cuts resulting from the federal budget reconciliation and explores how these cuts threaten food security for millions, including 600,000 Missourians. With talks of pushing financial responsibility onto state budgets, and additional work requirements affecting parents, caregivers, and older adults, the episode highlights the impact on vulnerable populations and the potential strain on Missouri’s budget.
Our conversation underscores the importance of coalition building and advocacy in overturning detrimental policies and ensuring continued support for food assistance programs that are vital for lifting individuals out of poverty and driving economic stability across Missouri.

The week of May 12, 2025

Welcome to another episode of Under the Dome, where we provide crucial updates from Empower Missouri, focusing on our efforts to tackle poverty through evidence-based public policy. In this episode, co-hosts Sarah Owsley and Mallory Rush dive into the final week of Missouri's legislative session, where chaos and contentious decisions ruled the day.
They discuss the impact of the Senate's final actions, including controversial moves on abortion rights and minimum wage initiatives. Delve into the repercussions of the 'nuclear option,' known as the previous question (PQ), which disrupted Senate proceedings and shattered trust among legislators. Sarah and Mallory further unravel the complexities and political entanglements tied to overturning voter-approved measures and how it reflects broader issues of governance in Missouri.
The episode also touches on Empower Missouri’s response to federal SNAP program cuts, highlighting the potential ramifications for the state's most vulnerable. Engage with our hosts as they shed light on successful legislative efforts and gear up for future challenges, reminding advocates and listeners alike of the critical role they play in shaping policy changes.

Championing Reproductive Health: Missouri Family Health Council's Advocacy

Join us in an insightful discussion with Mandy Hagseth from the Missouri Family Health Council as we explore the intricacies of reproductive and sexual health advocacy. In this special episode, Mandy shares the vital role the Council plays in championing access to essential health services in Missouri, with a focus on program delivery and policy advocacy.
Discover the challenges and opportunities related to the Title X program, a federal family planning initiative, and the specific hurdles faced due to funding restrictions. Learn about the unique Right Time Initiative aimed at enhancing contraceptive equity in Missouri, and the Council's proactive policy agenda to expand contraceptive access, including the innovative Free EC project supplying emergency contraception to those in need.
Gain insights into the critical collaborative efforts of health organizations across Missouri and the broader policy implications for reproductive health services. Tune in to understand how policy advocacy is essential in shaping the future of accessible and equitable health services for all Missourians.

The week of May 5, 2025

Welcome to an insightful episode of Under the Dome by Empower Missouri, where we delve into the latest from Jefferson City's legislative sessions, particularly focusing on anti-poverty advocacy. Our team, with over a century of dedication, continues to champion evidence-based policies that combat poverty through affordable housing, criminal justice reforms, and food security, aside from supporting healthcare, wages, and more.Join us as Advocacy Director Sarah Owsley and Executive Director Mallory Rush discuss the whirlwind of Missouri's legislative happenings. We cover the busy yet narrowed scope of late-session bills, the intriguing debates like the unexpected float trip discussions, and the uncertainties surrounding Missouri's state budget deadlines.On a serious note, we explore the advances and setbacks in housing policy and the controversial propositions affecting low-income communities. Plus, hear about the contentious Second Amendment Preservation Act and its legislative ramifications amid federal disputes. With insightful commentary, we also touch on Missouri's evolving tax laws impacting seniors and those with disabilities alongside capital gains tax cuts.Tune in for an honest review of legislative dynamics, policymaking challenges, and our collective effort to foster impactful changes in Missouri's socio-economic landscape.

Week of April 28 2025

Welcome to another episode of "Under the Dome," hosted by Sarah Owsley, Advocacy Director at Empower Missouri. In today's update, Sarah, alongside Misha Smith, Christine Woody, and Lucas Caldwell-McMillan, provides insights into Missouri's legislative activities, particularly focusing on anti-poverty initiatives. The team discusses recent developments such as the progress and challenges of House Bill 595, analyzing its implications for Kansas City and veteran benefits. They also cover the defeat of House Bill 862, which could have increased state expenditures without effectively impacting crime rates.