Senator Caleb Rowden’s Column for the Week of March 9, 2020
This week, I had the pleasure of meeting with staff members from Boone County Family Resources, as well as members of People First of Boone County during the annual Disability Rights Legislative Day. Boone County Family Resources helps families and individuals in our community find a job and obtain job skills. This organization also helps adults with disabilities who require additional assistance with everyday tasks like laundry, grocery shopping, paying bills and cooking. People First of Boone County is a self-advocacy organization. Individuals with disabilities first formed this organization to advocate for their rights and to ensure people with disabilities are fully involved in our community. It was wonderful to meet with these two groups and talk about the issues that matter most to them.
The Missouri Senate and House of Representatives leadership announced today that the Senate and senators’ offices will close at the end of business on Thursday, March 12 and will remain closed through March 29. This decision was made because hundreds of lawmakers and thousands of Missourians visit the State Capitol each week, and the concern is that this kind of close contact would unnecessarily exacerbate the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19. This decision is a preventative measure and was made to ensure that individuals who are at greater risk of contracting the coronavirus are not unnecessarily exposed. Although Senate and senators’ offices will be closed and staff members will not be physically present in the building, they will still be working from home during normal business hours and will have access to phones and email to assist you.
I am here to serve you, and my office door is always open to your questions, concerns and suggestions. You can reach my staff at 573-751-3931, and you can visit www.senate.mo.gov/rowden for an array of legislative and constituent resources.