- Week Ending Aug. 11, 2023

Hello Jackson County neighbors and happy birthday to all my fellow Leos! 

Several years ago, Staples released one of my favorite commercials of all time. The ad plays the classic song, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” and features an exuberant father, dancing through the aisles happily adding school supplies to a cart, while his dejected children sadly and slowly follow behind. During this most wonderful time, I encourage you to take advantage of our community’s back-to-school events and send your kids to school ready to learn and succeed. Share the flyers below on social media to help spread the word.

I also want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all of those who helped make the 10th Annual Minority Mental Health Awareness event a huge success. This will remain an issue in our community, but through education and collaboration, we can certainly help move the needle on minority health inequities, reduce stigma and connect those in crisis with professional assistance. 

Please note, my “Literacy in Kansas City” forum that was scheduled for tomorrow, Aug. 12, has been postponed. I’ll advise you when it has been rescheduled in an upcoming column.

It is an honor representing the great people of Kansas City’s 9th Senatorial District. If you need assistance navigating state government or understanding the legislative process, please contact me by calling 573-751-3158 or emailing Barbara.Washington@senate.mo.gov. My team is here for you!