Senator Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for April 10, 2024

What a fantastic couple of weeks these have been, both in our community and in Jefferson City. The undefeated Current is dominating the National Women’s Soccer League and the Royals got their first victories of the season. At the Capitol, I welcomed some powerful women and the Senate paid homage to former members who have passed in a memorial service on April 2. 

One of the senators we honored was State Senator Yvonne Wilson, who served Kansas City’s 9th Senatorial District from 2005-2010. She passed away in 2019 after a lifetime of dedication to our community and the field of education. It was very moving to answer my mentor’s final roll call during the ceremony and salute this trailblazer’s vast contributions to Missouri. After the service, I visited with Mary Gant, pictured below. She was first female senator to serve in the upper chamber and represented the 9th Senatorial District in the 70s.

On March 27, the Senate gave a small salute to Missouri veterans by sending a robust proposal to the House for consideration. If passed, Senate Bill 912 will enhance statewide veteran suicide prevention efforts and streamline the process for applying for disabled placards and specialty license plates. Its provisions will also connect service men and women to the benefits they’ve earned and establish a new medallion program to honor those who served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Freedom’s Sentinel and Operation Allies Refuge Program in Afghanistan. The bill also puts strict limits on agriculture land ownership around military bases.

Another bill that will positively impact our state if it passes is the Missouri Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act. My version, Senate Bill 969, is on the Senate perfection calendar, and the House unanimously passed a similar measure on March 27. I am hopeful this is the year that Missouri joins the 25 other states that have banned discrimination based on ethnic hair styles and textures at state-funded educational institutions.

On April 4, I had a busy morning presenting two of my bills in committee. The Senate Fiscal Oversight Committee heard my proposal to authorize a tax credit for providing employment or housing services to homeless persons. One of the witnesses who testified in support of Senate Bill 794 is Eric Burger, the executive director of Shelter KC. I then presented Senate Bill 1382 to the Senate Governmental Accountability Committee. This legislation will make some needed changes and updates to community paramedics’ training, administration and oversight.

                                                                                                                                Senator Washington visits with Eric Burger following the hearing for SB 794.

As a staunch supporter of agriculture, I was honored to sponsor Ed Adams during his confirmation hearing for appointment to the Missouri State Fair Commission. With an illustrious, 25-year career in communications, Mr. Adams’ expertise and passion for agriculture will be great assets to this board.

                                                                                                                     Senator Washington sponsors Ed Adams for appointment to the Missouri State Fair Commission.

One of the highlights of spring is the annual Alpha Kappa Alpha Day at the Capitol. Celebrated this year on March 27, the halls were filled with varying shades of green and pink and scores of powerful women from around the state who met with lawmakers to explain their community outreach initiatives and advocate for higher education.

Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority gather in the Senate chamber.

On that same day, I was honored to meet with a different group of passionate women from Moms Demand Action who were at the Capitol to rally for sensible firearm legislation and explain the effects of gun violence on Missouri communities.

                                                                                                                        Senator Washington listens to the concerns of advocates from Moms Demand Action.

Congratulations to Christopher Ekengren, a resident of Raytown and student at University of Missouri-Kansas City who attended University of Missouri System Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol. His notable research project is titled “Circadian Regulation of Spt Ada Gcn5 Acetyltransferase (SAGA) in Drosophila Melanogaster.” I enjoyed visiting with Chris and presenting him a resolution.

A while back, I met up with a few of our community’s legislators at the Kansas City landmark, Thank You Walt Disney, Inc. I highly recommend a visit to this historic film studio founded in 1922.

Representative Jerome Barnes and his wife Danna don Mickey Mouse hats with Rep. Weber and Sen. Washington.

Share these Flyers on Social Media!

Mark your calendar for the annual Public Health and Safety Fair on July 13, 2024, at the Kansas City Urban Youth Academy. Please share this graphic on your social media channels to spread the word! 

Senator Washington’s Sponsored Legislation for 2024

It is an honor representing the great people of Jackson County’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!