Senator Barbara Anne Washington’s Legislative Column for Aug. 27, 2024

First Signs of Fall

Hello, Jackson County. You know it’s getting close to fall when noisy yellow buses, kids donning new backpacks and Chiefs décor begin to appear all over the city. As you gear up for the new school year, NFL season and Labor Day holiday, please take a few moments to prepare for one of the most important events of the fall, the Nov. 5 General Election. Visit sos.mo.gov to register to vote before the Oct. 9 deadline, check your status or update your information. You may also find information about candidates, voting absentee and more.

Conservation in the Classroom

Bring the beauty and bounty of Missouri’s outdoors into your classroom this school year. The Missouri Department of Conservation offers a free online Teacher Portal for educators who want to teach about the state’s ecology and conservation. The site offers downloadable or printed classroom materials, workshops for teachers and information about Discover Nature Schools grant program. Missouri students can also subscribe for a free, home-delivered copy of Xplor magazine. 

Annual Veto Session

On Sept. 11, lawmakers will return to Jefferson City for the annual veto session. With no foreseeable veto overrides on the horizon, the Senate will use this time to say good-bye and offer tributes to retiring and termed out senators. Legislators will start pre-filing bills for the upcoming session on Dec. 1, and the 103rd General Assembly will convene on Jan. 8. 

Missouri State Fair Breaks Ground on New Arena

Earlier this month, I enjoyed participating in the groundbreaking ceremony for a new indoor arena at the Missouri State Fair. Named to honor the governor’s agricultural background, lifelong fair patronage and decades of service to Missourians, the Governor Michael L. Parson Arena is a state-of-the-art complex that will replace the dated outdoor State Fair Arena and serve as venue for area events and future fairs. Attending the state fair is cathartic and takes me back to my family’s farming roots in Saline County.

Statewide elected officials and members of the Missouri State Fair Commission break ground on the new indoor arena.

Share this Info with Seniors Citizens

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has 10 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) to meet the needs of every senior in their planning and service areas. Click this link for more information on their local programs and services: health.mo.gov/seniors/aaa/. You may also call the Missouri Senior Resource Line toll-free at 1-800-235-5503 to connect with local assistance. 

Below is the contact information for residents of Jackson County and/or Kansas City:

Mid-America Regional Council AAA

600 Broadway, Ste. 200 

Kansas City, MO 64105

1-816-421-4980 or toll-free 1-800-593-7948

marc.org/community/aging

Upcoming Community Events

Another sure sign of fall is a myriad of community service events. Please share these flyers on your social media platforms and plan to attend.

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!