- Week of Feb. 3, 2023

Greetings from the beautiful State Capitol. I am honored to represent the great people of the 9th Senatorial District and provide this weekly update. The pace in the Missouri Senate gained speed this week as numerous bills advanced out of committees and senators began deliberations on legislation that is being “taken up for perfection.” During the perfection process, bills are thoroughly vetted, amendments are offered and the language of the proposal is finalized. These debates can get pretty lively with 34 different voices sharing their opinions and defending the stance of their communities, but these discussions and negotiations are important and necessary to craft solid, beneficial policies.

On Feb. 1, the Senate debated legislation to establish the Parents Bill of Rights Act of 2023, create an education transparency and accountability portal and ban the teaching of critical race theory. As a state senator representing one of Missouri’s four Senate districts where African Americans make up a large part of the population, I felt compelled to speak out in opposition, educate my colleagues about the correlation between systemic racism and poverty and share some of Missouri’s rare historical milestones when Blacks prevailed over oppression. It is imperative for all children to learn the truth about our history, good and bad, and I truly believe these conversations and lessons are necessary if we want everyone in our nation to flourish and experience the creed of equality stated in our Declaration of Independence. Aside from keeping important facts about our country’s history from being taught to our children, I think this legislation is unnecessary because DESE and local school boards already have systems in place for parents to voice their concerns and remain involved in their child’s education.

The Senate passed its first proposal this week and sent it to the House for consideration. Senate Bill 51 authorizes advanced-level physical therapists to evaluate a treat a patient without a physician referral or prescription.

ARPA Dollars Fund Community Projects

American Rescue Plan Act grants have been announced, and I am thrilled to report several projects in our community have been awarded. The Emmanuel Family and Child Development Center and Emergency Shelter for Children received $2.1 million in funding to develop a rigorous training program to certify and credential early childhood educators, and Raytown received $4 million to complete a storm water and sewer improvement project on 59th Street.

Below is a list of the bills I have sponsored in 2023. If you have questions or need additional information or assistance, please reach out.

Senator Washington’s Sponsored Legislation for 2023

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!