- Week of Feb. 24, 2023

Hello friends and neighbors, and welcome to this week’s legislative column. As our city recovers from Super Bowl festivities and the last flecks of red and gold graffiti are swept away from Union Station, the Legislature has also put some finishing touches on legislation.

Sports Wagering

Leading up to the Super Bowl, the topic of sports wagering garnered plenty of attention in the media. Kansas legalized it last year, and the Missouri Legislature has debated multiple proposals during the past few sessions. On Feb. 23, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed Senate Bill 30 to authorize wagering on sporting events and esports, either online or in one of Missouri’s gambling establishments. The proceeds will be deposited in the Gaming Proceeds for Education Fund. I look forward to some lively discussions on whether or not to include video lottery terminals in the legislation.

Postpartum Health Care Bill Advances

On Feb. 22, the Senate gave a preliminary round of approval to Senate Bills 45 & 90, a combined, bi-partisan proposal to extend MO HealthNet coverage to postpartum women from 60 days to one year following birth. Funding from the CARES Act will cover the cost of this extension for five years. The National Library of Medicine lists some startling findings from a Missouri Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review published in 2021:

·         Missouri ranks 44th out of 50 states for its maternal mortality rates.

·         Deaths were four times greater for women on Medicaid compared to private insurance.

·         Black women are four times more likely to perish from pregnancy-related deaths.

·         82% of maternal mortalities could have been prevented.

·         63% of maternal mortalities occur between 43 days and one-year postpartum.

Extending these benefits to one year won’t resolve all of these issues, but it will have a significant impact on lowering Missouri’s staggering rates and improving maternal health outcomes, especially for low-income, African American women.

Raise for State Workers

Another achievement this week was the General Assembly’s passage of House Bill 14, a supplemental budget bill to allocate additional funding to school safety programs and grant a substantial 8.7% raise to state workers, excluding elected officials. Over the course of the past few years, Missouri’s veterans homes, child protective services, prisons and mental health facilities have had to slash important services due to lack of staffing. I hope this bump in pay will encourage more people to work for the state and help these agencies in need to attract and retain employees.

The Crown Act Progresses

On Feb. 21, the House conducted a committee hearing on companion bills to my Senate Bill 424 to end discrimination based on hairstyles. These proposals are similar to the Crown Act legislation being considered by Congress.

At Home under the Dome

The highlight of my week was making some very important guests feel at home under the dome. Thank you for traveling to Jefferson City and allowing me to introduce you to my colleagues on the floor!

Senator Washington and Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith, Harris-Stowe State University’s first African American woman president, demonstrate their solidarity for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.

Raytown’s leadership team attends an advocacy event at the Capitol. Pictured above are City Administrator Damon Hodges, Mayor Michael McDonough, Sen. Washington, Alderwoman Loretha Hayden and Alderman Ryan Myers.

Parkway School District students, Ella, Charlotte and Rosie, meet with Sen. Washington during Scouting at the Capitol Day.

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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!