- Week of March 10, 2023

Hello there, dear Jackson County residents, and thank you for reading my legislative column. I know many of you are gladly welcoming longer days and springing your clocks forward. I also welcomed some passionate, outstanding advocates and the opportunity to spring forward one of my proposals this week.

On March 6, I presented Senate Bill 446 to members of the Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee. Identical to a bill passed out of this committee in 2022, SB 446 modifies who qualifies to receive restitution payments for serving time in prison for crimes they did not commit. In 2006, the Missouri Legislature passed a law which granted payments to people who have been proved innocent of their charged crimes due to new DNA evidence. This bill doesn’t increase the amount of these payments, it just permits anyone whose actual innocence has been proven, regardless of how, to apply for restitution.

Ironically enough, the day after the hearing for SB 446, the Missouri Justice Coalition hosted a Day of Empathy at the Capitol. With its mission to end the prevalence of wrongful convictions and sending innocent people to prison, this determined group of advocates and community organizers used the event to raise awareness, share stories and advocate for justice for those serving time for crimes they did not commit. I was honored to introduce coalition members Shyretta Smith and Amy Wilkinson to my colleagues on the Senate floor.

Celebrating Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated Day

March 8 was a hectic but wonderful day as my distinguished sorority sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. gathered at the Capitol for their annual advocacy day. Founded in 1908 at Howard University by St. Louis native Ethel Hedgemon Lyle and a few African American college-educated women, AKA has grown to more than 300,000 members representing chapters across the globe. I was proud to present a resolution to Midwestern Regional Director Anika A. Wilson Starling to honor those who are “Soaring to Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood.” Under the leadership of the International President Dannette Anthony Reed, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. will address the disparaging issue of Black maternal mortality.

Senator Washington joins her sorority sisters, for “Alpha Kappa Alpha Day at the Capitol.”

Showing Solidarity

I was also happy to meet with members of Teamsters Local Union 541 from Kansas City and representatives from the Missouri Workers Center who were advocating at the Capitol this week. The Workers Center’s tagline sums their advocacy efforts up perfectly: “United against racism – Good jobs for all!”

Senator Washington meets with members of the Teamsters 541.

Representatives from the Missouri Workers Center meet with Sen. Washington.

Senior Service Awards

Each year, the lieutenant governor honors senior citizens who have gone above and beyond by volunteering in their communities. If you know a deserving resident from our community over the age of 60, please nominate them for a Senior Service Award before the March 20 deadline. Click here for more information or call 573-751-1088.

Save the Dates!

Please mark your calendars and plan to attend these upcoming community events. On March 25, I’ll host a discussion on “Literacy in Kansas City,” followed by serving as a panelist in a Voter Rights Forum. June 24 is my annual Public Health and Safety Fair. Please share the below images on your social media channels to help spread the word. I look forward to seeing you at these upcoming events.

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 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!