n the midst of this pivotal federal election year, state legislatures continue to introduce, debate, and pass policy that has a large impact on our daily lives. In addition, state legislatures often function as test labs for federal policies and, during election years, ways for political parties to galvanize voters around key issues. In Missouri, legislators are working on bills related to elections, education, public safety, gender, health, and more. We invite you to join us for a rundown of the 2024 Missouri legislative session to learn about current MO bills and discuss their relationship to state and federal politics.

Join us on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. for a Democracy Dinner featuring the executive director of Empower Missouri, Mallory Rusch. For more than 120 years, Empower Missouri has been a voice for the voiceless in Missouri, whether fighting for civil and voting rights, or for Missouri’s homeless and uninsured. This includes the creation of the Missouri Commission on Human Rights, the establishment of a Public Defender System, and the Children’s Hunger Relief Act among many others. Born and raised in St. Louis, Mallory brings over fifteen years of experience advocating for criminal justice reform, veteran care, public education, and more.

We welcome you to an engaging evening of dialogue and discovery, exploring the state-level policies that shape our community. We will explore the following questions and themes:

• Who influences state-level policymaking? How are the voices of underrepresented communities included in the state policymaking process, and how could the process be more inclusive and accessible?
• How can state-level changes influence federal policies and politics?
• How can students actively participate in shaping state legislation?