THIS WEEK IN ADVOCACY 

Welcome back to This Week in Advocacy, a brief publication by Easterseals Midwest designed to keep you informed of key advocacy issues, opportunities, and updates surrounding disability legislation in Missouri.

OUR FIRST ADVOCATE-LED CAPITOL VISIT OF THIS SESSION

As you might recall from past editions, we invite anyone who would like to accompany us to the Capitol this legislative session to reach out to me at greg.kramer@esmw.org. Below, you can glimpse what one of these visits may be like for yourself. 

Tuesday was the first of many Capitol visits we have planned with our advocates during this legislative session. Susan, Linda, and Suzanne accompanied me to the Capitol, where we met with every participant's Representative and Senator so they could learn first-hand how Easterseals' programs affect their constituents. 

We had a full calendar of visits beginning at 10:45 AM and going through to 3:00 PM. 

When we arrived at the Capitol, we decided to pull Representatives of note off the House floor. As we strategically identified our first invitee, House Budget Chair Cody Smith passed us in the hallway. Susan, who has a friendly relationship with Rep. Smith, called out to him and arranged a meeting at noon in his office. This was incredible news because we didn't have a scheduled meeting with Rep. Smith. This is probably the busiest session time for the House Budget Chair, so arranging meetings like this is difficult.

During our meeting with Rep Smith and his chief of staff, our advocates made our case for a rate increase to address the Direct Support Professional (DSP) wage crisis. While we got no commitment from Rep. Smith (which is not surprising), we know that he heard us and understands the urgency of our request. 

As if this wasn't a big enough win, Susan reminded Rep. Smith of a luncheon appointment that he had previously agreed to, and plans are already in the works for this next encounter. This is exactly how these Capitol Visits are supposed to play out.

Well done, Susan, Linda, and Suzanne!

But our meeting with Rep. Smith was only one of many successes of the day. Senator Bill Eigel was unavailable to meet with us initially. Unexpectedly, he walked into his office while we shared our stories with his staff. After five minutes of relentless questioning, he agreed to meet with us after his committee meeting. Again, he made no commitment to our request, but we know he heard us and understood our issues. This was another huge win for us. 

Relationships are the underpinning of successful advocacy. Relationships are built through personal contact. Advocacy works through developing relationships. And that is exactly what this trip accomplished. 

The most overused phrase by House members responding to our ask is, "Have you talked to Rep. Cody Smith?" Well, yes, yes, we have.

Remember, if you want to join us for a Capitol visit, just email me at greg.kramer@esmw.org. And don't worry, I won't make you chase Rep. Smith down a hallway

DMH/DDD PRESENTATION TO HOUSE BUDGET COMMITTEE

This week, the House Budget Committee worked its way through the FY25 Department of Mental Health (DMH) Budget Books and asked questions of the DMH Administration, including the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD).

In these exchanges, there were no surprises. Most of the questions clarified the numbers associated with the programs. Value-Based Payments (VBP) received a fair amount of attention. VBP is still a new program, and the DDD is still fine-tuning the process. The Committee and DMH know the significance of the request for further rate increase appropriations. Still, neither entity spoke to our issue — instead, it was a flat exchange with little or no solution in the numbers. For example, what do you do when you have money for services but providers cannot hire enough staff to provide these services? Failure to pay a competitive market value wage will continue to increase the wait list with no strategic solution to fix the problem. 

ADVOCACY WORKS

Your advocacy works, and we’re showcasing that every week with a new video illustrating what is at stake when funding is not provided for disability service providers. 

Kaylee wanted to learn the social and professional skills she knew she would need to find a job after high school. With Easterseals' Pre-Employment and Employment services, she's not only grown and learned so much, she's gained a new-found confidence!

Click the video below to watch Kaylee’s story!

Your advocacy works. Thank you for taking the time to advocate for and with the disability community!

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