Ann Kelley's Capitol Connection

What’s Going on in the Capitol

Transitioning from Veto Session to Preparing for the 2024 Legislative Session

As September concludes and October begins, the Missouri Legislature shifts its focus away from the recent veto session and toward preparations for the upcoming 2024 legislative session. In the final months of each year, lawmakers transition their attention from the previous session's work to laying the groundwork for the legislative agenda ahead.

While election years often see legislators heavily involved in campaigning during October, this year, which is not an election year for the House, state lawmakers are dedicated to setting goals and drafting legislation for the 2024 legislative session. Their objective is to enhance the state's policies, ensuring they better serve the needs of all residents. The prefiling period for Missouri lawmakers begins in December, offering just two months to submit bills for consideration in 2024.

As your representative, I encourage all constituents to engage with the Missouri General Assembly, expressing your priorities and offering suggestions to improve policies. Each legislator is committed to representing their district and advocating for the policies that align with our shared values and beliefs.

Major Disaster Declaration Granted, Providing Public Assistance

President Joe Biden has approved Governor Mike Parson's request for a major disaster declaration in response to severe weather events affecting 33 Missouri counties from July 29 to August 14. This declaration enables federal public assistance for repairing damaged public infrastructure, including roads and bridges, as well as covering emergency response and recovery costs. The federal assistance, totaling over $14 million in identified expenses, offers crucial support to communities impacted by storms, tornadoes, and flooding during the summer.

The disaster declaration encompasses various counties, and it extends assistance statewide through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Hazard Mitigation Program, aiming to reduce future damage to public infrastructure from natural disasters.

For individuals with unmet needs, United Way 211 can be reached at 2-1-1 or through http://211helps.org. Additional disaster recovery resources and information specific to Missouri can be found at recovery.mo.gov.

DESE and Odyssey Launch Missouri Close the Gap Grant

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and Odyssey have introduced the Missouri Close the Gap Grant program. This program offers a one-time grant of up to $1,500 to parents/guardians residing in Missouri to cover eligible education expenses. The application window is currently open and closes on October 25, 2023.

To qualify, students must be Missouri residents enrolled in grades K-12 in a Missouri public school district or charter school. Priority for fund allocation is given to families with incomes below 185 percent of the federal poverty level, with the possibility of extending assistance to families above this threshold if funds permit.

Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven emphasized the program's support for providing students with access to opportunities and resources needed for academic success. Odyssey's founder and CEO, Joseph Connor, highlighted the importance of facilitating easy access to educational funds for Missouri families and students.

The application process for the Close the Gap Grant will be managed through Odyssey's website, where families can create accounts, access the application, and explore the Odyssey Marketplace. Eligible educational expenses encompass various categories, including instructional materials, tutoring, camps, computer equipment, and more.

Photo of the Week

Ms. Ardella Lack was name Missouri’s Older Worker of the Year. She works for the Dade County Health Department two and a half days a week. She is still working at 86 years young. Please join me in congratulating her!

Taking Care of YOU

Resolutions: My office offers Courtesy Resolutions for birthdays, deceased loved ones, Eagle Scouts, Girl Scouts, Glory Awards, Marriage, Retirement, Sports, Wedding Anniversary’s, and Veterans. To request one, please call my office at (573) 751-2165.

Flags: Are you in need of a new flag? I offer new Missouri State and United States flags upon request. If you need a flag for a special circumstance, we can even fly it over the capitol for you. These flags are available for any non-profit organizations and groups.

Scheduling a Capitol Trip: If your school is traveling to Jefferson City, contact my capitol office to set up tours times for the Capitol, Supreme Court, and Missouri State Penitentiary. These tours fill up fast in a first come first serve basis. Please give us a months’ notice in order to ensure you get tours of everything.

I am always in your service,

State Representative

Ann Kelley

Proudly Serving District 127