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Turning the calendar to January inevitably brings the beginning of the legislative session in Missouri and Kansas. It is during this concentrated period of January through May that policies are considered, rejected and approved that ultimately impact the lives of the families for better or worse. Ideally, each legislative session presents an opportunity to build upon previous successes as policies become part of the culture. Medicaid extended coverage for postpartum women serves as a prime example of an effort over multiple sessions to educate lawmakers on the importance of this policy to the health of mothers and babies. We hope it serves as a jumping off point to other initiatives designed to improve birth outcomes like doula coverage within Medicaid, our top priority in Missouri and Kansas for 2024.
The flip side of that coin is issues we are not in favor of also receive consideration year after year. Attempts to dilute child vaccine requirements continue to surface, going further in the legislative process each year. It is often these defensive efforts to protect evidence-based health measures that are most important in the current political environment.
Nurture KC’s legislative priorities are considered based on the following criteria:
- Direct impact on maternal and infant health
- Likelihood of consideration and action in a given year
- Ability of the organization to provide expertise on the subject
Our priority list is a narrow one as we focus on those issues of greatest importance. As other unanticipated issues arise, we may weigh in with an informed opinion. Our agenda reflects policies that we wish were in effect or ones that we have implemented at a systems level that could benefit families across the state.
Check out our priorities on Nurture KC’s members page and track bills of interest throughout the legislation session. I encourage you to make your voice heard as we engage during an important time for families.
Tracy Russell
Executive Director, Nurture KC
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