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Happy New Year! As soon as the calendar marks January, we put into action the year-round advocacy that has become a hallmark at Nurture KC. The Missouri legislature convenes this week on January 7 with Kansas following on January 12. While our attention will be focused on state happenings through the winter and spring, our fortunes are inextricably linked to federal policies and culture that impact everything from congressional representation for Kansas City to vaccine norms to social safety net threats.
In both Kansas and Missouri, we will work to preserve the childhood vaccine schedule as it existed before this year. In this vein, we will counter efforts that infringe on the practices and recommendations of health providers to keep us safe through disease prevention. In both states we will work to ensure access to needed services like SNAP, WIC and Medicaid, particularly extended postpartum coverage that has such a positive impact on maternal and infant health. In Missouri, many of the families we serve lack housing. We will monitor and support those initiatives that remove barriers to decent, affordable housing. In Kansas we will continue our policy campaign to secure paid family and medical leave for all Kansans as a necessary and equitable solution for all working families.
As always, you will be able to view legislation of interest through the Nurture KC members only page once the legislative sessions are up and running.
As a final note, Nurture KC will have advocacy representation in Missouri this year, a service we have had in Kansas for the past several years. This is a top priority for me as our voice should be heard in the halls of the Missouri capitol as we strive to bring about real change for Missouri families.
Gratefully,
Tracy Russell
Chief Executive Officer, Nurture KC
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