Outgoing State Representative Quade reflects on public service and leadership
In the final installment of the 2024 Public Policy Speaker Series, outgoing District 132 State Representative Crystal Quade spoke with Chamber members about her journey to public service, her role as Minority Leader and her key legislative focuses and accomplishments.
Quade’s path to public policy began right here in Springfield. While attending Missouri State University to pursue a degree in social work, she became increasingly aware of the influence of public policy and on societal issues. Determined to bridge social work and policy, Quade became the first social work student from the university to participate in the Missouri Legislative Internship Program in Jefferson City. This experience underscored for her the pivotal role public policy plays in addressing issues she deeply cares about, setting the foundation for her career in advocacy and leadership.
"We've made government the enemy, but government is the entity we should be supporting and using,” said Quade.
Elected in 2016, Quade represented District 132 in the Missouri House of Representatives for eight years and was elected House Minority Leader by her peers in 2019 – the youngest in Missouri’s history. In this role, she prioritized cultivating strong relationships to unify caucus votes, acknowledging the challenges of aligning priorities across diverse communities such as Springfield, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Columbia. Quade further emphasized the need for trust and collaboration to ensure decisions respect the unique needs of each constituency.
"There's so much in Jefferson City that can't get done without the 53 Democratic votes,” Quade explained. "It's about recognizing those moments, flexing relationships that you've built, and trusting in your team to carry the priority through.”
As a dedicated advocate for the Springfield region, Quade has championed initiatives focused on childcare, increased workforce participation, public education and economic development. She discussed the challenges of affordable childcare and its impact on workforce shortages, noting that these concerns transcend party lines. Quade spearheaded efforts to appropriate funding for the Hand-Up Program, which aims to help individuals transition off state-funded childcare subsidies more effectively.
Quade also highlighted the strength of public education and specifically Springfield Public Schools, the largest public school district in the state. Quade highlighted a hope to address ongoing barriers for public education, including limited funding, educator shortages resulting in shortened school weeks, and through strategic, long-term investments in Missouri’s public education system. She linked these educational challenges to broader economic development issues, including difficulties in attracting a quality workforce due to inadequate education, healthcare and broadband access in rural areas.
“What we need to do is spend a significant amount of time investing in a plan instead of a piecemeal approach,” said Quade.
Quade also spoke about her decision to run for Missouri Governor in 2024, driven by her belief in the Governor’s unique ability to effect meaningful change. She spoke about her passion for addressing key issues on the November ballot and her commitment to creating a brighter future for Missourians. When asked about the next chapter in her career as she transitions out of her role in the House, Quade shared that she is taking time to reflect on her next steps, ensuring her future endeavors align with her values and aspirations.
"Every leader must ask, where is the best place for my voice and skillset at this point in time to help people," said Quade.
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor Hahn | DeBoef Government Relations and Seasonal Gold Sponsor Elliott, Robinson & Company, LLP CPAs
