Advocacy in Action e-Newsletter Archives
The Chamber is hard at work throughout the legislative session, advocating for the priorities of the business community. We also feel it's important to keep you informed of the latest legislative news that could affect your business and your industry. That's why we periodically put together our Legislative Update newsletter, designed to keep you up to date on what's going on in southwest Missouri, Jefferson City and in Washington, D.C. on subjects affecting the business community.
The links below will show you web versions of previous editions of our Legislative Update newsletter. If you'd like to receive the newsletter by email as it's published, you can contact our Public Affairs team.
- September 9, 2024
- Fast Facts and Resources: Call for legislative issues, upcoming events at the Chamber
- State: November 2024 statewide ballot information, upcoming veto session, Department of Transportation leadership change
- Local: 3/4-cent public safety pension tax replacement approved for November ballot, extension for Community Development Needs survey, City Utilities names new president and CEO
- August 5, 2024
- August 2024 Election Resources - Be sure to vote on August 6!
- Fast Facts and Resources: Call for legislative issues, 2024 Governor's Conference on Economic Development, upcoming events at the Chamber
- State: Governor Parson highlights major accomplishments from his time in office at the Chamber's 2024 State of the State
- Local: July 22 City Council updates, Evangel joins Alliance for Healthcare Education
- Federal: Federal Trade Commission's changes to noncompete agreements are coming into effect on September 4
- July 2, 2024
- Fast Facts and Resources: State of the State, Call for legislative issues
- Chamber Event Recaps: Inside the Issues with Rep. Melanie Stinnett
- State: Governor issues fiscal year 2025 vetoes
- Local: June 24 City Council updates, RAISE Grant awarded for Ungap the Map initiative
- Federal: Department of Labor new overtime regulations now in effect
- May 22, 2024
- Upcoming Chamber Events: Inside the Issues with Representative Melanie Stinnett, Day Trip to Ft. Leonard Wood, 2024 State of the State with Governor Mike Parson
- State: 2024 legislative session concludes on May 17, passage of key business priorities and budget investments
- Local: Springfield City Council updates
- May 13, 2024
- Upcoming Events: Inside the Issues with Representative Melanie Stinnett
- Event Recaps: Public Policy Speaker Series with Missouri Supreme Court Judge Ginger Gooch
- State: Final week of the 2024 legislative session begins, Fiscal Year 2025 budget passed
- Federal: Federal Trade Commission bans noncompetes
- Local: May 6 City Council summary, Missouri judge issues ruling for municipalities to stack marijuana sales tax
- April 23, 2024
- Fast Facts and Resources: April 2 Election Results
- Upcoming Events: Public Policy Speaker Series with Judge Ginger Gooch, Inside the Issues with Representative Melanie Stinnett
- Event Recaps: Network Advocacy Day
- State: Movement on business community priorities, recent appointments to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission & State Board of Education
- Local: April 8 City Council summary
- April 1, 2024
- April 2024 Election Resources - Be sure to vote on April 2!
- Event Recaps: Transportation Advocacy Day
- State: House Budget Committee proposes FY25 budget, movement on business community priorities
- Federal: Senate passes federal spending package
- Local: March 25 City Council summary
- March 12, 2024
- April 2, 2024 Election Updates
- Upcoming Events: Business After Hours with Governor Mike Parson
- Chamber Event Recaps: Springfield Chamber Executive Committee Advocacy Day, Springfield Chamber R-12 Board of Education Candidate Meet & Greet
- State: Movement on business community priorities
- Federal: State of the Union address, federal spending package approved
- Local: February 26 City Council summary, March 11 City Council summary
- February 20, 2024
- Event Recaps: Springfield Metro Partnership Advocacy Day, Salute to Legislators, Chamber Board Legislative Luncheon
- State: Movement on business community priorities
- Federal: 2024 State of the Union address scheduled for March 7
- Local: February 12 City Council summary
- January 30, 2024
- 2023 Advocacy in Action Recap Video
- Upcoming Events: Springfield Metro Partnership Salute to Missouri Legislators
- State: Governor announces funding for infrastructure and workforce development, movement on business community priorities
- Federal: Federal funding secured for I-70 expansion
- Local: January 22 City Council summary
- January 16, 2024
- Upcoming Events: Springfield Metro Partnership Salute to Missouri Legislators
- Event Recap: Inside the Issues: Bridging the Child Care Gap
- State: 2024 Chamber advocacy efforts, General Assembly priorities, recent appointments to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission
- Federal: Congressional leaders announce an agreement on spending levels
- Local: January 8 City Council summary, April 2024 ballot measures
- December 21, 2023
- Upcoming Events: Inside the Issues: Bridging the Child Care Gap, Springfield Metro Partnership Salute to Missouri Legislators
- State: 2024 legislative session, Emergency child care funding approved by state board, State Senator to take top position at DESE, Statewide prescription drug monitoring program goes live
- Federal: FinCEN Final Rule requirements effective January 1, 2024
- Local: December 11 City Council summary, Council discussed charter changes, Springfield Business Development Corporation (SBDC) awarded Missouri Technology Corporation grant
- November 21, 2023
- Chamber Action Update: Chamber board approves new model for Springfield City Council election engagement
- Fast Facts and Resources: CoxHealth and Mercy announce collaborative effort to expand children's services, Department of Corrections Director Precythe announces retirement
- State: Senator Karla Eslinger shares insights at Public Policy Speaker Series, recent Southern District judicial appointment to Missouri Supreme Court
- Federal: President Biden signs temporary spending bill to avoid government shutdown
- Local: Springfield municipality's recent employment announcements, highlights from Springfield City Council November meetings
- September 29, 2023
- Fast Facts and Resources: ARPA small business grants now available, upcoming Chamber events
- Event Recap: Business leaders discuss legislative priorities with State Representative Alex Riley
- State: Veto session concludes without overrides, recent judicial appointment to Missouri Supreme Court
- Federal: Stopgap deal proposed to avoid shutdown, President Biden's proposed overtime rule
- Local: September 18 Springfield City Council summary
- August 29, 2023
- Fast Facts and Resources: Alliance for Healthcare Education announcement, call for legislative issues
- Event Recap: Childcare Roundtable with business leaders and local providers
- State: Upcoming veto session, recent judicial appointments
- Federal: Short-term funding bill considered to avoid shutdown
- Local: August 21 Springfield City Council summary
- August 7, 2023
- Fast Facts and Resources: Call for legislative issues, 2023 Governor's Conference on Economic Development, upcoming events at the Chamber
- State: Governor Parson highlights infrastructure and workforce investments at the Chamber's 2023 State of the State
- Local: July 24 Springfield City Council summary, August 8 ballot measure
- July 17, 2023
- Fast Facts and Resources: State of the State, Call for legislative issues
- State: Governor issues fiscal year 2024 vetoes
- Local: July 10 Springfield City Council summary
- Federal: President Biden suspends federal debt limit
- May 19, 2023
- Upcoming Chamber Events: Inside the Issues with Missouri Dept. of Corrections Director Anne Precythe, State of the State
- State: 2023 legislative session concludes on May 12, passage of key business priorities and budget investments
- Local: Springfield City Council updates
- May 1, 2023
- Fast Facts and Resources: April 4th Election Results
- Chamber Event Recaps: Network Advocacy Day
- State: Fiscal Year 2024 budget progresses, due by May 5; movement on business-community priorities
- Local: April 17 Council summary
- March 31, 2023
- April 4th Election Updates
- Chamber Event Recaps: Springfield Chamber R-12 Board of Education Forum, Transportation Advocacy Day
- State: House passes FY24 budget, movement on business-community priorities, ARPA funding update
- Local: March 20 Council summary
- March 1, 2023
- Chamber Action Update: Chamber board endorses R-12 Proposition S
- State: Updates from the Governor's office, state legislature, and ARPA funding
- Federal: U.S. Congressman Eric Burlison shares federal insights at Public Policy Speaker Series
- Local: February 21 Council summary
- February 17, 2023
- Upcoming Events: Public Policy Speaker Series with U.S. Congressman Eric Burlison
- Event Recaps: Inside the Issues with Rep. Alex Riley
- State: Governor announces funding for childcare partnerships, movement on business community priorities
- Federal: State of the Union Address, debt ceiling challenges
- Local: February 6 Council summary
- January 30, 2023
- Upcoming Events: Inside the Issues with Rep. Alex Riley, Public Policy Speaker Series with Congressman Eric Burlison
- Event Recaps: Chamber Board Legislative Luncheon, Springfield Metro Partnership Advocacy Day, Salute to Legislators
- State: Movement on business community priorities
- Federal: FTC proposes rule to ban non-compete agreements
- Local: January 23 Council summary
- January 11, 2023
- Upcoming Events: Salute to Missouri Legislators, Inside the Issues with Rep. Alex Riley
- State: 2023 Springfield Chamber advocacy efforts
- Federal: U.S. House of Representatives confirms Speaker
- Local: January 9 Council summary, April 2023 ballot measures
- December 21, 2022
- Fast Facts and Resources: SMP Salute to Missouri Legislators, Community Leadership Visit podcast, Missouri Chamber Amendment 3 webinar
- Event Recap: Public Policy Speaker Series with the Honorable Jerry Harmison
- State: 2023 legislative session, statewide and judicial appointments, Fast Track application open
- Federal: U.S. Chamber sign-on letters to support independent contractors, avoid rail strike
- Local: Local higher education institutions receive state funding, December 12 Council summary
- October 27, 2022
- Upcoming Policy Events
- Missouri Chamber childcare funding information for businesses
- 60 Minutes to Success: Let's Keep Our Businesses and Community Safe
- Public Policy Speaker Series with Judge Jerry Harmison
- State: Updates on state ARPA grants and feedback opportunities
- Federal: Senator Blunt shares insights and reflections
- Local: October 17 City Council summary
- Upcoming Policy Events
- October 10, 2022
- Fast Facts and Resources: Chamber Board endorses Galloway rezoning, call for legislative issues
- State: Governor signs income tax cut and agricultural tax credit programs into law, small business feedback requested on child care challenges, state ARPA funding opportunities
- Federal: Federal government funding continued through mid-December
- Local: October 3 City Council summary
- August 29, 2022
- Fast Facts and Resources: School board candidate endorsement policy change, call for legislative issues, ARPA tourism feedback
- State: Upcoming special session, DED ARPA grant programs
- Federal: President Biden signs Inflation Reduction Act, announces student loan cancelation proposal
- Local: City awarded workforce and infrastructure federal grants, County opens non-profit ARPA grant application, August 22 City Council summary
- August 9, 2022
- Fast Facts and Resources: Call for legislative issues, 2022 Governor's Conference on Economic Development, FLW Meet Your Army event, upcoming events at the Chamber
- State: Governor Parson highlights successes at the Chamber's State of the State, August election recap, ARPA grants update
- Federal: Senate passes Inflation Reduction Act
- Local: County announces small business ARPA awards, recent City Council actions
- July 11, 2022
- Fast Facts and Resources: Call for legislative issues, State of the State, Forward SGF Revealed
- Event Recap: Governmental Relations Committee with State Senator Lincoln Hough
- State: Governor issues budget vetoes for Springfield projects and signs additional priorities into law, Dept. of Economic Development seeks feedback on ARPA grant program
- Local: City and County outline local ARPA investments, June 27 City Council recap
- May 24, 2022
- Fast Facts and Resources
- End of Session Recap with Sen. Lincoln Hough (5/31)
- Missouri Dept. of Economic Development Update (6/13)
- Recent Lt. Governor Kehoe visit to OTC
- State: 2022 Legislative Session Recap
- Workforce and Economic Development
- K-12 and Higher Education
- Budget
- Upholding Pro-Business Policy
- Unfinished Priorities
- Local: May 16 City Council recap
- Fast Facts and Resources
- May 12, 2022
- Fast Track Call to Action & FY23 Budget Summary
- May 3, 2022
- Fast Facts and Resources
- Event Recap: Public Policy Speaker Series with Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz
- State: Legislative session update - budget work, floor debate, Fast Track, land bank, initiative petition reform, childcare, congressional map
- Local: April 18 & May 2 City Council recap
- April 18, 2022
- Fast Facts and Resources
- Greene County ARPA Small Business Funding
- April 19 Grant Avenue Parkway workshop
- April 22 Public Policy Speaker Series with Sen. Dave Schatz
- State: Network Advocacy Day, legislative session updates, director hired to oversee statewide PDMP
- Local: April 4 City Council recap, April 18 meeting considerations
- Fast Facts and Resources
- April 4, 2022
- Fast Facts and Resources
- State: Transportation stakeholders advocate in Jefferson City, House and Senate at odds over Congressional map, House budget committee finalizes FY23 budget changes
- Federal: New SBA resource for small businesses
- Local: March 21 City Council summary
- March 22, 2022
- Fast Facts and Resources
- Mid-Session Legislative Update
- Political climate
- Workforce and economic development
- Budget progress
- Tort reform
- Transportation infrastructure
- Initiative petition reform
- Local priorities
- COVID-19 legislation
- March 9, 2022
- Chamber Endorsement for SPS Board: Chad Courtney and Charles Taylor
- State: Chamber Board advocates for business priorities, Rep. Alex Riley provides session updates, Governor announces new Acting DHSS Director
- Local: City announces Economic Vitality Director, BDS Director resigns, March 7 City Council Summary
- February 25, 2022
- Upcoming Event: Legislative Session Update with State Rep. Alex Riley
- State: Congressional redistricting and Senate dynamics, Senate passes top workforce development priority, initiative petition reform, vaccine requirements for employers, supplemental budget signed by Governor
- Federal: Congress approves stopgap funding measure, pilot program to address truck driver shortage
- Local: Zone 1 Councilmember vacates seat to run for state Senate, February 22 Council meeting summary
- February 15, 2022
- Recap: Workforce and Higher Education Roundtable with Governor Mike Parson
- State: Senate members filibuster Congressional redistricting, House passes initiative petition reform and supplemental budget, Chamber continues advocacy for priorities
- Federal: House passes resolution to continue temporary government funding
- Local: February 7 City Council summary
- February 2, 2022
- Fast Facts and Resources
- Event Recaps: SMP Salute to Legislators and Advocacy Day, Chamber Board Legislative Luncheon, Inside the Issues
- State: Legislature cancels session, bill movement, roadblocks for congressional redistricting and DHSS director
- Federal: U.S. Chamber provides updated resources on federal infrastructure bill
- Local: January 24 City Council summary
- January 19, 2022
- Advocacy in Action 2021 Recap
- State: Chamber legislative agendas finalized, 2022 legislative session updates, Governor Parson budget proposal, scheduled minimum wage increase is implemented
- COVID-19: U.S. Supreme Court halts private business OSHA vaccine mandate, state task force recommends ways to support small business
- Federal: U.S. and Missouri Chamber note childcare barriers to workforce in Missouri
- Local: January 10 City Council summary
- November 8, 2021
- OSHA COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements
- What is required for employers under this ruling?
- How do I determine if this ruling applies to my organization?
- What is the timeline for implementation?
- What should be included in a written mandatory vaccination policy?
- What information am I required to provide to employees?
- What is required if I offer unvaccinated employees the testing option?
- What records do I need to keep regarding vaccination and testing status?
- Where can I learn more about this OSHA standard?
- OSHA COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements
- October 20, 2021
- Fast Facts and Resources: Upcoming Events!
- In Case You Missed It:
- Show Me Strong Recovery Listening Session
- Public Policy Speaker Series with DED Director Rob Dixon
- Governmental Relations Committee Meeting with Rep. Bill Owen
- University of Missouri celebrates 5-year anniversary with ribbon cutting
- Federal: Congressional updates
- State: COVID-19 vaccine update, several changes in state department directors
- Local: October 18 City Council summary
- September 2, 2021
- Fast Facts and Resources: Feedback requested, recent event recaps
- COVID-19 Update: Pfizer fully approved by FDA, vaccination data, Governor terminates state of emergency
- Federal: Infrastructure bill passes Senate, supplemental SVOG grants open
- State: Expanded Medicaid population able to apply, gas tax referendum efforts end, state announces $400M broadband investment
- Local: August 23 City Council summary
- July 30, 2021
- Fast Facts and Resources
- NEW: e-Newsletter changes!
- Call for Legislative Issues
- ICYMI: Governmental Relations Committee with First-Year Representatives, State of the State with Governor Mike Parson
- COVID-19 Update: Vaccination data, Springfield lawmakers host vaccine clinic, CDC updates guidance for vaccinated individuals, state approves SGCHD request for COVID-19 aid, new state and Missouri Chamber vaccine incentive program
- Federal: Infrastructure agreement, streamlined PPP forgiveness portal, Restaurant Revitalization Fund closes applications, live venue grant opportunities still available
- State: Governor signs several business priority bills, Medicaid expansion ruled constitutional, new DHSS director
- Local: Towns named SGCHD director, July 26 City Council summary
- Fast Facts and Resources
- July 9, 2021 - COVID-19 Update
- Urgent COVID-19 Vaccine Resources for Employers
- July 1, 2021
- Upcoming Policy Events:
- Governmental Relations Committee (July 16)
- 2021 State of the State (July 27)
- Public Policy Speaker Series (August 20)
- Federal: Infrastructure agreement, Transportation Services (CERTS) Program information
- State: Governor signs FRA renewal, Fiscal Year 2022 budget, and Internet sales tax bill, Medicaid expansion lawsuit ruling
- Local: June 28 City Council summary
- Upcoming Policy Events:
- June 17, 2021
- Event Reminder: Public Policy Speaker Series with Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe
- Fast Facts and Resources: COVID-19 vaccination update
- Federal: Blunt announces bill to expand mental health services, Burrell Behavioral Health celebration
- State: Governor signs PDMP bill, upcoming special session
- Local: Wasson Idea Loft dedication, June 14 City Council summary
- June 2, 2021
- Fast Facts and Resources: Springfield ends COVID-19 restrictions, Mayor editorial, vaccine update, Good Morning, Springfield reminder
- Federal: Restaurant grant program and PPP updates, ARP local funds
- State: Legislative session resource recap, Medicaid expansion lawsuit, gas tax referendum
- Local: Judge rules in Galloway rezoning, June 1 City Council summary
- May 17, 2021
- Fast Facts and Resources: CDC mask update, Springfield City Council restriction considerations, Missouri ends federal unemployment benefits and withdraws Medicaid expansion plan
- State Legislative Session Recap
- May 12, 2021: Legislature approves gas tax increase, PDMP
- May 10, 2021
- Fast Facts and Resources: Vaccine administration update
- Recap: Network Leadership Council Advocacy Day
- Federal: Restaurant grant program and PPP updates
- State: Final week of legislative session
- Local: May 3 City Council summary
- April 26, 2021
- Call to Action: Medicaid expansion funding
- Federal: Restaurant grant program timeline and program details, live venue grant portal reopened, IRS and Treasury update on PPP deductible expenses and paid leave tax credits
- State: COVID-19 vaccine updates, movement on state priorities
- Local: April 19 City Council summary
- April 12, 2021
- Fast Facts and Resources: Municipal election results, City Road to Recovery, COVID-19 Vaccine Toolkit
- Recap: Virtual 2021 Transportation Advocacy Day
- Federal: Live venue grant portal suspended
- State: COVID-19 vaccine updates, unemployment update, movement on state priorities, Governor Parson COVID-19 briefings
- Local: April 5 City Council summary
- March 30, 2021
- Fast Facts and Resources: Don't forget to vote on Tuesday, April 6
- Recap: Inside the Issues - Vaccinating Our Region's Workforce
- Federal: SBA announces timeline for live venue and restaurant grant programs, PPP extension and update, CDC issues updated workplace vaccination guidance
- State: COVID-19 vaccine updates, economic recovery update, unemployment update and funding for UI trust fund, movement on state priorities
- Local: March 22 City Council summary
- March 10, 2021
- Fast Facts and Resources: CDC guidance for fully vaccinated individuals
- Federal: Federal COVID-19 relief bill passed, Senator Blunt announces he will not seek re-election, U.S. adds 379,000 jobs in February
- State: COVID-19 vaccine updates, FY21 withholds released, movement on state priorities, state unemployment update, Governor's COVID-19 briefings
- Local: City begins discussions on Road to Recovery next steps, March 8 City Council summary
- March 5, 2021
- Includes specific information about local, state and federal COVID-19 vaccine updates, resources and guidance.
- February 23, 2021
- Fast Facts and Resources: COVID-19 vaccine updated, Chamber vaccine outreach
- Federal: Paycheck Protection Program update, federal COVID-19 relief
- State: COVID-19 vaccine updates, movement on state priorities, state unemployment, Governor's COVID-19 briefings
- Local: February 22 City Council summary, Springfield-Greene County Health Dept. COVID-19 update
- February 12, 2021
- Fast Facts and Resources: COVID-19 vaccine resource updates
- Federal: New U.S. Chamber vaccine center, federal COVID-19 relief update, nationwide unemployment
- State: COVID-19 vaccine updates, movement on state priorities this week, state unemployment, Governor's COVID-19 briefings
- Local: New maintenance facility at Springfield-Branson airport, February 8 City Council summary, Springfield-Greene County Health Dept. COVID-19 update
- February 4, 2021
- Fast Facts and Resources: SGGC-endorsed City Council candidates, COVID-19 vaccine resource update
- Federal: U.S. Chamber event recap, federal COVID-19 efforts, nationwide unemployment
- State: COVID-19 vaccine update, Governor's FY22 budget recommendations, legislation movement, state unemployment, Governor's COVID-19 briefings
- Local: SGCHD vaccine update, January 25 City Council summary
- January 25, 2021
- Fast Facts and Resources: Vaccine Resource Center for Employers, February 3 virtual event invite, public affairs timeline
- Federal: OSHA executive order, Biden's COVID-19 proposal, unemployment update
- State: COVID-19 vaccine update, 2021 Chamber advocacy efforts and state legislation update, FY21 funding released, aid for higher-education infrastructure, unemployment update, Governor's COVID-19 briefings
- Local: January 11 City Council summary
- January 19, 2021
- Includes specific information about local, state and federal COVID-19 vaccine updates, resources and guidance.
- January 5, 2021
- Includes specific local, state and federal COVID-19 funding options for businesses (SGF Business Assistance Grant Program, PPP, EITC, EIDL, SVOG).
- December 18, 2020
- December 3, 2020
- November 18, 2020
- October 30, 2020
- October 13, 2020
- September 30, 2020
- September 18, 2020
- September 11, 2020
- September 3, 2020
- August 26, 2020
- August 19, 2020
- August 11, 2020
- August 3, 2020
- July 21, 2020
- July 10, 2020
- June 25, 2020
- COVID-19 Legislative Update: June 16, 2020
- COVID-19 Legislative Update: June 8, 2020
- COVID-19 Legislative Update: June 1, 2020
- COVID-19 Legislative Update: May 26, 2020
- COVID-19 Legislative Update: May 19, 2020
- COVID-19 Legislative Update: May 12, 2020
- COVID-19 Legislative Update: May 1, 2020
- COVID-19 Legislative Update: April 24, 2020
- COVID-19 Legislative Update: April 17, 2020
- COVID-19 Legislative Update: April 10, 2020