The Missouri Times Magazine | Fall 2020

30 UNDER 30

Meet the 2020 class of extraordinary politicos in and around the Capitol

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 5 | Letter from the Editor 6 | Letter from a 30 Under 30 alumna

PERSPECTIVES

7 | Maloney: A real plan to restore freedom in America 7 | Emison: Tort reform bills protect wrongdoers at the expense of Missouri families 8 | Williams: Missourians must meet challenge of COVID-19 9 | Gross: Missouri can make a true violent crime plan 9 | Ellis: Women deserve safety, not defunded police 10 | Carter Dochler: Violence Against Women Act is 26 years young and still going strong 10 | Butz : The special session that could have been ‘truly special’ 12-13 VETO

SESSION EVENT GUIDE

POLICY & PEOPLE

16 | Behind the scenes of the new Missouri-made COVID test 17 | What’s the latest on the Grain Belt Express?

18 | Missouri State Fair turns 119: A look at its history 20 | ‘A Spoonful of History:’ Cooking with the first lady

The Young and the Lawmaking 24 | Aldridge: How fighting for justice has been in my DNA 26 | Christofanelli: Find your political team 27 | Deaton: Perspective from the youngest member of the Missouri Legislature 28-47

THE 30 UNDER 30 LIST 225 Madison Street, Jefferson City

@MissouriTimes

Scott Faughn, Publisher | scott@themissouritimes.com | @ScottFaughn Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Editor | kaitlyn@themissouritimes.com | @K_Schallhorn Cameron Gerber, Reporter | cameron@themissouritimes.com | @CamGWrites Madison Rudman, Digital Producer | madison@themissouritimes.com

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Everyone who knows me knows there’s one indelible fact about me: For better or worse, I love my job.

But one of the things I love the most about my job is getting to tell other people’s stories.

Whether that’s traveling to a forgotten village in Africa to share its innovative ways of surviving a drought or following around a politician to showcase just why she’s so passionate about her community, storytelling is what gives me motivation.

And boy, did putting together this year’s class of 30 Under 30 honorees ignite that fire!

Since moving to Jefferson City a little over a year ago, I’ve found myself in constant awe of the drive everyone I’ve encountered has for their careers — especially people my age. It’s clear complacency and mediocrity has no place in the Capitol among the young people who

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step through its doors.

As I’m still fairly new to Jefferson City (although, after some late nights in the Senate, it often feels as though I’ve already been here for decades), compiling this list was especially exciting since it gave me the opportunity to meet some wildly impressive Missourians who now hold my admiration. But it also gave me the chance to highlight the efforts of some people I’ve gotten to know very well — a few before I even moved back to Missouri — whose work ethic makes me so grateful to have embarked on a new career here.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out two young people in par-

ticular who I feel should be included on every list of accolades there is: Cameron Gerber and Madison Rudman.

Cameron joined The Missouri Times in January, deftly covering the Missouri Legislature while he finished his senior year at Lincoln University — and during a pandemic no less! His willingness to track down legislators in the Capitol, grab a camera and follow a protest, and dial into remote Public Service Commission meetings every Wednesday morning knows no bounds. I’m so grateful to have him on the team.

Madison recently joined us as a sort of jack of all trades — and master of all! She doesn’t

shy away from any project I give her, from writing a story to handling any tech problem that arises. And she’s especially gracious when I waffle about just how I want a graphic to look.

It’s not lost on me that we have such a young, dogged team at The Missouri Times, and this list comes out a month before I turn 30 myself (or 29 for the second time). I’m especially grateful to the best boss in the world, Scott Faughn, for taking a chance on me and giving me the tools necessary to lead such an incredible team.

So congratulations to the 2020 class of 30 Under 30 honorees — and kudos to those who have been recognized in past years or will in the coming ones. I’m truly lucky to be living and working in a place with such extraordinary talent.

Kaitlyn

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PERSPECTIVES

LETTER FROM A 30 UNDER 30 ALUMNA HANNAH BEERS SUTTON Senior Associate | Clout Public Affairs

Congratulations to this year’s class of The Missouri Times 30 Under 30 honorees! It is a privilege to be recognized for your hard work by your peers and colleagues. All the sleepless nights working on amendments, stressful campaign diets, and wondering why you did not go into a “normal” career field should seem worth it.

What you do is hard work. It is personal for many of us, based on a strong conviction that led us to a life of public service. It is emotional when the days are long, when no agreement can be made on tough topics, or the negative ads start rolling in. It is also rewarding

unlike anything else when you win your race, pass your bill, or most importantly, make the difference you set out to make.

Jefferson City runs on your hard work. It runs on the willingness to spend hours in the July sun putting up signs on highways and staying in your office until 2 a.m. because of a filibuster. It runs on the idea that public service means very little credit, but you choose to do it anyway.

I am not an expert by any means, but if you’ll take advice from a fellow young politico, here are some personal lessons I’ve learned along the way: • Do not stop learning. This is true for every career field, but especially this one. Do not get complacent or rely on the same routine motions. Politics is an ever-changing field. Be flexible.

Adapt.

• Listen to those who have been doing this longer than you. Find a mentor or two. Learn from the people who are pros and soak up every bit of knowledge you can from them. For me, I’ve had the privilege to learn from some of the greatest in the business: my first Jefferson City boss and “Lion of the Senate,” Ryan Silvey; the guy everyone wants on their side when they’re in trouble, Aaron Baker; and the founder of the biggest Republican consulting firm in the country, Jeff Roe. • Lastly, do not get too jaded.

A healthy dose of reality is necessary to survive in our environment, but do not lose what brought you this far. You can easily lose yourself in this world that values “the win” over relationships, so pursue your passions and remember all those that helped you along the way.

Congratulations, again! Welcome to the 30 Under 30 alumni club.

PERSPECTIVES

A real plan to restore freedom in America CLIFF MALONEY

Working in political activism, it’s easy to be drawn to the glamor and limelight of national politics. Whether it’s the hottest story in the news cycle or the top trend in the Twittersphere, the drama often feels inescapable.

Commonly overlooked amidst it all, however, is the impact that the lower levels of government have on our lives every day.

One might even say that this is where our liberties and livelihoods are affected most.

When I say this, people sometimes look at me like I am crazy. And let’s be clear: The federal government’s actions matter — no one is arguing otherwise.

But if you don’t believe that it matters just as much who we elect to our state offices and city councils, just look at this year. We have seen mayors and governors in nearly every state enact measures that more closely resemble dystopian sci-fi novels than life one year ago. Countless local leaders have issued stay-at-home orders against the very people who put them in office, essentially

placing them under house arrest. So many of the restaurants and family-owned businesses that have made our neighborhoods special have been forced to close their doors, sometimes permanently.

What do all these destructive trends have in common? They all came at the hands of local and state governments.

Taking this into account, the impact of the lower tiers of government is tough to ignore.

This is why in January 2018, we at Young Americans for Liberty (YAL) launched our flagship project, Operation Win at the Door. The model is simple: First, we identify viable candidates for state legislature who share our principles. Then, if we decide to endorse them, we deploy a team of 10 student activists to knock doors for them and turn the tide in their favor.

We like to think that we are playing the long game. After all, 198 sitting members of the House of Representatives and 46 U.S. senators served in their state legislatures before ascending to higher office. While it might cost millions to support a single congressional

campaign (where the candidate elected will be just one of 535 faces), we have already elected 56 legislators in just two years.

In the state of Missouri alone, our results speak for themselves. We have deployed more than 120 student activists and knocked 207,244 doors across the Show-Me State. In all this, we’ve propelled two great candidates to the statehouse along with five primary victories we hope to turn into general election wins this November.

Sitting on the couch and getting lost in the headlines is easy. The hard work of going outside, talking with our neighbors, and shifting the electoral landscape toward liberty is the only way we can expect to restore the republic in our lifetime.

Cliff Maloney is the president of the Young Americans for Liberty. Cliff has appeared on Fox News, PBS, Fox Business, Reason TV, and The Hill TV. His work has been published in TIME, The Hill, The Huffington Post, The Washington Times, Buzzfeed, and The Washington Examiner. Currently, Cliff ’s greatest aspiration is to see the YAL network’s newest and most ambitious project, Operation Win at the Door, reach success in its goal of electing 250 legislators.

Tort reform bills protect wrongdoers at the expense of Missouri families BRETT EMISON

Expanding liberty and opportunity

FOR EVERYONE

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One of the top priorities of the Missouri Senate last session was passing SB 591 to make it more difficult to impose punitive damages on wrongdoers who acted with a “willful, wanton, or malicious culpable mental state … tantamount to intentional wrongdoing where the natural and probable consequence of the conduct is injury.” SB 591 also included language protecting businesses that defraud Missouri families.

Other tort bills which passed out of committee but failed to reach final passage included: A statute of repose to protect manufacturers of defective products Changes to R.S.Mo. § 537.065 making it harder for small businesses to protect their assets when an insurance company has wrongfully refused coverage under an insurance policy insured Changes making it more difficult for mesothelioma victims and their families to hold businesses accountable for asbestos exposure Limiting the amount of time an injured victim may file a lawsuit against the wrongdoer Reducing the amount of pre- and post-judgment interest to make it financially beneficial for a wrongdoer to engage in frivolous defenses in order to delay

payment Immunity for businesses who needlessly expose employees and customers to COVID-19 by failing to follow recommended practices determined by health officials Each of these bills protects wrongdoers at the expense of Missouri families. Each of these bills infringes on our fundamental constitutional right to trial by jury. Each of these bills violates the fundamental tenet in our society that a wrongdoer is responsible for the harms that result from their actions.

Each of the tort bills filed last session would drastically undermine Seventh Amendment rights in order to protect wrongdoers.

Our founders understood the importance of the Seventh Amendment. Among the list of grievances given in the Declaration of Independence, many of us are familiar with: “For imposing taxes on us without our consent.” The very next grievance listed was: “For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of trial by jury.” The Seventh Amendment right to a jury trial was included in the Bill of Rights because of its importance. In Missouri, our constitution requires that “the right of trial by jury as

heretofore enjoyed shall remain inviolate.”

The Seventh Amendment, access to justice, an even playing field, and accountability are not partisan issues. Principled legislators from all parties can and should agree on the importance of the civil justice system.

Nevertheless, this fundamental right has been attacked again and again during our legislative sessions.

Why? Who are these bills designed to protect?

These bills do not protect victims. These bills do not prevent frivolous lawsuits.

These bills do not create jobs.

These bills do not reduce costs.

Tort reform bills protect wrongdoers.

Tort reform bills protect wrongdoers at the expense of innocent victims and their families.

A partner at Langdon & Emison in Lexington, Brett Emison is the immediate past president of the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys. He currently represents Missouri business owners whose insurance carriers have wrongfully denied coverage for business losses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

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PERSPECTIVES

Missourians meet challenge of COVID-19 DR. RANDALL WILLIAMS

The first patient in the U.S. with COVID-19 was identified on Jan. 21, 2020, and the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and the Governor’s Office set up an Incident Management Team on Jan. 27 to monitor and prepare for any eventualities. As Mark Twain said, “The secret to success is to get started.”

As I write this at the end of August, through the incredibly hard work of many Missourians, we have the 18th lowest case rate per capita and the 18th lowest mortality rate of all 50 states. We have reduced our mortality rate from 7 percent of cases in April to less than 1 percent of cases in August and helped pioneer a nationally recognized box-in strategy that we have used in our congregate living facilities and meatpacking plants to avoid the overwhelming outbreaks seen in other states.

On March 2, I told the Missouri House Special Committee on Disease Control and Prevention that we would be prepared because of the strong foundation in Missouri — a foundation that includes a robust hospital system, our medical providers, our local public health agencies, and the ability of our state government to work with each other and our local community governmental leaders under the Gov. Mike Parson’s leadership in a whole-of-government approach as a force multiplier of these assets. I specifically emphasized the state government’s role was to communicate, coordinate, and collaborate in a crisis.

It is so important that we use subject matter expertise and data driven by science to help inform our decisions when dealing with a novel emerging infectious disease.

We must be prepared to constantly learn and adapt as new clinical information is gathered.

Gov. Parson has led Missouri in both developing policies and listening to the diverse experiences of all Missourians. The governor and I have participated in more press briefings than perhaps any other governor and DHSS director in Missouri’s history because we think it is so important to communicate in a crisis. Gov. Parson has listened through a total of 126 phone calls with mayors, religious leaders, infectious disease experts, hospital administrators, school districts, federal delegates, county executives and commissioners, and other local leaders. Each Monday, I

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lead a COVID-19 ECHO virtual learning session with 200 health care providers in mid-Missouri. On Wednesdays, I talk with hospital intensivists in Kansas City.

For the past five months, I’ve begun each Saturday morning talking with members of the Missouri State Medical Association.

Following this is also a weekly call every Saturday with Gov. Parson and infectious disease doctors throughout Missouri. This collaboration has helped us immensely as we coordinate the state’s response which is always evolving.

It is vital that the government’s response to a public health crisis be nimble. Missouri has worked with Washington University and the Missouri Hospital Association to build out an incredibly robust data set based specifically on Missouri data. To do that, the state put a huge emphasis on testing, and we went from processing 17,000 tests per week to more than 100,000 tests per week through 26 laboratories.

New types of tests have been introduced, including point-of-care PCR tests with rapid results, antibody, and antigen tests.

We are now moving toward saliva-based PCR tests developed by scientists at Washington University. This emphasis on testing allowed us to adopt our boxed-in strategy, testing every resident and staff member when a single case is reported in a long-term care facility. To date, more than 130,000 tests have been run in over 500 of the state’s 1,200 licensed nursing homes.

These actions are saving lives. We also helped pioneer the rapid distribution of the antiviral remdesivir to physicians and hospitals throughout Missouri by both air and land using our partners at the Missouri National Guard, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Disaster Medical Assistance Team, and State Public Health Lab. Working closely with our local public health agencies and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, we are committed to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ proposition that school is really important for our children, and we believe we can work together to make that happen safely. We are also working deliberately to increase the number of people who get vaccinated against the flu this season. This will help decrease the pressure on our health care systems.

Missouri will continue to be a national thought leader while meeting our citizens’ needs as we move into the fall. Pfizer in St.

Louis has received $1.9 billion to develop a messenger RNA vaccine that we hope will be available to vulnerable populations as early as December. This is one of several that is being developed internationally for use in the U.S., and we greatly appreciate our partners at SLU and in Kansas City who are engaged in Phase 3 clinical trials.

But in the meantime, we have to build a bridge until we get there, and part of that is meeting the challenge we currently face of increased cases among 20 to 30-yearolds. While we are thankful we have not seen a corresponding increase in hospitalizations and deaths from this age group, we don’t want anyone to get COVID-19 in Missouri. While there is “high risk” and “low risk,” I learned there is no such category of “no risk” while taking care of patients as a doctor for 30 years. Being infected with COVID-19 means having to isolate, having those close to you being quarantined, and exposing those around you who may have increased vulnerability to a potentially life-threatening disease.

Gov. Parson says we have proven that we are not defenseless against this virus and by communicating, coordinating, and collaborating, that has certainly been true.

Adversity doesn’t build character; it reveals character. While we mourn the loss of life we have seen and the morbidity this virus has caused, I am greatly appreciative that this pandemic has revealed the character of Missourians. When faced with adversity, citizens have worked together to multiply our capabilities to significantly decrease the morbidity and mortality of this unique novel virus which is truly as it is often described: unprecedented.

Dr. Randall Williams serves as Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services director. He is an obstetrician and gynecologist who received his medical training from the University of North Carolina where he was a Holderness Fellow. Dr. Williams previously served as the state health director in the Department of Health and Human Services in North Carolina and has served the medical needs of people in overseas conflict zones.

PERSPECTIVES

Missouri can make a true violent crime plan ELAD GROSS

Officer Tamarris Bohannon answered the call to an active shooter. A husband and wife were calling in a shooting victim when the shooter walked through their front door and told them to get out. They made it down the block when they saw an officer walk toward their home.

Officer Bohannon put on his uniform to protect the city he lived in, to protect his wife and three children, to be there for us.

And on Aug. 29, he walked right up to danger and stood between us and a bullet.

He was 29 years old.

Officer Bohannon became another loss of ours to violence. Violence is surging in Missouri. It’s not just in cities. It’s all across the state, rural to urban.

Our economy is leaving people behind.

Our public institutions don’t have the resources to deal with the enormous problem.

Our government is using the same strategies and talking points to address an old problem taking root in new ways.

Not all violence is preventable. But many of the situations we have asked officers to deal with don’t need to end in someone’s

death. We know because other places have succeeded in reducing and preventing violence.

When an officer responds to a call, a crime has already been committed. When a prosecutor puts a murderer away, it doesn’t bring back the person we lost. A true crime plan intervenes in the process earlier.

There are several key areas our state should invest in to protect Missourians, including community intervention, rehabilitation, and accountability.

We need to invest and intervene in those communities most in need. There are several effective programs that treat violence as a public health crisis and hire local community members to mediate violent situations and stabilize neighborhoods.

These programs have been successful with long-term support.

Rehabilitation needs to be the focus of the justice system. Most people who go to prison eventually get out, but we don’t invest much in rehabilitation. And many defendants would be better served outside of prison. Missouri must invest in diversion courts, like drug and veterans’

courts, which treat the underlying issues of criminal activity and get people the help they need.

Accountability is essential, and it’s missing. The lack of public trust in public institutions is damaging public service. We need to hold criminals accountable, get illegal guns off the street, stop massive corporate monopolies from destroying local economies and local opportunities, and enforce civil rights protections for all Missourians.

We cannot address violent crime without the public, and we cannot earn public support without trust. Missouri can start by joining other states and create a Civil Rights Division to build that trust.

Our system is broken, and our country is breaking right along with it. We’re losing loved ones to the brokenness. Despite these failures, we still have dedicated public servants ready to walk into danger every day.

We need to stop exploiting their willingness to serve. It’s beyond time for our government to serve us too.

sive Biden is toward the groups that are impacted most by all manner of crimes and domestic violence.

As a woman, a former prosecutor, defense attorney, and a sexual assault survivor who went through the legal process to hold my attacker accountable, I have worked with police officers and law enforcement personally and professionally across the board. Law enforcement officers are generally hardworking people who care deeply about the work they do and truly go above and beyond to serve and protect their communities.

I’ve also worked with countless women who have been victims of crimes and women who are concerned about neighborhood safety for their children. We understand that law enforcement must be readily available in emergency situations in order to provide ongoing safety and protection for us and our families. Women don’t need social workers in place of law

enforcement. We need justice.

But Biden and the Democrats don’t care about any of that. Biden pretends to care about women only to demand our vote — as if he’s entitled to it. But women aren’t monolithic voters, and we care about substance. Biden is actually worse than empty promises.

He presented himself as a clear and present danger to women and our families when he said that he would “absolutely” take action to “redirect” law enforcement funding.

Instead of working to bring law enforcement and communities together, Biden is stoking fear and division and putting women at risk.

American women don’t want to defund police — American women want law and order.

Elad Gross is a civil rights attorney, educator, and former assistant attorney general of Missouri.

Women Deserve Safety, Not Defunded Police JENNA ELLIS

Joe Biden may appear to be a “good guy” vanilla candidate, but his policies are anything but benign. Biden and his radical left handlers and running mate, Kamala Harris, are a lethal cancer to our American way of life. They want to replace freedom with socialism and have defamed and vilified our law enforcement heroes as “the enemy.”

The one policy issue crystal clear from the bizarre DNC dis-infomercial is that Biden has absolutely zero respect for the constitutional design of the presidency and American government. We the people get to select and regularly reconsider our leaders, giving them limited power for the specific purpose of preserving and protecting our fundamental rights.

Part of that protection is the security we enjoy as Americans through law enforcement. Biden and the Democrats have consistently shown how they are willing to use and then undermine Black Americans and women, and defunding police and vilifying law enforcement shows just how dismis-

“Women don’t need social workers in place of law enforcement. We need justice. ”

Jenna Ellis is a constitutional law attorney and Senior Legal Adviser for Donald J. Trump for President, Inc. .

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PERSPECTIVES

The Violence Against Women Act is 26 years young and still going strong JENNIFER CARTER DOCHLER

As legislation that could be deemed a millennial, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a historic federal law that changed the nation’s landscape to address domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. In 1994, VAWA was the first comprehensive, multi-faceted federal legislation passed to acknowledge domestic violence and sexual assault as crimes, to provide federal resources to expand services for victims, and to fundamentally change the way systems respond to victims. This was achieved during a time when many states, territories, and tribes did not have sufficient laws or services to address violence against women, and, consequently, the federal legislation had to be carefully crafted to support the nationwide development of interventions and responses.

During a series of committee hearings conducted between 1990 and 1994, Congress heard testimony from a variety of experts, including victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking and their advocates: state attorneys general, federal and state law enforcement officials, prosecutors, business and labor representatives, physicians, and legal scholars. After several years of revising the legislation and lobbying for its passage by advocates from throughout the country, which included the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence’s CEO Colleen Coble, VAWA passed in 1994 with strong

bipartisan support. Its original co-sponsors included leaders from the Missouri federal delegation such as then-Congressman Jim Talent and Congressman Dick Gephardt (the U.S. House Majority Leader at the time). This collective advocacy also led to the formation of the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) which is the membership organization for state domestic violence coalitions. Coble is a founding board member of NNEDV and longtime Public Policy Committee Chair.

Highlights of the original VAWA include requiring a coordinated community response that brought together, for the first time, the criminal justice system, the social services system, domestic violence shelters/programs, and rape crisis centers. VAWA allowed federal prosecution of interstate domestic violence and sexual assault crimes and legal relief for battered immigrants.

VAWA funded and established the 24hour, toll-free National Domestic Violence Hotline. It also created new grant programs to provide direct services to victims, enhance the criminal justice system response, and provide training and assistance to systems such as child welfare and health care. Since its enactment, VAWA programs, administered by the U.S. Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Health and Human Services (HHS), have dramatically improved federal, tribal, state, and local responses to domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and dating violence.

VAWA provided a national response to violence against women through the establishment of “full faith and credit” for Orders of Protection. This allowed an individual who was granted a protection order in Missouri to have it enforced in all other states. This was a critical step for victims’ safety across state lines as they relocated for safety, employment, or to stay with family members.

VAWA is required to be reauthorized every five years. During its history, VAWA has been improved and strengthened through the reauthorization process to respond to current trends and needs. It is currently due for reauthorization, and once again, it contains enhancements to continue its pivotal role supporting the coordinated efforts to end rape and abuse not only in Missouri but in every state, tribe, and territory.

nential growth of the convenience and popularity of online shopping? Throw in a pandemic, and you have a literal explosion in this consumer preference. Your Missouri leadership has failed in passing a comprehensive Wayfair (online sales tax) bill. Every state in the nation that collects a sales tax has closed this loophole for online sales vendors except Florida and — you guessed it — Missouri.

Basic fairness demands that online sales be taxed in the same manner as are our brick and mortar stores. Contrary to some ideologues in Jefferson City, this is NOT A NEW TAX. Rather, it is simply collecting the sales tax due on purchases and levels the playing field for our traditional retailers who maintain a brick and mortar presence. Closing this loophole because of

our state government’s inability to adjust to evolving technologies will allow critical funds to flow to both the state and our local municipalities. Our local municipalities rely heavily on sales tax revenue to fund the operations of local government that most directly affect our daily lives. City Administrator of Rolla John Butz says, “For many Missouri cities, sales tax is the lifeblood of funding basic services such as police, fire, animal control, public infrastructure, public parks etc.” To offset the loss for out of state purchases, the Wayfair legislation would help local cities and towns to substantially maintain the level of services required by our citizens.

I hope we can make our 2021 Legislative more productive than this year!

Jennifer Carter Dochler, MSW, has worked in the movement to end rape and abuse since 1997.

Her experience in Texas and Missouri includes advocating with victims of domestic and sexual violence, research, policy, community organizing and education, and program development. Jennifer joined the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence staff in 2003 as a Program Development Specialist, later served as the Education & Outreach Coordinator and became the Public Policy Director in 2016. Jennifer is also adjunct faculty at the University of Missouri School of Social Work.

The special session that could have been truly ‘special’ STEVE BUTZ

I, along with all my fellow members of the legislature, have been in a strange, chaotic, and mismanaged special session for weeks. I have lived in the city of St. Louis longer than any member of the General Assembly, and I love my city.

We have challenges, major challenges with violent crime, but deep down I believe there is not one citizen who says, “If we only pass a few more laws we can have an impact on violent crime.”

The issue that I believe should have been addressed in a special session was to support the passage of a Streamline Sales Tax reform bill, a.k.a. the “Wayfair tax.”

I am being sarcastic when I say who could have possibly foreseen the expo-

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Rep. Steve Butz is a Democrat who represents HD 81. He was first elected in 2018.

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VETO SESSION EVENT GUIDE 14 | The Missouri Times “30 Under 30” event featuring the roast of Lincoln Hough — The Millbottom — 6 p.m.

15 | Cody Smith, Dan Houx fundraiser — Barvino; 204 E. High Street, Jefferson City — 5-6 p.m.

15 | Missouri Senate Campaign Committee Meet the Candidates Luncheon — Jefferson City Country Club —11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

15 | Elaine Gannon fundraiser — High Rise Bakery; 118 E. High Street, Jefferson City — 5-6:30 p.m.

15 | Wayne Wallingford, Darrell Atchison, Hardy Billington, Steve Helms, Mike McGirl, Dan Stacy fundraiser — Missouri Realtors; 100 E. High Street, Jefferson City — 2:30-4 p.m.

15 | Veto session reception for Bob Onder — The Grand; Jefferson City — 4-5:30 p.m.

15 | Lauren Arthur, Tracy McCreery, Deb Lavender fundraiser — 318 Washington, Jefferson City — 4:30-5:30 p.m.

15 | Dottie Bailey, Jim Murphy, Michael O’Donnell, Jon Patterson, Nick Schroer, and John Simmons fundraiser — 100 E. Main St., Jefferson City — 4:30-6 p.m.

15 | Eric Burlison, Rick Brattin fundraiser — Missouri Independent Bankers Association; 108B East High St., Jefferson City — 4:30-6 p.m.

15 | Ben Baker, Dirk Deaton, Brad Hudson, Doug Richey, Adam Schnelting, Mitch Boggs — Bones Restaurant & Lounge; 210 Commercial Avenue, Jefferson City — 5-8 p.m.

15 | Bill Eigel, Andrew Koenig reception — 100 E. High Street, Floor 2, Jefferson City — 6 p.m.

15 | Mary Elizabeth Coleman, Jon Patterson fundraiser with Rob Vescovo — The Balcony at Palm Strategic Headquarters; 107 E. High Street, Jefferson City — 8-10 p.m.

16 | Holly Rehder event —Missouri Realtors Association; 100 E. High Street, Jefferson City — 7:30-9 a.m.

16 | Bill White reception — 310 Monroe (upstairs); Jefferson City — 8-9:30 a.m.

16 | Dave Schatz breakfast — Jefferson City Country Club — 8-9 a.m.

16 | Dan Hegeman breakfast — Jefferson City Country Club — 8-9 a.m.

16 | Mike Bernskoetter breakfast — Jefferson City Country Club — 8-9 a.m.

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16 | Denny Hoskins breakfast — Jefferson City Country Club — 8-9 a.m.

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16 | Karla Eslinger breakfast — Jefferson City Country Club — 8-9 a.m.

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Policy &

PEOPLE

From Show-Me State history to interviews with Missouri innovators, we catch up with what’s going on in and around the Capitol.

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What’s the latest on the Grain Belt Express?

CAMERON GERBER

BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE NEW MISSOURI-MADE COVID TEST CAMERON GERBER

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In August, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new saliva-based COVID-19 test developed by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis.

The test, made in collaboration with biotech company Fluidigm, was dubbed a “game-changer” that put Missouri at the forefront of testing innovation by Gov. Mike Parson. The global pandemic has wreaked havoc across the world, including in Missouri.

Below is a conversation between The Missouri Times (TMT) and Dr. Jeffrey Milbrandt (JM), head of the Department of Genetics and the McDonnell Genome Institute at Washington University about the new test and how it all came together.

Milbrandt’s department took the lead in developing the new test.

Responses have been edited for clarity only.

TMT: How does this new test work?

JM: You have a little tube which has a little plastic funnel on it, and then you literally spit in that tube, which has a reagent in it. The tube has a barcode at the bottom that’s read by the robots; so basically we have software that links the data collected to you, and when it’s collected, it’s sent to the laboratory and examined by robots.

In a matter of hours, we read the results via a chain reaction we use to read most genetic

tests. It’s a similar type of reaction to what’s been done for around 25 years in genetics biology testing. It’s not so much that we invented anything new — it’s just a different way to collect specimens that’s simpler than the nasal test.

TMT: How long had this been in development? What was that process like?

JM: It really started in mid-March when we realized our lab work would have to be shut down except for pandemic-related research so we set our sights on developing another type of test, and we had this idea that saliva may be a good testing source. The team gradually grew, and we ended up with a large group of people working on it, including informatics teams helping with the sorting and communication of data.

There were many iterations but one magically worked.

It took a huge team of people and departments to get this to work from all aspects.

TMT: How did the relationship between Wash U and Fluidigm come about?

JM: We had experience with an instrument from Fluidigm — which uses microfluidics, very small volumes of reagents — to perform the same test we’ve been performing but on a miniaturized scale and made it automated.

So we wondered if we could adapt that saliva idea to Fluidigm’s instrument. We started

working with them directly which is why it was a joint announcement. We worked very closely with them on the project.

TMT: What will the cost of the test be — both to produce and take?

JM: The cost should be significantly less [than the nasal test] mainly because you don’t need experienced personnel to collect the specimen and you don’t need to purify the RNA (ribonucleic acid) which takes a whole other set of instruments and kits and more personnel.

Using this microfluidic approach and a largely automated pipeline will cut down on costs as we gear up for thousands of tests.

TMT: When do you expect the test to be available?

JM: The FDA order allows us to use the test now. We’re testing a lot of the Wash U students as they come back to campus and will work with state, county, and city governments to handle their screening processes, and those specimens will be run in batches.

It will largely be used as a screening tool for governments, businesses, and universities.

TMT: Gov. Mike Parson has said the test will increase testing volumes. How? JM: The key point about our test is you can add the saliva directly to the reaction without having to purify the virus or the RNA before you start the actual test process — which eliminates a lot of supply chain issues, cost, and time. We needed to find a way to neutralize the inhibitors in everybody’s saliva.

Otherwise, we would have had to go through the whole purification process. That was one of the big obstacles, but it makes the process much faster.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 17.

The Grain Belt is a planned overhead and direct transmission line of approximately 780 miles delivering wind energy from western Kansas to utilities and consumers in Missouri and other states. It will extend through eight Missouri counties: Buchanan, Clinton, Caldwell, Carroll, Chariton, Monroe, Randolph, and Ralls.

The project asserts it would deliver about 4,000 megawatts of renewable power and clean energy to about 1.6 million homes a year and create new jobs — including both permanent and temporary construction work. The Grain Belt Express was granted a certificate of convenience and necessity by the Public Service Commission (PSC) in 2019, allowing it to construct and manage a new transmission line in Missouri.

Parent company Invenergy recently announced an increase in projected plans to offer 2,500 megawatts of the line’s 4,000-megawatt capacity to Kansas and Missouri, up from previous plans of 500 megawatts. The company said this is the equivalent to the energy usage of up to 2.4 million people and will add about $7 billion in cost savings for Kansas and Missouri by 2045. Beth Conley, vice president of communications at Invenergy, said the recent developments are a good sign for the project.

“That was a really exciting announcement to make, and the piece that’s driving that decision-making is the increased demand in Missouri for access to low-cost renewable power.

We’re really excited to have the opportunity to do that,” Conley said. “We’re working on engi-

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16.

TMT: How long did it take for the FDA to approve the test?

JM: It was an arduous journey. Fluidigm put in an emergency use authorization (EUA) request for the instrument, and we put one in for the test itself. Theirs was approved, and since we developed the test that it was submitted for, we are allowed to use it with their

neering the project and talking to landowners and customers. I would say we’re in the heart of development and pursuing those activities.”

Conley said the project would create a number of economic benefits for Missouri. The company is projected to pay around $20 million to landowners for the opportunity to place transmission lines on their property, according to Conley, along with $7 million in property tax revenue to go towards the state.

More than half of the capacity is to be delivered in Missouri to serve those 39 municipal utilities that already signed up, and the cost savings to them is estimated at about $12.8 million.

“One of the reasons this was unanimously approved by the PSC is because those municipal customers were able to see that by getting clean, affordable power off of the Grain Belt Express, they would save nearly $13 million annually, which for some of the smaller cities is substantial,” said spokesman Jack Cardetti.

“The ability for those local communities in Missouri to get that Midwest-produced clean energy and also save money for their customers is really indicative of the opportunity this project can have.”

Conley said it would also bolster Missouri’s workforce development by providing incentives for companies to expand operations in the state.

“When people are looking to expand their businesses, people look at the state’s workforce, tax structure, and more and more at access to low-cost clean power,” Conley said. “This delivery into Missouri will absolutely increase the

opportunities for communities and Missouri as a whole. You also have 1,500 jobs being created to build the project, and some other manufacturing and support jobs as well. It’s a significant economic opportunity for Missouri, especially coming out of an economic hiccup like what we’ve been going through.”

The Grain Belt is based entirely on private investments rather than an appropriation by the legislature, according to Cardetti. While a typical project of this size would come at a cost to taxpayers, he said the funding of the project won’t come from the state’s tax money.

Invenergy announced in February that the line would include infrastructure for broadband internet access for the rural communities it will pass through. While the company won’t facilitate the service itself, the infrastructure will be available for Missouri’s service providers to build off of.

“Because we’re a linear infrastructure project, and we’re going through some more rural parts of Missouri, the line will provide this middle-mile backbone for that broadband infrastructure that will facilitate access for rural communities,” Conley said. “The calculations we’ve looked at say it could increase broadband access for around a million Missourians.”

Conley said recent surges in remote work and education are good indicators that the project would benefit these communities.

“While we were having these conversations, remote learning and infrastructure became really critical across the country, so I think it’s easy to see how that could really benefit rural Missourians.”

instrument even though our specific request hasn’t yet been granted.

TMT: What does being at the forefront of this innovation mean for Missouri?

JM: When we took this on in March, we had one goal in mind and that was doing something that could impact our community, our local population. We really set out to do it for St. Louis and Missouri, and I think we’ve done that.

TMT: What does it mean to you to be able to develop this?

JM: As head of the Genome Institute, I have a responsibility to bring genomics to the community, and the COVID testing seemed to fit into that. It’s incredibly fulfilling to come up with this test — almost as a side project — and to work with this huge team to develop this for our community.

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Missouri State Fair turns 119: A look at its history

MADISON RUDMAN Since the inception of the Missouri State Fair in 1901, Missouri families have made the trip to Sedalia for the animal exhibitions and competitions, concerts, and delicious fair food.

The Fair was established only after a group of committed livestock breeders proposed action in 1897. While there were numerous cities vying for the Fair to be held in their towns, Sedalia prevailed with the highest bid of 150 acres. The 40th and 41st General Assemblies allotted a combined $65,000 to establish the site and begin construction.

The anniversary of the first-ever Missouri State Fair is approaching. The Fair was led by Norman J. Coleman of St. Louis and took place from Sept. 9-13, 1901. The rhetoric surrounding

the first Fair was enthusiastic and eager, but the Fair faced challenges of its own. There was a devastating drought in 1901, leading farmers to be underwhelmed with their yieldings. In addition, there were issues surrounding rail lines leading to the fairgrounds.

Regardless, Missourians were eager to attend, and the Fair president shared his enthusiasm for the event while noting additional funding would benefit future Fairs to come.

At the inception of the first Fair, two-thirds of Missourians lived in rural areas — a statistic that is drastically different today.

In regards to livestock exhibitions and competitions, champions of earlier Fairs differ greatly from today’s champions. This is a direct result of consumers’ preferences shifting to lean meat.

Throughout the years, many aspects of the Missouri State

Fair have come and gone. For example, gone are the days where archaeology and philately are attractions at the Fair. However, new additions have been made, like the fine arts competition that offers rewards exceeding $5,000 to artists and craftsmen.

One thing has never changed about the Fair — youth are at the heart of the event. The Fair is an opportunity for young Missourians to prove themselves as the future of agriculture by showing off the animals they work tirelessly to care for. In addition, the competitive nature of the exhibitions teaches the youth new skills and how to be good winners and losers.

The fairgrounds are now used year-round, which brings in a wider audience for on-site camping and events. In recent years, the fairgrounds have received sizable upgrades and renovations

that are worth the trip to Sedalia.

In typical 2020 fashion, the Fair looked different this year.

However, the heart of the event remained the same — Missouri youth. While events were scaled back, young Missourians were still able to bring animals into the show ring with hopes of having a champion.

“We believed from day one that we could stay true to our agriculture roots and safely host the Missouri State Fair for our youth exhibitors,” Gov. Mike Parson said. “By going back to the basics of the original 1901 Missouri State Fair, we’ve been reminded of the importance of giving our young people the chance to have a hands-on experience and be successful.”

And they will have the chance to do it all again in August 2021.

still here.

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‘A Spoonful of History:’ Cooking with the first lady KAITLYN SCHALLHORN

Missouri’s bicentennial is getting a little spicer.

In honor of the monumental date — and the 150th anniversary of the Governor’s Mansion — first lady Teresa Parson and the Friends of the Missouri Governor’s Mansion teamed up to release a new cookbook. “A Spoonful of History: A Culinary Tour of Missouri and our Governor’s Mansion” is chock-full of “beloved recipes and history.”

Ahead of the cookbook’s scheduled release in October, we chatted with Parson about what we could expect. Below is a conversation between The Missouri Times (TMT) and the first lady (TP) about “A Spoonful of History” and her own work in

the kitchen.

Responses have been edited for clarity only.

TMT: What was your involvement with the cookbook?

TP: I initially came up with the idea to do a cookbook in celebration of two huge milestones, our state’s bicentennial and the 150th anniversary of the People’s House. I presented this new project during a time when we were out of the Mansion while renovation efforts were taking place. It was definitely a team effort with the team consisting of all Mansion staff, my office, and Friends of the Missouri Governor’s Mansion staff.

TMT: Do you or the governor have any recipes in the book? I hear a family favorite is included!

TP: Yes, we do! We have four

family recipes included and some additional favorites that the kitchen staff prepares at the Mansion.

The Governor’s mother’s enchilada recipe is in the book, and it has become a tradition that the Governor makes her enchiladas for Christmas dinner ever since she passed away.

TMT: How often do you cook? When you do, what do you like to make?

TP: I do like to cook, but rarely have time to these days due to our busy schedules. Most of my cooking happens when we are home in Bolivar.

TMT: What’s something that may be surprising for Missourians to find in the cookbook?

TP: In addition to the delicious recipes, our team has also incorporated history about the

Mansion and our state throughout the book.

TMT: Do you have any traditions when it comes to cooking in your family?

My tradition would probably be I try and make each of the grandchildren’s favorite dish. One favorite dish for each!

TMT: What’s your favorite recipe in the book?

All of them! Each one is unique and delicious!

TMT: Are you more of a chef or baker?

I really prefer to bake!

“A Spoonful of History” is available for pre-order through the Mansion’s website. Books are scheduled to ship in October.

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Preserve Missouri’s Pro-Life Heritage!

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PHOTOS BY: KEITH BORGMEYER

Paid for by Missouri Right to Life State Political Action Committee, Patricia Skain Treasurer

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The Young &

THE LAWMAKING

Legislators reflect on what it’s like to be some of the youngest members in the General Assembly and what propelled them to the Capitol at such an early age.

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How fighting for justice has been in my DNA RASHEEN ALDRIDGE

Even at a very early age, I knew one way or another I was going to be a rebellion that never wanted just to allow things to be normal because being different is needed. At birth, I laid on my right leg which didn’t give me proper blow flow.

It made my right leg grow shorter than my left leg. I still have a foot with toes, but since it grew shorter, the doctors turned my foot around to play as a knee since that didn’t develop also.

Staying in the City of St. Louis but attending Parkway West High due to the desegregation program, I lived in two worlds. One, when I went to school, things seemed nicer from the air, grass, to the whole surroundings. Then, in my community, I would feel like an animal in a cage. No community centers, playgrounds, or places for the community to come together.

After high school, I was determined to stay home to fulfill my idea of one day moving my community from where it is to a place that it could be. While attending community college and working at Jimmy Johns, I was approached by a white organizer who asked me some tough and emotional questions one day when I was at work. He asked, “How much you make here?

How is one sandwich more than what you make?” He later told me he was with the “Fight For 15.” The Fight For 15 included many workers from all across the country coming together to fight for a liveable wage and the right to unionize. I blew it off until one day I was at work and was disrespected by the area manager. The manager told me to hold a white piece of paper that said I made three sandwiches while he took a picture on his phone. I felt the most embarrassed in my life ever. That was the day enough was enough. I started organizing in my store.

I talked to my coworkers — who were much older than me with families and mostly were

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women — on why we deserved to be respected at work and to have the ability not to have to live check to check, especially as we put in 100 percent. On May 8 — I can remember it like it was yesterday — five coworkers and I were the first workers in St. Louis to begin the Fight For 15 movement. We walked off the job and joined other workers, community members, labor workers, faith leaders, and students demanding $15 and a union. This was the fire that eventually lit the flame inside of me to no longer injustice to just skate by without myself standing up and speaking out.

On Aug. 9, 2014, I was at work and saw a news article of how Mike Brown was killed at the hands of Darren Wilson. When I first heard about it, I — like many other people of color — was numb to it. I thought, “Another African American killed by police; nothing is going to come out of this.” I was wrong. Two days later — like many other young people — I found myself in a fight that I couldn’t leave. To see tanks on the very streets we all drove down and to be shot with tear gas for coming out to find justice in the death of Mike Brown made me and others never go back to what reality once was in St. Louis. During the uprising, young people who never organized or knew each other from a can of paint started something we would never have thought would happen. We forced the conversation of racial injustice that has been haunting the police departments and communities of color for decades.

We demanded the police be demilitarized and use less brutality at protests. Together, we all expanded the conversion with our white allies on what white privilege is — and not to feel guilty about it, but how to use it to move us all forward. And we forced the world to understand that Black Lives Matter and should be treated in all systems as if they do.

I always knew that we had to push this

message for justice, not just in the street but also at the table where power and policy were to be addressed. If we had systems that were in place to give hope and equitable resources to communities like Mike’s, like mine, our oppressed communities wouldn’t be in the state they are in.

During Ferguson, Gov. Jay Nixon announced he was putting together a commission that would address the systemic issue that plagues our region. I remember wanting to join but not sure how the protesters would feel about it since we didn’t look at Nixon as an ally. Nixon didn’t think twice about calling in the National Guard and enacting unconstitutional things like mandating we must walk when we are protesting. (If we stood for five seconds in a spot, we would be arrested.)

But Lara Granich, who at the time worked for Jobs With Justice, told me that it is essential, especially for young people, to be part of the conversations that impact their community. I sat with that for a few days. However, her comments wouldn’t leave my head. So I applied to the Ferguson Commission and was selected. I missed our very first meeting because I was later invited to the White House with other activists across the county to talk with former President Barack Obama about policy change in our criminal justice system. Being a young person who was able to be a part of two opportunities that had the chance to change the system in my city and world was actually what I wanted to do since I was that little boy who didn’t understand why my neighborhood was different from others. However, it wasn’t enough for me.

My community was the main reason I started all this activism, and problems still existed in my community. After talking to several people in my neighborhood about the lack of leadership to address the root cause of

problems in our area, I eventually decided to run for the committeeman of the 5th Ward.

I ended up teaming up with a protester I met in the street who also was deciding to run for office: Bruce Franks. To make things sweeter, we connected with another protester in Ferguson, who was running for the US. Senate at the time: Cori Bush.

We understood the importance of moving from protest to politics. We needed leaders in our community, ones who would give hope to a hopeless community. Those who were was willing to be bold and unapologetic.

Later, as I became the state representative of HD 78, I knew it was my duty to bring those same values and voices of the most underserved individuals I had been standing with for years to the most powerful halls of our state. To be able to change racist policies that have been on the books for years and address police brutality was something I was and planned to talk about with my colleagues.

To help not just lift the wages in St. Louis, but

the rural areas is what moves us all forward together.

I know this train eventually will have a stopping point, but at this moment, I know that if I want to move a community from where it is to where it can be, this is the work that is needed. If it’s in the streets of St. Louis or Jefferson City, addressing the systematic racism that Black and Brown bodies go through on a daily basis is paramount. I’m standing on the House of Representatives floor ensuring we pass legislation that chips away at a system that tells Black people that police brutality is OK. I fight so the next generation doesn’t have to ask themselves why they feel like an animal in a cage in their own community but not in others.

Rasheen Aldridge is a Missouri state representative who serves HD 78. Aldridge was elected to the General Assembly in a special election in 2019.

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“FIND YOUR POLITICAL TEAM”

Perspective from the youngest member of the Missouri Legislature

DIRK DEATON

PHIL CHRISTOFANELLI Despite coming from an apolitical family, I took a natural interest in politics as early as I can remember. I watched C-SPAN even before I really knew what was being said. My interests intensified in high school during the 2008 election. That is also when I began to study free market thinkers such as Ayn Rand, Milton Freidman, Freidrich Hayek, and so many others who inform my worldview to this day.

I moved to Missouri in the summer of 2008 to attend Washington University.

True to my Italian heritage, I lived on the Hill. I volunteered for numerous Republican campaigns and participated in the local party apparatus. In particular, Rep. Paul Curtman’s campaign inspired me to action. His principled and articulate approach to politics

demonstrated that one could both honor their values while achieving political success at a young age. Were it not for Paul, I’m not sure I ever would have thought that becoming a state representative was something that I could do.

At age 20, I successfully ran for Missouri Republican State Committeeman. Subsequent to that, Chairman Ed Martin and then-Chairman John Hancock appointed me to the State

I suspect there are a handful of people who might wish I was quiet more often.

After a several-year interlude serving as a press secretary to a member of Congress, I returned to Missouri in 2015.

When Rep. Mark Parkinson faced his term limit, I met with him at a McDonalds in our district and asked if there was anyone interested in filling his seat. At the time, I was 25 years old — just above the minimum to run. Mark informed me that he had not heard of anyone, so I jumped in with both feet.

I knew that to run a successful campaign, it was incredibly important to raise money. I set out to raise $10,000 dollars in my first quarter. I called literally everyone I had ever met seeking small donations. After three months, I had hit my goal, and I knew that I had a real shot at

“My advice to any young person entering politics is to find a team of like-minded friends who have your back. Politics is a rough sport, and it can burn you out, but when you’re there fighting alongside your friends, every day is worth it. ”

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Executive Committee. In fact, I nominated Hancock as chairman when he ran in 2014. At the time, speaking publicly in front of that many people was the most terrifying thing I had ever done. I’ve overcome those trepidations, and today,

winning.

My experience as a grassroots activist taught me one thing: doors get votes. I spent the entirety of 2016 knocking every house in my district at least three times. Luckily, I had the help of Parkinson who had decided by then that I should fill his shoes. I still remember the night that the results came in as one of the happiest days of my life.

At the time, I became the youngest member of the Missouri House. Today those shoes are filled by Dirk Deaton, and soon, Michael Davis.

As I write this, I am spending my last day as 30 years old.

My advice to any young person entering politics is to find a team of like-minded friends who have your back. Politics is a rough sport, and it can burn you out, but when you’re there fighting alongside your friends, every day is worth it.

Two years ago, I ran for state representative, and after a contested primary and general election, the people of the 159th District elected me to serve as their representative. I was sworn in at the age of 24, which also happens to be the minimum age at which a person can serve in our lower chamber under the Missouri Constitution.

Serving as the youngest member of the General Assembly makes me an outlier with respect to age. The question has been asked of me if any of my colleagues have treated me differently in light of this fact.

I can honestly say that I have never, at any point, felt as though any other member disfavored me because of age. It is my belief this stems from the fact that we all got to where we are by the very same means. In meeting one of your legislative colleagues for the very first time, they know you went through a common crucible before they know anything else about you. Getting elected is not easy, and making it successfully through that process gives one mutual respect and credibility that is hard to take away.

In considering running for public office, it occurred to me it would be more convenient if I merely waited until later in

life. This idea of convenience conflicted with the urgency that led me to consider running in the first place. I had grown up in a country that seemed to be giving up on the ideas of freedom — ideas that are very young when considering the history of governments. The principles of our most important documents, like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, rest on the assertion that government is instituted to preserve and protect the natural rights of the people. It is this focus on individual liberty, economic liberty, and an understanding of human self-agency and responsibility that made this country the freest and most prosperous in the history of the world.

Yet, leaders in both parties have participated in the enormous consolidation of power in government hands at the expense of our core freedoms. As the decades have passed, government has more control over our economy and lives than ever before. Not even 250 years have passed and we seem to be abandoning the very principles that brought us to where we are. Many political leaders today speak of a world in which government “takes care of you” from cradle to grave. It has often been said that a government that has the power to give you everything also has the power to take everything away.

Over the last several years, there has been a discernable shift by many in the Democratic Party toward a more explicit socialism that would have been more disguised or muted in the recent past. This leftward march has only continued and shows no sign of subsiding. Make no mistake; I view proposals like Medicare for All and the Green New Deal as antithetical to the American ideal. While I believe policies like these and many others being offered are repugnant to a free and prosperous society, I also recognize our system of government is always a battle of ideas. These important and consequential battles are being fought now. If I were to wait 40 years, it occurred to me there might not be anything left worth fighting for.

Some of the greatest American accomplishments and leadership in our history have come from the younger generation. Thomas Jefferson was only 33 when he penned the Declaration of Independence. The European continent was wrestled from Nazi tyranny by those mostly in their twenties, and it was only because of their heroism that freedom in the world was not extinguished.

Sam Walton managed his first store at 26 before going on to become the largest private employer worldwide as well as the richest man in America.

If we are to remain the great bastion of freedom and liberty throughout the world, I believe it will be, in large part, due to younger people exhibiting a commitment to these principles entering the arena. It is Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis who is known for the phrase “states are the laboratories of democracy.” It is my desire that Missouri would lead the way when it comes to defending these core principles, thus my entrance into Missouri politics.

If these efforts are fruitful, perhaps we can export our success to the national government so that in the future, a new generation of young people will be given their opportunity to defend American liberty and freedom. While not convenient or comfortable, I believe this path is right and the importance is great. No matter what, one thing does seem certain — come January it is unlikely I will continue to be the youngest member of the Missouri House.

It appears more young people are on the way, and since entering the 100th General Assembly, I have continued to age.

Dirk Deaton is a Missouri state representative who serves HD 159.

Elected in 2018, Deaton is from Noel and a graduate of Liberty University.

Phil Christofanelli is a Missouri state representative who serves HD 105. Elected in 2016, Christofanelli is a graduate of Washington University and resides in St. Peters.

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The 2020

30 UNDER 30 LIST The Missouri Times is pleased to present this year’s class of 30 Under 30. From lobbyists to Capitol staffers to attorneys, this diverse group of young people truly represent the best in Missouri politcs. Congratulations!

Profiles by: Kaitlyn Schallhorn | Photographs by: Cameron Gerber

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30 UNDER 30

30 UNDER 30

Buy Missouri and Tourism Director

Chief of staff to Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin

Casey Adrian

Freddy Barnes

Casey Adrian’s first job in the Capitol was one some people spend years working toward: the Majority Floor Leader’s Office. She didn’t plan on going into politics — in fact, she spent a year in the banking industry — but once she worked for then-Sen. Mike Kehoe’s campaign, she was hooked.

Adrian’s political career has largely followed Kehoe. She serves as the Buy Missouri and Tourism Director in the Lieutenant Governor’s Office where she gets to travel the state, promote Missouri’s tourism assets, and visit with businesses of all sizes making products in the Show-Me State.

“I’m very fortunate, in my position, to have the opportunity to travel and meet people around the state. In doing so, I am able to see the many things Missouri has to offer,” Adrian said. “I grew up in Jefferson City so I’m very accustomed to the Capitol being in the center of things. Traveling throughout the state allows me the chance to connect other areas of the state to Jefferson City, specifically by sharing my support for the small businesses and industries that make up the Buy Missouri program.”

“Hearing the motivation and background of those who build businesses and start companies is fascinating. I have yet to visit a business that has not had an inspiring vision and story to share.”

Adrian, 28, is a graduate of the University of Central Missouri where she received a business management degree. After college, she worked for Kehoe’s campaign where she became enamored by the ever-changing nature of politics.

From there, Adrian worked for a bank for about a year before going back to work for Kehoe in the Senate. Her work caught the eye of Sen. Sandy Crawford, for whom she worked as chief of staff. It was a job she said she was “very fortunate” to hold, but it wasn’t long before Kehoe was appointed lieutenant governor — and she was back.

“Casey is a great selection for the prestigious 30 Under 30 recognition. She has done an outstanding job helping our office expand the Buy Missouri program — highlighting many of our state’s small family-owned business as well as playing a key role in working with our Missouri Department of Tourism team to promote our state’s Tourism industry,” Kehoe said.

“Casey has earned my confidence because of her experience and expertise. She has earned my full trust because of her outstanding character. I am proud of Casey and very fortunate to have her as part of the Lieutenant Governor’s Office.”

Associate at Arnold & Associates

HRCC political director

Andrew Arnold

Growing up around government consulting his whole life, it was only natural that after Andrew Arnold found himself in Texas “spinning his wheels,” he came home.

The Wright City native started his political career in Texas with former U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions following graduation from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Despite a brief stint in law school, Arnold remained active in Texas politics for a few years, working various campaign roles and helping friends with a consulting firm.

But eventually, Arnold, 26, felt life had gotten mundane, “doing the same thing over and over.” His father’s firm was growing; it was a “natural transition” to come home to Missouri where he became an associate at Arnold & Associates in November 2019.

“This is my first session with my dad, and probably the most fun and greatest learning experience I could have all in one time,” Arnold said. “I couldn’t have imagined it going any better than it did.”

Arnold said his work now is a “nice change of pace” from what he did with campaigns.

“I personally am a lot more motivated by dealing with people who are already elected and seeing where they’re coming from,” he said. “You get to work with people who have different perspectives as opposed to doing campaigns. It’s refreshing to see there are a lot more ways to look at something.”

His father, Charles Andy Arnold, said he’s always hoped his children would join his firm if they so chose and was “delighted” when his son did just that.

“Andrew brings strong interpersonal and communications skills to Arnold & Associations gained by working field operations, events coordination, and fundraising on several high-profile campaigns in the Dallas, Texas area,” he said. “Andrew’s work ethic, can-do attitude, political instincts, and insights gained interacting with elected officials at all levels make him a natural addition to the Arnold & Associates government affairs team.”

And while his father is one of the most venerable lobbyists in the Missouri Capitol, the younger Arnold is quickly paving his own way in politics.

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For someone who didn’t plan to work in politics, Freddy Barnes sure has taken the Capitol by storm, transitioning from an aide in the lower chamber to chief of staff to a Conservative Caucus senator in only three years.

Barnes, 26, has served as chief of staff to Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin — a lawmaker Barnes has long admired — for a little more than a year now.

And this year, when O’Laughlin was appointed to chair her first Senate committee in the middle of session, the transition was “seamless” — and certainly due in part to Barnes’ past work.

Prior to joining O’Laughlin’s office, Barnes served as a legislative assistant to Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, chair of the powerful Judiciary Committee.

There, Barnes was inquisitive about the committee process, determined to learn the ins and outs.

“Freddy is a great asset, particularly good at staying ahead of legislative issues,” O’Laughlin said. “I’ve appreciated his strong work ethic and his ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously.”

Barnes says he sort of “fell into politics.” After college, he ended back at his home in St. Louis where he waited tables and bartended after his post-graduation plans fell through. He was considering going back to school when he had a conversation with his father and a family friend connected to Jefferson City politics.

Before he knew it, Barnes found himself wandering the halls of the Capitol during the 2017 veto session with a stack of resumes in hand. He met then-Rep. Shawn Rhoads who shared an office with Rep. Holly Rehder — who just so happened to be hiring.

“None of the plans I’ve made in my life have gone the way I thought they’d go — which is phenomenal,” Barnes said. “I just try to work hard, and there’s a lot of luck involved. I really enjoy the work I do.”

Chase Campbell

For some in politics, campaign work can be a means to an end. But for Chase Campbell, campaigns are his driving interest.

It was U.S. Senator Roy Blunt who first roped Campbell, 28, into the world of Missouri politics. While still attending classes at the University of Missouri, Campbell worked in his district office in Columbia.

From there, Campbell worked in the Capitol before joining the Missouri House Republican Campaign Committee (HRCC) where he’s risen in the ranks from field staffer to political director.

“In my short time in Missouri politics, I’ve worked for the House in one capacity or another,” Campbell said. “I believe I have a close connection to the Caucus considering it has always been my focus. It’s fulfilling to help out people you know very well and have experience with.”

“Chase is an exceptionally hard worker who you can trust that every decision he makes is in the best interest of HRCC and our caucus members,” Jon Ratliff said. “ His commitment to our team has been and will continue to be part of the secret sauce that makes HRCC successful. From starting as a field staffer in 2016 to serving as political director today, Chase has risen to every occasion, and I look forward to seeing what he accomplishes in the next four years.”

From Boonville, Campbell said he has always been interested in politics. And like many politicos, Campbell has found the only constant about his job is its ever changing nature. On any given day, Campbell fields calls from incumbents and new candidates alike. He said he’s constantly on the phone determining answers to a wide variety of questions and coordinates the data for the House races as well.

“For better or worse, it’s not the smoothest career path probably, but that’s part of what I enjoy about my work,” Campbell said.

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Chief of staff to Sen. Andrew Koenig

Frank Catanzaro

For Frank Catanzaro, finding a career that would give him an opportunity to help other people was always at the forefront of his mind. And so he found himself diving into politics while still in college.

Catanzaro, 29, serves as the chief of staff to Sen. Andrew Koenig, a powerful and respected member of the upper chamber’s Conservative Caucus. Often filled with “unexpected challenges,” Catanzaro’s days are spent deftly navigating Koenig’s legislative agenda, media, and constituents.

“I enjoy the challenging environment and the people I work with,” Catanzaro said. “Every day is full of surprises. Relationships are key, whether it is with elected officials, colleagues, or constituents. I’m a communications guy, so I enjoy interacting and sharing our offices’ work and delivering updates on the legislative progress being made.”

“But most importantly, you must have integrity and a willingness to overcome obstacles and find realistic solutions” to work in the Capitol, he said.

Catanzaro got his start in politics through College Republicans while he studied journalism at the University of Missouri. There, Catanzaro grew the chapter’s conservative coalition and began getting involved in grassroots politics and public policy research.

Before joining Koenig, Catanzaro ran the communications efforts for the Show-Me Institute, a St. Louis-based think tank. He also currently serves as the president of the St. Louis Young Republicans.

“Frank is extremely dedicated, effective, and hardworking,” Koenig said.

“He is a huge asset to my office as my chief of staff.”

Catanzaro said he has respect for Koenig’s “dedication and passion for the people of his district.” And as he emulates his boss’ devotion, it’s safe to say we’ll be seeing Catanzaro around Missouri politics for quite some time.

Senior policy advisor for the Treasurer

Matt Choinka

While the Missouri Legislature is in session, Matt Choinka is hard at work crafting the state treasurer’s legislative proposals and pushing for their passage.

And even when the legislature isn’t in session, Choinka, who is the senior policy advisor for Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick, is paying attention.

He keeps an eye on what’s percolating while also working on the state’s MO ABLE program for individuals with disabilities. He’ll often travel to present information about the program to groups across the state.

“I love the fast-paced nature of working with the legislature and political work. It’s really unlike any place I’ve worked for before,” Choinka, 29, said. “There are a lot of jobs where you don’t necessarily feel good about what you’re doing. The MO ABLE program is completely different. You really get to change people’s lives.”

The St. Charles native fell into politics almost by accident. While helping a fraternity brother move into a new house in college, Choinka noticed a neighbor was running for state representative. He volunteered to help now-Rep. Justin Hill, eventually becoming his campaign manager.

After college, Choinka came to the Capitol to work for the late Rep. Cloria Brown. After the 2016 elections, Choinka joined Fitzpatrick, who was then the House Budget chairman. Choinka did more campaign work in 2018, and when Fitzpatrick moved to the Treasurer’s Office, he followed.

“He has always been a loyal staffer that has the best interest of taxpayers at heart and will do whatever is asked of him, whether that is tracking legislation, helping constituents, promoting programs for the office, or taking on special projects,” Fitzpatrick said. “I am proud to have him on my staff and am happy to see him recognized as a 30 Under 30 honoree.”

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Legislative assistant in the House

Political director for the Missouri GOP

At just 24 years old, Elisabeth Condon’s dedication to her state — and in particular, government — has already solidified her as a go-to source for knowledge among House Democrats, staffers, and reporters alike.

Condon has spent several years working in the Capitol, first as an intern for Sen. Jill Schupp while she was still attending Truman State University, and then as a legislative assistant for Rep. Donna Baringer.

Now, she serves Reps. LaDonna Appelbaum and Trish Gunby in the House. On any given day, Condon can be found sitting in a committee hearing (often live-tweeting the intricacies of the proceedings), tracking down historical implications of legislation, teaching interns how to read bills, or helping constituents with unemployment issues.

“I love Missouri. I have lived here almost my entire life. It’s really important that people understand how their government works — both for and against them,” Condon said. “I’ve got a lot of passion for that.”

Part of her desire to “make things better” stems from watching the Ferguson protests in 2014 following the death of Michael Brown. She started work in the Capitol just a few years later, but the aftermath was still reverberating in the halls.

“It gives you a lot of insight,” she said. “I just realized how good I’ve had it because the system was built to benefit people who look like me and my family.”

Gunby came to the Missouri House following a special election in November 2019. And she credits her smooth transition to the legislature to Condon.

“Arriving halfway through session after winning my special election meant I needed an LA who could get me up and running,” she said. “Elisabeth did that and more. Her knowledge of state politics and the processes in play made my transition seamless.”

“Honestly, I am not surprised that she is a 30 Under 30 [recipeient],” Appelbaum said.

“Her work ethic and passion for good policy and good people are amazing. She is more than my LA; she is a dear friend that helps me in so many ways.”

Aside from her work in the Capitol, Condon also serves as the campaign manager for House candidate Jacque Sample and is the president of the Mid-Missouri Young Democrats.

“My go-to [motto] is: Young people are powerful, and we get shit done,” Condon said.

“You don’t have to have worked in this building long to be knowledgeable or good at this type of work. I’ve got a lot of energy and passion, and there’s a lot of other young people in this state who are just like me.”

Growing up, Charlie Dalton would travel across the country with his father on hunting and fishing trips. Rush Limbaugh, a conservative radio talk show personality, would often join them on their trips through the radio.

Getting plugged into politics at a young age propelled Dalton, 26, headfirst into politics. He started volunteering on state Senate and House races and really got his foot in the door with Catherine Hanaway’s gubernatorial campaign, rising from a field representative to deputy political director.

From there, Dalton did campaign work for both U.S. Congresswoman Ann Wagner and U.S. Senator Josh Hawley before joining U.S. Senator Ted Cruz’s 2018 re-election campaign. With his work noticed by the Texas senator, Dalton moved to Washington, D.C., to join the office there.

But Missouri is Dalton’s home — after all, he’s a fifth-generation St. Charles County resident who has traveled to 110 out of the state’s 114 counties — and it wasn’t long before he was back to join the Missouri Republican Party.

“Charlie knows every aspect of campaigning, from grassroots to digital targeting and television,” Jean Evans, executive director of the party, said. “Combine that with his unstoppable worth ethic, and you get the best hire I’ve ever made.”

Dalton is particularly proud of his team’s quick adaptation as the coronavirus pandemic wreaked havoc, essentially shuttering most businesses and regular campaigning. The team has trained county chairs on how to run meetings via video conferences and developed a new type of caucus and convention system.

Dalton said he wants to continue to build upon the supermajority Republicans hold in the state.

“One thing that we’ve been very fortunate within Missouri, we have a great bench of Republican candidates,” Dalton said. “I want to foster that talent across the state and get more people involved.”

“Something I get all the time is people telling me how great it is to see a young person so heavily involved which is uplifting to me because when I first got started in politics, I was worried age would be a limiting factor,” he said. “There’s a stigma that you have to be older to be involved in politics. Just like anything, you have to work your way up, and I paid my dues knocking on doors. It allows me to show younger people there’s a way into politics, and you can do it in your own way and on your own timeline.”

Dalton hopes to one day work on a presidential race, but for now, he’s content in the Show-Me State: “I always find myself coming back to Missouri.”

Elisabeth Condon

Special counsel to the Governor

Ryan Conway

Ryan Conway has a goal: to one day leave the office where he works better than he found it. And as he works for Gov. Mike Parson, Conway is clearly on his way to achieving that goal.

Conway, 28, works as special counsel for the governor — and it’s his first job out of law school. Having always been fascinated by law, attending the University of Missouri-Kansas City for law school was a natural trajectory. And working for the governor was a no-brainer.

“Ryan has embraced his role as an attorney in public service during these unprecedented times,” Chris Limbaugh, who serves as general counsel for the governor, said. “His legal work during this pandemic shows that he has risen to the occasion and has a bright future ahead of him.”

Conway said he began noticing Parson when he was still in the Senate and admired who he kept in his corner.

“Having known Gov. Parson back when he was just Sen. Parson and really believing in him and the people he’s surrounding himself with, it’s really the people that you want to be with and work with and learn from,” Conway, from St. Charles, said. “It’s just an incredible opportunity to learn from some really great people.”

“I love the idea that this job is a chance to really have the ability to help craft decisions that can actually make Missouri a little better place,” Conway said.

The essence of the Capitol building isn’t lost on Conway: “It’s a majestic place to come to work and the beauty of the building is awe-inspiring. To be able to come to work here every day is really a reminder of the responsibility and trust they put on you.”

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Charlie Dalton

Intern for Affordable Equity Partners

Cliff DeGroot

Cliff DeGroot is used to trading a basketball uniform for a suit and roaming the halls of the Capitol building.

Although he’s now working with Affordable Equity Partners (AEP), a real estate banking firm, DeGroot has already cut his teeth in Missouri politics through multiple lobbying internships with Burton & Liese in the Capitol.

“I’m extremely proud to be one of the youngest registered lobbyists in Jefferson City during my first year. I was only 18 at the time,” DeGroot, now 21, said. “I like the constant communication, walking the floors, networking. I love working with clients, and love the whole idea of politics and constantly talking to people to work out issues.”

At AEP, DeGroot works with property managers and helps the firm — which boasts a diverse set of clients across Missouri — with managing assets. He is a student at William Woods University in Fulton and plans to attend law school. But his heart is in following in his dad’s footsteps with a career in politics.

“Beginning at 5 years of age, Cliff would get up at 8 on Saturday mornings to put on his basketball uniform for games which routinely started at 3 p.m. This focus, enthusiasm, and dedication has brought him the success he has enjoyed thus far,” Rep. Bruce DeGroot, his father, said. “I am excited to see what his hard work will bring in the future.”

The younger DeGroot sees a future for other budding politicos like himself in Missouri as well.

“We can come to it with fresh eyes,” he said. “We can also bring a social aspect that — especially with new, younger representatives in the building — can relate to people and talk to them that older generations might not be able to do.”

DeGroot is on track to graduate from college early in December. And it’s quite possible we’ll be seeing more of him in the Statehouse then.

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Political director for Parson for Missouri

Consultant at Gamble & Schlemeier

Dallas Ernst

Sarah Schlemeier Henke

Sarah Schlemeier Henke is creative and inquisitive with a heart for the health care industry. And she’s translated her passions expertly into her work as a government affairs consultant at Gamble & Schlemeier.

Despite her dad’s successful lobbying career, Henke wasn’t always sure she wanted to follow down that path. She knew she wanted to dive deeper into the United States’ involvement in health care policy and took off into the nonprofit world immediately after graduating from the University of Missouri. One role, in particular, allowed Henke to connect with rural health clinics to educate them on how legislation debated in the Capitol would impact them.

“I made sure they understood how impactful their voice could be in Jefferson City and the importance of engaging with the association for a unified effort. Then I realized how influential this strategy was paired with lobbying,” the 28-year-old said.

Henke joined Gamble & Schlemeier in 2016 where she works with a bevy of health-related clients, including the Missouri Health Care Association and Missouri Society of Anesthesiologists along with a host of other physician and pharmacy groups.

“In health care, there’s just so much of an impact each policy has on people,” Henke said. “I really enjoy the creative environment where you can come up with different solutions and avenues you can take to deliver the intended result.”

“I thrive under high-pressure situations,” she continued. “I love looking at the statutes after the dust settles and remembering crossing out that one word and inserting another word instead when amendments were being thrown around and compromises being reached. It’s really good to see a high-pressure situation pay off.”

But aside from her work with the firm, Henke also founded Advocacy360, a Jefferson City-based organization that helps with the development and building of grassroots networks, in 2016.

“Through her work with our firm and broader efforts at Advocacy360, Sarah has become a guiding force in changing the way we approach creating comprehensive legislative strategies that help clients broaden their base of support and then effectively utilize it to win,” said Bill Gamble, president of Gamble & Schlemeier.

Dallas Ernst is excited for the future of the Republican Party especially as more young people, like him, are getting involved. And at just 24 years old, Ernst has already made an indelible mark on the Missouri GOP. Ernst serves as the political director for Gov. Mike Parson’s gubernatorial campaign where he does everything from drafting press releases to putting together events across the state.

“It’s an honor and privilege to be a part of the governor’s campaign and help him get re-elected to continue to fighting for Missourians,” Ernst said.

A graduate of the University of Missouri where he studied strategic communications and political science, Ernst’s first job out of college was for Sen. Dave Schatz in the Pro Tem’s office in 2018. He’s also spent some time work in digital advertising for Victory Enterprises and volunteered for U.S. Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler’s campaign.

“I’m really proud, especially in the last year, all that I’ve been able to learn,” Ernst said. “I’ve been able to be put in a lot of situations I didn’t necessarily have a background in, but I’ve enjoyed figuring it out and being given the responsibility.”

Ernst is most proud of getting his dad elected as Pulaski County clerk in 2018.

“He’s very thorough and detail-oriented and isn’t afraid to try something outside the normal in a campaign,” David Ernst said.

Ernst said the future of the Republican Party for young people excites him.

“There’s more and more people becoming Republicans and understanding that the policy positions of low taxes and more freedom create more opportunity for Missourians, and it’s going to be very exciting being a part of that over the course of my career,” he said.

As for Ernst, his future seems pretty set in the capital city where he and his wife both work.

Associate with Flotron & McIntosh

John Gaskin

John Gaskin has been around politics his whole life — and in particular, strong, political women. His grandmother, the late Rep. Esther Haywood, would regale and “little John” with stories the goings-on in the Missouri Capitol halls and former Gov. Bob Holden’s inauguration.

It was from her that Gaskin started asking questions, learning all he could about the Missouri Legislature. And that inquisitive nature hasn’t stopped, instead propelling him through his own career in Missouri politics.

“I really had an opportunity to be groomed at the feet of someone who worked really hard for civil rights and public education in St. Louis. I’m really blessed to have had that opportunity to grow up around incredible statesmen and women,” Gaskin said. “It was really inspiring to get to know these men and women who I was just so enamored by, how articulate, how passionate, how well-respected they all were.”

So Gaskin decided to follow in the footsteps of the people he holds in such high regard. He got his first glimpse into state government on his own through working with former Secretary of State Jason Kander in the Capitol.

And now, at 28 years old, Gaskin serves as an associate at Flotron & McIntosh where he tracks legislation, attends hearings, and takes care of a host of clients. Gaskins describes his job as “keeping all the balls in the air while still learning.”

“The best description I have heard of John is that ‘he builds bridges not burns them.’

John is wise beyond his years and has empathy for individuals and their situations,” Richard McIntosh, president and CEO of Flotron & McIntosh, said. “These qualities coupled with his strong worth ethic equals a long and successful career in the Capitol. I predict that in the many years to come, John will be a go-to leader in government affairs in Missouri. I am honored to have him in the firm.”

Aside from his work at the firm, Gaskin is heavily involved in the NAACP, serving as a member of the group’s board of directors.

“It’s not about being out front. I want to make the people who have given me an opportunity proud. I want them to say, ‘I gave him a chance. I gave him his first job out of college, and he’s made good on the opportunities placed in front of him,’” he said.

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Deputy Missouri State Director for Victory Enterprises

Danielle Savage Hobbs

At just 24 years old, Danielle Savage Hobbs is a communications guru.

She uses her artistic background to bring unique and creative elements to her job at Victory Enterprises — and she’s received national attention for her work.

Hobbs is in constant communication with her team and clients. Although her workday largely varies, she’s often spending several hours a day writing press releases, op-eds, or other missives her long list of clients might need.

“Danielle combines her experience as a frontline campaign operative with her unique, full-spectrum understanding of how to develop and execute impactful media strategies,” Wayne Yocum, Victory Enterprises’ chief creative officer, said. “Her strategic mind, creativity, and attention to detail have been the difference in countless wins for our Victory Enterprises team.”

Before becoming the state director at Victory Enterprises, Hobbs worked on a variety of campaigns nationwide. She said she’s particularly proud of some of the mail she did for those campaigns that received media attention.

Hobbs has been with Victory Enterprises since 2017 and was promoted earlier this year to a more client-facing role.

“I care a lot about the outcomes and policies and how they’re being shaped,” Hobbs said. “There’s a lot of investment in this state, blue or red, and that contributes to a healthier overall community of people who care about this state.”

“I love that Missouri is a bellwether state. I love that we represent the nation so well,” she continued. “We have liberal cities on the edges, and this broader, red state in the middle. We’re a microcosm for nationwide politics and a great testing ground for new ideas and new ways of doing things.”

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Assistant attorney general

Managing political director for the Missouri Democrats

Sarah Jones

Naeem Jenkins-Nixon

Field Director for the House Democratic Campaign Committee

Alex Johnson

Alex Johnson is a one-stop-shop for Democratic candidates in Missouri. From fundraising to voter contact, Johnson stands at the ready to help House candidates with whatever need or question arises.

Johnson, 26, thought he wanted to be a teacher, but once he got to college, he felt he would be able to effectuate greater change through politics.

And it was then, while still in college, that Johnson got a firsthand look at the uglier side of politics, too.

Along with other students at Drury University in Springfield, Johnson joined Planned Parenthood for a lobbying day at the Capitol. But one lawmaker essentially ignored the group, just putting his feet up on his desk while they spoke, Johnson recalled. After walking out of that meeting, Johnson boldly walked up to the organizer, extended his hand, and said: “Hi, I’m going to be your new intern. When can I start?”

Johnson got his campaign start with the Greene County Democrats Central Committee where he helped Rep. Crystal Quade on her very first race. And Johnson has been with her as she was elected and rose to serve in a leadership position.

“I don’t know anyone who cares for and works for democracy and justice more than Alex Johnson,” Quade said. “His love for Missouri and its people makes him so great at his job. He’s been with me since my first election, and I’m so proud to see him take his skills to help the whole state. We are so lucky to have him.”

Johnson takes pride in his work, particularly in the committee’s focus on all Democratic races, not just seats they believe are easily flippable, he said.

“I have an immense amount of responsibility and pride in my work that at my age I’m already allowed to have such an impact on what happens here in Missouri,” Johnson said. “We want to invest in every single candidate and campaign.”

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At just 24 years old, Sarah Jones joined the Attorney General’s Office as an assistant attorney general of special litigation in August 2019, making her one of the youngest members of the team. And one year later, she’s already made an ineffaceable mark on the office.

Jones, now 25, spends her days arguing in court, writing briefs, taking and defending depositions, and working on policy initiatives, along with a whole host of other tasks. She was also recently named to the office’s Human Trafficking Taskforce.

“Working for the best state in the United States is an honor and privilege I do not take lightly,” Jones said. “I am incredibly thankful to work for a politician who leads his administration with the best interests of the state in mind and honored to be a part of his vision for this office and Missouri.”

Jones splits her time between offices in Jefferson City and Kansas City; the latter of which has no greater fan than Jones. Although born in Springfield, Jones has spent most of her life in Kansas City where she lives with her dog, Hamilton.

Jones is an alumna of Rockhurst University and Saint Louis University School of Law. She ran the city council campaign for Quinton Lucas, now Kansas City’s mayor, and served as a summer associate at Shook, Hardy, & Bacon. She also worked for an organization in New York focused on government transparency and accountability.

“I first met Sarah when she took the American Civics course I taught at Saint Louis University. From the start, Sarah struck me as extremely gifted and committed to the law and our Constitution as a framework that provides a beacon of hope for Missourians and Americans of all walks of life,” Attorney General Eric Schmitt said.

“Since coming to the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, she has proven that my first impression was spot on.”

Sarah doesn’t take the office’s unofficial motto — “defend the state of Missouri in cases of significant public interest” — lightly. Her drive and aplomb have propelled her into what she has described as her dream job, but her determination, integrity, and dedication to Missouri have already solidified her as a beacon of success in the state.

Naeem Jenkins-Nixon is a director. Not of movies, like he thought he’d be when he studied communications in college, but of candidates, voters, volunteers, and more. At 29 years old, Jenkins-Nixon is the managing political director of the Missouri Democratic Party, a position he’s only held since March 2020.

“Naeem is a great part of the Missouri Democratic Party team,” Lauren Gepford, the party’s executive director, said. “His experience in government, non-profit, and campaigns has been beneficial to our political operations.”

Jenkins-Nixon came to Missouri earlier this year after spending more than a year at the Biden Institute in Delaware. A New York native, Jenkins-Nixon got his start in politics by working for Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown right after college. He worked first as a communications specialist before eventually climbing the ranks as a confidential aide where he handled both communications and policy work.

During the 2016 cycle, Jenkins-Nixon worked for the Democratic National Committee as an organizer in Western New York. But Missouri Democrats like state Sen. Jill Schupp and Auditor Nicole Galloway eventually attracted Jenkins-Nixon to Missouri.

“It was just a movement that seemed like something I wanted to be a part of. Coming from the Democratic side of politics, I think there can be a lot of great gains here, and I felt I could contribute in a positive manner,” he said.

As the managing political director of the Missouri Democrats, Jenkins-Nixon, who is based in St. Louis, provides a bevy of resources for candidates and staffers alike — including checking in on people’s mental health during campaigns.

“Moving the necessary pieces into place, it’s a great joy for me to do,” Jenkins-Nixon said. “I enjoy problem-solving and bringing folks to a consensus on ideas or topics, whether it’s staff or outside partners.”

And thus Jenkins-Nixon became a director after all.

Consultant at the Prosper Group

Jacqueline Neil

Jacqueline Neil is a digital guru — and her work has been recognized across the country. At the Prosper Group, Neil executes digital strategies for several campaigns with a focus on down-ballot races.

“Working with a national digital strategist with Missouri roots has many benefits. Jackie knows what wins and gives good advice on how to reach voters digitally in the Show-Me State,” Aaron Baker said. “I couldn’t be more proud to work with her on our campaigns.”

Neil, 26, cut her teeth in Missouri politics in 2015 through an opportunity right in her own backyard: She joined former Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder’s gubernatorial campaign as his deputy communications director. And from there, with her digital prowess noticed, she took off.

Neil has done grassroots work across the country, including for the American Renewal Project — which turned out evangelical votes for Donald Trump in 2016 — in Pennsylvania and Ohio. But Neil’s campaign work also brought her back to Missouri to join Rep. Holly Rehder who has championed both right to work and PDMP legislation.

“Jackie has tremendous artistic talent in graphic design,” Rehder said. “She works with her clients — listening to their thoughts, expectations, and hopes for the final project — then she makes it happen. It’s been a pleasure to watch her grow professionally these past few years. Without a doubt, Jackie is a rare find in politics!”

At the Prosper Group, Neil is constantly striving to meet the digital demand on every level of campaigning. With an incredible roster of clients from presidential, congressional, and state, Neil leads the Local Leaders Program designed to service down-ballot races.

“I really enjoy working down-ballot campaigns because I’m working closely with local leaders and am making a difference in my community,” Neil, a St. Louis native said.

And the fact that she is in the midst of a male-dominated field isn’t lost on her.

“We’re seeing a lot of [female] candidates come out, but we don’t see a lot of political operatives. That’s my drive. We talk so much about diversifying Republican campaigns and politics. One of the things that motivates me is being at the table, having a voice, and implementing a winning strategy for all of our campaigns. Because at the end of the day, that’s why we do what we do.”

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Director at the Missouri Pharmacy Association

Legislative coordinator for the House Minority Caucus

Michaela Newell has a heart for service and that shines through in her work at the Missouri Pharmacy Association (MPA), an organization known for its tireless advocacy for pharmacists at both the state and national levels.

Newell serves as the Director of Professional Affairs and Director of CPESN-Missouri (Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services Network) where she attends Board of Pharmacy meetings, guides pharmacists through the Capitol in tandem with the association’s lobbyist, and works with pharmacies to take care of their needs along with those of their patients. Additionally, she runs a network of more than 100 innovative pharmacies in Missouri through CPESN. And Newell, 25, is standing at the forefront of Missouri’s pharmaceutical world.

“We get to enter into an ever-changing health care system, providing medical services through pharmacies and enhancing patient outcomes in partnership with other health care providers, insurance companies, employers, and health departments,” Newell said. “It is exciting be a part of moving the profession of pharmacy forward through enhanced services to patients beyond just dispensing medication. Look for Missouri pharmacists to be a leader in the nation in moving our profession forward.”

In pharmacy school in Iowa, Newell knew she wanted to work for an association. After sitting down with MPA CEO Ron Fitzwater, Newell decided to move one state south.

“Michaela has a rare ability to connect diverse partners in very complicated projects that the Missouri Pharmacy Association is creating,” Fitzwater said.

“Michaela is such an impressive young professional. Not only is she great at her job and an inspiring personality, but she has, in very short order, become a leader in Jefferson City by her service to others,” Rep. Travis Fitzwater, director of strategic initiatives at MPA, said. “I’m proud to know her, work with her, and call her a friend.”

Newell is unabashedly dedicated to her community and those around her, and she’s interested in one day running for elected office as a way to even further give back. But for now, Newell is set in her “dream job.”

“I have so many mentors both in the Missouri Pharmacy Association and other associations to thank for that,” Newell said. “Having access to that community and family of people who work together both on a national and state level is really fun. To be on the cusp of innovative practices — both through advocacy in the Capitol and through the private sector in the services network — it’s awesome to mesh those together.”

Newell lives in Jefferson City with her husband, Kyrell, who said: “Michaela’s faith drives her to make sure everyone she meets knows they are valued and cared about. For her, her work is first and foremost about meeting people’s needs to improve their lives.”

On any given day — especially during the legislative session — you can probably find Emily O’Laughlin in a House Committee, ardently tracking any changes made to legislation. As the legislative coordinator for the House Minority Caucus, it’s O’Laughlin’s job to be at the ready to help legislators with any needs that arise with a bill, from understanding its impact to an issue’s history to policy research on potential consequences and much more.

O’Laughlin considers herself on the frontlines of Missouri history — and from her deep immersion in lawmaking, she’s not wrong.

“I really love working with public policy. It’s also really great to be on a team with all of the Democrats who are fighting every single day for who we see as the most vulnerable in the state,” O’Laughlin, 29, said. “I love working with public policy because it affects the whole state.”

While her parents would probably point to O’Laughlin scrapbooking the Bush/Gore contest in 2000 when she was just in fourth grade, O’Laughlin’s first post-college foray into the political world came when she worked as the communications coordinator for Sen. Jill Schupp’s first Senate campaign. After that, O’Laughlin joined Rep. Tracy McCreery in the House as her legislative assistant where she worked for four sessions.

McCreery said O’Laughlin is the perfect embodiment of President Harry S. Truman infamous line: “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”

“She gets professional and personal satisfaction by helping her team be prepared (some would say over-prepared) and knowledgeable,” McCreery said. “Emily’s heart is truly in the Democratic Caucus’ work; she’s been passionate about helping people through public policy her whole life.”

O’Laughlin studied social work at Missouri State but felt she could effectuate greater change through policy work. She also received her Master’s in social work with a specialization in social and economic development policy from Washington University.

“I really hope that people continue to push for what they believe is right,” O’Laughlin said. “Obviously, depending on who you’re talking to, it’s not always the same approach, but our goals can be the same. I hope in the future of Missouri policy and politics, there’s a little bit more inclusivity. If you have a more diverse array of voices at the decision-making table, you’ll get a better outcome for everyone.”

Michaela Newell

Press secretary for the Attorney General

Chris Nuelle

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Chris Nuelle is used to juggling. On any given day, he can be found vacillating between penning a press release regarding a human trafficking case to putting together an anti-crime event to aiding Attorney General Eric Schmitt in cracking down on crooked contractors.

“The breadth and depth of the Attorney General’s Office’s duties and responsibilities are huge — more than people realize,” Nuelle said. “We do a whole lot of different things, and cracking down on violent crime is one of the more important ones.”

Nuelle, 24, has served as Schmitt’s press secretary since January 2019 — a job that requires him to write quickly and be in constant communication with the press. And according to Nuelle, working with reporters to “help shape the message of the office” is one of the best parts of the job.

“Chris is very smart, has an incredible work ethic, and is committed to doing the right thing,” Schmitt said. “I’ve always been impressed with how good Chris is on his feet, providing open and honest information as he communicates with the news media on behalf of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. Besides that, Chris’ sense of humor and good nature make him a joy to work with on a daily basis.”

Nuelle’s first Missouri political job came while he was still attending Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. During his sophomore year, he volunteered with Catherine Hanaway’s gubernatorial campaign to help with media relations and social media.

After graduation, the St. Louis native moved to New York to work for the Congressional Leadership Fund. But it wasn’t too long before he ultimately found his way back to the Show-Me State to do communications for the Missouri Republican Party.

But in working for the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, Nuelle has found a role model in his boss.

“He’s accessible, he’s down to earth, he’s easy to talk to. He has real motivation and drive to help the people of Missouri,” Nuelle said. “It’s rare to have someone in politics who cares about the state he represents as much as he does. It makes my job easier to know I’m working for someone who truly cares about the issues he’s working on.”

Emily O’Laughlin

Chief of staff to Sen. Jill Schupp

Megan Price

Megan Price has a heart for Missourians, evident by her devotion to her job in the Capitol.

Price, 25, has spent most of her political career working for Sen. Jill Schupp, first on the campaign side and then in a legislative capacity. She’s served as her chief of staff since 2018.

“I love getting to work on the priority bills and legislation she puts forward — including child care and safety, rape kits, and postpartum depression treatment.

Some of those involved work, but that’s the good work of engaging with people and tackling the tough issues,” Price said. “Policymaking is such an important and significant role that we all get to play a part in and considering the impact on everyday Missourians, I just think that’s something that is really important.”

Price first met Schupp when she helped her organize a conference to teach people how to run for office and manage campaigns after the 2016 elections.

“I said I wanted to help organize, she said she was hosting a planning meeting, and the next thing I knew, I found myself at the dining room table at Jill Schupp’s house,” Price said. “The conference was a great success, and from that point forward, Jill Schupp has been my leader, and I’ve followed her and all the opportunities available to help support her and what she wants to do for Missourians.”

“Megan Price is a smart and competent professional of the highest integrity who exemplifies the very best in the next generation of leaders and gives me confidence in our future,” Schupp said.

Price said she typically spends the interim tackling a tough issue, learning its intricacies, gathering input, and creating a proposal so she can help Schupp usher it through the legislative process. She’s also instrumental in working on various events, such as an annual health care fair, and town halls.

“We do stay busy,” she said.

Price said she admires strong women, but she’s become just that in the Capitol for other staffers — a woman filled with tenacity and steadfast courage to help Missouri advance.

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Legislative assistant to Sen. Dave Schatz

Chief of staff to Sen. Bill Eigel

After only a handful of years behind the scenes of the legislative process in Missouri, Adam Rapert is enamored by the inner workings of government.

“I love being a part of what’s going on in this building. I love everything and anything about Jefferson City, about government, about how this all works, this whole song-and-dance where people make laws,” he said. “I love being part of all of that, and the fact that I get to work for the [Senate President] Pro Tem is that much better.”

Rapert, 27, has served as Sen. Dave Schatz’s legislative assistant since November 2019, helping him with legislative strategy and constituent outreach.

“Adam has been a great addition to our office,” Schatz said. “His positive attitude, work ethic, and willingness to take on any task has been invaluable during a very trying first session.”

“Adam has done a great job helping our constituents navigate the red tape of government, and I look forward to his continued service to our district and everyone who stops by our office,” he added.

Rapert began his political career while completing his political science degree at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. While there, he worked in a leadership position in the Associated Students of the University of Missouri (ASUM) lobbying group before moving on to work for Rep. Phil Christofanelli as his legislative assistant. After working in the House for Christofanelli and Rep. Derek Grier for a time, Rapert moved to the upper chamber.

Rapert said the best part about working in the Capitol is the opportunity to learn more about the process from the people around him.

“I go into it trying to take away something that can make me better and push me further along in my career,” he said. “There wasn’t one big ‘aha’ moment, it’s just every day, every moment, every time I get in front of someone I try to ask myself, ‘What can I learn from this person, this person in a higher-up position than me, someone who has been doing this longer than I have.’

So every day I try to learn something.”

Jacob Scott has spent about six years in the Missouri Capitol — and four of those years have been at the side of one of the Conservative Caucus’ de facto leaders, Sen. Bill Eigel.

Scott said he noticed Eigel when he first started his bid for the state Senate because he was “a regular citizen with some good ideas.” And Eigel’s policies align perfectly with his own interests in taxation, health care, and education policy.

“It’s about providing good service to constituents and good service to the senator,” Scott, 29, said of his job. “We’re an extension of the senators’ ability to achieve teh legislative priorities they want. Definitely helping constituents with their issues before the government is a critical thing.”

Scott said his interest in politics first began in high school, calling it a “natural fit.” Aside from his work with Eigel, Scott has served former Sen. Rob Schaaf in the upper chamber.

“I’ve been blessed to have the best staff in the building, and Jacob is a big part of its success. I couldn’t filibuster nearly as many bad bills without Jacob’s focus and efficiency,” Eigel said.

Scott said his work with HB 2540, an income tax cut passed in 2018, as something he’s particularly proud of from his time in the Capitol.

“I think it’s done a lot to give basically everyone an economic opportunity in the state.

More money in people’s pocketbooks is always a good thing,” Scott said.

Scott is a graduate of Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph and the University of Missouri-Kansas City; the latter of which is where he received his Master’s in higher education administration.

Scott is interested in working in higher education at some point, but for now, his focus remains solely on the legislature, taking care of the needs of those in SD 23, and being a leader among other Capitol staffers.

“Staffers in the Capitol work incredibly hard to stay on top of the issues that are important to the people,” Scott said. “We do our best to ensure that the voices of people are heard because a lot of times people will email or call the office, and it’s up to us to make sure the information gets to the electeds. It’s a dual role as liaison between the general public and senators but also to the folks who get the job done.”

Adam Rapert

Legislative aide in the House

Legislative liaison for the Department of Labor

In the midst of taking finals in December, Jaret Scharnhorst began making the trek from Springfield to Jefferson City and back. He hadn’t even graduated, but he was already working in the Capitol, making himself a valuable asset to two state representatives.

Scharnhorst, 22, serves as a legislative aide to conservative legislators Phil Christofanelli and Derek Grier.

“I really want to get the government out of people’s way,” Scharnhorst said. “I’m all about limited government and letting people have freedom — the freedom to own and grow a business and lead their own communities and lives without excessive interference.”

Scharnhorst thought he wanted to be a history professor — and then former U.S. Congressman Ron Paul ran for president in 2012. He credits the libertarian icon as having “awakened” him from “being politically apathetic.” Scharnhorst got involved with the Young Americans for Liberty (YAL) student group, started his own own chapter at Missouri State University, and eventually became the YAL Missouri state chair.

It was through YAL that Scharnhorst met Christofanelli.

“Jaret is always one step ahead of me,” Christofanelli said. “He brings a dedication to the job that you often only find in older, career legislative aides, while at the same time he has a sophisticated knowledge of policy and a commitment to making Missouri a better place. His future in our state is bright.”

“Jaret is a tremendous asset to our office,” Grier said. “Professional, personable, pro-active, and a real joy to work with. There isn’t aj ob I’ve ever asked him to do that he hasn’t found a way to get done and done well. We are fortunate to have him on the team.”

Scharnhorst points to HB 2046, Grier’s license reciprocity bill, as something he’s particularly proud to have been involved with during his short time working in the House.

The bill was successfully signed into law earlier this year despite a shortened session due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“I really got to see a bill from start to finish and participated in it start to finish,” Scharnhorst said. “I’m extremely honored to help pass it.”

Ben Terrell loves to help Missourians. And as the legislative liaison for the Department of Labor — especially during a time when a pandemic has wreaked havoc on the economy — Terrell is doing just that.

Terrell, 24, spends a lot of his time working on unemployment issues at the department — from helping constituents with referrals from the legislature to implementing new federal programs. And with the ever-changing nature of the coronavirus, Terrell has become adept at innovation.

For Terrell, politics started as just a “fun hobby” while he was on a pre-med track at Truman State University. He joined the College Republicans and started to develop a passion for government at the same time he began to lose interest in what he was studying.

So Terrell started joining campaigns and lobbying with the College Republicans in the Capitol building. After college, he managed Craig Redmon’s state Senate campaign and joined the governor’s team. He had served on Parson’s lieutenant governor race as an intern in college, and on the day of the Senate primary election, got a call from his old boss to come back.

The position with the Department of Labor opened up for Terrell in January 2020.

“The big motivation at the core of all of it is getting to make positive changes in the state and help people, being involved in the conversation, and knowing what I’m doing is impacting folks,” Terrell said. “It makes me feel like I’m doing something, and I love that. It’s great to engage with legislators and other organizations who care so much about they’re doing, and it rubs off on me and gets me fired up.”

“Ben has the heart of a public servant,” Pat Thomas said. “I’ve known Ben for over four years. He’s a hard worker and willing to go the extra mile to make a better day for someone else. During this COVID crisis, he has to have had one of the toughest jobs, but he’s still greeting people with a smile on his voice.”

The legislative agenda had already been set when Terrell joined the Department of Labor earlier this year — so he’s particularly looking forward to rolling up his sleeves and getting to work on next year’s project.

Jaret Scharnhorst

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Jacob Scott

Ben Terrell

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Liberty Alliance executive director

Chris Vas

Legislative director for Sen. Caleb Rowden

Matt Thompson

Chris Vas has a passion for conservative grassroots, and it’s that drive has led him to help get Liberty Alliance, a conservative group, off the ground.

“I really think the most rewarding aspect of my day is helping to get the word out about what’s happening in the Capitol building to the conservative grassroots around the state and hold government officials accountable,” Vas, 23, said. “The great thing about this line of work is for the values and the views we have for our country and state, age doesn’t really affect those things.”

Vas grew up in the Chicago suburbs and started his political career campaigning for former Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner. He moved to Missouri for college in 2015 and became hooked on the Show-Me State.

“My experience here in Missouri is that a lot of elected officials are down to earth and genuine,” Vas said. “Every day since I’ve been in Missouri, what I strive to do is work really hard and further the mission and push Missouri in a more conservative direction while putting forth solutions to actually help families here in the state. “ Vas is a graduate of the University of Missouri where he studied journalism and political science. He’s spent several years working for U.S. Senator Roy Blunt, both on his re-election campaign in 2016 and in his Columbia office.

He has also worked with the Missouri Republican Party, working his way up to serve as its political director for the 2018 cycle before joining Liberty Alliance.

“Chris Vas is a generational talent. He is creative, focused, and hard-working,” attorney Todd Graves said. “We will see big things out of Chris.”

When it comes to his work in Missouri politics, Matt Thompson is highly versatile. At just 29 years old, Thompson has skillfully worked for several members in the Capitol building — from Rep. Travis Fitzwater to Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer — and served with the House Republican Campaign Committee in Kansas City.

And now, as the legislative director for Majority Floor Leader Caleb Rowden, has tailored his focus the legislative priorities of SD 19 — an area where he grew up.

“It’s honestly about having the opportunity to help a business or individual in the district. I help with the constituent side of things if I can,” Thompson said. “Living in the area and being from New Franklin, I spent a lot of time in Boonville. I get to deal with farmers and people I grew up with and have an impact on their lives.”

As a University of Missouri graduate, Thompson is particularly proud of the work Rowden’s office has been able to do in representing the Columbia area, especially when it comes to the budget process. It’s his district, making the work he does for SD 19 even more special.

“Matt is a great guy to have on your team,” Rowden said. “Knowledgable on a wide array of topics and always willing to do what it takes to get the job done!”

Thompson said he waivered a bit in college about what he wanted to do with his life, but government and legislation had always held his interest.

Palm Strategic Group fundraiser

Rachel Treppler

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Rachel Treppler is a natural when it comes to campaigning. After all, she’s been doing it since she was born, she says.

Treppler emulates her grandmother, the late Sen. Irene Treppler, a trailblazer who was the first Republican woman elected to the upper chamber.

Treppler fondly remembers her grandmother’s kindness toward everyone — no matter the political party — and is continuing her legacy of building bridges between both sides of the aisle.

“It’s an honor to walk in her footsteps as she paved the way for Republican woman,” Treppler said.

And as she follows in her grandmother’s footsteps, Treppler is paving the way for other young women in Missouri as well. At just 28 years old, Treppler has been involved with all facets of Missouri politics, from countless state legislature races to multiple ballot initiatives and statewide campaigns.

She’s worked in the Capitol and for the House Republican Campaign Committee and even spent some time lobbying.

Now, Treppler still works on campaigns, but it looks a little different. As a fundraiser for Palm Strategic Group, Treppler goes the extra mile for her clients, by making endless donor calls to organizing all events.

“I knew early on that I wanted to be involved in politics but I wasn’t sure what that would look like. After many different roles, I feel I’ve finally found my place. Fundraising was not something I considered, but now it’s feels like the perfect fit for me,” Treppler said. “My hope and goal in politics is to always encourage others and to be a positive light in a field that can be very stressful and demanding. At the end of the day, I feel so blessed to work alongside some of the best people in politics.”

Treppler has already made an indelible mark at Palm Strategic.

“Rachel has a wealth of experience working on campaigns, working in the Capitol, and fundraising for an impressive list of clients,” Scott Dieckhaus, a partner at the firm, said. “We are fortunate to count her as a key member of our Palm Strategic team!”

Democratic committee person

Brian Wingbermuehle

Brian Wingbermuehle was a senior at Rockwood Summit High School in 2018 when 17 people at another high school across the country were killed in what was the deadliest school shooting in U.S. history. Fourteen students — all about Wingbermuehle’s age — lost their lives that day, and he knew he had to do something.

Wingbermuehle helped organize a massive school workout in the St. Louis area, coinciding with a national day of protests, one month after the shooting. Nearly 1,000 people protested that day in St. Louis, and Wingbermuehle’s involvement in Missouri politics was underway.

Now 20 years old, Wingbermuehle was elected to the St. Louis County Democratic Central Committee in August where he serves as the youngest committee member.

“Here in Missouri especially, there is an insane amount of work that has to be done,” Wingbermuehle said. “There’s a laundry list of things that need to be taken care of, from Medicaid expansion to access to abortion to our skyrocketing gun violence. People in Missouri are ready for a change. I’m excited to play whatever part I can in that change.”

Wingbermuehle’s dedication to Missouri Democrats and progressive ideas is paramount.

He worked on Cort VanOstran’s congressional campaign as a teenager. At one point, he would knock doors for VanOstran in the mornings and continue knocking doors in the afternoon for NARAL, advocating for Clean Missouri and a minimum wage increase.

Then he’d wake up and do it all over again.

“People should get up every day and see something that is wrong and try to fix it,” Wingbermuehle said. “You get up every day and if someone is doing something that’s just not right, you have to do everything you can to make it better.”

Jamie Manker, a social studies teacher at Rockwood Summit, said she remembered Wingbermuehle working “tirelessly to create positive change” when she taught him world history.

“Over the years, he has leaned into the hard and unglamorous world of community organizing and advocating for local policy development to amplify the voice of others,” Manker said.

“Always working and never sleeping to create justice, equality, love, and support for the greatest number of people. It has been such a gift for me to watch his work over the years.”

Wingbermuehle is working towards a political science degree and founded the Missouri Biodiversity Project, which focuses on the conservation of native plants, in January. And in the middle of August, his work as a committee person began.

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Lawmakers under 30 These two legislators are still under 30 but are making huge waves already in the Capitol. Get to know both of these representatives because they’re sure to continue garnering respect and attention as their careers continue.

Rasheen Aldridge, representative and activist KAITLYN SCHALLHORN

Rep. Rasheen Aldridge has served as a lawmaker for less than a year, but his passion and dedication to his community is nearly unparalleled. Having been involved in social justice and activism in St. Louis for years, he’s taken his drive and goals with him to Jefferson City.

In his first year in the Missouri Legislature, Aldridge championed a tax credit for new businesses in a distressed area and worked with Sen. Jamilah Nasheed in the upper chamber on a bill to allow people on probation and parole to be able to vote. Their legislation, which would have impacted about 60,000 Missourians, is something the 26-year-old said he’s particularly proud of.

Aldridge isn’t afraid to speak up for what he believes is right — whether that’s on the House floor or in demonstrations in St. Louis and Jefferson City. He’s organized

multiple protests, which grow in size each time, in the capital city throughout the duration of the special session to address violent crime.

Aldridge and the group have argued high-crime areas like St. Louis need more community resources like greater access to health care and education and a higher minimum wage. They also demonstrated against a juvenile certification bill brought up during the special session.

“This is important because instead of just protesting in our own cities, we came together for many weeks from the Jefferson City streets to the Senate and House chambers to attempt to be part of the process,” Aldridge said.

“People are tired of rhetoric

and not real criminal justice reform,” Aldridge has said.

In the House, Aldridge serves on the Budget and Children and Families committees as well as the Special Committee on Disease Control and Prevention and the Subcommittee on Appropriations - Public Safety, Corrections, Transportation and Revenue.

“Rep. Aldridge came into the legislature ready to work,” House Minority Leader Crystal Quade said.

“Having been an activist in his community for years, he knew exactly what his district wanted from him. He brings such fresh and bold ideas to everything we do. It’s truly an honor to serve with him.”

Prior to being elected as the representative for HD 78, Al-

dridge was involved in a number of social movements in the St. Louis area. He was instrumental in the “Fight for Fifteen” campaign advocating for a higher minimum wage, as well as the Ferguson movement, during which he served on the Ferguson Commission.

Aldridge was elected to serve HD 78 in a special election in 2019. And in his first legislative session, Aldridge was able to guide a bill designating April as Limb Lost Awareness Month through the committee process and onto the House floor. (As the legislative session was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the bill ultimately stalled.)

With his first legislative session under his belt, it’s clear Aldridge is going to be a loud and respected voice reverberating in the Capitol for years to come.

Dirk Deaton, youngest legislator and constant student KAITLYN SCHALLHORN Rep. Dirk Deaton says he has always been “a party person, a true believer.” But he’s also curious, a fastidious learner who has “studied a bit of everything” so far in life.

Deaton was elected to the House in 2018 — making him one of the youngest members in state history to join the legislature. But his young age hasn’t kept him from making an impact in the General Assembly.

“Dirk is the model legislator: serious, transparent, hardworking, an excellent steward of the taxpayers’ money, and of the highest moral character,” House Speaker Elijah Haahr said. “Most people aspire to be the person the public thinks they are. Dirk is

that and more.”

In the legislature, Deaton, now 26, is particularly proud of his work successfully amending the budget to provide additional funds for Crowder College to expand its nursing program. Deaton’s efforts for the Neosho school were recognized by the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) which granted him the 2019 Distinguished Legislator Award in November.

Deaton attended Crowder College, as well as Missouri Southern State University, before he graduated with a humanities degree from

Liberty University.

“I have a wide array of interests so I put them all together. It wasn’t a means to an end. I put a great value on my education and feel it’s an investment in yourself,” Deaton has said. “I wanted to learn as much as I could about many different things which I think serves you well as a legislator.”

Before joining the legislature, Deaton served as the president of the McDonald County Republican Club and is one of the founders of the Noel Betterment Association, a group that helps the town with holiday events and other

needs.

“In my mind, for someone who is for small government, we have to put our money where our mouth is,” Deaton said. “If we say this can be done by private groups and organizations, we need to show that is possible.”

Deaton represents HD 159, which includes McDonald and Newton counties, and works tirelessly to make sure his district nestled in the southwest corner of the state isn’t forgotten.

In the House, he serves on the Budget, Consent and House Procedure, and Fiscal Review committees as well as the multiple appropriations subcommittees and the Career Readiness and Government Oversight special committees.

PHOTO BY: TIM BOMMEL

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