June 16, 2026
Letter from the Advocacy Director
Dear MODDC Advocate,
On June 3, we held our first “Coffee for Change” event in Perryville, MO. We had fun, talked about what advocacy means, practiced writing to legislators, and enjoyed some tasty donuts. If you want to join a future Coffee for Change event, you can find them on the Coffee for Change page of the MODDC website.
If you’re looking to take action, there are several opportunities listed in this newsletter, including this one. If you want to take action, this is a great time. Your state legislators are home in your community from now through December. You can ask to meet with them, share your concerns as a disability advocate, and build strong relationships. Find your legislators here.
Let’s keep our advocacy in MOtion!
Christina Ingoglia
Policy Advocacy Director
Photos from the Coffee for Change event held in Perryville on June 3, 2026
Missouri Budget Update
We do not know what the state budget bills will look like after Governor Kehoe reviews them. Budget bills work a little differently from regular bills. The Governor has until June 30, 2026 to sign them, change them, cut some money, or put back items he suggested in January.
As you know, we were worried about the cuts in the Governor’s proposed budget. These cuts affected self-directed support personal assistance, medical personal assistance rates, and day program provider rates. Thanks to your advocacy, the legislature added this money back in. But the Governor can still change these rates.
If you want to tell the Governor why these services matter to you, you can contact the Governor’s Office.
504 Lawsuit Update – Texas v. Kennedy
Missouri is still part of the Texas vs. Kennedy lawsuit, which many people call the 504 lawsuit. In the last few weeks, South Dakota, Indiana, and Kansas left the lawsuit. Missouri is now one of only six states still in it. We believe this case could hurt people with disabilities and make it harder for them to get the services they need to live in their homes and communities.
Learn more about the lawsuit and complete an action alert! The action alert provides a way for you to send your own message to Governor Kehoe and Attorney General Hannaway.
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