BILL NUMBER: DATE: HEC 1 2/20/2025 COMMITTEE: Elections TESTIFYING: IN SUPPORT OF IN OPPOSITION TO FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES
WITNESS NAME INDIVIDUAL: WITNESS NAME: PHONE NUMBER: KINSEY KELLER BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION NAME: TITLE:
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EMAIL: ATTENDANCE: SUBMIT DATE: kkeller5@missouriwestern.edu Written 2/20/2025 2:16 PM THE INFORMATION ON THIS FORM IS PUBLIC RECORD UNDER CHAPTER 610, RSMo. This bill is an essential step in removing unnecessary barriers to licensure and ensuring that qualified, competent social work professionals can enter the workforce in a timely manner. Students who graduate from these programs have completed rigorous coursework and field experiences that prepare them for professional practice. However, under current regulations, these graduates are unable to sit for the LMSW exam until their program is fully accredited, delaying their ability to obtain licensure, gain employment, and engage in clinical supervision. This restriction places an undue burden on graduates and exacerbates the existing workforce shortage in the social work field.Allowing MSW graduates from pre-candidacy or candidacy programs to sit for the LMSW exam aligns with best practices in the profession. Early licensure enables social workers to begin accumulating supervised clinical hours, enhancing their skills and competency while ensuring they receive the necessary professional guidance. This change would also bring Missouri in line with other states that recognize the importance of facilitating a smooth transition from education to licensure for MSW graduates.Passing HB 268 is not only a practical solution to an existing barrier but also a necessary step toward strengthening Missouri’s behavioral health workforce. Social workers play a critical role in addressing mental health challenges, substance use disorders, child welfare concerns, and other social issues affecting our communities. By eliminating this licensure barrier, we can support emerging social workers in obtaining the credentials they need to serve individuals and families across our state.For me personally, I have worked very hard to expand my knowledge and experience to help set me up for success. I have wanted to work in mental health counseling since childhood. I am now in a position where I am doing that under supervision, but many times my supervisor and I have discussed the barriers I will face if I graduate before the program becomes accredited. If I am unable to sit for the lisencure exam I will be unable to advance my career until accredition is met. With the passing of this bill I will be able to transition smoothly from a MSW student to a LMSW then to a LCSW. I want to work to make my community a better place, but without being able to move forward that process becomes delayed and with a shortage of social workers, many people will have to do without services for longer. MISSOURI HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WITNESS APPEARANCE FORM
BILL NUMBER: DATE: HEC 1 2/20/2025 COMMITTEE: Elections TESTIFYING: IN SUPPORT OF IN OPPOSITION TO FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES
WITNESS NAME INDIVIDUAL: WITNESS NAME: PHONE NUMBER: TAMARA VANG BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION NAME: TITLE:
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EMAIL: ATTENDANCE: SUBMIT DATE: tami.vang@icloud.com Written 2/14/2025 11:47 AM THE INFORMATION ON THIS FORM IS PUBLIC RECORD UNDER CHAPTER 610, RSMo. Dear Members of the Missouri House of Representatives,My name is Tami Vang, and I am writing to express my strong support for House Bill 268. As a Master of Social Work (MSW) student, a nonprofit leader, and a Certified Reciprocal Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CRADC) and Missouri Advanced Recovery Specialist (MARS), I believe this bill is crucial for the advancement of social work education and practice in our state.House Bill 268, which modifies provisions relating to master's social work degree programs, is a significant step forward in ensuring that our social work education system meets the evolving needs of our communities. This bill will enhance the quality of social work education by providing more comprehensive and specialized training for future social workers.As an MSW student, I have firsthand experience with the challenges and opportunities within our current educational framework. This bill will address gaps in our curriculum, ensuring that students receive the necessary training to effectively serve diverse populations and address complex social issues.In my role as a nonprofit leader, I see the critical need for well-trained social workers who can navigate the complexities of our social service systems. House Bill 268 will help produce graduates who are better equipped to lead and innovate within our sector, ultimately improving the quality of services provided to our communities.Furthermore, as a CRADC and MARS, I understand the importance of specialized training in addressing substance use disorders and promoting recovery. This bill will support the development of advanced training programs that are essential for preparing social workers to meet the needs of individuals and families affected by addiction.In conclusion, I urge you to support House Bill 268. This legislation is vital for the future of social work education and practice in Missouri. By passing this bill, you will be investing in the development of a highly skilled and competent social work workforce that is essential for the well-being of our communities.Thank you for your consideration.Sincerely,Tami VangMSW StudentKCBMHI COOCRADC, LAC, MARS MISSOURI HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WITNESS APPEARANCE FORM
BILL NUMBER: DATE: HEC 1 2/20/2025 COMMITTEE: Elections TESTIFYING: IN SUPPORT OF IN OPPOSITION TO FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES
WITNESS NAME INDIVIDUAL: WITNESS NAME: PHONE NUMBER: LAURA BURKHARDT BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION NAME: TITLE:
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EMAIL: ATTENDANCE: SUBMIT DATE: laburkhardt3@gmail.com Written 2/20/2025 12:53 PM THE INFORMATION ON THIS FORM IS PUBLIC RECORD UNDER CHAPTER 610, RSMo. Regardless of the claims made in this petition, the Missouri General Assembly has a history of not requiring lawmakers to live in their district.In 2020, Rep. Nick Schroer, R-St. Charles County, purchased a home for his family outside of his House district — while “claiming” residency, away from his wife and young daughters, in his district via a lease to live in the basement of an 86 year old woman’s home.Just last year, in 2024, Senator Mary Elizabeth Coleman moved from her home in Jefferson County into a new home in St. Louis City, miles and miles from the district she represents. I haven’t seen any movement on petitioning this breach of policy. Missouri law requires the attorney general to “reside at the seat of government.” In 2017, newly elected Attorney General Joshua Hawley lived in Boone County. Republican legislators promptly filed bills to repeal the Jefferson City residency requirement. Instead, Hawley put his name on the lease of an apartment in Jefferson City, while keeping his residence in Boone County.When Joshua Hawley advanced to U.S. Senator, it became known that he had a house in Virginia, where he lived with his wife and children, while using his sister’s house in Missouri as his mailing address.Again, I don’t know all of the facts of this petition, but this residency rule has become more and more blurred over the years. 5,389 Missouri voters in House District 132 voted for Representative Dean. It would be a grave injustice to strip them of their votes, especially knowing the history of enforcing residency requirements in Missouri. The general assembly would be better served clarifying the rules, clearing up any confusion, communicate this effectively to all Missourians, and apply equal enforcement moving forward. MISSOURI HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WITNESS APPEARANCE FORM
BILL NUMBER: DATE: HEC 1 2/20/2025 COMMITTEE: Elections TESTIFYING: IN SUPPORT OF IN OPPOSITION TO FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES
WITNESS NAME INDIVIDUAL: WITNESS NAME: PHONE NUMBER: SUSAN GIBSON BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION NAME: TITLE:
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EMAIL: ATTENDANCE: SUBMIT DATE: Onesuegibson@protonmail.com Written 2/15/2025 7:04 PM THE INFORMATION ON THIS FORM IS PUBLIC RECORD UNDER CHAPTER 610, RSMo. Precedent set by Nick Schroer. While I support the residency requirement, it cannot apply only to Democrats and not to Republicans. MISSOURI HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WITNESS APPEARANCE FORM
BILL NUMBER: DATE: HEC 1 2/20/2025 COMMITTEE: Elections TESTIFYING: IN SUPPORT OF IN OPPOSITION TO FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES
WITNESS NAME INDIVIDUAL: WITNESS NAME: PHONE NUMBER: TINA J TASOULAS BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION NAME: TITLE:
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EMAIL: ATTENDANCE: SUBMIT DATE: tinamina78@gmail.com Written 2/19/2025 12:41 PM THE INFORMATION ON THIS FORM IS PUBLIC RECORD UNDER CHAPTER 610, RSMo.