Segment 1 beginning at 4:56: Broadband access is being expanded in Missouri to ensure residents have access to essential services.
Expanding broadband access has been a top priority for a number of states including Missouri according to a recent PEW Charitable Trust's brief. The pandemic has highlighted where gaps in access exist as working from home has become a necessity for many households. Governor Mike Parson said he wants to ensure Missourians have access to telehealth, education, and telework.
- Anna Read, research officer, PEW Charitable Trust Broadband Research Institute
- Zora Mulligan, commissioner of higher education in Missouri
Segment 2, beginning at 27:12: This past election Kansans and Missourians broke barriers by electing the first trans person and first Asian American woman respectively.
Emily Weber was voted in as a state representative in Missouri making her the first Asian American woman in the state legislature. In Kansas, Stephanie Byers will be the first openly trans person serving in the statehouse. Byers is also thought to be the first in the Midwest and first trans person of color elected to a state office nationwide.
- Emily Weber, representative-elect, Missouri District 24
- Stephanie Byers, representative-elect, Kansas District 86
