The Missouri Independent

The Missouri Independent was founded in October 2020 with a mission to fill the gap in state Capitol coverage created by downsizing newsrooms. This nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization focuses on in-depth, enterprise reporting in the public interest, and provides that work at no charge to readers and other news organizations around the state. It is the largest news organization solely focused on state government and politics in Missouri.

Current Position

Location: Jefferson City, Missouri

Beat: Holes in the state's social safety net

Position:

Over the last two decades, Missouri has decimated its safety net programs, adding eligibility requirements, reducing staffing, and making it harder for Missourians to navigate an understaffed bureaucracy. Agencies like the children’s division, which is tasked with protecting children from abuse, struggle with low pay and staffing shortages. This multimedia reporter tells the stories of the people desperate for help. Working to unspool the issues, the reporter explains the ramifications for communities around the state, and delves into possible solutions.

Reporter: Clara Bates