“Especially in our current political landscape, it’s critical that progressives in the ‘Missouri diaspora’ do all we can to connect with and support progressive leaders, organizations, and grassroots efforts in the Show Me State. We refuse to write off our home-state, and there’s good reason not to: I’m excited about what leaders in Missouri are doing — despite the overall red-state trend — to win better wages, fairer criminal justice policies, and a stronger democracy. Those of us living outside the state have a strong opportunity to help bridge the political divide, to bolster progressive infrastructure, and to support Missouri leaders who are building a better future for our home state and our country”