Public health policy shapes how communities prevent disease, respond to emerging challenges, and build healthier futures. While much of public health happens locally, in clinics, health departments, schools, and community organizations, state policy plays a critical role in ensuring those efforts have the tools, resources, and systems they need to succeed.

 

Each legislative session presents opportunities to strengthen Missouri’s public health system. The Missouri Public Health Institute works alongside local public health agencies, state leaders, and partners across the state to support policies that improve the health and well-being of Missourians. These priorities focus on practical solutions that help communities respond more effectively to local needs while ensuring strong accountability and stewardship of public resources.

 

To help bring these priorities to life, Kelly McGowan, Policy and Membership Engagement Manager at the Institute, has shared their perspective on one of the Institute’s key legislative priorities for the 2026 session. The reflections below highlight why these issues matter and how thoughtful policy can support stronger public health systems for communities across Missouri.

 

“When I first started working for the Institute in 2023, I was surprised to learn how outdated our state’s processes were in determining the placement and size of sewage tanks. Current best practice in how this is determined paints a more accurate picture in placement and size of those structures, which can have detrimental health impacts if those determinations are inaccurate.  Our state does not adhere to those best practices. However, one of our legislative priorities is championing the passage of legislation that will ensure our state’s practices are updated.

 

In addition to that, the wastewater language we are championing would also enhance capacity to ensure this effort is sustained. This includes ensuring that those tasked with this work are given the tools through training and continuing education to implement those current assessments. With similar training and continuing education being the expectation across the board, this ensures that this effort is standardized. Our proposed legislation eliminates the cap on fees for on-site sewage modification and repair permits, providing DHSS with the flexibility to establish fees that cover administrative costs and produce revenue. This change could help ensure sustainable funding for the program while preventing excessive fees.

 

As the saying goes, “Once you know better, you do better.” This legislative priority supports the state in doing just that. I firmly believe that incorporating best practice and providing supports that ensure such efforts can be sustained shows our state working to do better. The health of Missourians is well worth that effort.”