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Heart Attack and Stroke Symptoms

It’s Almost Time: Missouri’s legislative session starts Jan. 7th!

On December 1st, Missouri’s General Assembly started filing bills for the 2026 legislative session, which officially begins on January 7th. With critical decisions on the horizon, now is the time to prepare for meaningful engagement and action. In 2026, we will focus on four primary goals:

  1. Funding Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs) – Securing additional funding would ensure schools have resources to implement CERPs. These funds would be used to purchase and maintain automated external defibrillators (AEDs), train staff in CPR, among other things.
  2. Protecting Access to Health Care – It is critical that access to health care is sustained, and Medicaid is protected. We will oppose legislation that would hinder Missourians’ ability to access quality health care.
  3. Reducing Tobacco Use – Advocating to sustain tobacco cessation funding will support programming like the Missouri Quitline, ensuring individuals have the tools to help them stop smoking. We will also be advocating against legislation that would preempt and roll back local tobacco laws.
  4. Expanding Double Up Food Bucks – Supporting additional funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Double Up Food Bucks program. This would provide Missourians who use SNAP with twice as much money to spend on produce at farmers’ markets and local grocers.

Your voice matters! As an American Heart Association Heart Powered advocate, you can help shape Missouri’s laws and make your community healthier. Keep an eye on your inbox for simple actions that make a big difference. Together, we can ensure Missouri’s leaders prioritize health.