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““I am ashamed that our building is not ADA-compliant,” Baringer said. “This is the people’s house and this is the people’s money. I am passionate about getting this done.”
Post Dispatch Article HERE
In 2017 when I was sworn into office there was one blaring issue in our Capitol, it is not ADA compliant. Because we have mezzanines on the 1st floor of the capital my own mother could not get up the steps to visit my office. I set out to find out why it was not ADA compliant. Any upgrading of the state capitol facility falls under the Capitol Commission. Ultimately, the Commission is charged with the preservation of the Capitol. Included under that charge, of course, are the renovations and restorations necessary for not only the aesthetic of the building but also the safety and accessibility of those who use it. The MSCC is composed of the commissioner of the Office of Administration; four members of the legislature – two from the Senate and two from the House of Representatives, with equal representation for both the majority and minority party; an employee of the Senate; an employee of the House; and two members appointed by the governor, with the consent of the Senate. In addition, the lieutenant governor serves as an ex officio member of the commission. There are 10 commissioners in total. As such, it is the commission that must take action to rectify the ADA violations and states of disrepair throughout the capitol.
In 2019, when the Democratic House position on the commission became vacant, I requested to serve on it with the goal of ensuring ADA compliance for the Capitol. One of the initial achievements was making committee hearing rooms accessible by installing ramps. However, further improvements were necessary. Historically, the Capitol commission had faced challenges in upgrading the building due to funding constraints. Additionally, changes in ADA requirements shifted the focus from the consequences of inaccessibility to the intent to disadvantage disabled individuals, making it harder to demonstrate non-compliance. Although significant parts of the Capitol remain inaccessible without stairs, the elevators are deemed to meet current ADA standards according to the Missouri Capitol Historic Structure Report. This assessment complicates efforts to secure funding for comprehensive accessibility upgrades.
The urgency of making the Missouri Capitol accessible was further highlighted in 2021 when an incoming freshman, due to bone cancer, required the use of crutches or a wheelchair. The lack of handicap parking near the Capitol, except outside in the circle, posed significant challenges, particularly during inclement weather like snow and ice in January and February when legislative session is in progress. In my role as the Democratic Chair of the Administration and Accounts committee, I serve as house leadership. Because of this I had access to a heated parking spot underneath the Capitol. However, I forfeited this spot to accommodate Rep. Walsh Moore's needs, recognizing the importance of prioritizing accessibility. This act of solidarity set a precedent, and in 2023, when another member of our party became permanently disabled and unable to use an escalator or park outside, our Democratic floor leader, Crystal Quade, also relinquished her leadership parking spot to address the accessibility needs within the party. These actions underscore the commitment of Democratic leadership to prioritize accessibility and inclusivity within the Missouri Capitol, despite the ongoing challenges and limitations in infrastructure.
The urgency of making the Missouri Capitol accessible was further highlighted in 2021 when an incoming freshman, due to bone cancer, required the use of crutches or a wheelchair. The lack of handicap parking near the Capitol, except outside in the circle, posed significant challenges, particularly during inclement weather like snow and ice in January and February when legislative session is in progress. As the Democratic Chair of the Administration and Accounts committee and a member of House leadership, I had access to a heated parking spot underneath the Capitol. However, I forfeited this spot to accommodate Rep. Walsh Moore's needs, recognizing the importance of prioritizing accessibility. This act of solidarity set a precedent, and in 2023, when another member of our party became permanently disabled and unable to use an escalator or park outside, our Democratic floor leader, Crystal Quade, also relinquished her leadership parking spot to address the accessibility needs within the party. These actions underscore the commitment of Democratic leadership to prioritize accessibility and inclusivity within the Missouri Capitol, despite the ongoing challenges and limitations in infrastructure.
(Disabled Lawmakers Challenges State News | columbiamissourian.com).
This House belongs to the people, and though elected officials come and go, it stands forever as a symbol of our collective heritage. Preserving our beautiful capital for the next hundred years to come and ensuring accessibility for all, is crucial. The momentum to kickstart this project and secure funding is here and will only be such at this moment. I'm bringing attention to this to underscore my dedication to prioritizing vital infrastructure without delay.
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