LEBANON, MO — In a candid and wide-ranging interview aired live at noon on Lebanon Now, State Representative Melissa Schmidt sat down with Ryan Sherrer to reflect on her first legislative session in the Missouri House. The conversation offered viewers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the motivations, challenges, and accomplishments of the freshman lawmaker, who represents parts of Laclede, Wright, Douglas, and Webster counties.
Schmidt, a longtime community advocate and former educator, said her decision to run for office was 30 years in the making. “It was a goal I set decades ago, but I waited until my kids were grown,” she said. “Serving in the legislature just felt like a natural extension of how I’ve always worked to help my community.”
Despite not being a fan of politics itself, Schmidt emphasized that her focus is on service and solving real problems. “I don’t love politics, but I love helping people. That’s why I ran. I was willing to tolerate the politics because I thought I could do good.”
The interview quickly turned to what surprised her most about Jefferson City. “Not everyone is there for the same reasons,” she admitted. “That was disheartening. But I’m committed to making sure the people’s voice stays at the center of everything I do.”
Schmidt spoke at length about the dual nature of her job: legislative work at the Capitol and direct constituent services at home. She highlighted efforts to assist tornado victims, fix passport delays for local mission trips, and expedite services for veterans. “Most people don’t realize that so much of our job is being boots on the ground,” she said. “Helping people is my favorite part of this role.”
Among her legislative accomplishments, Schmidt spotlighted three key bills awaiting Governor Kehoe’s signature:
HB 737 – Foster Care Pension Protection: This bill ensures that foster children can access pension funds left by deceased parents—money that had previously been absorbed by the state. “It’s 8 to 10 million dollars a year that will now go to the kids, where it belongs,” Schmidt said.
Zero-Cost Adoption Act: Establishes a fund to eliminate the cost barrier to adoption in Missouri, with priority given to foster care adoptions. It also includes provisions for post-adoption services to support long-term success.
Workforce Development in Childcare: A regulatory reform bill designed to make it easier to open childcare facilities and get people back to work. “It’s about removing unnecessary barriers without sacrificing safety,” she noted.
Schmidt, who plans to serve all eight years of her term limit if re-elected, said she’s already planning for next session. Her focus includes tackling veteran homelessness and continuing to reform Missouri’s foster care system—both through legislation and direct collaboration with state agencies.
On controversial issues, Schmidt didn’t shy away. She discussed recent changes to Amendment 3, the abortion-related constitutional measure that voters approved last year. “Some people didn’t fully understand what they were voting for,” she said. “We clarified the language around healthcare provider regulations and parental consent. Now it will go back to the voters.”
She also addressed Proposition A, the “Workers Bill,” which originally guaranteed sick leave and raised the minimum wage. Schmidt explained the legislature’s decision to maintain the wage increase but scale back mandated sick leave for part-time employees. “It was about compromise,” she said. “We had to balance what workers want with what small businesses can realistically afford.”
Sherrer stated with concerns that it appeared the legislature sided with business over workers. Schmidt acknowledged the tension. “I’ve signed both the front and back of a paycheck. I know what it means to run a business and what it means to be an employee. It’s a delicate balance, and we’re trying to get it right.”
Throughout the interview Schmidt emphasized the importance of direct civic involvement. “Government is supposed to be a reflection of its people, not a machine that serves itself,” Sherrer said. Schmidt encouraged constituents to reach out. “My email and Facebook are open. I want to hear from you. Your voice does matter.”
She closed the interview by reaffirming her commitment to staying grounded. “The best advice I got came from the governor: ‘Don’t let this role change you.’ I remind myself of that every single day.”
Schmidt can be reached at Melissa.Schmidt@house.mo.gov or on Facebook at Melissa Schmidt for Missouri.
Schmidt, a longtime community advocate and former educator, said her decision to run for office was 30 years in the making. “It was a goal I set decades ago, but I waited until my kids were grown,” she said. “Serving in the legislature just felt like a natural extension of how I’ve always worked to help my community.”
Despite not being a fan of politics itself, Schmidt emphasized that her focus is on service and solving real problems. “I don’t love politics, but I love helping people. That’s why I ran. I was willing to tolerate the politics because I thought I could do good.”
The interview quickly turned to what surprised her most about Jefferson City. “Not everyone is there for the same reasons,” she admitted. “That was disheartening. But I’m committed to making sure the people’s voice stays at the center of everything I do.”
Schmidt spoke at length about the dual nature of her job: legislative work at the Capitol and direct constituent services at home. She highlighted efforts to assist tornado victims, fix passport delays for local mission trips, and expedite services for veterans. “Most people don’t realize that so much of our job is being boots on the ground,” she said. “Helping people is my favorite part of this role.”
Among her legislative accomplishments, Schmidt spotlighted three key bills awaiting Governor Kehoe’s signature:
HB 737 – Foster Care Pension Protection: This bill ensures that foster children can access pension funds left by deceased parents—money that had previously been absorbed by the state. “It’s 8 to 10 million dollars a year that will now go to the kids, where it belongs,” Schmidt said.
Zero-Cost Adoption Act: Establishes a fund to eliminate the cost barrier to adoption in Missouri, with priority given to foster care adoptions. It also includes provisions for post-adoption services to support long-term success.
Workforce Development in Childcare: A regulatory reform bill designed to make it easier to open childcare facilities and get people back to work. “It’s about removing unnecessary barriers without sacrificing safety,” she noted.
Schmidt, who plans to serve all eight years of her term limit if re-elected, said she’s already planning for next session. Her focus includes tackling veteran homelessness and continuing to reform Missouri’s foster care system—both through legislation and direct collaboration with state agencies.
On controversial issues, Schmidt didn’t shy away. She discussed recent changes to Amendment 3, the abortion-related constitutional measure that voters approved last year. “Some people didn’t fully understand what they were voting for,” she said. “We clarified the language around healthcare provider regulations and parental consent. Now it will go back to the voters.”
She also addressed Proposition A, the “Workers Bill,” which originally guaranteed sick leave and raised the minimum wage. Schmidt explained the legislature’s decision to maintain the wage increase but scale back mandated sick leave for part-time employees. “It was about compromise,” she said. “We had to balance what workers want with what small businesses can realistically afford.”
Sherrer stated with concerns that it appeared the legislature sided with business over workers. Schmidt acknowledged the tension. “I’ve signed both the front and back of a paycheck. I know what it means to run a business and what it means to be an employee. It’s a delicate balance, and we’re trying to get it right.”
Throughout the interview Schmidt emphasized the importance of direct civic involvement. “Government is supposed to be a reflection of its people, not a machine that serves itself,” Sherrer said. Schmidt encouraged constituents to reach out. “My email and Facebook are open. I want to hear from you. Your voice does matter.”
She closed the interview by reaffirming her commitment to staying grounded. “The best advice I got came from the governor: ‘Don’t let this role change you.’ I remind myself of that every single day.”
Schmidt can be reached at Melissa.Schmidt@house.mo.gov or on Facebook at Melissa Schmidt for Missouri.