Statement from Gillian Helm, CEO of Literacy KC
Dear Literacy KC Supporters,
I am reaching out today regarding the urgent impact of the 2025 Executive Orders (EO) signed by President Trump, which could pose a significant threat to the progress we have made in providing adult education, literacy, and language services to our community. Earlier this week, an EO freezing federal funding along with a memo from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) was released and funding was temporarily frozen. While it is early in the process and the OMB memo has been rightfully rescinded, the President has stated that the EO will remain in effect as legal challenges continue. Thus, we are closely monitoring the legal challenges to the executive orders that have arisen and may arise in the coming days, weeks, and months. This particular order, along with others, stand to directly harm the lives of the 1,300 adult learners who are working tirelessly to earn their high school diplomas, secure better job opportunities, and build brighter futures for themselves and their families.
Alongside these learners, our dedicated staff of 70 individuals work every day to support these students, guiding them through one of the most challenging and rewarding journeys of their lives. These families depend on the opportunities provided through our programs, and these policies threaten to strip away the resources necessary for their success.
The benefits of completing these educational programs reach far beyond the individual. When students earn their diplomas and secure stable, well-paying jobs, they not only improve their own lives but also contribute significantly to the local economy. Studies consistently show that adults with a high school diploma earn more, are less reliant on public assistance, and are more likely to invest back into their communities through increased spending, homeownership, and local business growth. These students become self-sufficient, tax-paying citizens who strengthen the fabric of our neighborhoods. The potential economic impact of supporting their education cannot be overstated.
Additionally, workforce development programs play a critical role in bridging the gap between education and employment by equipping learners with the skills and training necessary to thrive in today’s job market. These programs provide industry-specific certifications, career readiness training, and direct job placement support, ensuring that students not only obtain credentials but also secure sustainable employment. By cutting funding and resources for these initiatives, these executive orders will hinder economic mobility and workforce growth, disproportionately affecting individuals who are striving for financial independence and stability. Investing in workforce development is an investment in the economic resilience of our entire community.
Equally concerning are threats to Medicaid, food assistance programs, and other vital social services that keep individuals and families healthy and stable. Many of our students depend on Medicaid for healthcare, SNAP benefits to put food on the table, and housing assistance to stay in safe and stable homes while working toward their education and career goals. Cutting these essential federal programs will create even greater barriers to success, making it harder for students to attend classes, care for their families, and stay healthy enough to pursue employment. No one can learn or work effectively if they are hungry, sick, or struggling to keep a roof over their head.
We are at a critical juncture. Without continued support, these learners risk being left behind, missing the chance to improve their lives and contribute even more meaningfully to our community. I ask you to stand with us in this fight. Please contact your Missouri State legislators and urge them to apply pressure on Missouri’s Congressional delegation to protect federal assistance programs that keep our students and their families housed and fed. Additionally, we must advocate for continued state-level support of adult education and workforce development programs.
Your voice is powerful, and with your support, we can push back against these harmful policies and ensure that education, healthcare, and basic needs remain a beacon of justice, for those who need them most.
At Literacy KC, we know that education is social justice and our mission remains steadfast: to empower adults to build the skills they need to not only become self-sufficient, but to thrive. And we can’t do this essential work alone. Every supporting hand helps. Find out how to volunteer here. And every dollar counts now more than ever. Provide a gift to Literacy KC here.
Thank you for your continued dedication to our mission.
With gratitude,
Gillian Helm
CEO, Literacy KC
Contact info for your Missouri State Senator and Representative can be found here.
Talking Points to convey to your Legislators
1. Protect Access to Adult Education and Literacy Programs
- The 2025 Executive Orders threaten essential adult education and literacy programs that serve over 1,300 adult learners in Missouri.
- Cutting funding for these programs will harm working families who are striving for economic stability and self-sufficiency.
- Investing in adult education helps reduce poverty, improve workforce participation, and create more self-sufficient individuals.
2. Support Workforce Development for Economic Growth
- Workforce development programs provide job training, industry certifications, and employment support, helping learners transition into stable careers.
- Investing in workforce development strengthens Missouri’s economy by addressing labor shortages and boosting local businesses.
- Without these programs, many individuals will remain stuck in low-wage jobs, unable to advance in their careers or support their families.
3. Protect Medicaid and Vital Federal Assistance Programs
- Many adult learners rely on Medicaid, SNAP (food assistance), and housing support while completing their education and training.
- Cutting these federal programs would force individuals to choose between healthcare, food, and education, making it harder for them to succeed.
- Missouri state legislators must apply pressure on Missouri’s Congressional delegation to protect these essential federal programs.
- Healthy, well-fed individuals are better equipped to learn, work, and contribute to society—these programs are an investment in public health and economic mobility.
4. The Economic Benefits of Adult Education and Assistance Programs
- Adults with a high school diploma earn higher wages, contribute more in taxes, and invest back into their communities.
- Cutting adult education and assistance programs will increase reliance on emergency services and social safety nets in the long run, costing taxpayers more.
- Every dollar spent on education and workforce development saves money by reducing unemployment and dependency on public aid.
5. Urge Lawmakers to Take Action
- Missouri state legislators must oppose harmful cuts and advocate for continued or increased state-level funding for adult education and workforce development programs.
- They must also urge Missouri’s Congressional delegation to protect federal assistance programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and housing support that keep our students and their families healthy and housed.
- Tell your legislator: “I urge you to protect state funding for adult education and workforce development and to pressure Missouri’s Congressional delegation to defend Medicaid, SNAP, and housing assistance from harmful cuts.”
Legislator Contact Script
Phone Script
“Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I am a [concerned citizen/supporter of adult education/community member] in [Your City]. I am calling to urge [Legislator’s Name] to protect funding for adult education and workforce development programs at the state level. Additionally, I ask that [Legislator’s Name] apply pressure on Missouri’s Congressional delegation to defend Medicaid, SNAP, and housing assistance from harmful cuts.
These programs help thousands of hardworking Missourians gain the skills they need to secure good jobs, support their families, and contribute to our economy. Cutting these resources would create greater financial instability, harm our workforce, and force more people to rely on emergency assistance. I ask [Legislator’s Name] to oppose any efforts to reduce funding for these critical services and instead support policies that help Missourians build better lives. Thank you for your time.”
Email Script
Subject: Urgent: Protect Adult Education & Federal Assistance Programs
Dear [Legislator’s Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I am a [concerned citizen/supporter of adult education/community member] in [Your City]. I am writing to urge you to protect funding for adult education and workforce development programs in Missouri. Additionally, I ask that you advocate for Missouri’s Congressional delegation to oppose any cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and housing assistance—federal programs that are vital for our students and their families.
Without these programs, thousands of Missourians will struggle to stay healthy, housed, and fed while they work toward self-sufficiency. These programs are an investment in our workforce and our economy.
I urge you to take action to ensure that both state and federal support for these vital programs remain intact. Thank you for your time and service to our state. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
This version ensures Missouri state legislators understand their role in both protecting state programs and pressuring Missouri’s Congressional delegation to defend federal safety net programs.