Opinion: Business community advocacy strengthens Springfield’s voice in Jeff City

Jessica Harmison-Olson

When business leaders think about advocacy, it can be easy to picture a single day at the Capitol, a committee hearing or a meeting with an elected official. Those moments are important, but effective advocacy is built over time through sustained engagement, clear priorities and a business community willing to speak with a unified voice.

As chair of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, I have seen that process up close. Most recently, I helped lead members of the chamber board’s executive committee during our annual advocacy day in Jefferson City, where we met with lawmakers and championed issues important to Springfield-area employers. Those priorities support the Chamber’s strategic goals to lead regional economic development, grow the workforce-ready population, strengthen and support business, and operate with excellence.

The 2026 Missouri legislative session concluded May 15, and while not every priority advanced, there is much to celebrate. The session produced meaningful progress on issues that strengthen Missouri’s business climate, support workforce development and position communities like Springfield for long-term growth. That progress reflects the value of a member-driven advocacy process that starts with listening to employers.

Each year, chamber members help shape the organization’s legislative priorities by identifying the issues most important to business growth, workforce, infrastructure, quality of place and competitiveness. Those conversations guide the chamber’s engagement in Jefferson City and keep its advocacy rooted in the real-world needs of businesses across the region.

Several chamber-supported priorities advanced because they addressed practical barriers employers face. Lawmakers approved legislation to address abusive website accessibility lawsuits, a growing concern for businesses facing technical claims that often appear designed to secure quick settlements rather than resolve accessibility issues. The change preserves legitimate accessibility protections while giving businesses a fair opportunity to correct potential issues before becoming the target of predatory litigation.

The session also added economic development tools through the Missouri Innovation, Public Safety and Accountability Act, designed to support job creation, business retention, redevelopment, housing activation, public safety, infrastructure and private investment. For Springfield, tools like these help keep commercial districts strong, attract new investment and support continued growth. Incentives tied to job creation, relocation, housing, infrastructure and private investment are directly connected to efforts to grow our workforce-ready population and regional GDP.

Lawmakers also expanded access to pooled employer health plans for small and family-owned businesses. Affordable health coverage is one of the most important tools small employers have to attract and retain workers. Expanding access to pooled plans, including options like the Missouri chamber’s Chamber Benefit Plan, supports small business competitiveness and workforce stability.

Progress was also made this session on land bank usage, an issue tied closely to redevelopment, housing and quality of place. Springfield will now have an opportunity to repurpose lots for housing and economic investment, supporting broader efforts to encourage reinvestment and create new opportunities for growth.

The general assembly also approved a state operating budget with investments aligned with chamber priorities in education, workforce development, infrastructure, public safety, health care access, economic development and quality of place. Investments were also made directly in Springfield nonprofit organizations and regional capital improvements. For our region, investments in workforce training, higher education, transportation infrastructure and economic development tools support the assets businesses need to grow.

At the same time, the work is not finished. Child care access remains one of the most significant workforce barriers facing Missouri families and employers. Proposals to create child care tax credits did not pass this session, nor did efforts to expand income eligibility for the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant. We also continue to monitor funding for K-12 and higher education as concerns remain about potential state budget cuts.

That is why continued engagement from the business community matters. The outcomes of the 2026 legislative session show what is possible when the business community remains informed, organized and engaged.

I am grateful to the chamber members who helped shape these priorities, to the region’s legislative delegation for their work throughout session, and to the business leaders who continue to lend their time and perspective.

Springfield’s economy is strongest when employers are engaged and at the table.

Jessica Harmison-Olson is the chair of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and owner of Maxon Fine Jewelry. She can be reached at chamberchairman@springfieldchamber.com.