Kat Ramkumar

Columbia

State Government Reporter at Columbia Missourian

@mizzou '26 | currently: news reporter @kbia + intern @thebeaconKC | previously: reporter @under_radar_mag, news director @kcou, intern @impactnews + @keratx

Articles

House backs bill freeing child abuse victims to speak

1 week ago | news-journal.com | Kat Ramkumar

JEFFERSON CITY — Rep. Brian Seitz, R-Branson, wants to remove any obstacles that may get in the way of child sexual abuse survivors speaking up. His bill, House Bill 709, disregards any nondisclosure agreement used to settle civil lawsuits over sexual abuse. "I'm advocating for these victims to be able to have their voices heard after their innocence has been taken through the criminal actions of others," Seitz said on the Missouri House floor.
Bipartisans join forces to rally for Missouri prison independent oversight

3 weeks ago | komu.com | Kat Ramkumar

JEFFERSON CITY — Previously incarcerated Missourians, their loved ones and prison staff gathered at the Capitol to advocate for independent prison oversight on Wednesday. As of now, the Missouri Department of Corrections can investigate itself. If there are reports of medical neglect, abuse or unsafe conditions, it is allowed to grade itself, which can result in a lack of transparency and accountability.
60 Universities Under Investigation by Trump Administration for Antisemitism

1 month ago | feminist.org | Kat Ramkumar

The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights sent a letter to sixty higher education institutions on Monday warning them of “potential enforcement actions” if they don’t comply with actions under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The Civil Rights Act of 1963 prohibits any institution receiving federal funds from discriminating based on race, color and national origin, which includes Jewish students.
House Government Efficiency Committee debates restricting SNAP benefits

1 month ago | news-journal.com | Kat Ramkumar

JEFFERSON CITY — Rep. Jamie Gragg, R-Ozark, spoke in favor of adding restrictions to SNAP benefits on Tuesday. House Bill 1222, which Gragg sponsors, would prohibit SNAP clients from purchasing certain foods such as "candy and soft drinks.""Food stamps have fueled the junk food epidemic," Gragg said. "Taxpayers are funding a growing child obesity program with this grant program."This bill, however, was met with opposition by members on the committee and witnesses due to its broad language.
Disability Rights Legislative Day calls Missouri to action | State News | columbiamissourian.com

1 month ago | columbiamissourian.com | Kat Ramkumar

Missourians with disabilities and their loved ones gathered at the Capitol to garner support for disability rights.
Disability Rights Legislative Day calls Missouri to action

1 month ago | griffonnews.com | Kat Ramkumar

JEFFERSON CITY — Around 500 Missourians with disabilities and their loved ones gathered at the Capitol to garner support for disability rights on Wednesday. This is the 24th year that disability-based activist organizations and coalitions have come together to rally for better transportation, health care access, employment opportunities and increased wages for direct support professionals.
Disability Rights Legislative Day calls Missouri to action

1 month ago | bransontrilakesnews.com | Kat Ramkumar

JEFFERSON CITY — Around 500 Missourians with disabilities and their loved ones gathered at the Capitol to garner support for disability rights on Wednesday. This is the 24th year that disability-based activist organizations and coalitions have come together to rally for better transportation, health care access, employment opportunities and increased wages for direct support professionals.
Trump Administration Actions Are Sparking Nationwide Protests. Here’s How to Join the Next One.

2 months ago | msmagazine.com | Kat Ramkumar

On Monday, President’s Day, tens of thousands across the country participated in “No Kings on President’s Day” and “Not My President’s Day” marches, in protest of the Trump administration’s anti-democratic agenda.
Missouri House bills aim to limit state income tax and spending

2 months ago | lewispnj.com | Kat Ramkumar

By Kat Ramkumar, Missouri News NetworkJEFFERSON CITY — Some efforts to provide income tax relief for state residents also seek to impose spending restrictions on the legislature. HJR1 and HB 100, the focuses of a Tuesday House hearing, highlight efforts to eliminate income tax throughout Missouri while also limiting future spending. Bill sponsor Rep. Bishop Davidson, R-Republic, said he believes that there are three ways to do this and provide sufficient state funding.
Missouri House bills aim to limit state income tax and spending

2 months ago | news-journal.com | Kat Ramkumar

JEFFERSON CITY — Some efforts to provide income tax relief for state residents also seek to impose spending restrictions on the legislature. HJR1 and HB 100, the focuses of a Tuesday House hearing, highlight efforts at eliminating income tax throughout Missouri while also limiting future spending. Bill sponsor Rep. Bishop Davidson, R-Republic, said he believes that there are three ways to do this and provide sufficient state funding.