Steven Roberts of St. Louis: Breaking Barriers

Missouri State Senator Steven Roberts of St. Louis and many other lawmakers are making history as part of 2021’s barrier-breaking legislative session – one that features a record number of Black, female and LGBTQ representatives now serving in the Missouri State Legislature.

 

Recently highlighted by the News Tribune, Roberts and his legislative colleagues represent one of the most diverse assemblage of lawmakers in the state body.

Breaking Barriers

Upon the beginning of the 2021 session, Steven Roberts of St. Louis became one of a record number of Black lawmakers (25) to ever serve in the state legislature. Currently, African Americans make up about 11% of the state’s total population, and Black lawmakers comprise nearly 13% of the legislative body.

Among the most diverse legislature in state history are 52 women, the highest number in state history. Additionally, there are five openly LGBTQ members now serving in the Missouri state legislature.

For more on Steven Roberts and his commitment to public service, click here.

Steven Roberts of St Louis: Experienced state legislator

Steven Roberts of St. Louis: Recent Profile in The Missouri Times

Steven Roberts of St. Louis was recently elected to his first term in the Missouri State Senate, following two successful terms as representative in the Missouri State House. At the beginning of the 2021 session, Roberts and other newly elected state senators were featured in The Missouri Times. The article, “Meet your new state senators,” included each senator’s answers to several questions.
To view the article in full, click here

 

Steven Roberts of St. Louis: Professional Association Memberships

Steven Robert of St. Louis is a Missouri state senator and personal injury attorney. Throughout his career, Roberts has enjoyed membership in a number of professional associations, including the Missouri Legislature’s Special Committee on Criminal Justice (Ranking Member, current), the National Black Caucus of State Legislators Executive Committee (current), National Black Prosecutors Association, St. Louis Chapter (former President and Founder), the Mound City Bar Association (lifetime membership), and the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (lifetime membership).

Steven Roberts of St. Louis: Public Servant

Steven Roberts of St. Louis serves the people of Missouri’s 5th Senatorial District. Elected to the Missouri State Senate in November 2020, Roberts officially began his first term in early January. In addition to his service as state senator, Roberts also serves as the Democratic Whip for the Minority Party. Prior to becoming state senator, Roberts served two terms as Missouri State Representative (2017-2020). Roberts has dedicated his life and career to public service. 

 

 

Steven Roberts of St. Louis: Making History

Steven Roberts of St. Louis recently made history as the youngest Black senator to be elected to the Missouri State Senate. Roberts, now 32 years old, completed three successful years of service in the Missouri House before earning a seat in the state’s upper chamber. The last legislator to hold the distinction of youngest Black state senator in Missouri history was the late Raymond Howard, who first took office in 1969.

Learn more about Roberts’ history-making achievement here.

Steven Roberts, St. Louis Public Official: 50 for 50 Spotlight

 

Steven Roberts is the dedicated State Representative of Missouri House District 77, where he serves people across the St. Louis community.

Prior to his tenure in public service, Roberts was a student and aspiring attorney at the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, which recently profiled Roberts and his career as part of its 50 for 50 Spotlight series.

Pepperdine Alumnus Steven Roberts remarks on career and law school tenure

In his “50 for 50” feature, Steven Roberts looked back at the many highlights of his public service career, not only as a state representative in St. Louis, but also throughout as a law clerk in the LA County D.A.’s office and his 2018 commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

Roberts also points out his experience at Pepperdine as the most memorable time of his academic career, particularly “contemplating the future on the law library patio… with the vastness of the ocean as a backdrop.”

Learn more about Roberts and his campaign for State Senate here.

Rep. Steven Roberts of St. Louis - Teaching Children about Gun Safety

Based in St. Louis, Missouri, Rep. Steven Roberts of St.Louis takes gun violence very seriously. As a passionate advocate for common-sense gun laws, Rep. Roberts is aware that teaching children about gun safety is one of the most important places to start, and parents and educators can take the following ideas into account:

·     Store unloaded guns safely and securely in a vault, lockable cabinet, safe, or storage case, with the ammunition locked in a separate place. Keep the location of the keys secret. Children are curious, and it’s important that you make every step as difficult as possible for them to avoid them ever being alone with a gun.

·     Teach children that if they ever see a gun in public to never go near it nor touch it and that they are never allowed to be near a gun unless you are present, even at a friend’s house.

Rep. Steven Roberts Jr. was born in St. Louis and is proud to be able to serve his community every day.

Rep. Steven Roberts of St. Louis - Working to Eliminate Racial Bias

During the 2018 Missouri State legislative session, Rep. Steven Roberts Jr. of St. Louis introduced and sponsored HB 1996—a bill created to make racial and gender bias training a basic aspect of peace officer basic training throughout the state of Missouri.

The bill, which was officially introduced at the beginning of the session, specified that such a curriculum must be based on evidence and evidence-based practices, patterns and protocols—and shall prescribe such that help prevent identity and racial profiling in the future.

In the bill, Rep. Steve Roberts of St. Louis included a provision designed to establish the "Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory Board," the purpose of which being to stop racial and identity profiling in law enforcement, and to improve racial sensitivity throughout the law enforcement community.

HB 1996 was referred to the Committee on Crime Prevention and Public Safety last May, though it is not currently on the legislative calendar. 

Rep. Steven Roberts of St. Louis - Inspired to Serve

Missouri State Rep. Steven Roberts Jr., the representative of District 77 and portions of St. Louis City, recently ran for and won reelection. Currently, in his second term as a state house representative, Roberts enjoys the honor of serving his constituents for another two years. He hopes to work toward meaningful reforms that benefit his District, the City and citizens throughout the state.

When asked about that "defining moment" that led him to initially run for office, Rep. Steve Roberts of St. Louis credits the time he served as prosecutor in the Circuit Attorney’s Office—particularly the observation he made regarding the disproportionate number of young black men circulating through the criminal justice system at the time.

“I saw young black men, like myself, in orange jumpsuits chained together,” says Roberts. “Day after day, I saw the same thing until it became apparent that this was the norm. That could have been me, if I had been born under different circumstances. Locking people up is not a solution to the problem. I knew that I could have a greater impact at the policy level."

Roberts works toward making much needed criminal justice reform as Ranking Member of the Special Committee on Criminal Justice.

Rep. Steven Roberts of St. Louis - The Privilege of Public Service

Missouri House Rep. Steven Roberts Jr. was recently reelected to serve a second term as the District 77 representative. Privileged to serve constituents in portions of St. Louis City for yet another two years, Rep. Roberts looks forward to defending and advancing the interests of his constituents and all Missourians throughout his next term.

Rep. Steve Roberts Jr. is currently serving as the Ranking Member on the Special Committee on Criminal Justice—working with colleagues to make significant, much-needed reforms to the state’s criminal justice system. 

He also serves as member of the Utilities, Judiciary and Workforce Development Committees—and is proud to serve as current Chairman of the Missouri House and Senate Black Caucus.

Prior to last November’s election, Roberts sat down with Missouri Times Magazine to take part in the publication’s 20 Questions series. Click here to view the article in its entirety.

Rep. Steven Roberts of St. Louis - Legislative Survey

Missouri State Rep. Steven Roberts Jr.—who represents parts of St. Louis City—recently released his legislative survey. Roberts is encouraging his constituents to take a few moments to complete the survey—an effort to garner the feedback and input so crucial to shaping and driving forward his 2019 legislative agenda.

“We are enabled to step out and make a difference ourselves, to be the change. Never underestimate yourselves, or your ability to impact the system. It is our responsibility to be informed, to do the research, and to make our voices heard,” said Rep. Steven Roberts Jr., D-City of St. Louis. "Take a moment to make a difference in your community and to make your voice heard."

Within his survey, Rep. Roberts has included questions on such topics as civil rights, transportation infrastructure, appropriations, law enforcement, economic development, public defenders, corrections, weapons and telecommunications. Visit Roberts’ official Housepage today to learn more. 

Rep. Steven Roberts of St. Louis - Accomplishments

Rep. Steven Roberts Jr. of St. Louis is a member of the Missouri House of Representatives known for his strong sense of civic responsibility and his love of community. He is passionate about helping others and he serves as Chairman of the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus. 

In 2018, he was elected for his second term, and he couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to continue serving St. Louis and its residents.

“My primary job as State Representative is to stand up for the interests of the people of the 77th District,” said Rep. Steven Roberts Jr. of St. Louis before discussing some of the important bills that he has sponsored and helped pass. 

For example, he passed legislation that helps pharmacies save people money on prescription drugs, and he co-sponsored legislation to help adults finish their high-school education. With a criminal justice reform as his primary focus, he also sponsored bills to raise the age at which children can be charged as adults and to establish racial bias training for police officers. 

Learn more about his accomplishments at www.robertsforstl.com. 

Rep. Steven Roberts of St. Louis - Feelings on Family

Rep. Steven Roberts Jr. of St. Louis was reelected as a member of the Missouri House of Representatives in November 2018 to serve a second two-year term. He represents portions of St. Louis City, ranging from the central corridor east to the riverfront, and he loves his hometown. 

As a fourth-generation native of St. Louis, Mr. Robert says his parents and grandparents fought to overcome segregation and discrimination as they established their successful careers. His mother became a distinguished doctor and his father became a respected attorney, St. Louis Alderman and successful businessman. 

He says that he learned his sense of civic responsibility and social justice from his parents, and he is eternally grateful to them.

“My parents encouraged our individuality, but what I value most is our cohesiveness,” said Rep. Steven Roberts Jr. of St. Louis in a recent interview with Missouri Times Magazine. “We have the usual good-natured and sometimes very real sibling rivalry, but we are always, without fail, there for each other.”

Rep. Steven Roberts of St. Louis - Black Caucus Member

Rep. Steven Roberts Jr. of St. Louis is a fourth generation St. Louis native who was re-elected to his second term in November of 2018 as a member of the Missouri House of Representatives. 

He is a passionate and dedicated professional with a reputation for his strong sense of civic responsibility and social justice. He's also Chairman of the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus, and a member of the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Missouri. 

In a recent interview regarding his reelection, he was asked who he most admires in his caucus and why, and his response reflects his passion for change:

"Representative Gail McCann Beatty," responded Rep. Steven Roberts Jr. of St. Louis, "even though the Republican Party holds a super majority in the House and Senate as well as a majority of the state’s executive offices, Gail fought for our values with passion. 

I admire how she’s been able to keep our caucus focused, despite the challenges of being greatly outnumbered." 

Rep. Steven Roberts of St. Louis: Reforming the System

Rep. Steven Roberts Jr. of St. Louis is a member of the Missouri House of Representatives who was reelected for his second term in November of 2018. 

He is a fourth generation St. Louis native whose sense of civic responsibility and social justice has earned him an excellent reputation, and he has received several awards for his dedication to those causes. 

During his tenure in the House of Representatives, he has set his sights on reforming the criminal justice system as his number one priority.

"There is no denying that the current system disproportionately and negatively impacts communities of color, the waste in lost human potential is absolutely staggering," said Rep. Steven Roberts Jr. of St. Louis in a recent interview. 

"Mandatory minimums for nonviolent offenses need to be eliminated, there needs to be increased funding for diversion and drug courts, as well as an end to money bail. As a nation, we can do a better job of holding to our basic principles of equality and justice for all."

Rep. Steven Roberts, St. Louis Legislator - This Week in Missouri Politics

Rising star of the Democratic Party and chair of the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus, St. Louis Rep. Steven Roberts was recently interviewed by Scott Faughn for This Week in Missouri Politics.

When asked what the Legislative Black Caucus is and why it matters, Steven Roberts Jr. explained, "The important thing about the Black Caucus is we're focused on issues facing the African-American community and we're especially relevant now that we make up half of the Democratic Caucus."

When asked about some practical things St. Louis Rep. Steve Roberts wanted to impact, he spoke about criminal justice reform and working with Republicans to raise the age of who can be charged as an adult. To see the entire interview, click here.

Rep. Steven Roberts of St. Louis: House Bill 2218

During the 2018 legislative session, St. Louis Rep. Steven Roberts sponsored several House bills that he believes are in the best interest of all Missourians, including a bill that would abolish the death penalty.

Rep. Steven Roberts Jr. of St. Louis explains that House Bill 2218 would repeal provisions that allow courts to issue the death penalty as punishment and would require courts to change the sentencing on anyone currently facing the death penalty who were sentenced prior to August 28, 2018.

A state legislator who represents portions of St. Louis, Rep. Steve Roberts works hard to advocate for solutions that benefit his constituents, as well as people throughout Missouri. House Bill 2218 was referred to the House Committee on Crime Prevention and Safety during the 2018 legislative session.

Rep. Steven Roberts, St. Louis Legislator: House Bill 2526

Rep. Steven Roberts of St. Louis sponsored House Bill 2526 during the 2018 legislative session of the Missouri’s General Assembly. 

Steven Roberts Jr. explains that House Bill 2526 would remove the requirement that certain defendants serve out specified minimum sentences upon conviction (i.e., mandatory minimum sentences).

In addition to the elimination of mandatory minimum sentences, St. Louis Rep. Steve Roberts explains that House Bill 2526 specifies that any offender who meets certain qualifications would be eligible for a parole hearing (excluding those found guilty of first-degree murder or certain sexual offenses). 

The bill was referred to the House Corrections and Public Institutions Committee during the 2018 legislative session.

Rep. Steven Roberts, St. Louis Legislator - Missouri's Millennial Leadership

In the Missouri Legislature, millennials have taken leadership roles in the Republican Caucus, Democratic Caucus and the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus.

"You have this new generation of leaders that believe in themselves and have the confidence to go forward and reach for their greatest ambitious," said Rep. Steven Roberts Jr.

Within the Missouri General Assembly, those that fit the "millennial" definition in leadership roles include Rep. Elijah Haahr, Speaker of the House; Sen. Caleb Rowden, Senate majority floor leader; Rep. Crystal Quade, House minority leader; Rep. DaRon McGee, House assistant minority floor leader; Rep. Steven Roberts, black caucus chairman; and Rep.-elect LaKeySha Bosley, black caucus secretary.