Melanie Stinnett

Melanie Stinnett is an American politician serving as a Republican member of the Missouri House of Representatives, representing the state's 133rd House district. She is a healthcare executive, speech-language pathologist, and disability rights activist. Beyond her legislative work, Stinnett is a local business owner who founded TheraCare, a speech, occupational, and music therapy clinic that grew to employ over 25 people serving thousands of children.

Education

Stinnett earned multiple degrees from Missouri State University:

• Bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders
• Master's degree in speech-language pathology
• Master's degree in health administration

Political Experience

Stinnett was elected to her first term in the state legislature in 2022, inspired by her advocacy work for children's therapy access that resulted in a bill being passed in 2019.

Notable Achievements

• Sponsored HB 970, which reformed the Ticket to Work Health Assurance Program to allow individuals with disabilities to work and earn more while maintaining access to healthcare services
• Helped secure funding for private duty nurses in daycare centers to support children with medical needs
• Passed legislation extending postpartum health care coverage from 60 days to 12 months for low-income women
• Supported the largest income tax cut in Missouri state history—$1 billion returned to taxpayers
• Helped reduce unnecessary government spending by $1.5 billion while maintaining over $1 billion in emergency reserves
• Secured major investments in worker reskilling and upskilling programs, career technical centers, and apprenticeships
• Backed historic infrastructure investments, including expansions of I-70 and I-44, rural road improvements, and broadband expansion across Missouri