Joshua Peters facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Joshua Peters
Member of the Missouri House of Representatives from the 76th district
In office 2013–2019
Preceded by	Chris Carter Jr.
Succeeded by	Chris Carter
Personal details
Born	(1987-08-25) August 25, 1987 (age 37) St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Residences	St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Education	Lincoln University (BS) Lindenwood University (MPA) University of Maryland (MGH)
Occupation	Politician
Website	Representative Joshua Peters

Joshua D. Peters (born August 25, 1987) is an American politician. He is a member of the Democratic Party. From 2013 to 2019, he served as a State Representative for Missouri's 76th District.

Peters was first elected in a special election on April 2, 2013. He represented parts of north St. Louis, Missouri. When he was first elected, he was the youngest African American to serve in the Missouri House of Representatives. In 2016, Peters held an important leadership role in the House. He was the House Minority Chief Deputy Whip.

Early Career in Government

Before becoming a state representative, Joshua Peters worked for a Congressman. He was an assistant and office manager for Congressman Lacy Clay. This work lasted for three years.

Later, President Barack Obama appointed Peters to a role in the Department of Education. There, he helped create the 'Financial Aid Shopping Sheet.' This tool helps students understand the financial aid they can get for college. It makes it easier for them to plan for their education.

Working in the Missouri Legislature

As a Democrat, Peters worked in a state legislature where Republicans held most of the power. Despite this, he successfully passed ten new laws. He also helped make many changes to existing laws. Peters focused on helping the people he represented.

Improving Road Safety

Peters learned about many serious car crashes on Natural Bridge Avenue in St. Louis. Many of these crashes involved people walking. He worked hard to get 7 million dollars for a safety project. This project was called the Natural Bridge Safety Initiative. Peters worked with the Missouri Department of Transportation. They also partnered with the St. Louis Police and local leaders. Together, they made a 4-mile section of Natural Bridge a "Travel Safe Zone."

Supporting Education

In 2016, Peters helped secure state funding for Lincoln University. This university had not received its full funding from the state since 1866. Peters believed it was important for Lincoln University to get fair funding. He said the university is very diverse. He also noted its agricultural research helps rural Missouri.

Working for Fair Housing

On April 24, 2017, Peters worked with another state representative, Bruce Franks Jr.. They filed a complaint about housing issues. They believed that too many facilities for homeless people were in one area of St. Louis. This created an unfair situation for the people living there.

Leadership in His Party

Peters was also active within the Democratic Party. On April 5, 2017, he was chosen for an important role. He became the first congressional representative on the executive board of the Missouri Democratic Party.

Committees He Served On

While in the Missouri House, Peters was a member of several important committees. These groups study different topics and help create laws. Some of the committees he served on included:

• International Trade
• Government Efficiency
• Budget
• Professional Registration and Licensing
• Agriculture Policy
• Public Safety and Correction
• Special Committee on Urban Issues

Other Activities and Affiliations

Joshua Peters is a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. He also serves on the board of directors for the Missouri Arts Council Trust. He is involved with the Congressional Black Associates and Pi Sigma Alpha. He was a Thurgood Marshall Scholar in 2009. Peters also holds the rank of Major in the Civil Air Patrol U.S. Air Force Auxiliary.

Peters retired from public office after a car accident. He was unable to work for three months because of his injuries. Currently, Peters is the Chief of Staff at Harris-Stowe State University. He also directs the internal operations there.

Peters is a Catholic.

Elections He Won

Here are the results from some of the elections Joshua Peters won:

Political Roles Held

Images for kids

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  Joshua Peters in his official portrait.