About Cathy Jolly

Cathy Jolly is an attorney and former Assistant Jackson County Prosecutor. She served three terms in the Missouri General Assembly, from 2000 to 2006. Cathy received a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from the University of Missouri-Columbia and received her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

As an assistant prosecutor, Cathy was a coordinator for the Drug Abatement Response Team (DART) in Jackson County. She worked closely with law enforcement and other government agencies, coordinating the closing of drug houses and restoring safety to neighborhoods impacted by drugs. In this role, Cathy was able to expose other crimes, such as child and elder neglect and abuse. Other job assignments with Jackson County have included prosecuting for the Division of Family Support, holding parents accountable for paying child support.

 

As a state representative, Cathy successfully sponsored and co-sponsored important legislation impacting on our safety and quality of life. She is noted for, and recognized by both Democrats and Republicans for steering the passage of significant legislation in Jefferson City, regardless of the political party in power at the time. Cathy sponsored a bill that closed a loop hole in the law requiring sex offenders to register. Because of her legislation more sex offenders must register. Taking aim at the mistreatment of seniors in long-term care, Cathy co-sponsored the original Senior Care and Protection Act, the most comprehensive reform in regulating senior care in Missouri. She also co-sponsored and passed legislation to further regulate and reduce interest rates charged by the Pay Day Loan industry.

Cathy is a member of various community organizations in Kansas City, including several Chambers of Commerce, the Women’s Political Caucus, Citizens Crusade Against Crime, Lions Club, Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, Citizens Association Committee to County Progress and many other groups and associations. She has been recognized by many organizations for her positive impact on our community. Specific awards and honors are listed below.

Cathy and her husband, Scott, are homeowners in South Kansas City, where they reside with their son, Drake, who is 3 years old.

 

Awards/Recognition

• Missouri Police Chiefs Legislator Appreciation of the Year
• Missouri Public Service Award from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
• Missouri National Education Association Horace Mann Friend of Education Legislator of the Year
• Greater Kansas City Women’s Political Caucus Torch Award
• Kansas City Federation of Teachers Legislative Award
• Nurses United Hero of Health Care Award
• Certificate of Appreciation from Northland Coalition of residents of Clay, Platte and Ray Counties and Tri-County Mental Health Services for supporting mental health prevention and treatment services in the Northland.
• Missouri Watch Defender of Patient Safety Award
• CCO (Church Community Organization) Soul of the City Legislative Award
• ACT Missouri Award of Excellence from the Missouri Youth Adult Alliance for outstanding leadership in preventing underage drinking
• Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association Young Lawyer of the Year
• Selected by Kansas City Star as one of six women to Watch (2001)