02/26/24 Missouri Mondays - Tell MO GOP—NO to guns on buses & churches! NO 18 yr olds with concealed carry permits! / MO Senate bill makes it harder to amend the constitution / More!--
Join ACLU Lobby Day Tues Feb 27 in Jefferson City!
Welcome to Missouri Mondays.
Republican sponsored legislation is back on the House formal perfection calendar just days after the MO GOP announced they would NOT pursue the legislation in the wake of the senseless gun violence that killed Lisa Lopez-Galvan and injured more than 20 at the Chiefs Super Bowl Rally on February 14. This legislation would further weaken Missouri gun laws to allow concealed carry on buses and in churches and lowering the age of concealed carry permits to age 18.
GOP House Majority Leader Jonathan Patterson told The Kansas City Star on February 16th that there was no path for this bill and one other to exempt guns and firearms from sales taxes to become law and that “Now is not the appropriate time” and that it will not be brought up this session.” On February 20th, HCS HB 1708 was put back on the House formal perfection calendar.
IT’S THE GUNS AND OUR LAX LAWS! The MO GOP majority is responsible for laws making it too easy to access and carry guns in our state, inevitably leading to tragedies like we experienced in Kansas City. We don’t have to live like this. We must demand change from our elected leaders or VOTE THEM OUT! Each week we’ll provide resources, upcoming events and ways to get involved. Thank you for staying informed, taking action, and helping to spread the word by sharing this link to sign up for Missouri Mondays weekly email bit.ly/3pF99Uw.
UPCOMING EVENTS - ACTIONS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
TAKE ACTION WITH THE MISSOURI VOTER PROTECTION COALITION (MOVPC)
TO PROTECT THE RIGHT TO VOTE
Join the MOVPC weekly online meeting MONDAYS at 10 AM
Text “MOVPC” to 66866 or register HERE: bit.ly/protectmovoters
Your help is needed to protect voting rights and ensure ALL Missourians are able to make their voices heard! MOVPC is a nonpartisan statewide network promoting access to the ballot and working to remove barriers to voting in Missouri! Register for Monday calls here!
MOVPC 2024 Missouri Legislative Tracker
See a breakdown of elections related bills on MOVPC's Voting Rights Legislative Tracker here: bit.ly/movotingbills
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TELL YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE TO VOTE NO! ON CONCEALED FIREARMS ON BUSES AND CHURCHES, NO TO 18 YR OLDS WITH CONCEALED CARRY PERMITS! NO ON HOUSE BILL HCS HB 1708!
Short Description: Allows concealed carry permit holders to carry firearms on public transportation and in churches; removes ban on eligibility for a permit if applicant has pled guilty to misdemeanor offenses involving crimes of violence; lowers the age requirement for concealed carry permits. This bill was removed from consideration for a short time after the shooting in Kansas City. It is back for consideration.
House Bill HCS HB 1708 Status : Placed on the House Formal Perfection Calendar, February 20.
Talking Points:
"...the Second Amendment right is not unlimited. It is not a right to keep and carry any weapon whatsoever in any manner whatsoever and for whatever purpose…” (Former Supreme Court Justice Scalia, 2008 DC vs. Heller)
With a rate of 22.3 deaths per 100,000 people, Missouri has the 7th-highest rate of gun deaths in the US. (CDC)
Guns are the number one killer of children in America and the leading cause of death among children & teens in MO. (MOMS Demand Action)
Gun deaths & injuries cost MO $17.6 billion each year, $455.3 million paid by taxpayers. (EveryStat.org, March 2023)
Bill Summary HCS HB 1708: https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills241/sumpdf/HB1708C.pdf
TELL YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE TO VOTE NO! ON CONCEALED FIREARMS ON BUSES AND CHURCHES, NO TO 18 YR OLDS WITH CONCEALED CARRY PERMITS! NO ON HOUSE BILL HCS HB 1708! Find your state representative using the Legislator Lookup here: https://www.senate.mo.gov/LegisLookup/Default
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TELL YOUR STATE SENATOR AND REPRESENTATIVE TO REJECT ATTACKS ON PLANNED PARENTHOOD AND ABORTION CARE FUNDING! VOTE NO! ON Senate Bill #: SCS/SBs 1168 & 810 and House Bill HCS HB 1563
Short Description: No public funds shall be expended to any abortion facility, or affiliate or associate thereof, including for MO HealthNet reimbursement.
Bill Status: SCS/SBs 1168 & 810 has been placed on the Senate Informal Perfection Calendar for Monday, February 26. HCS HB 1563 was placed back on the House Formal Perfection Calendar.
Under SCS/SBs 1168 & 810 and HCS HB 1563
Patients with Medicaid will have no place to receive care because there are not enough providers who accept Medicaid
Indigent people who count on Medicaid will be denied necessary healthcare
Planned Parenthood does not provide abortions in MO but it provides necessary healthcare such as contraception, std testing and treatment, etc.
This bill would not allow Medicaid patients to get treatment at PP because it has affiliates in other states that provide abortion care
Link to bill summary SCS/SBS 1168 & 810: https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/BTS_Web/Summary.aspx?SessionType=R&SummaryID=1597134&BillID=203
Link to bill summary HCS HB 1563: https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills241/sumpdf/HB1563C.pdf
Call to action:
LWV Position: The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that public policy in a pluralistic society must affirm the constitutional right of privacy of the individual to make reproductive choices.
Tell your MO senator and Representative to oppose Senate Bill #: SCS/SBs 1168 & 810 and House Bill HCS HB 1563. Find your electeds using the Legislator Lookup here: https://www.senate.mo.gov/LegisLookup/Default
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TAKE URGENT ACTION WITH THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS MISSOURI!
February 25 Weekly Legislative Calls to Action includes bills allowing concealed carry firearms on public transportation and churches, lowers the age requirement for concealed carry, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of hair texture and hairstyles, attacks on abortion / reproductive care funding, and more.
Make your voice heard on issues of importance to you!
CALL TO ACTION DETAILS HERE: https://lwvkc.org/content.aspx?page_id=722&club_id=477430&emtid=243274355049&mtid=580132257397&ht=0
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ACLU-MO Voices of Liberty Lobby Day 2024
Tuesday, February 27th
10AM - 3PM
Missouri Capitol Building
201 W Capitol Ave
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Register here by Feb 18: https://actionnetwork.org/events/aclu-lobby-day-2024
Please join us and ACLU of Missouri supporters on Tuesday, February 27th in Jefferson City for our annual Lobby Day!
Lobby Day is an opportunity to meet with elected officials about current legislation and ensure that the civil liberties of all Missourians remain protected. It’s a fantastic way to engage in our democracy, build power across the state, and meet fellow supporters! Lunch will be provided. Register here by Feb 18: https://actionnetwork.org/events/aclu-lobby-day-2024
Looking forward to seeing you!
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Good Jobs Town Hall - Why a New Stadium Must Include a Good Jobs Community Benefits Agreement
Thursday, Feb 29
6:30 PM
St. Mark Hope and Peace Lutheran Church
3800 Troost Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64109
SEIU Local 1, Stand Up KC, Missouri Workers Center, Heartland Center for Jobs & Freedom, Missouri Jobs With Justice have formed the “Good Jobs and Affordable Housing for All Coalition”. Join us for a town hall to learn about the importance of a strong Community Beneftis Agreement with the Royals, updates on negotiations, and how to get involved in our campaign.
Sign the Good Jobs Pledge here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfcyIt1K_NXy9cDuCdTcb2aGxsMqioAWaMBHMtK8o48djlGEA/viewform
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JOIN THE EFFORT TO PUT ABORTION RIGHTS ON THE BALLOT!
Missourians for Constitutional Freedom is a statewide coalition of organizations and concerned citizens from across the state working to establish the right for all Missourians to make decisions about our own reproductive health care – including abortion, birth control, and miscarriage care – without interference from out-of-touch politicians.
The decision of whether or not to have an abortion is a personal choice that should be made by Missourians, their families, and their health care providers – not politicians in Jefferson City. Passing this amendment will end our state’s abortion ban and make sure Missourians and their families can once again make the decisions that are best for them. Decisions around pregnancy, including abortion, birth control, and miscarriage care are personal and private and should be left up to patients and their families. But here in Missouri, politicians are making that decision for us.
We are coming together to end Missouri’s cruel total ban on abortion and give the power to make personal health care decisions back to where it belongs – to the people.
We are required to collect 172,000 valid signatures by May 5th, 2024, to ensure Missourians get to vote on ending our cruel abortion ban at the ballot. Your SUPPORT IS CRUCIAL to make this initiative a reality.
Take action with Missourians for Constitutional Freedom. Check out these ways to get involved: https://www.mobilize.us/mfcf/
Donate: Your donation will directly contribute to kicking politicians out of personal, medical, and family decision making in Missouri. Donate here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/missourians-for-constitutional-freedom-1
Volunteer: Every action matters. Sign up to collect signatures, make calls, or host a house party. Sign up at https://moconstitutionalfreedom.org/ to receive updates from the campaign and get notified for opportunities to sign the petition near you!
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IMPORTANT MISSOURI VOTER INFORMATION FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL SELECTION PROCESS!
Many Missouri voters don't know that in 2022 the MO General Assembly passed legislation eliminating the state’s March presidential primary and turned the process over to the political parties.
The Democratic presidential primary on March 23 will be a hybrid election, offering Missouri Democrats an opportunity to cast their vote by **mail or at an in-person voting site from 8 AM until noon on the day of the primary. Participants must be registered to vote and can’t be registered with another party. Find details about the Missouri Democratic Party (MDP) Presidential primary here: https://www.missouridemocrats.org/mdp-primary-information-2024
**Those registered as a Democrat by January 22 will automatically be sent a ballot.
Request a ballot by MARCH 12 to vote by mail
Request a ballot to vote by mail here: https://request.mrgvote.com/newRequest?state=Missouri
More information on the Missouri Democratic Party (MDP) website here: https://www.missouridemocrats.org/mdp-primary-information-2024
More information for Jackson County Democrats including March 23 in person voting locations here: https://www.jacksoncodems.org/post/2024-presidential-primary
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Next Scheduled Election - April 2, 2024 General Municipal Election
Election Day: April 2, 2024
Polls Open: 6:00 a.m.
Polls Close: 7:00 p.m.
Last Day to Register: March 6, 2024
In Person Absentee Voting Begins: February 20, 2024
Military & Overseas Portal opens: February 13, 2024
Applications mailed to permanently disabled: February 16, 2024
No Excuse In Person Absentee (Early) Voting Opens: March 19, 2024
Note: You may not have an April 2 election in your area. Check your local election authority website for detailed voting information. To find your election authority go here: https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/localelectionauthority
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FIND EVENTS AND MORE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED HERE: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19AZUdtRH5WXefOC4Q5D9u-HyuzhBEL8rYX9Ospn3n18/edit?usp=sharing
Missouri in the News
“Missouri Senate passes bill making it harder for voters to amend the constitution – “Factional warfare marks passage of Republican priority as Freedom Caucus members denounce leadership for stripping out provisions labeled ‘ballot candy’”
“Legislation to add a new barrier to amending the Missouri Constitution by initiative petition passed the state Senate Thursday on a party line vote. With 22 Republicans in favor and nine Democrats opposed, the Senate sent the House a proposal that would require a statewide majority and a majority vote in five of the state’s eight congressional districts to pass a constitutional amendment resulting from an initiative petition or a state convention.
Called a concurrent majority, analysis by The Independent found that as few as 23% of voters – a majority in the four districts with the lowest number of voters in 2020 and 2022 – could defeat a statewide ballot measure. Under the legislation, the concurrent majority requirement would not apply to proposals originating in the General Assembly.
The measure would amend the state constitution if approved in the House and by a simple majority of voters later this year.
The bill came to a vote only after Democrats used a 21-hour filibuster to force Republicans to strip out language barring non-citizens from voting on amendments to the constitution and other items referred to as “ballot candy.”
“We wanted a fair fight,” said Sen. Doug Beck of Affton, the assistant Democratic floor leader, at a news conference after Thursday’s vote. “And because we trust the voters we stood strong until we got it.”
Ballot candy sugarcoats policy ideas that voters would reject as a standalone measure, Beck said. “Their idea, that they’re putting forward to voters, they know will lose, so they have to entice them by trying to confuse them,” Beck said.
Full story here: https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/22/missouri-senate-passes-bill-making-it-harder-for-voters-to-amend-the-constitution/ Missouri Independent Feb 22
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MISSOURI MONDAYS NEWS SUPPLEMENT!
With so much important news each week we don’t want you to miss a thing! Check out our MISSOURI MONDAYS NEWS SUPPLEMENT here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13cokjWlCh2EkY5K6bM357rjVPizZDzxlMqjAuoBQfoI/edit?usp=sharing
THANK YOU! for staying informed and taking action to make a difference!
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