03/04/24 Missouri Mondays - Voter resources for upcoming elections! URGENT ACTIONS on initiative petitions, gun safety, vouchers/charters, signature gathering! News, events, ways to get involved!
Let’s do this!
Welcome to Missouri Mondays and Happy Women’s History Month!
We’ve got a jam packed newsletter filled with important dates and voter resources for the upcoming Missouri Democratic Presidential Primary on March 23 and the April 2 elections. We’ve got urgent MO Legislature actions on initiative petitions, Planned Parenthood funding, gun safety, school vouchers, charter school expansion and more. How about training to gather petition signatures with Missourians for Constitutional Freedom to help end Missouri’s cruel abortion ban? You can do that this week too!
There’s so much at stake and so many opportunities to help make the change you want to see in Missouri and beyond! 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
DONATE TO MOVPC
Help the non-partisan Missouri Voter Protection Coalition lead the fight against attacks on our freedom to vote in the statehouse, in the courthouse, in the media, in the streets and at the polls on Election Day. Donate: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/movpc
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TAKE URGENT ACTION WITH THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS MISSOURI
Week of March 3
Weekly Legislative Bulletin https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IUa8HI3-LlnQXYdfucY80_FuB5X8e6BJ/view
Calls to Action https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oZW4k9OswxePsmY8-WNvkE4yoroatD0f/edit This week’s calls to action Includes bills on: REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS, INITIATIVE PETITIONS, EDUCATION, DIVERISTY-EQUITY-INCLUSION (DEI), BUDGET, CIRCUIT BREAKER.
Find your state senator and representative using the Legislator Lookup here: https://www.senate.mo.gov/LegisLookup/Default Make your voice heard on issues of importance to you!
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TELL YOUR STATE ELECTEDS TO STOP ATTACKS ON INITIATIVE PETITIONS AND MAJORITY RULE!
The Republican supermajority is advancing legislation designed to gut Missouri's long-standing citizen initiative process and end majority rule in Missouri and silence Missouri's voters. Tell your state electeds to ensure all Missourians are able to have their voices heard! Protect direct democracy through the initiative petition process and majority rule!
Find your state senator and representative using the Legislator Lookup here: https://www.senate.mo.gov/LegisLookup/Default.
KMBC News March 3
“Proposed bills could change majority rule in Missouri”
“Politicians in Jefferson City are ramping up efforts to change the power of your vote. There are multiple bills being considered to change the initiative petition process, a process where voters decide on changes to the state's constitution. We speak with a political analyst to discuss the political strategies at play, and what they mean for you.” https://www.kmbc.com/article/proposed-bills-could-change-majority-rule-in-missouri/60044372
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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 #: SS/SCS/SBs 1168 & 810 and House Bill HCS HB 2634!
Short Description
No public funds shall be expended to any abortion facility, or affiliate or associate thereof, including for MO HealthNet reimbursement.
Bill Summary
Senate Bill SS/SCS/SBs 1168 & 810: https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/BTS_Web/Summary.aspx?SessionType=R&SummaryID=1597134&BillID=203
Bill Status
SS/SCS/SBs 1168 & 810 is placed on the Senate Informal Perfection Calendar for Monday, March 4
HCS HB 2634 is scheduled for a third reading in the House on Monday, March 4.
Talking Points
Planned Parenthood does not provide abortions in MO but provides necessary healthcare such as contraception, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment.
Bill denies necessary healthcare to people who count on Medicaid since there are not enough providers that accept the same.
CALL TO ACTION!
Tell your state senator to oppose SS/SCS/SBs 1168 & 810 and tell your state representative to reject HCS HB 2634 using the LWV talking points provided above or briefly share your personal story about why Planned Parenthood funding is important to you. Find your state senator and representative using the Legislator Lookup here: https://www.senate.mo.gov/LegisLookup/Default.
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TELL YOUR STATE SENATOR TO SUPPORT Senate Bill SB 754 SECTIONS REGARDING BLAIR’S LAW AND INCREASING THE PENALTIES FOR ARMED CRIMINAL ACTION AND ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF A CHILD!
“BLAIR'S LAW (Section 571.031)
This act establishes "Blair's Law" which specifies that a person commits the offense of unlawful discharge of a firearm if he or she recklessly discharges a firearm within or into the limits of a municipality. Any such person shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor for the first offense, a class E felony for the second offense, and a class D felony for any third or subsequent offenses. These provisions will not apply if the firearm is discharged under circumstances as provided in the act.”
Short Description Senate Bill SB 754
This act modifies provisions relating to public safety including Blair's Law that increases the penalty for celebratory gunfire; modifies penalties for armed criminal action; increases the offense to a class D felony for endangering the welfare of a child regarding firearms.
Bill Status
Has been taken up for a Third Reading (the final vote in the Senate) on
Monday, March 4.
Talking points
Missouri considered a “failed” state for lack of strong gun laws (Everytown for Gun Safety)
Missouri has three times as many gun deaths as other national gun leader states (Grandparents For Gun Safety)
American children are twelve times more likely to be killed by a gun than children in other countries (CDC)
Bill Summary
CALL TO ACTION!
Tell your State Senator to support Senate Bill SB 754 sections regarding Blair’s Law and increasing the penalties for armed criminal action and endangering the welfare of a child! Find your state senator using the Legislator Lookup here: https://www.senate.mo.gov/LegisLookup/Default.
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TELL YOUR SENATOR TO REJECT EXPANDING VOUCHERS AND CHARTER SCHOOLS! NO PUBLIC DOLLARS FOR PRIVATE SCHOOLS!
Senate Bill SB 1392 (sponsored by Curtis Trent) was reported to the floor and placed on the Senate calendar on February 26. The bill contains provisions expanding the existing tax credit voucher enacted in 2021 and authorizing the establishment of charter schools in St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Columbia school district without sponsorship by the local school board.
Senate Bill SB 1392 is now second on the Senate formal calendar for debate and seems likely to be the vehicle for other education topics. Be aware that the Senate is likely to consider a floor substitute with additional provisions.
CALL TO ACTION!
TELL YOUR STATE SENATOR TO OPPOSE SENATE BILL 1392 AND REJECT ANY VOUCHER AND CHARTER SCHOOL EXPANSION! Find your state senator using the Legislator Lookup here: https://www.senate.mo.gov/LegisLookup/Default.
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UPCOMING EVENTS - WAYS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Lee’s Summit Democrats Quarterly Business Meeting
Meet the Candidates & Sign the Reproductive Rights Petition!
6:00PM
Minsky’s Pizza Lee’s Summit
1251 NE Rice Rd
Lee’s Summit, MO 64086
Join us to discuss candidates running for City Council, School Board, and Municipal Judge in the upcoming April 2 election. We will also have individuals gathering signatures for the reproductive rights petition. Many of you have asked how to get involved in that campaign. Come out and make your voice heard by signing the petition and learning how the process works from our own members!
Stay up to date with Lee’s Summit Dems on Facebook, Twitter, and our website. Follow and share our posts with your friends and networks!
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Moms Demand Action MO-Statewide Virtual Advocacy Day 2024
Thursday, March 7
8:00 PM
Zoom Call
Join us for our 2024 Virtual Advocacy Day where you will hear from State Leaders, Community Partners, and Gun Violence Prevention Advocates. Learn about actions you can take in your community to make our state a safer place to
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JOIN THE EFFORT TO PUT ABORTION RIGHTS ON THE BALLOT!
Support the work of Missourians for Constitutional Freedom!
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. 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 HAVE A VERY SHORT WINDOW!! 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.
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! Find events near you: 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
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IMPORTANT MISSOURI VOTER DATES AND RESOURCES!
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
Kansas City Board of Election Commissioners
Serving voters in Kansas City within Jackson County
4407 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64130
Phone: (816) 842-4820
Website: https://www.kceb.org
Jackson County Election Board
Serving Eastern Jackson County voters–All of Jackson County outside the city limits of Kansas City
215 N. Liberty
Independence, Missouri 64051
Phone: (816) 325-4600
Website: https://jcebmo.org/
ELECTION PROTECTION 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
The national, nonpartisan Election Protection coalition works year-round to ensure that all voters have an equal opportunity to vote and have that vote count. Made up of more than 300 local, state and national partners, Election Protection uses a wide range of tools and activities to protect, advance and defend the right to vote.
To report a problem or for general elections/voting questions call 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
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THE MISSOURI DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE PRIMARY IS MARCH 23, 2024
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 Missouri Democratic Presidential Primary will be held on March 23, 2024. It 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
***Request a ballot by MARCH 12 to vote by mail***
Request a ballot to vote in the Democratic Presidential Primary by mail here: https://www.missouridemocrats.org/mdp-primary-information-2024
Find more MO Dem Presidential Primary information on the Missouri Democratic Party (MDP) website here: https://www.missouridemocrats.org/mdp-primary-information-2024
Find more MO Dem Presidential Primary information for Democrats in Jackson County including March 23 in person voting locations here: https://www.jacksoncodems.org/post/2024-presidential-primary
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South Kansas City Democrats March in the Martin City St. Patrick’s Parade
Sunday, March 10
1:30 line up
2 PM parade start
Martin City, MO
South KC Democrats will be marching in the Martin City St. Patrick’s Parade. Join the fun and bring your friends and family. Assemble at 1:30 in front of State Line Point Shopping Center at 135th and Holmes. For questions or more information email Jon Rand at southkcdems@gmail.com.
MARCH IS WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH!
Kansas City WHM Art Exhibitions
KCUR / NPR
For March, we’ve picked six art exhibitions around Kansas City that highlight a cohort of women-identified artists, honor women’s history and interrogate feminist subjects. These exhibitions explore topics like healing, sexism and discrimination, aging and immigrant experiences. As you walk through these exhibitions, we encourage you to think about how women’s identities and gender expectations have changed throughout history, and reflect on the new and persisting challenges those identifying as women continue to navigate. Details here: https://www.kcur.org/arts-life/2024-03-02/celebrate-womens-history-month-with-these-kansas-city-art-exhibitions
March is Women's History Month The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.
WHM information: https://www.womenshistorymonth.gov/index.html
Exhibits and Collections: https://www.womenshistorymonth.gov/ExhibitsandCollections.html
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FIND EVENTS AND MORE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED HERE: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19AZUdtRH5WXefOC4Q5D9u-HyuzhBEL8rYX9Ospn3n18/edit?usp=sharing
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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!
Invite your friends and neighbors to join us and sign up for Missouri Action Alliance and this Missouri Mondays weekly email at bit.ly/3pF99Uw
Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at @MissouriAction, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/MOActionAlliance and check out our website at http://www.MOActionAlliance.com
