03/13/23 Missouri Mondays - Spring Forward with Actions for Reproductive Freedom,
“Clean Slate Initiative” Criminal Justice Reform, Conversion Therapy Bans, and more!
Welcome to another Missouri Mondays! It may be Spring Break for state lawmakers but there’s plenty we can do this week to make a difference! Thank you for staying informed and taking action. Your voice matters. Help us spread the word to get involved and sign up for Missouri Mondays updates here: https://www.moactionalliance.com/signup.
SPRING FORWARD WITH THESE ACTIONS WHILE MO LAWMAKERS ARE ON SPRING BREAK!
Learn about the Missouri abortion ban lawsuit and hear from faith leaders about religious teachings on abortion!
Missouri Women’s Political Caucus
“Separation of Church and State and Reproductive Freedom”
Virtual Event
March 14
6:30 PM Networking
7:00 PM Panel Discussion
Attendees will learn about the Americans United for the Separation of Church and State and National Women’s Law Center lawsuit against MO abortion bans and then hear from our multi-religious panel about their religion’s teachings about abortion, with Q&A. Panelists come from diverse ages and religious backgrounds - from lay people to leaders - including Hinduism, Humanist, Islam, Judaism, LDS, and Protestant churches.
Panel Discussion featuring: Denise Lieberman, lawyer for Americans United for the Separation of Church and State and National Women’s Law Center Missouri Abortion Ban Lawsuit. Religious diversity panel including: Hazzan Tahl Ben-Yehudah, McKinzie Davis, Allison Hile, Cynthia Holmes, Asma Raza, Robin Rusconi, Eesha Sabherwal, and Gayathri Seetharaman
MISSOURIANS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL FREEDOM FILES 11 ABORTION PROTECTION BALLOT MEASURES - SECRETARY OF STATE ACCEPTING PUBLIC COMMENTS
“Group files ballot measures adding abortion protections to Missouri Constitution”
“Eleven versions of a proposed initiative petition seeking to roll back Missouri’s ban on abortion by adding protections for the procedure to the state constitution were filed Wednesday with the Secretary of State’s office.
Filed by a St. Louis doctor on behalf of a political action committee called Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, the proposals would amend the constitution to declare that the “government shall not infringe upon a person’s fundamental right to reproductive freedom.” That would include “prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, birth control, abortion care, miscarriage care and respectful birthing conditions.” Penalties for both patients seeking reproductive-related care and medical providers would be outlawed.
But there are key differences on a range of topics between the 11 different proposals.
Each version of the proposed amendment says there must be a “compelling governmental interest” for abortion restrictions to be put in place. But while some allow the legislature to regulate abortion after “fetal viability,” others draw the line at 24 weeks of gestation. Some versions make it clear the state can enact parental consent laws for minors seeking abortions. Others leave the topic out entirely.
It’s unclear who is involved with Missourians for Constitutional Freedom. A message left with the PAC’s treasurer was not returned. One group that isn’t connected to the effort is Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri. Before Missouri banned virtually all abortions last year, Planned Parenthood’s St. Louis clinic was the only provider in the state offering abortion services.
Vanessa Wellbery, vice president of policy and advocacy for Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri, said that while her organization is not involved with the proposals filed on Thursday, “we are deeply committed to rebuilding a system that ensures all people can access abortion and all providers can provide it without political or legislative interference.”
“The next step is for the Secretary of State’s office to accept public comments on the 11 versions of the proposed amendment. A summary will be written and supporters can then begin gathering signatures to place the issue on the 2024 ballot.”
https://missouriindependent.com/2023/03/09/group-files-ballot-measures-adding-abortion-protections-to-missouri-constitution/ Missouri Independent March 9
SEND PUBLIC COMMENTS TO SECRETARY OF STATE JAY ASHCROFT!
Go to https://www.sos.mo.gov/petitions/2024comment to find full petition text for 11 petitions submitted by Anna Fitz-James and click “Submit Comment” button.
TELL JACKSON COUNTY LEGISLATORS TO BAN CONVERSION THERAPY IN JACKSON COUNTY!
Jackson County Legislature Public Hearing on Conversion Therapy Ban
Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee (DEI)
Hearing Thurs March 16
6:00PM - 7:30 PM Public Testimony
7:30PM - 8:00 PM Committee vote on recommendation to the County Legislature
The Paseo Academy of Fine & Performing Arts
4747 Flora Avenue
Kansas City, MO 64110
RSVP & Register for Testimony: https://forms.gle/QY3gJLodi59jdShY6
The Jackson County Legislature Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee (DEI) will hold a Public Hearing to discuss Ordinance No. 5711 which relates to a ban on conversion therapy for minors, with a penalty provision. Conversion therapy also known as reparative therapy, ex-gay therapy or sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts, is a range of discredited practices aimed at changing one’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
TESTIFY– at the public hearing if possible!
RSVP–here: https://forms.gle/QY3gJLodi59jdShY6
CONTACT– the Jackson County Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee (DEI) and tell them to vote to ban conversion therapy in Jackson County!
Manny Abarca IV - Chairman
Phone: 816-881-3076 Email: mabarca@jacksongov.org
Megan L. Marshall
Phone: 816-881-4423 Email: mmarshall@jacksongov.org
Sean E. Smith
Phone: 816-881-3132 Email: sesmith@jacksongov.org
Donna Peyton
Phone: 816-881-3464 Email: dpeyton@jacksongov.org
TELL your Jackson County legislator to ban conversion therapy in Jackson County! To find your county legislator, select your district on the map for contact information pop up here: https://jacksoncomo.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html
It is time to pass the “Clean Slate Initiative” and implement common-sense criminal justice reform in Missouri!
518,000 people across Missouri will finally have their records automatically expunged
Will be given a second chance to finally be free from the lifetime sentence of a criminal record that denies them the ability to find good-paying jobs, get a promotion at work, or even rent an apartment or house.
Provide opportunity for substantial criminal justice reform in Missouri that can really advance the fight for economic and racial justice. Within one year of having their record cleared, individuals are 11% more likely to be employed and earn an average of 22% higher wages
It’s spring break but leave a message or send an email to your State Representative and Senator and tell them to support “Clean Slate Initiative” Bills HB 352 and SB 347! Find your electeds using the Legislator Lookup here: https://www.senate.mo.gov/LegisLookup/Default
PROTECT THE CITIZEN’S INITIATIVE PETITION PROCESS!
The MO GOP is desperate to undermine the will of Missourians by making it harder if not impossible to place a measure on the ballot through the initiative petition process and pass it statewide. THANK YOU for making phone calls, submitting testimony or testifying on bills that would gut the IP process! Keep fighting!
Lawmakers are on spring break this week but leave a message or send an email to TELL YOUR SENATOR to vote NO on HCS HJR43 and ANY such legislation making the initiative petition process more difficult!
would increase the threshold for passage of constitutional amendments from a simple majority to 60%.
Statutory initiatives would pass with a simple majority.
Defines "eligible voters" as only US citizens and residents of Missouri.
Requires the Secretary of State to provide voters in each Congressional district with a period in which to review and comment upon all initiative petitions proposing amendments to the Constitution.
About our current initiative petition process (from Missouri Voter Protection Coalition (MOVPC)
Since 1907 Missourians have made their voices heard through the initiative petition process.
Missourians across the political spectrum have benefitted from the citizen initiative process.
Measures passed by a majority - as is currently the case - reflect the will of the people. Making it more difficult undermines the will of the people.
Lawmakers should reject efforts to make direct democracy more difficult - the citizenship language stands to weaken the protection for our right to vote in our constitution.
Find your senator using the Legislator Lookup here: https://www.senate.mo.gov/LegisLookup/Default
Read testimony in opposition to HCS HJR 43 from Missouri Voter Protection Coalition (MOVPC) here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Qe32-sdwgSmKTCowLTChqPo46wrh4HtA/vie
Find additional legislation information in the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition (MOVPC) Legislative Tracker here: bit.ly/movotingbills
CHECK OUT OUR 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
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THESE UPCOMING ACTIONS AND EVENTS
TAKE ACTION WITH THE MISSOURI VOTER PROTECTION COALITION (MOVPC)
TO PROTECT THE RIGHT TO VOTE
Join the MOVPC weekly meeting MONDAYS at 10 AM
Text “MOVPC” to 66866 or register HERE: bit.ly/protectmovoters
Our work to protect the vote requires our continued attention! So we hope you'll join our next MOVPC call where we will discuss next steps in our fight to protect the right to vote in Missouri. MOVPC is a nonpartisan statewide network promoting access to the ballot and working to remove barriers to voting in Missouri!
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UPCOMING APRIL 4 PRIMARY MUNICIPAL ELECTION IMPORTANT DATES
MARCH 8 Last Day to Register to Vote
FEBRUARY 21 In Person Absentee Voting Begins
MARCH 21 No Excuse In Person Absentee (Early) Voting Opens
For more information about registering to vote, checking your voter status, requesting an absentee ballot, and more visit:
Missouri Secretary of State - https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri
League of Women Voters Vote411 - https://www.vote411.org/
Vote 411 Personalized ballot and candidate information - https://www.vote411.org/ballot
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Democratic Legislative Network Monday Night Call
Every Monday night at 7pm
Want to stay up to date on what's happening in Jefferson City and how YOU can help secure Democratic victories for Missouri? Sign up below to join the Democratic Legislative Network and be a part of our Monday night messaging calls.
Sign up here: Bit.ly/MissouriDLN
MARCH IS WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
Honoring Gloria Steinem
“From her humble Ohio childhood, Gloria Steinem grew up to become an acclaimed journalist, trailblazing feminist, and one of the most visible, passionate leaders and spokeswomen of the women’s rights movement in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.”
“Gloria Steinem is a writer, political activist, and feminist organizer. She was a founder of New York and Ms. magazines, and is the author of The Truth Will Set You Free, But First It Will Piss You Off, My Life on the Road, Moving Beyond Words, Revolution from Within, and Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions, all published in the United States, and in India, As If Women Matter. She co-founded the National Women’s Political Caucus, the Ms. Foundation for Women, the Free to Be Foundation, and the Women’s Media Center in the United States. As links to other countries, she helped found Equality Now, Donor Direct Action, and Direct Impact Africa. For her writing, Steinem has received the Penney-Missouri Journalism Award, the Front Page and Clarion awards, the National Magazine Award, the Lifetime Achievement in Journalism Award from the Society of Professional Journalists, the Society of Writers Award from the United Nations, and the University of Missouri School of Journalism Award for Distinguished Service in Journalism.”
Read more about Gloria Steinem:
National Women’s History Museum https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/gloria-steinem
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FIND MORE UPCOMING ACTIONS AND EVENTS here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19AZUdtRH5WXefOC4Q5D9u-HyuzhBEL8rYX9Ospn3n18/edit?usp=sharing
THANK YOU! for answering the Missouri Mondays CALL TO ACTION!
Invite your friends and neighbors to join us and sign up for Missouri Action Alliance and this Missouri Mondays email at moactionalliance.com/signup
Follow us on Twitter at @MissouriAction, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/MOActionAlliance and check out our website at http://www.MOActionAlliance.com
