07/04/22 - Missouri Mondays - Democracy under attack! Fight Back! / Voter regis. deadline July 6!
PLUS--Parson signs voter suppression bill HB 1878 / Celebrate first Black woman on SCOTUS!
Welcome to another Missouri Mondays! As we celebrate our nation’s birth, let us heed the warnings from Rep. Liz Cheney, Vice-Chair of the January 6 Committee– “the nation's democratic system is threatened by ongoing efforts to deny the legitimacy of the former president’s 2020 election loss. "People must pay attention. People must watch, and they must understand how easily our democratic system can unravel if we don't defend it.” "It's an ongoing threat," Cheney said of the efforts to undercut confidence in elections. "It is extremely broad. It's extremely well organized. It's really chilling." Reuters June 5
Our democracy and freedoms are also under relentless attack by the Missouri state legislature’s GOP majority. Abortion is now illegal with no exceptions for rape or incest. Last week Gov. Parson signed into law voter suppression bill HB 1878 that will disenfranchise voters, place unnecessary barriers to ballots and voter registration, and many other harmful provisions.
We can’t and we won’t back down! Thank you for staying informed and taking action to help protect and defend our democracy!
VOTER SUPPRESSION BILL HB 1878 SIGNED BY GOV. PARSON!
Last week Gov. Parson signed HB 1878 omnibus voter suppression bill into law despite the statewide outcry urging Parson to veto this discriminatory and harmful bill that creates needless barriers to participation for Missouri's voters. The Missouri Voter Protection Coalition (MOVPC) lead statewide efforts in opposition to the bill and released this statement:
“We are disappointed that Governor Parson did not consider the voters of Missouri who will be harmed by H.B. 1878,” said Denise Lieberman, Director & General Counsel of the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition, which is considering a legal challenge to some of the bill’s provisions. “H.B. 1878 is breathtaking in the ways it undermines our elections - hampering voter registration drives, making it illegal to help people get absentee ballot applications, enshrining an unconstitutional strict photo ID provision, allowing the Secretary of State to order voters removed from the rolls at his discretion, allowing partisan lawmakers to be part of challenges to voting laws, opening the door to sham audits and more.” More than 2,000 Coalition partners from nearly 150 cities in Missouri signed a letter to Governor Parson to: “Please VETO H.B. 1878 to uphold the rights of all Missourians to free, fair and accessible elections. MOVPC partners have vowed to continue to fight the barriers to the ballot contained in H.B. 1878.”
“Nimrod Chapel, Jr., President of the Missouri State Conference of the NAACP, said: “We will work with the community to make sure the rights of Missouri voters are restored and everyone can have their vote counted. The NAACP has long raised concerns about Missouri’s efforts to implement a discriminatory voter ID law, and it is one of the reasons we have issued a travel advisory for the state. Democracy in Missouri is not a safe place for black voters.” The NAACP was a plaintiff in a 2017 challenging a prior iteration of Missouri’s photo ID law and vowed to take the matter to court again.”
Read HB 1878:
https://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills221/hlrbillspdf/4557S.05F.pdf
MORE MISSOURI NEWS
Missouri doctors fear vague emergency exception to abortion ban puts patients at risk
“Under the new law, which went into effect last week after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, abortions are now illegal in Missouri. There are no exceptions for rape or incest. The procedure is only permitted in a medical emergency, which state law defines as necessary to save the patient’s life or “for which a delay will create a serious risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function of the pregnant woman.” Health care providers who violate the ban can be guilty of a class B felony, which can result in five to 15 years in prison, and suspension or revocation of their medical license.” “Colleen McNicholas, chief medical officer of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri, said the exceptions to Missouri’s abortion ban will inevitably lead to dangerous delays in care and “put providers in impossible situations.” ”In order for doctors to avoid prison time, instead of treating a patient before their health condition becomes life threatening, doctors are now contemplating how sick is sick enough before I can provide life-saving care,” McNicholas said. “Care will be delayed and people will suffer unnecessary harm as doctors wait for permission from hospital lawyers to tell them that they can proceed.”
Read more:
Missouri Independent
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Gov. Parson proposes special session to cut taxes after vetoing rebate plan
“Missouri would have a flat income tax that exempts many lower income earners under a proposal floated Friday by Gov. Mike Parson after he vetoed a tax rebate plan overwhelmingly approved by lawmakers.Parson vetoed four bills in all, including a bill extending a variety of tax incentives important to farmers and rural businesses, such as credits for meat processors, biodiesel producers and to establish “urban farms.” Some of the credits expired at the end of 2021, but Parson objected to only extending them through the end of 2024. Parson wants both bills addressed in a special session, with the tax cut in place by Jan. 1. The timing of a special session needs to be worked out with legislative leaders, Parson said. The bill Parson vetoed would have authorized tax rebates of up to $500 for individuals and $1,000 for married couples. The rebates would go to individual filers with an income of $150,000 or less and couples with incomes below $300,000.” Missouri Independent July 1 https://missouriindependent.com/2022/07/01/missouri-governor-proposes-special-session-to-cut-taxes-after-vetoing-rebate-plan/
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Parson weakens hazardous waste rules, cuts regulation for ‘advanced recycling’
“Legislation targeting the state’s authority to regulate hazardous waste was pushed behind the scenes by a mid-Missouri manufacturer.” “Gov. Mike Parson signed legislation Friday weakening the state’s hazardous waste regulations and opening the door for a controversial type of recycling backed by the plastic industry and decried by environmentalists.”
Missouri Independent July 1 https://missouriindependent.com/2022/07/01/missouri-governor-weakens-hazardous-waste-rules-cuts-regulation-for-advanced-recycling/
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Gov. Parson signs bill requiring Kansas City to put more money toward police
“Gov. Mike Parson signed legislation Monday that would increase the amount of funding Kansas City is required to put towards its police department – if voters approve a proposed constitutional amendment in November. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, raises the portion of Kansas City’s budget that must be devoted to the police department from 20% to 25% — a $65.2 million increase.”
Missouri Independent June 27
KETANJI BROWN JACKSON SWORN IN AS FIRST BLACK WOMAN ON SUPREME COURT
“Ketanji Brown Jackson has been sworn as the 116th Supreme Court justice and the first Black woman to serve on the high court. The ceremony caps a months-long process that essentially began February, when President Biden, fulfilling a campaign promise to nominate the first Black woman to the Supreme Court, announced Jackson, 51, as his pick to replace Justice Stephen Breyer, 83. Breyer — whom Jackson clerked for after she graduated from Harvard Law School in 1996 — officially retired Thursday, paving the way for her to be sworn in. "For too long, our government, our courts haven't looked like America," Biden said when he nominated her. "And I believe it's time that we have a court that reflects the full talents and greatness of our nation with a nominee of extraordinary qualifications and that we inspire all young people to believe that they can one day serve their country at the highest level." NPR June 30
“It has taken 232 years and 115 prior appointments for a Black woman to be selected to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States,” Justice Jackson said in April at a White House celebration following her confirmation. “But we’ve made it. We’ve made it. All of us.” “In the wake of such far-right extremism poisoning our nation’s highest court, she will bring a voice — and a vote — of compassion, respect for human rights, and honor for the rule of law,” Derrick Johnson, president of the N.A.A.C.P., said in a statement. He said that her swearing-in was “the greatest news for Black America coming out of this Supreme Court in a long, long time.” NYT June 30
Full story:
NPR June 30 https://www.npr.org/2022/06/30/1108714345/ketanji-brown-jackson-supreme-court-oath-swearing-in
NYT June 30 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/30/us/politics/ketanji-brown-jackson-sworn-in-supreme-court.html
U.S. Supreme Court curbs federal power to regulate greenhouse gases, in blow to Biden
“The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Thursday the Environmental Protection Agency does not have the authority to regulate greenhouse gases as pollutants, siding with a group of Republican attorneys general and coal companies in a major blow to the executive branch’s power to curb climate change.”
Missouri Independent June 30
U.S. HHS chief vows to protect abortion access, but says much depends on states
“U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra pledged Tuesday to work to preserve abortion access in the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court’s “despicable” decision overturning Roe v. Wade — though the department’s specific actions will depend on how states seeking to limit abortion access proceed. Becerra said HHS would enforce federal laws to ensure federally approved abortion pills — which must be obtained by prescription — remain available, and that those accepting federal funds provide abortion services in circumstances laid out under federal policy. He did not rule out other actions the department may pursue, including providing abortions on federal lands in Republican-led states that ban or greatly limit abortions, or filing suits challenging state laws that ban access to medication abortion. “We will absolutely protect Americans’ rights to care under federal law,” he said. “What exactly that translates into depends on what a state tries to do … It’s tough to answer some of these questions more precisely until we know what the states are doing.”
Missouri Independent https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/u-s-hhs-chief-vows-to-protect-abortion-access-but-says-much-depends-on-states/
ABORTION CARE IS UNDER ATTACK - WHAT YOU CAN DO
SUPPORT THE WORK OF ABORTION CARE PROVIDERS / SPREAD THE WORD
Planned Parenthood - All gifts made by June 30 will be matched $1‑for‑$1 up to a total of $250,000 https://www.weareplannedparenthood.org/onlineactions/2U7UN1iNhESWUfDs4gDPNg2
Whole Women’s Health https://www.wholewomanshealth.com/take-action/
National Network of Abortion Funds https://donate.abortionfunds.org/give/323375/#!/donation/checkout
National Women’s Health Network https://nwhn.org/syaabortionaccess/
Planned Parenthood https://www.plannedparenthood.org/get-involved
Bans Off Our Bodies Campaign https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/rightfully-ours/bans-off-our-bodies
Repro Legal Helpline https://www.reprolegalhelpline.org/
Plan C - An information resource for self-managed, at-home abortion with pills https://www.plancpills.org/
Missouri Abortion Fund https://missouriabortionfund.kindful.com/?emci=ff69d8b0-a0f8-ec11-b47a-281878b83d8a&emdi=9abc9d26-89f9-ec11-b47a-281878b83d8a&ceid=7247154
HELP ELECT MORE DEMOCRATS TO STOP EXTREMIST LEGISLATION
Democratic candidates for the Missouri legislature need your help NOW! We must break the GOP super-majority to stop extremist legislation from being passed!
DONATE HERE: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/electionomnibus
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER HERE: https://secure.ngpvan.com/oZqeiPSF7kqrBstdpQLk9w2
VOLUNTEER WITH JACKSON COUNTY DEMOCRATS: https://www.jacksoncodems.org/volunteer/
JANUARY 6 COMMITTEE HEARINGS
Recap of Last Week’s Jan 6 Committee Hearing
Hearing Day 6 June 28
Cassidy Hutchinson, former aide to White House chief of state Mark Meadows testified on June 28 about DT’s actions surrounding the January 6 attack on the Capitol. Here are some of the biggest revelations: Meadows and Rudy Giuliani, Trump’s attorney, sought pardons related to their roles in the Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol, Hutchinson testified. She said Trump also expressed interest in pardoning the Capitol rioters. Trump was so “irate” that he wasn’t being driven to the Capitol after his speech on the Ellipse on Jan. 6 that he attempted to grab the steering wheel of his limousine and lunged at a member of his Secret Service detail, Hutchinson testified, citing the account of a senior-ranking colleague. Hutchinson described an outburst by Trump at his attorney general in which he threw dishes, leaving ketchup streaming down the wall. Hutchinson testified that Trump was informed that attendees at a Jan. 6 rally near the White House were armed but that he still wanted security removed from the area and the crowd to march to the Capitol. Trump waved off concerns that the rallygoers had been reported to be armed. “You know, I don’t even care that they have weapons. They’re not here to hurt me,” Hutchinson testified Trump said. Hutchinson said that as violence increased at the Capitol, she witnessed White House counsel Pat Cipollone telling Meadows: “Mark, something needs to be done or people are going to die. The blood is going to be on your f---ing hands.” Hutchinson recalled that Meadows told her days before insurrection that “things might get real, real bad” at the Capitol on that day.”
Full story: Washington Post Jun 28
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“Cheney says committee has evidence of possible witness tampering”
“Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), vice chairwoman of the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, closed Tuesday’s hearing by raising concerns about possible witness tampering. She said numerous witnesses have described phone calls and other messages from former colleagues that seem to exert pressure in advance of their testimony. One witness described a phone call in which the person was implored to be a “team player” and remain in “good graces in Trump world.” The witness also described being reminded that the former president reads transcripts and pays attention to what’s being said about him, Cheney said. Another witness received a call the day before their deposition from a person who seemed to be delivering a message directly from Trump. “He wants me to let you know that he’s thinking about you,” it said, according to Cheney’s account of the message. “He knows you’re loyal, and you’re going to do the right thing when you go in for your deposition.”
Full Story: Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/06/28/jan-6-committee-hearings-live-updates-day-6/#link-7XGHXK2QJVEZZDSCJMYHU4I6RQ
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Rep. Liz Cheney says January 6 committee could make multiple criminal referrals, including of former President DT
“Cheney’s remarks come days after explosive testimony before the panel investigating the attack on the US Capitol from former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson, who recalled being told of Trump’s anger when informed by his Secret Service detail he couldn’t accompany protesters to the Capitol on January 6.”
Full story: https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/03/politics/liz-cheney-january-6-trump/index.html CNN Jul3
WEDNESDAY JULY 6 LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN AUGUST 2 ELECTION
NEXT SCHEDULED ELECTION - August 2, 2022 Primary Election
Election Day: August 2, 2022
LAST DAY TO REGISTER: JULY 6
IN PERSON ABSENTEE VOTING UNDERWAY AS OF JUNE 21, 2022
Military & Overseas Portal opens: June 14, 2022
Applications mailed to permanently disabled: May 24, 2022
MORE UPCOMING ACTIONS AND EVENTS
Find more upcoming actions and events here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/19AZUdtRH5WXefOC4Q5D9u-HyuzhBEL8rYX9Ospn3n18/edit?usp=sharing
CRISIS IN UKRAINE - HOW YOU CAN HELP
WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN - Help us provide fresh meals to communities in need. Donate to WCK here: https://donate.wck.org/give/393234#!/donation/checkout
UNICEF - UNICEF is currently on the ground in Ukraine, helping children with water, health and education services. Donate here: https://www.unicefusa.org/stories/unicef-children-are-bearing-brunt-intensifying-crisis-ukraine/39481
RED CROSS - The International Committee of the Red Cross is supporting the Ukrainian Red Cross supporting food-producing initiatives, repairing infrastructure, and helping hospitals, schools, mental health facilities and community centers. Donate here: https://www.icrc.org/en/donate
DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS - American-based nonprofits as well as international organizations are collecting donations for supplies such as first aid backpacks, clothes, diapers, food, cots and other necessities. Donate here: https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/what-we-do/countries/ukraine
SUNFLOWER OF PEACE - Sunflower of Peace Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to helping Ukrainians affected by the Russian military invasion. Donate here: https://www.sunflowerofpeace.com/
MISSOURI COVID UPDATE
COVID visitor restrictions curbed under new Missouri laws ensuring access to patients
Under the new law, health care facilities — which include hospitals, nursing homes and hospice facilities — must permit at least two visitors to be able to see a patient in-person during visiting hours, which must span at least six hours a day. Visitation policies at a minimum must allow 24-hour attendance by a visitor when “reasonably appropriate” and for them to leave and return during visiting hours.
Full story: Missouri Independent June 30 https://missouriindependent.com/2022/06/30/covid-visitor-restrictions-curbed-under-new-missouri-laws-ensuring-access-to-patients/
COVID-19 vaccines approved for children younger than 5 years old
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone ages 6 months and older get vaccinated against COVID-19 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccines-children-teens.html Updated June 24
Where can the youngest U.S. children get vaccinated for COVID-19 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/24/us/covid-vaccine-children-access.html NYTimes June 24
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Missourians Vaccinated vs U.S. as of July 3 - The New York Times
67% of Missourians have received at least one dose - (78% have received at least one dose in the U.S.)
57% of Missourians are fully vaccinated - (67% are fully vaccinated in the U.S.)
Latest COVID Trends in Missouri as of July 3 - The New York Times
An average of 1,683 cases per day were reported in Missouri in the last week. Cases have increased by 8 percent from the average two weeks ago.
Deaths have increased by 729 percent.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, at least 1 in 4 residents have been infected, a total of 1,526,042 reported cases. At least 1 in 293 residents have died from the coronavirus, a total of 20,937 deaths.
January 2022 was the month with the highest average cases, while November 2021 was the month with the highest average deaths in Missouri.
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MORE COVID-19 VACCINE, TESTING RESOURCES AND INFORMATION HERE: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1i1vCikZiGfMulA8tFCDSJbEKV5N37S1JU_TSlgs699A/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
