12/12/22 Missouri Mondays - Take action against censorship of MO public libraries by Dec 15th!
Take action against censorship of MO public libraries by Dec 15th! Find news, events & more actions to make a difference this week!
Welcome to another Missouri Mondays! We are asking again for your help pushing back against government overreach and censorship of MO public libraries! The deadline is THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15th for submitting public comment on MO Secretary of State John Ashcroft’s proposed rule threatening access to books and resources and giving control to the state and activist groups. Find details below for submitting your comments and sample scripts. PLEASE SHARE! Thanks for staying informed and for all you do to help protect our freedoms and democracy!
Protect Your Freedom to Read: Speak Up On Secy. of State Ashcroft’s Proposed Rule “Library Certification Requirement for the Protection of Minors.”
PUBLIC COMMENT DEADLINE IS THURSDAY, DEC 15TH!
A proposed administrative rule from Missouri Secretary of State John R. Ashcroft threatens to reduce community access to public library books and other resources. This measure would take choices out of the hands of individuals and families, instead giving inappropriate control to the state and activist groups. It would also put restrictions on the open exchange of ideas, stories, and experiences. Read Secy of State Ashcroft’s proposed rule here: https://kclibrary.org/sites/default/files/15_CSR_30_200_015.pdf
Find answers and additional details about Secy. Ashcroft’s rule here: https://www.kclibrary.org/blog/missouri%E2%80%99s-proposed-rule%E2%80%99s-impact-you-and-your-library-explained
With no full hearing scheduled, we urge everyone in our community and state to respond and HELP SPREAD THE WORD!
Contact the secretary of state’s office BY THURSDAY DEC 15TH and speak up for your right to read. Share why you want to continue to make your own reading choices, push back against efforts to remove books from shelves, and reject policies that target libraries and educators for serving all people in our community.
Use this link from the Missouri Library Association to submit your comments:
https://oneclickpolitics.global.ssl.fastly.net/messages/edit?promo_id=18374
Email comments to: comments@sos.mo.gov with the proposed rule number, 15 CSR 30-200.015, in the subject field.
Sample scripts:
“I'm writing regarding the proposed rule 15 CSR 30-200.015 - Library Certification Requirement for the Protection of Minors. This measure would take choices out of the hands of individuals and families, instead giving inappropriate control to the state and activist groups. It would also put restrictions on the open exchange of ideas, stories, and experiences. This proposed rule also requires librarians to enforce the standards of individual parents and guardians. I believe it is the responsibility and right of parents or guardians to choose what is appropriate for their own children and for one individual or group to make those decisions for every family is inappropriate, and a violation of other parents’ rights.”
“I'm writing regarding the proposed rule 15 CSR 30-200.015 - Library Certification Requirement for the Protection of Minors. I want to continue to make my own reading choices and I am opposed to efforts to remove books from shelves, and reject policies that target libraries and educators for serving all people in our community. If implemented, this rule will create additional costs to library services at the local level, and impede my ability to access resources paid for by my tax dollars. For many libraries, funding controlled by the state is crucial to ensure that their doors stay open, and is necessary to provide access to materials and programs that benefit my community.”
Read more about the Secy. of State’s proposed rule here: https://www.kcur.org/podcast/up-to-date/2022-12-08/librarians-say-missouri-secretary-of-state-is-overreaching-in-proposal-restricting-materials KCUR Dec 8
Other ways to take action against censorship in libraries and beyond:
Unite Against BookBans - https://uniteagainstbookbans.org
Unite Against Book Bans is a national initiative to empower readers everywhere to stand together in the fight against censorship. Leveraging the reach of a national coalition, Unite Against Book Bans will connect, support, and mobilize local advocates to fight book bans in their communities or states. Find their Action Toolkit here: https://uniteagainstbookbans.org/toolkit/
NATIONAL NEWS
“Future of U.S. election law at stake as Supreme Court hears North Carolina case”
“North Carolina Republicans appeared to have at least three of the U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative justices on their side Wednesday in a case that could determine the future of elections nationwide, and leave decisions about federal elections in the hands of state legislatures and beyond the reach of state courts.
The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in an appeal of a North Carolina Supreme Court ruling that threw out congressional districts drawn by the Republican-led legislature. The state’s high court decided in February that the redistricting plans constituted a partisan gerrymander that violated the state constitution.
North Carolina Republicans base their case on something called the “independent state legislature theory,” which holds that the U.S. Constitution’s Elections Clause makes legislatures the sole authority over federal elections.”
Justices Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, and Samuel Alito seemed to agree with Thompson, indicating their belief that the federal Constitution is enough to protect voters and state constitutions shouldn’t play a role in election matters.
“The court’s three liberal justices seemed to agree with the opponents. An endorsement of the North Carolina Republicans’ position would have far-reaching effects, said Justice Elena Kagan.
“This is a theory with big consequences,” she said. “It would say that if the legislature engages in the most extreme forms of gerrymandering, there is no state constitutional remedy for that, even if the courts think that that’s a violation of the Constitution. It would say that legislatures could enact all manner of restrictions on voting, get rid of all kinds of voter protections that the state Constitution in fact prohibits. It might allow the legislatures to insert themselves, to give themselves a role in the certification of elections and the way election results are calculated.” She added that the North Carolina Republicans’ proposal “gets rid of the normal checks and balances on the way big governmental decisions are made in this country.”
Katyal, who represented the parties who originally sued over the redistricting plans, warned of the “blast radius” of a ruling in favor of North Carolina GOP legislators in which state lawmaking is unconstrained by a state constitution. Outside the court on Wednesday, Katyal said that “the checks and balances laced into the Constitution forbid what these challengers are seeking.”
https://missouriindependent.com/2022/12/07/future-of-u-s-election-law-at-stake-as-supreme-court-hears-north-carolina-case/ Missouri Independent Dec 7
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‘Worth the wait’: U.S. Senate Democrats celebrate a 51-seat majority with Georgia win”
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer jubilantly announced Wednesday that the Georgia runoff election victory will next year end an evenly divided U.S. Senate, giving Democrats more subpoena power in committees and a quicker turnaround in approving federal and judicial appointments.
Schumer, a New York Democrat, congratulated Democratic U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock for winning a full six-year term in Georgia’s U.S. Senate runoff election Tuesday night against Republican challenger Herschel Walker.” “The last win in the 2022 midterm elections gives Senate Democrats a true majority for the next Congress, and won’t require a power-sharing agreement with Republicans.
Schumer said that Democrats can now “breathe a sigh of relief,” and that judicial nominees will be confirmed more quickly, rather than having nominations stalled in a split U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. On rare occasions, Vice President Kamala Harris has had to make trips to the Senate to cast a tiebreaker floor vote.
“We are so proud of our record with judges,” Schumer said. “It’s one of the most significant things … we’ve done.” There are currently 89 open judicial seats. So far, 87 judges have been confirmed under the Biden administration. Of those confirmed, two-thirds are women, half are people of color and “there are more Black women on the federal bench now … (than) before Biden became president,” Schumer said.
“The bench is looking more like America now,” Schumer said.”
https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/worth-the-wait-u-s-senate-democrats-celebrate-a-51-seat-majority-with-georgia-win/ Missouri Independent Dec 7
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“Marriage equality bill heads to Biden’s desk following bipartisan U.S. House vote”
“The U.S. House overwhelmingly approved a marriage equality bill Thursday that would ensure same-sex and interracial couples continue holding many of the rights they have now, should the U.S. Supreme Court overturn the cases that established those constitutional protections. The measure now heads to the desk of President Joe Biden, who plans to sign it.
The 258-169-1 vote included the backing of 39 Republicans, though many GOP lawmakers argued during debate there was no reason to pass the legislation since the justices have not agreed to take up any cases that would end legal marriages for interracial or same-sex couples. Rep. Ann Wagner was the only Republican from Missouri to support the bill.
Democrats countered the legislation is essential to assure Americans that should the conservative-leaning court take up such a case in the future, as it did with abortion rights, same-sex and interracial marriages will still be recognized federally. They also said religious liberty protections added in the Senate should assuage concerns about potential impacts on people and organizations.”
https://missouriindependent.com/2022/12/08/marriage-equality-bill-heads-to-bidens-desk-following-bipartisan-u-s-house-vote/ Missouri Independent Dec 8
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 meeting today MONDAY Dec 12 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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MOMS DEMAND ACTION - KC Metro Area
MO-KC-Vigil for Victims of Gun Violence Wednesday, Dec 14th
5:30pm
Intersection of Westport and Stateline Rd
Kansas City, MO 64111
RSVP here: https://act.everytown.org/event/moms-demand-action-event/50721/signup/
We will gather with Moms from the KC Metro Area including Johnson County, Wyandotte County, KCMO, and North KCMO to honor the memories of the Sandy Hook tragedy and all victims of gun violence in our communities. We hope to have several speakers. You are encouraged to bring your own signs. Battery candles will be provided.
TAKE ACTION TO HELP END GUN VIOLENCE WITH EVERYTOWN FOR GUN SAFETY AND MOMS DEMAND ACTION MO
Every day, more than 110 people in America are killed with guns. We’re counting on people like you to take actions that will help us pass common-sense laws and implement policies that will save lives. Find actions you can take now to help end gun violence: https://www.everytown.org/actions/
Action is the counterweight to apathy. We can reclaim our safety and save lives by taking action to end gun violence. Join Moms Demand Action volunteers in Missouri who are working to make our communities safer by texting READY to 644-33.
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DONATE OR FIND HELP IN KC METRO THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!
Here's where Kansas Citians can donate — and receive — food and gifts this holiday season. The holiday season already has enough stress, and inflation is only adding more. We put together a list of resources if you find yourself in need of assistance, or if you're in a position to help out.
Make a donation or find services here:
Harvesters Community Food Network - https://www.harvesters.org/
Children’s Mercy Toy Drive - https://support.childrensmercy.org/campaign/champions-for-kids-virtual-toy-drive/c431410
Rose Brooks Holiday Store - https://www.rosebrooks.org/holiday-store/
Jewish Family Services of Greater Kansas City - https://www.jfskc.org/
Find more information and resources here: https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-11-25/kansas-city-food-gift-donation-2022-holidays-christmas-hanukkah KCUR Nov 25
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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
