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9/19/22 Missouri Mondays - 50 Days til Nov 8 election–What MO voters need to know about new law--

HB 1878! / Parson’s tax cuts special session underway / Sept 20 is National Voter Registration Day / Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month! / News, events, and actions to make a difference!



Welcome to another Missouri Mondays. We have 50 days until the November 8 election to help educate Missouri voters about the sweeping changes undermining our voice and our vote under House Bill 1878, the GOP’s restrictive voter suppression law now in effect. “The ability of all Missourians to cast a ballot lies at the heart of a functioning democracy, yet H.B. 1878 attacks Missourians’ right to vote across the board,” said Denise Lieberman, Director & General Counsel of the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition, which lead statewide efforts in opposition to the bill. “H.B. 1878 is breathtaking in the ways it undermines our elections - requiring an unconstitutional photo ID provision, implementing a phantom early voting provision, hindering voter registration drives, allowing the Secretary of State to order voters removed from the rolls, opens the door to sham audits and more.” What began as a 7-page Photo ID bill has become a more than 80-page Model Voter Sabotage Bill - incorporating some of the most restrictive provisions seen in states around the country that disparately impact voters of color.” The State’s own data shows that the photo ID provision stands to burden more than 200,000 Missouri voters, disproportionately voters of color, seniors, voters with disabilities, young voters, and low-wage workers. The bill’s other provisions hit these communities hardest as well.”


Our democracy and our freedoms are under attack and we have 50 days to make a difference. Thank you for taking action and helping to spread the word.


MISSOURI NEWS

“Voters, local election officials working to navigate Missouri’s new voting law - County officials anticipate a surge in provisional ballots that could mean longer lines at polling places and longer waits for official results”

The first time Maureen Loyacono voted was in 1960, when she cast a ballot for John F. Kennedy. “And I’ve never missed an election since,” said Loyacono, 84, a Kansas City resident who also served as a poll worker for 40 years. But she’s worried this might be the first election where her vote won’t be counted. With a new state law that went into effect on Aug. 28, Loyacono won’t be able to cast a ballot at the polls the way she’s always done without a current Missouri driver’s license, a Missouri non-driver’s license, a military photo identification or a passport.

She could cast a provisional ballot on Election Day, which would mean a longer wait for her at the polls. With this kind of ballot, her vote would only count if election authorities deem that her signature on the ballot matches previous signatures in their records.”

Several election authorities told The Independent that they’re concerned seniors like Loyacono — as well as college students and many other voters who don’t have the necessary identification — could be discouraged from voting in November. Election officials are strongly urging these voters to cast a “blue provisional ballot,” a ballot for registered voters who don’t have the required identification.”

It not only takes longer for a voter to cast a blue provisional ballot on Election Day, but it also takes longer for counties to count them. One of the biggest challenges election authorities will likely face on Election Night is a surge in blue provisional ballots, Lennon said. If a race is close, verifying these ballots could delay election results for several days.

Aside from the new identification requirement, the new wide-ranging election law approved by Missouri legislators earlier this year has also caused confusion about who can legally help people register to vote or cast absentee ballots. “I keep saying if I’m confused, imagine how confused other people are who haven’t been looking at this very much,” said Jay Hardenbrook, AARP Missouri advocacy director.

If someone registers more than 10 people to vote, they must fill out a form on the Missouri Secretary of State’s website or could face possible criminal penalties. And 10 or more absentee ballots from the same address — such as a nursing home or community center — requires that election authorities send a team to witness and collect the ballots.

While election authorities and advocates are rushing to educate voters about the new law and identification requirements, two lawsuits have been filed to challenge their constitutionality and block their implementation before the Nov. 8 statewide election.”

Full story here: https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/15/voters-local-election-officials-working-to-navigate-missouris-new-voting-law/ Missouri Independent Sept 15

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WHAT’S IN MISSOURI’S NEW VOTING LAW HB 1878 (effective Aug 28, 2022)

The new restrictive voter ID law HB 1878 is now in effect and changes include:

  • Non-expired government issued photo ID is required for casting regular ballot in person

  • Voter registration restrictions including required registration with Secy of State as a Voter Registration Solicitor for those soliciting 10 or more voter registrations

  • Absentee voting changes including making it illegal for anyone to “solicit” an absentee ballot application

  • Eliminates Presidential Preference Primaries

  • Allows Secretary of State (SOS) to audit voter rolls and order removal of voters

  • Many other changes

Download the flyer with HB 1878 voting law changes here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IZxUkMvNpqb9t5Z00UGsKsdj5pPp7o7L/view


VOTER REGISTRATION SOLICITORS FORM REQUIRED FOR THOSE HELPING TO REGISTER VOTERS

With new restrictive MO voting law HB 1878 now in effect, to help register voters you must submit the Secretary of State’s “Registration Form for Voter Registration Solicitors”.

Go to https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/register

Scroll to the very bottom for the form and click on the link “Registration Form for Voter Registration Solicitors” (see screenshot below)

Fill out the interactive form online and print, or download blank form and fill out

Fax completed form to 573.526.3242 or scan and email to: elections@sos.mo.gov

Look for a confirmation email within 24 to 48 hours or call SOS Elections and Voting Division (573) 751-2301.



 

Governor Parson’s tax cut special session is underway

“Multiple plans emerge as Missouri lawmakers begin governor’s tax cut special session - A lack of consensus among the Republican majority could result in lengthy debate”

“The special legislative session called by Gov. Mike Parson to cut income taxes began Wednesday, and by the time lawmakers adjourned for the day, one thing was clear — there is no agreement on a plan. And that could upend the governor’s hopes of a quick session.

In the state Senate, expected to act first on the income tax cut Parson is seeking, 10 bills making cuts in income taxes were introduced, including one that cuts the corporate income tax while leaving the personal income tax untouched.

All but one of the bills were filed by Republicans and include either an immediate or future reduction in the top income tax rate. Senate Democratic Leader John Rizzo of Independence also filed a bill, but his proposal would enhance the value of a credit passed last year for low- and moderate-income working Missourians and make no change in tax rates.

A cut in the top tax rate means most of the money goes to higher income earners, Rizzo said. “We are going to begin the conversation on how we can help Missouri families,” he said.”They are going to start the conversation on how do we help millionaires.”

“In his call for a special session, Parson asked lawmakers to reduce the top personal income tax rate from 5.3% to 4.8%. He also asked lawmakers to put the rural incentives in the bill and give them a six-year sunset.”

Full story here: https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/14/multiple-plans-emerge-as-missouri-lawmakers-begin-governors-tax-cut-special-session/ Missouri Independent Sept 14


 

Eric Schmitt no show for MO U.S. Senate candidate debate with Trudy Busch Valentine

“Attorney General Eric Schmitt, who last week accused Democrat Trudy Busch Valentine of dodging debates, refused to show up for the first debate of Missouri’s U.S. Senate campaign on Friday. Organized by the Missouri Press Association as part of its annual convention in Lake Ozark, Valentine, Libertarian Party candidate Jonathan Dine and Constitution Party candidate Paul Venable shared the stage with an empty lectern that was reserved for Schmitt. Mark Maassen, executive director of the Missouri Press Association, said this is only the second time since 1988 that a major-party candidate has refused to attend one of the organization’s debates.

Full story here: https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/16/schmitt-no-shows-missouri-senate-debate-valentine-slams-chinese-ownership-of-farmland/ Missouri Independent Sept 16

 

“Hospitals in ‘crisis’ as staff shortages persist at Missouri mental health facilities”

Hospitals across Missouri are facing a “crisis” caring for patients in acute care settings who can’t find long-term care through the Department of Mental Health due to the agency’s chronic shortage of workers. Patty Morrow, vice president of behavioral health services for Mercy Health, testified during a legislative hearing Wednesday that “the problem is pervasive and systemic” as residents languish on waitlists for services.

“We are seeing a growing crisis of vulnerable youth and adults being left really at the doorstep of our hospitals without the necessary resources…” Morrow said. “We are not doing well by citizens of our state in terms of serving their needs.”

Between 12 and 20 individuals are housed in Mercy hospital settings each day that are awaiting placement either within the Department of Social Services or the Department of Mental Health, Morrow said. One patient is currently going on 290 days in Mercy’s care, with a 10-bed unit closed in order to devote resources to him, Morrow said.”

“Mercy Health was not alone at Wednesday’s hearing, with representatives for SSM Health, BJC HealthCare and Research Psychiatric Center sharing similar experiences of housing patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities long-term. Justin Alferman, a former lawmaker and director of advocacy for SSM health, said patients’ mental health often declines as they live in a hospital for months on end. Across SSM’s eight hospitals, 25 patients are awaiting placement that have been holding for more than 1,800 days altogether. Last year alone, 106 adults awaited placement for a total of 7,242 days. “Simply put,” Alferman said, “there is just not enough workforce.”

Full story here: https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/15/hospitals-in-crisis-as-staff-shortages-persist-at-missouri-mental-health-facilities/ Missouri Independent Sept 15


 

NATIONAL NEWS

Missouri Sen. Roy Blunt said proposed 15-week national abortion ban issue is ‘best left to the states’

“U.S. Senate Republicans are skeptical about a 15-week nationwide abortion ban that GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham introduced Tuesday, with some saying they want to leave the issue to state lawmakers instead of taking it up in Congress. “I think most of the members of my conference prefer that this be dealt with at the state level,” Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said during a press conference.

Missouri Sen. Roy Blunt agreed, later saying during a brief interview “that’s best left to the states.” Sen. Rick Scott of Florida said he plans to review the legislation, but declined to say if he’d back it, or if he supports the general idea of banning abortions nationwide after 15 weeks. “My position is there are to be reasonable restrictions and there’ll be exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother,” Scott said.”

Full story here: https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/13/u-s-senate-republicans-shy-away-from-proposed-15-week-national-abortion-ban Missouri Independent Sept 13

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State funeral for Queen Elizabeth II today

“Official mourning for Queen Elizabeth II, the U.K.'s longest-reigning monarch, culminates Monday morning with her state funeral in Westminster Abbey in London. The guest list for the service includes around 500 foreign dignitaries, including about 100 heads of state — President Biden among them — and after years of planning, an extensive security operation is being put to the test.

Queen Elizabeth died on September 8, at the age of 96, as her family gathered to be by her side at Balmoral Castle, her country estate in Scotland. Her eldest son, now King Charles III, has led the royal family, the nation and the world in honoring her legacy and ushering in a new era that is likely to present growing challenges for the Commonwealth.

Monday's service will be broadcast live, with CBS News coverage beginning at 5:30 a.m. ET, anchored by Norah O'Donnell and Gayle King.”

Full story here: https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/queen-elizabeth-ii-funeral-watch-live-stream-today-2022-09-19/ CBS News Sept 19

 

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


 

50 DAYS UNTIL THE NOVEMBER 8 ELECTION! IMPORTANT DATES AND VOTER RESOURCES


Last Day to Register: OCTOBER 12, 2022

In Person Absentee Voting Begins: SEPTEMBER 27, 2022

Check your voter registration here: https://s1.sos.mo.gov/elections/voterlookup

Register to vote here: https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/register

Find your local election authority here: https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/localelectionauthority

League of Women Voters Kansas City/Jackson/Clay/Platte Counties


 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THESE UPCOMING ACTIONS AND EVENTS


TAKE ACTION WITH THE MISSOURI VOTER PROTECTION COALITION (MOVPC)

TO PROTECT THE RIGHT TO VOTE

NOTE: A new restrictive voter ID law HB 1878 with many other voter suppression provisions went into effect on August 28, 2022. This is a pivotal moment for our freedom to vote. Join Missouri Voter Protection Coalition (MOVPC) to learn more.

Join the MOVPC meeting TODAY

MONDAY Sept 19

10 AM

Text “MOVPC” to 66866 or register HERE: https://wustl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYoceyuqTsqGN1NlXOMKb88rSExyr-kWjbt

MOVPC is a nonpartisan statewide network promoting access to the ballot

and working to remove barriers to voting in Missouri!


 


NATIONAL HISPANIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic American Heritage 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 paying tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society.

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.

The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period.

More information here: https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/


 

National Voter Registration Day

September 20, 2022

Website: https://nationalvoterregistrationday.org

National Voter Registration Day is a nonpartisan civic holiday celebrating our democracy. First observed in 2012, it has quickly gained momentum ever since. Nearly 4.7 million voters have registered to vote on the holiday to date.

Celebrated every September, National Voter Registration Day involves volunteers and organizations from all over the country hitting the streets in a single day of coordinated field, technology and media efforts. National Voter Registration Day seeks to create broad awareness of voter registration opportunities to reach tens of thousands of voters who may not register otherwise.

According to U.S. Census data from 2020, as many as 1 in 4 eligible Americans are not registered to vote. Every year, millions of Americans find themselves unable to vote because they miss a registration deadline, don’t update their registration, or aren’t sure how to register. National Voter Registration Day wants to make sure everyone has the opportunity to vote.


 

Phone bank every week starting Wed Sept 21 - Wed Oct 26

All events begin at 6:00 PM

SIGN UP HERE: https://www.mobilize.us/trudybuschvalentine/event/507350/

Join us for phone banking for Trudy at our KC headquarters every week from Wednesday, September 21st until Wednesday, October 26th. All events begin at 6:00 PM. You can sign up for all or just specific nights that work for you.

*Please bring both a laptop and a phone to the office. There is a virtual option for those experienced in phone banking and using the ActionID software. We are not able to help troubleshoot as easily when not in person.


 

Greater Kansas City Women's Political Caucus

2022 Torch Awards

Sept 22, 2022

6:00PM

The Nelle

1818 McGee Street

Kansas City, MO 64108

Get your ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/greater-kansas-city-womens-political-caucus-2022-torch-awards-tickets-382948317727

Join GKCWPC to celebrate groundbreaking women (and one good guy) who are making a difference in our community.

The proceeds from this event go toward electing pro-choice women in the Greater Kansas City area. Confirmed speakers include Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, U.S. Senate Candidate Trudy Busch Valentine, and Missouri House Candidate Jess Piper.


 


Heartland Alliance for Progress

Voter Suppression in Missouri: An Update on MO House Bill 1878

Featuring Denise Lieberman, Coordinator of the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition (MOVPC)

Monday, September 26, 2022

6:00 - 7:00 pm via Zoom

Must register here: https://bit.ly/HAPLieberman

Learn about Missouri House Bill 1878, including lawsuits challenging the law’s onerous restrictions on voter ID, voter registration, and changes in absentee voting rules. Get more information about additional dangerous provisions that undermine our elections and how we can fight back.


 

MORE UPCOMING ACTIONS AND EVENTS here:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/19AZUdtRH5WXefOC4Q5D9u-HyuzhBEL8rYX9Ospn3n18/edit?usp=sharing


 

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE



HELP ELECT DEMOCRAT TRUDY BUSCH VALENTINE TO THE U.S. SENATE!

We must ACT NOW to help elect Democrat Trudy Busch Valentine to the U.S. Senate! Her opponent supports the Big Lie and the extreme GOP agenda threatening our rights, personal freedoms, and our democracy! Trudy will protect our right to safe and legal abortion and making decisions about our own bodies, protect healthcare, voting rights, defend LGBTQ rights, champion individuals and families struggling with addiction, protect the environment, fight to end gun violence, strengthen the middle class, stand with seniors.

Sign up to volunteer here: https://www.mobilize.us/trudybuschvalentine/event/478447/

Make a donation here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/tbv_web

Website: https://www.trudybuschvalentine.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrudyBuschValentine

Twitter: https://twitter.com/buschvalentine

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/trudybuschvalentine/


 

HELP ELECT DEMOCRATS TO MO LEGISLATURE TO STOP EXTREMIST GOP AGENDA

Democratic candidates for the Missouri legislature need your help NOW! We must break the GOP super-majority to stop their extremist legislation from being passed!

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DONATE TO ABORTION FUNDS/PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS FIGHTING FOR ACCESS TO SAFE LEGAL ABORTION - SHARE RESOURCES! VOLUNTEER!

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DONATE TO HELP UKRAINIANS IN CRISIS

  • 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


 

MISSOURI COVID UPDATE


Missourians Vaccinated vs U.S. as of Sept 18 - The New York Times

  • Fully vaccinated — 57% of Missourians / 68% in the U.S.

  • Fully vaccinated with a booster — 26% of Missourians / 33% in the U.S.

Latest COVID Trends in Missouri as of Sept 18 - The New York Times

  • An average of 1,341 cases per day were reported in Missouri in the last week. Cases have increased by 5 percent from the average two weeks ago.

  • Deaths have decreased by 40 percent.

  • Since the beginning of the pandemic, at least 1 in 4 residents have been infected, a total of 1,655,068 reported cases. At least 1 in 284 residents have died from the coronavirus, a total of 21,593 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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“CDC endorses updated COVID-19 vaccine boosters for this fall”

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention signed off on the approval from the agency’s independent vaccine advisers that recommended an updated coronavirus vaccine booster this fall. The CDC recommended boosters from Pfizer-BioNTech for those who are 12 years old and older and from Moderna for those who are 18 and older. These are known as “bivalent” vaccines because they are formulated to protect against the original coronavirus strain as well as the Omicron variant, which is highly contagious. “Updated COVID-19 boosters add Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 spike protein components to the current vaccine composition, helping to restore protection that has waned since previous vaccination by targeting variants that are more transmissible and immune-evading,” the CDC said in its announcement.”

“CDC guidance states that those who have been infected with COVID-19, can get a booster following recovery from symptoms, but can defer a vaccine booster up to three months following infection.

If someone has received an original two-shot vaccine from either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna, they can wait five months before getting their first booster shot.”

Read more here: https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/cdc-endorses-updated-covid-19-vaccine-boosters-for-this-fall/ Missouri Independent Sept 2

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

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