On Feb. 7, the House debated HJR 79 on the floor. This bill proposes to change the Initiative Petition and Constitutional Amendment process, making it nearly impossible for citizens to propose ballot initiatives, such as Medicaid expansion.

Immediate Action Needed: Contact your State Representative and tell him/her to vote no on HJR 79.

Also, the House Elections Committee has scheduled a SECOND hearing this week to hear two more restrictive voting bills - these are on photo-id requirements. These bills are discriminatory and have the greatest impact on the elderly, the poor, people of color and students. Every eligible voters has the right to vote!

Immediate Action Needed: Submit written testimony to oppose this legislation.

More information and links below. Thank you for your advocacy.

JCRC Deputy Director

Oppose HJR 79 – Initiative Petition

Oppose HB 1878 and HRJ 94 –Photo Identification Bills

‣‣‣Call or Email your State Representative to oppose HJR 79

‣Topic: Initiative Petition

‣Deadline: Thursday, Feb. 10, 12 pm

There have been many legislative proposals filed this session to restrict the initiative petition and make it more difficult to place Constitutional Amendments on the ballot. This is the process by which citizens can put initiatives on the ballot, such as the Medicaid Expansion initiative that passed in August 2020. HJR 79 is now moving rapidly to be voted on by the entire House of Representatives.

For Additional information:

‣‣‣Submit testimony in opposition to HB 1878 and HJR 94

‣Topic: Voting Rights - Photo ID requirements

‣Deadline: Thursday, Feb. 10 at 7 am

The Elections and Elected Officials Committee will hold a public hearing Thursday, Feb. 10 at 8 AM on two bills will photo ID requirements.

JCRC has submitted written testimony on these bills and the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition has shared testimony that was written last year bills with similar provisions. 

For a rundown on these bills, along with talking points, refer to the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition e-blast.

If you are interested in issues related to elections, please sign up for the MOVPC alerts.

A Missouri Health Care for All program

Saturday, February 12

1 - 3 pm | Zoom

Are you ready to take some notes? Grab your notebook and pen, get comfortable, and join us for a virtual leadership training! This Saturday, we’re leading our volunteers through the ins and outs of legislative advocacy. Sign up to take a deep dive into how we develop a power analysis and gain insights through lobby days and in-district meetings with your state legislators.

If you want to learn more about what to expect when we visit the Capitol — or if you just need a refresher — this training is for you! Sign up for this virtual leadership training today!

Sponsored by Women's Voices Raised for Social Justice

The Missouri legislature is once again considering a variety of proposals designed to stigmatize transgender kids, making it difficult for them to access school restrooms and participate in sporting activities. Other proposals would prohibit parents and physicians from using widely accepted medical procedures to support these vulnerable young people. The cumulative effect is to feed growing prejudice and harassment of trans people across the state.