4.26.2022
JCRC ADVOCACY ALERT
Greetings!

Over the next three weeks as the Missouri General Assembly session winds down, you may receive more frequent alerts, as we watch bills moving to floor debate and quick action may be required.

Two bills, HJR 79 and HB 1878 were recently amended and then voted out of the Senate Elections Committee and could be taken up by the full Senate at any time.

HJR 79 makes changes to the Citizen Initiative Petition Process and HB 1878 changes Missouri's Photo ID requirements. Both of these bills make it more difficult for citizen's to have their voices heard.

Contact your State Senator and ask them to vote against these bills.

On May 3, there will be a Missouri Voting Rights Lobby Day in Jefferson City. JCRC is going and would love to bring you with us. All of the details are below.

Thank you for your advocacy,
Cheryl Adelstein
JCRC Deputy Director
Take Action - Missouri General Assembly
‣‣‣Contact Your Senator and ask them to oppose HB 1878 - Opposing Strict Photo IDs

HB 1878 has passed the House and was passed out of the Senate Elections Committee and is heading to the Senate Floor. If passed, the bill eliminates non-state-issued photo IDS (such as voter registration cards, students IDs and utility bills) as well as expired state-issued IDs which are often used by the elderly. These bills discriminate against senior citizens, students, and people of color, and make it more difficult for citizens to exercise their right to vote. Contact your Senator and ask him/her to oppose HB 1878. JCRC testimony in opposition to the bill is available here.
‣‣‣Contact Your Senator and ask them to oppose HJR 79 - Changes Citizen Initiation Petition Process

HJR 79 makes it more difficult for citizens to put ballot initiatives forward to the voters. Generally, it require more signatures, gathering in more congressional districts, increasing the number of signatures needed by more than 200,000. In addition, it increases adoption requirements from a simple majority to 66%. Contact your Senator and ask them to oppose this legislation. JCRC testimony in opposition to these bills is available here.
Upcoming Events
Missouri Voter Pro-Democracy Lobby Day
Tuesday, May 3
10 am | Jefferson City State Capitol
Join MOVPC and advocates from across Missouri in a nonpartisan Pro-Democracy Day at the Capitol to hear what's at stake for voting rights in Missouri, get engaged, and thank lawmakers who have stood up for our freedom to vote. Carpooling is available!

Two training session are available:

ARPA Community Needs Survey for City of STL Residents
The American Rescue Plan is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest in St. Louis families and support our communities. From creating sports leagues for our youth to direct payments to help families put food on the table, the City of St. Louis is already using millions of federal dollars to improve public safety, create healthier communities, transform our neighborhoods, and set St. Louis on the path to success. But that's just the beginning. With $250 million still heading to St. Louis, The City of St. Louis wants to hear from residents about where this money should be spent to address community needs.
National March for Education and Equity Fair
Saturday, April 30
10am - 2pm | Kiener Plaza
Come show our educators, children, and community what true inclusion looks like! Join the #LetThemLearn coalition for the 2nd Annual Equity Fair! The fair will be preceded by a march to show unity and support for equity education throughout our community.
2022 Tzedek Awards
Tuesday, May 24