On February 10th, the House passed 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.

The bill passed, but there was bi-partisan opposition. Here is the roll call for the vote. If your legislator voted against the measure, please thank him/her.

We are hosting a program focused on the Initiative Petition this week: February 16 at 7:30 pm. Please register for the virtual Citizen Initiative Program to learn more and stay involved.

The House Elections Committee will continue hearings on bills that would impact requirements for Photo ID’s, absentee voting, voter registration, paper ballots, and more. These bills were carried forward from last week. I was proud to represent JCRC last week and speak in opposition to HB 1455 regarding absentee voting. If you have not yet taken action, it’s not too late! Follow the steps below to submit written testimony to oppose this legislation. 

‣‣‣Weekly Advocacy How-To: Submit Testimony on Elections

Your form should look like the photo below. 👇

We are also participating in an effort to support Environmental Justice. We are proud to work alongside Metropolitan Congregation United to get lead out of school drinking water. HB 2532 will be heard next week in the Conservation and Natural Resources Committee. Consider contacting your state representative and asking him/her to co-sponsor HB 2532. MCU has provided a template to make that request easy for you.

Thank you for your advocacy,

JCRC Deputy Director

Oppose HB 2113/2140 – Elections

‣‣‣Submit testimony in opposition to HB 2113/2140

‣Topic: Voting Rights

‣Deadline: Wednesday, February 16 at 11 am

The Elections and Elected Officials Committee will hold a public hearing Wednesday, February 16 at 12pm on several bills pertaining to the right to vote, including bills on photo ID requirements, absentee voting, voter registration, and paper ballots. They will also vote on many of the bills related to changes to the Initiative Petition and Constitutional Amendment process out of the committee.

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

For a complete rundown on all 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.

‣‣‣Submit testimony in support of HB 2532

‣Topic: Environmental Justice

‣Deadline: Tuesday, February 22 at 4 pm

The Conservation and Natural Resources Committee will hold public hearings on Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 5:00 p.m. on the "Get The Lead Out of School Water" Act. You can submit written testimony and you may also read and sign your name to the Metropolitan Congregations United testimony here.