2.7.2022
JCRC ADVOCACY ALERT
Greetings!

We have three focus areas for this week.

Many of the bills regarding teaching truth in history (equity education) will be brought to vote in the House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee. While no more public testimony will be accepted, you can write or email the members of the committee and ask them to vote no on moving these bills forward.

There was a hearing last week on SB 666 which modifies provisions of Missouri law governing self-defense. This “Shoot First” bill takes self-defense to a new level, creating an incentive for vigilantism by allowing people to simply shoot, stab, or otherwise use deadly force against individuals the shooter thinks are “suspicious-looking. Please contact the Senate committee members and tell them to vote no – do not allow this legislation out of the committee for further consideration during this legislative session.
‣‣‣Weekly Advocacy How-To: Contact Your Legislator
There is a bevy of bills being heard in the House Elections Committee, which is attempting to move past hearings on the Initiative Petitions and Constriction amendments, and onto bills that would impact requirements for Photo ID’s, absentee voting, voter registration, paper ballots, and more. It’s time to submit testimony on these bills that threaten our right to vote.

Read on for information on how to take action on these issues and for some upcoming advocacy programs.

Thank you for your advocacy,
Cheryl Adelstein
JCRC Deputy Director
JCRC Testimony This Week
Oppose HB 1475 – Teaching Truth in History
Support HB 2248 – Criminal Justice Reform
Oppose HB 2113/2140 – Elections
Oppose HB 1455 – Elections
Missouri General Assembly
Topic: Reduce Gun Violence
Deadline: Tuesday, February 8

The Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee is holding a hearing on February 1 on SB 666 which modifies provisions of Missouri law governing self-defense. This “Shoot First” bill takes self-defense to a new level, creating an incentive for vigilantism by allowing people to simply shoot, stab, or otherwise use deadly force against individuals the shooter thinks are “suspicious-looking.”
 
The committee heard impassioned testimony against this bill by many including Rabbi Daniel Bogard and Maharat Rori Picker Neiss. Let the committee members know that this is not the right direction for Missouri. Simply tell them you oppose this legislation and ask them not to vote it out of committee.  
Topic: Teaching Truth in History
Deadline: Tuesday, February 8 at 8 am

After nearly a month of delay, the House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee is scheduled to hold a vote on HB 1995 (the “parents bill of rights" that bans any teaching that is "controversial") and HB 1474 (the bill that mandates specific curriculum not be taught).

The chair of the committee sent out a rough draft of a potential substitute bill and we anticipate more amendments will be considered. It’s unclear what will actually be voted on at the meeting on Tuesday.  Both the month-long pause and the chatter about major changes are largely credited to the record number of opposition witnesses and the powerful testimony delivered in person at the January 11 hearing. 
 
Keep up the momentum: Call or email committee members and tell them to vote no on HB 1474 and HB 1995.  
To receive the most up-to-date information on bills relating to Teaching Truth in History, join the mailing list of the Missouri Education Equity Partnership (MOEEP) which is leading the “Let Them Learn Coalition” advocating against bills that ban equity education. 
📰Equity Education in the News

✏️The Post-Dispatch writes about the hearing on the so-called Parents Bill of Rights.
✏️Missouri Independent features an editorial about how it feels to be a black student during the CRT debate. 
✏️The Post-Dispatch features a letter to the editor arguing against the "Parents Bill of Rights" legislation.
✏️Tony Messenger writes an excellent piece in defense of The Bluest Eye.
‣‣‣Submit testimony in opposition to HB 2113/2140 & HB 1455
Topic: Voting Rights
Deadline: Wednesday, February 9 at 11 am

The Elections and Elected Officials Committee will hold a public hearing Wednesday, February 9 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.
 
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. We will soon know which bills are moving and will be broadening our advocacy to defeat them.
 
To learn about this issue in detail, register for the virtual Citizen Initiative Program on Wednesday, February 16 at 7:30 pm.
Upcoming Programs
Citizen Initiative Petition Program
Wednesday, February 16
7:30 pm | Virtual
Let's Get Trained
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!
Beyond Bathrooms: The Painful Story of Transgender Discrimination
Thursday, February 10
7 pm | Virtual
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.

A panel of experts and parents will help us sort out the language of gender and sexual preference and understand the scientific basis of gender and the impact of various therapies. They will spell out the physical and emotional toll these legislative attacks and prejudice can take on gender-nonconforming kids.

You’ll come away with an enhanced knowledge of the issues and the arguments, as well as ways to share this important information with friends, acquaintances and your elected representatives.