‣‣Weekly Advocacy How-To: What to Say When You Contact A Legislative Committee Member

JCRC is hosting a Legislative Town Hall on March 7, where you can hear directly from legislators about what’s going on in Jefferson City, what legislation is on the floor, and how you can take action. Featured guests include Senators Roberts and Schupp, and State Representatives Dogan, Gunby, Mackey, and Schwadron. The meeting is free and open to the entire Jewish Community.

Thank you for your advocacy,

JCRC Deputy Director

Oppose SB 781 - Trans Athlete Ban

Oppose HB 2118 - Shoot First (Gun Violence)

Oppose HB 1835 - Education Equity

‣‣‣Call or Email House General Laws Committee to oppose HB 1698 & HB 1912

‣Topic: Guns in Houses of Worship

‣Deadline: TODAY

The House General Laws Committee held a public hearing last week on bills that would allow the concealed carrying of firearms in churches and other places of worship by a person with a valid concealed carry permit. JCRC submitted testimony opposed to this legislation and appeared in person in conjunction with Rabbi Daniel Bogard, of Central Reform Congregation. This is a clear violation of the separation between Church and State and the cost of keeping our houses of worship safe from people carrying guns is akin to forcing a Second Amendment Tax on religious communities.

The bill has been held over (meaning it has not been brought forward to be voted on by the Committee). Of the 250 pieces of written testimony, less than 15 were opposed to the legislation. Contact the Committee Members and let the committee know how you feel about congregants and guests carrying guns into your synagogue and the impacts it would have on your worship community.

‣‣‣Submit Testimony to the Special Committee on Government Oversight to oppose HB 2118

‣Topic: Reduce Gun Violence

‣Deadline: Tuesday at 9 am

On February 10th, the Missouri Senate refused to advance SB 666, also known as the "Shoot First" bill. Despite this victory, Shoot First is back in the form of HB 2118. The “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.” You can read JCRC's detailed opposition here.

Both Rabbi Daniel Bogard and Maharat Rori Picker Neiss offered their testimony against this bill to the Senate. Now we have to tell the House that we should not let this bill advance. Submit testimony and tell them that this is not the right direction for Missouri. 

‣‣‣Submit Testimony to oppose HB 1484, HB 1835 & HB 2189

‣Topic: Education Equity

‣Deadline: Tuesday, March 1, 7 am 

JCRC has opposed a variety of these bills which limit what can be taught in K-12 classrooms. Visit the Missouri Education Equity Partnership Legislative Update Page to learn about each bill and acquire talking points to oppose it. JCRC has submitted testimony in opposition to HB 1475 and HB 1835.

JCRC will be hosting a Town Hall on this issue TONIGHT and co-sponsoring a lobby day in Jefferson City on March 3. 

‣‣‣Contact the Senate Education Committee members to oppose SB 781

‣Topic: LGBTQ Discrimination

‣Deadline: Tonight at 8 pm for written testimony. This week for committee contact.

The Senate Education Committee will hear SB 781, which would bar transgender youth from participating on a sports team that corresponds with their gender identity. JCRC has prepared testimony. If you wish to submit written testimony, please send it to Cheryl Adelstein, and it will be hand-delivered.

As an alternative, you can send an email or call the offices of members of the Senate Education Committee and ask them to vote note on this legislation.

Monday, March 7

7 pm | Virtual