FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, February 12, 2024 Contact: liz@progressmo.org
Politicians scheme to trick voters into giving away rights, end 100 years of majority rule
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Senator Mary Elizabeth Coleman today admitted “There absolutely is ballot candy,” in SJR74, the politician’s proposal to end majority rule on constitutional amendments in Missouri.
Politicians began discussing the resolution that would dismantle democracy as Missourians have known it for over 100 years. SJR74, as currently constructed, would end majority rule in Missouri, potentially requiring more than 70% of a statewide vote for any constitutional amendment to pass.
“Everyone knows why this resolution is loaded with ballot candy,” said Liz McCune, Executive Director of Progress Missouri. “Missourians hate these plans to end majority rule. Politicians are going to try every trick they can to distract and confuse us from their real agenda.”
During the past several weeks, thousands of Missourians voiced their opposition to attacks on the initiative petition process, many pointing out that the process already in place gives Missourians the power to make decisions about policies that impact them and their families.
Missourians are urged to let their legislator know they oppose these efforts to trick Missourians into giving their rights away and making it harder for votes to count.
Welcome back to Under the Dome, your weekly update on the goings-on of the Missouri state legislature.
Missourians Support Majority Rule
Hundreds of Missourians from across the state and political spectrum rallied in the Capitol Rotunda in Jefferson City on Tuesday as part of Missouri Voting Rights Lobby Day. They sent a clear message to politicians regarding proposed changes to the initiative petition process: Don’t end majority rule in Missouri.
Supporting “one person, one vote,” advocates gathered for the non-partisan event to urge lawmakers to reject efforts to undermine Missouri’s citizen initiative process.
Jean Dugan, Executive Director of League of Women Voters, visited with House lawmakers and expressed her dissent for the initiative petition reform bills. She told KOMU-TV that the current process is a time-tested policy that does not need to be changed.
“It’s been around since 1907 and we like it,” Dugan said. “It gives every person in our state a voice in our state government, that we think is really valuable.”
Dugan, with other representatives of organizations and unions, tasked over 150 people with going door to door in the Capitol to talk to lawmakers about shutting down initiative petition bills.
“The important thing is that they know our concerns,” Dugan said. “Initiative petitions protect Missouri’s democracy.”
Following a rally in the rotunda, participants visited with their legislators and packed the Senate floor to demand that they protect the initiative petition process.
Opposition to radical plans from politicians to end majority rule in Missouri is strong, bipartisan and broad. Those testifying against altering the 100+ year standard of majority rule outnumbered those who want to strip Missourians of their rights by 95%. Testimony heard included:
HJR 86: 4 support, 117 opposed
HJR 76: 6 supporters, 119 opposed
HJR 119: 6 support, 115 opposed
Totals: 16 support, 351 opposed
“These politicians are the ‘snake oil salesmen’ of old Westerns. Don’t buy it. They are ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing,’” said Jim Kabell, former President of the Missouri-Kansas-Nebraska Conference of Teamsters. “They know you support majority rule, so they’re trying to hoodwink voters into giving their rights away. We are not going to let them get away with that.”
Progress Missouri has made it easy for you to tell your legislator you will not be tricked into giving your rights away – more than 500 Missourians have already done so.
Welcome back to Under the Dome, your weekly update on the goings-on of the Missouri state legislature.
Voters stand up to politicians who threaten majority rule
Missourians from across the state are pushing back against politicians who are trying to take away their rights. This week, legislators took up several bills that would weaken the initiative petition process, making it harder for voters’ voices to be heard and threatening the sacred “one person, one vote” principle.
The IP process has been used throughout our state’s history to enact changes passed by voters, from prohibiting state officials from appointing relatives to office to expanding health care access. Submitted testimony this week shows Missourians support protecting the right to direct democracy by a 75:1 ratio.
Progress Missouri has made it easy for you to tell your legislator you will not be tricked into giving your rights away – more than 400 Missourians have already done so.
Governor boasts about taking away reproductive health care away in annual State of the State
Mike Parson opted to use his final State of the State Address to remind Missourians that those seeking abortions in the state – no matter the reason – have been left with little to no options.
House Minority Leader Crystal Quade pointed out that Missourians will ultimately decide the future of reproductive health care.
“Where this speech fell flat is absolutely around women’s access to reproductive health care,” Quade said. “That is going to be on the ballot this fall. We’re very excited about that, and we know absolutely it is going to pass.”
See also: Missourians for Constitutional Freedom – a statewide coalition of organizations and concerned citizens working to establish the right to make decisions about our own reproductive health care – including abortion, birth control, and miscarriage care – without interference from out-of-touch politicians.
From ‘swamp creatures’ to duels
It wouldn’t be a week in Jefferson City without some noteworthy politicians melting down in public. Senate President Pro-Tem Caleb Rowden decided to strip Freedom Caucus members of their committee positions this week, calling the far-right extremists “swamp creatures.”
“The beginning of the 2024 legislative session in the Senate has been nothing short of an embarrassment,” Rowden said. “A chamber designed to be occupied with civil, principled statesmen and women has been overtaken by a small group of swamp creatures who, all too often, remind me more of my children than my colleagues.”Meanwhile, Missouri’s political infantilism snagged national headlines with Missouri Senator Nick Schroer’s proposal to allow senators to challenge each other to a duel.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, January 23, 2024 Contact: liz@progressmo.org
Missourians are standing up to protect the principle of ‘one person, one vote’
COLUMBIA, Mo. – On the precipice of the first hearing to dismantle democracy as Missourians have known it for over 100 years, concerned Missourians are pushing back on attempts to undermine the initiative petition process.
By changing the rules for constitutional amendments, politicians want to change the rules so that a small minority of Missourians can veto any statewide proposal.
“The League of Women Voters believes responsible government should be responsive to the will of the people,” said Marilyn McLeod, President of the League of Women Voters of Missouri. “The citizen initiative petition is the most direct form of voter participation in our democracy. This valuable and trusted process has been enshrined in the Missouri Constitution for more than 100 years and has been used for both conservative and progressive issues. It is already a complicated and difficult process. Therefore, the League of Women Voters of Missouri opposes any attempts to make it more difficult to get a measure on the ballot or to raise the threshold for approval.”
Progress Missouri is urging Missourians to let their legislator know they oppose these efforts to trick Missourians into giving their rights away.
Dozens of bills have been filed this session that would chip away at the initiative petition process; the House Elections and Elected Officials Committee is scheduled to take up multiple bills at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, in House Hearing Room 6. Missourians from across the state are planning to attend to voice their opposition to the proposal.
The initiative petition process gives Missourians the power to make decisions about politics that will impact them and their families. Within the past decade alone, the process has been used for things such as changing state law to expand health care access; protecting citizens from unreasonable search and seizure of electronic records; and ensuring the right of Missourians and pray and worship on public property. These proposed changes make it harder for Missourians to have their voices heard.
“The initiative petition process allows Missourians to participate directly in our democracy,” said Liz McCune, Executive Director of Progress Missouri. “When out-of-touch politicians in Jeff City ignore what voters and their families want, Missourians can take a stand and push for change directly. The process is an integral part of Missouri’s democracy.”
Politicians want to rig the rules to end majority rule in Missouri so they can take away your rights. Majority rule has been the law in Missouri for more than 100 years. They know Missourians across the political spectrum hate their plans, so they’re attempting to confuse and distract voters. But we’re not going to let that happen.
Tell your legislators now that they MUST vote no on any and all attempts to end majority rule!
The fighting started when Freedom Caucus members attempted to bypass regular Senate rules to pass legislation ending majority rule on initiative petitions. 25 Senators voted against the rule change, and the Freedom Caucus launched into a filibuster. After 11 hours of insults and threats, the Senate dismissed without taking action on any legislation.
At the end of the night, Senate President Caleb Rowden, a Republican from Columbia, said “This is unequivocally, without a doubt, the worst show of bad faith, or the biggest show of bad faith, I have ever seen in my life.”
Legislative committee hears bills that would make it almost impossible for trans people to exist
Last year, the Missouri legislature attacked trans kids, banning life saving gender-affirming health care. They’re poised to not only continue those attacks – but expand the target to adults.
This past Wednesday, a legislative committee debated seven bills attacking trans Missourians. Some bills would make the ban on gender-affirming care permanent, while others would bar adults from using certain restrooms. One bill would even ban definitions of gender that are contrary to definitions of biological sex, writing trans Missourians out of the law entirely.
The Freedom Caucus has said its members plan to go through legislation with a fine-tooth comb, searching for ways to make it more conservative. Anything that doesn’t pass the test, they’ll do their best to keep from passing. Get ready for some lengthy (and stupid) floor debate – and don’t hold your breath for policy that helps Missourians.
The Legislature Is Hearing Bills To Defund Neighborhood Schools
This week, legislators in committees heard a handful of bills to expand voucher and open enrollment programs, which would strip funding from Missouri public schools. One of the bills, proposed by Sen. Andrew Koenig, a Republican from Manchester, would give parents making up to $220,000 a year government dollars to send their kids to private schools.
Session is back, the Senate prioritized Missourians over politics for less than 24 hours
Welcome back to Under the Dome, your weekly update on the goings-on of the Missouri state legislature.
Session Is Back, And Politicians Are Coming For Your Rights
The 2024 legislative session officially kicked off at noon on Wednesday, and the Jeff City politicians were armed with all sorts of legislation that would screw over working families. Legislators plan to introduce bills that would end majority rule, expand voucher programs that defund neighborhood schools, bring back “right-to-work”, and restrict abortion access.
As 2023 comes to a close, Progress Missouri wanted to reflect on the year in Missouri politics: the good, the bad and the ugly.
There were some standout moments, each as unique as the stars in the sky – or the zodiac signs’ personalities.
Read on to find out which Missouri political moment best exemplified your star sign this year!
Aries: Bill Eigel’s Staged “Book Burning”
Aries are the first fire sign of the zodiac: they’re bold, confident and fiercely competitive. They’re also impulsive, and often respond with emotion instead of logic.
Enter Bill Eigel’s staged book burning from earlier this year. In a bid for attention on his longshot gubernatorial campaign, State Sen. Eigel burned boxes with a flamethrower, saying when he became governor he would burn books “on the front lawn of the governor’s mansion.”
Taurus: The Most Unproductive Legislative Session In MO History
Tauruses are known for their dedication and resolve, but sometimes that dedication appears as stubbornness.
Geminis are communicators at heart – they love to text, talk and tweet. But the more online you are, the more likely you are to screw something up. When Gemini missteps, they’re happy to just … move on.
Leo: AG Bailey’s Desperate Attempts To Make Headlines
Leo might be one of the most recognizable zodiac signs, in part because they’re always trying to get in the spotlight! For Leos, it’s easy to be the center of attention because of their natural charisma.
Virgos are diligent and methodical perfectionists. They have high expectations and can be critical of others if they’re not careful. Because they are perfectionists, they often believe they know what’s best for everyone, and they’re not afraid to call you out if you step out of line.
This year, the Missouri state legislators took drastic measures in their attempts to force us to do what they want us to do. They considered laws banning birth control for low-income Missourians and tried to bring an end to majority rule. The legislature would benefit from trusting that Missourians know what is best for their communities and letting go of their control issues.
Libra: Mitt Romney’s Scathing Commentary On Josh Hawley
Libras are natural diplomats and peacekeepers – but they also love a good gossip sesh every now and again.
Sagittarius: Bill Eigel’s Insane Pre-Filed Bills For 2024
Sagittarius is known for being multifaceted and extremely passionate. Sagittarians are natural entertainers, but struggle with practicality and commitment.
Aquarius: Missourians Fighting Back Against Politicians Who Want To End Majority Rule
Aquarians are known for their rebellious streak: more than any other sign, they crave the freedom to make their own decisions. Plus, they’re natural humanitarians, passionate about fighting to make the world a better place.
Early next year, Pluto will enter Aquarius, symbolizing a new era of transformation. Pluto in Aquarius represents humanity and serving the common good. We’re dealing with big stuff here: changing power dynamics and developing empowerment as a community. That sounds great for everyone in Missouri who is over the status quo.
Welcome back to Under the Dome, your weekly update on the goings-on of the Missouri state legislature.
Activists Convinced A Lawmaker To Withdraw A Bill Criminalizing Abortion
Last week, Missouri State Rep. Bob Titus, a Republican from Billings, proposed legislation that would have criminalized abortion, putting women and doctors at risk of jail time for getting or providing necessary health care.
A national outcry soon followed – abortion was the most talked-about political topic in Missouri on Twitter/X, and the President even commented on it.
The public pressure got to Rep. Titus, and he withdrew the bill. One version of the bill, filed in the senate by Senator Mike Moon from Ash Grove, remains.
Lawmakers Want To Make Life Harder For LGBTQ People
New bills filed this week show the legislature wants to continue its attempts to make life harder for LGBTQ people – just in time for campaign season.
