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Tag: freedom

  • Under The Dome: The Freedom Caucus is here to ruin everything; the legislature hears bills to defund neighborhood schools

    Under the Dome graphic with Missouri State Capitol Dome in background

    Welcome back to Under the Dome, your weekly update on the goings-on of the Missouri state legislature.

    The Freedom Caucus Is Here And They’re Going To Ruin Everything

    Last week when session opened, Senate President Caleb Rowden urged his colleagues to focus on the work over their own personal political careers. But the Freedom Caucus is here and ready to screw that up.

    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.

  • The Missouri Legislature Is So Back – And They’re Ready To Make Missouri Worse

    Graphic text: Under the dome: your weekly update on the Missouri Legislature

    Welcome back to Under the Dome, your weekly update on the goings-on of the Missouri state legislature.

    Starting December 1, Missouri’s state legislators started pre-filing bills ahead of the 2024 legislative session. While legislators won’t officially reconvene under the dome until January 3, the bills they’ve filed so far make it clear: the roadmap for 2024 includes getting rid of your voice and your freedoms.

    Attacks On Majority Rule

    Once again, the legislature is coming for your voice. Last year, legislators spent months debating how exactly they wanted to abolish majority rule in passing constitutional amendments. By filing nearly 20 bills targeting the initiative petition process in the first week of pre-filing, legislators have made it clear they don’t care what Missourians want.

    Cuts To Public Education Funding

    Missouri has gotten national attention this year for its abysmal teacher pay and school funding. In 2024, the state legislature plans to pour gas on the fire by expanding voucher programs and charter schools. These bills would take money away from chronically underfunded public schools and give it to private institutions that don’t have to follow the same rules.

    Bringing Back Right-to-Work

    In 2018, Missourians voted to get rid of “right-to-work” laws, which would make it harder for working Missourians to advocate for fair and safe working conditions. But since our politicians don’t care what Missourians want, they’ve decided to bring it back.

    Restrictions On Abortion Access

    Even though Missouri has one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country, that’s still not enough for the most extreme members of the legislature. Under some of their proposals, anyone who gets or provides an abortion could potentially be charged with murder.

    Increased School Censorship

    Politicians in both chambers want to expand school censorship, even as Missouri is considered one of the most censored states in the country.