The Missouri General Assembly was on Spring Break last week. The Senate recessed for Spring Break early after a filibuster on the bill that would ban gender-affirming care. It will likely be back on the floor again this week as well as other bills that discriminate against people who identify as LGBTQ. We continue to urge you to contact your Senators to oppose these bills.

This week's focus will be on guns, as the House plans to hear two bills that would allow concealed weapons in houses of worship, and that would ban red-flag laws, which do not exist in the State. Red flag laws allow law enforcement to remove guns for individuals if there are specific "red flags" based on behavior. If such laws had been in place, it may have prevented the shooting at Central VPA last Fall.

The Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee will hear a bill that would make DEI training in healthcare instruction illegal. The House heard a similar bill a few weeks ago

There are actions you can take on these issues indicated in yellow below.

Missouri House:

The House Emerging Issues Committee will hear three bills on Wednesday, March 22 related to access to guns.

The Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee will hear a bill on Tuesday, March 21 that will prohibit healthcare-related required DEI instruction for any post secondary education coursework, certification and licensure, including medical licenses.

Four bills are poised for floor debate on LGBTQ discrimination and the Citizen Initiative Petition. If you have not taken action yet, please contact your Senators and ask them to oppose these bills. Here is a link to the 3/6/23 Advocacy Update that includes all the information you need on these bills. Plus:

The Jewish Federation of North America has an advocacy corps to support priorities of JFNA nationwide. Please review their latest request to ask US Representatives to sign on to Dear Colleagues letters supporting the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program (HSAP), and funding for the Office of the Special Envoy to Monitor & Combat Antisemitism.

Our friends at the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition need election protection volunteers for the April 4 General Elections. See below for more information.

And on March 24 we are co-sponsoring a program with Women's Voices Raised for Social Justice on Clean Slate Expungement legislation. Please join us.

Thank you for your advocacy.

Deputy Director

Jeff Smith, Executive Director, Missouri Workforce Housing Association

Lobby days are a great way to engage with legislators and staff on issues important to you, and learn your way around the Capitol.

Wednesday, March 28| 11 AM - 3 PM

First United Methodist Church, Jefferson City, MO

Missouri Faith Voices