2.20.2023
Advocacy Alert & Update
Actions Needed NOW!
Greetings!

So much happened in Jefferson City last week. Here is a brief rundown on what happened, and actions you can take. Actions are highlighted in orange.

  • The Senate voted to approve SB4 - a bill that will have a chilling effect on what can be taught in the classroom. The bill will now be assigned to a House Committee so there will be further opportunities to advocate against this bill.

  • The Senate Emerging Issues Committee heard bills that would impact children's ability to receive gender affirming care. They are meeting in Executive Session today at 2:45 and may vote out these bills.
  • Contact members of the Senate Emerging Issues Committee and tell them to vote no on SB 49 and SB 164  that impact access to gender affirming care. Here is JCRC's testimony on this issue.
  • Also contact your senators and tell them to vote no on bills that hurt trans children including SB 39, a trans athlete ban.

  • The Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee passed SB 134, "Don't Say Gay" bill out of committee and made it even more restrictive. These bills impact teachers' and counselors' ability to discuss gender issues with their students.
  • Contact your Senator and tell them to vote no on SB 134, which will come up for debate by the Senate. Review this email by MOEEP which provides further details and talking points.

  • The Senate Elections Committee heard HRJ 43 and many more bills that attacks the citizen initiative petition process.
  • Contact members of the Senate Local Government and Election Committee and tell them to vote no on HJR 43 and all bills that change the citizen initiative petition process.
  • Here is the video and the follow-up email from a recent education program on the Citizen Initiative Petition which provide more details.

  • The House General Laws Committee voted two bills out of committee that would impact access to gender affirming care and children's ability to play on sports teams.
  • Contact your House members and tell them to vote no on HB 183 and HB 419. More details and talking points are available here.

And lastly, mark your calendar for this Thursday for this program sponsored by JCRC and many of our interfaith partners.

Join me in Jefferson City on March 7 and 8 for lobby days with Missouri Faith Voices, Moms Demand Action and Clean Slate Expungement. More information is available below.

Thank you for your advocacy.
Cheryl Adelstein
Deputy Director
Upcoming JCRC Programs
Virtual Town Hall - Why Faith Leaders Believe in a Clean Slate
Thursday, February 23rd, 6:30-8:00 PM
Sponsored by Clean Slate Expungement Coalition

Join Missouri faith leaders for a conversation about forgiveness, community healing, and automatic expungement. Clean Slate would offer a second chance to Missouri families who have been held back by a criminal record. Learn about the current legislation and how to support advocacy efforts at this virtual event.
Advocacy in Action: Leading Through Uncertainty
March 3-5, 2023: Registration Now Open
Sheraton Westport Plaza
Presented by NCJWSTL
Co-sponsored by JCRC and the Jewish Council on Public Affairs
Join NCJW in St. Louis March 3-5, 2023 for a full weekend of workshops and speakers with plenty of time to share best practices and learn from each other. Workshops will include learning how to advocate, social media for advocacy, how to write letters to the editor, creating coalitions, reaching outside for support, and other topics that will help you move forward on the issues of importance to all of us.
Upcoming Lobby Days

Lobby days are a great way to engage with legislators and staff on issues important to you, and learn your way around the Capitol.
Missouri Faith Voice
Wednesday, March 7 | 11 AM - 3 PM
First United Methodist Church, Jefferson City, MO
Missouri Faith Voices
Moms Demand Action State-Wide Advocacy Day
Wednesday, March 7 | 10 AM
Missouri State Capitol, Jefferson City, MO
Hosted by Mom's Demand Action
Clean Slate Expungement Lobby Day
Wednesday, March 8 | TBD
Missouri State Capitol, Jefferson City, MO
For More Information

There are many great resources to keep up-to-date on the issues referenced above. Please check out these links and register for these updates based on your issue preferences.
Changes to the Citizen Initiative Petition and Voting Rights

Protect A Child's Right to Play and Access to Critical Health Care

Medicaid and Other Healthcare and Tax Issues