Episcopalians from across the Diocese have taken action throughout Missouri's 2023 Legislative Session, striving to seek and serve Christ in all persons, demonstrating our love for our neighbors as ourselves, striving for justice, peace and the dignity of every human being.
The "Guns in Churches" (Bill HB 282) did not pass this Legislative Session, which is a great relief.
AND the 115 year old Ballot Initiative Process is safe for another year. HJR 43 did not pass this Legislative Session!
The greatest disappointment for many was the passage of SB 39 (the trans youth sports ban) and SB 49 (trans youth healthcare ban). PROMO is offering a Legislative Town Hall on Monday, May 22, at 5:30 pm. From PROMO: "Legislative session is over but our work is not." You can keep up with PROMO'S advocacy events here: https://promoonline.org/
Holy Communion, University City, continues to collect pass-through funds for the interfaith LGBTQ+ media campaign. Thanks to the donations already gathered, been able to hire professional media folks to assist with building our materials, gathering high-quality photo and video for social media, and guiding our messaging. To help us fund other to-be-determined actions, please consider donating here.
Here is a summary from Richard von Glahn, Political Director, MO Jobs with Justice:
"The Missouri Legislature has officially adjourned for the 2023 session. I am relieved that we successfully protected direct democracy and the will of the people! The initiative petition process has survived another legislative session. The power remains in the hands of the people!
"While we can take a small breath of relief, this session had many difficult moments and caused unnecessary pain. Too many of our elected leaders ignored Missourians' real priorities and used their power to attack children, democracy, and even public libraries.
"Despite efforts by certain politicians to slash unemployment benefits, restrict the initiative petition process, and limit the right to collectively bargain, we stood together with Missouri workers and prevailed.
"Our strong movement protected our state budget from damaging amendments. We saw other wins, including strengthening child care and pre-k services, raises for home care workers, and expanded Medicaid postpartum coverage from 60 days to 12 months. We applaud these investments in Missouri's working families and vital public services.
"Now, we are taking democracy into our own hands and supporting Missourians for Healthy Families and Fair Wages!"
Please contact the Rev. Dr. Teresa Danieley for more information about the Legislative Session or the new Ballot Initiative - Missourians for Healthy Families and Fair Wages. Thank you!