Public Advocacy Legislative Update
by the Rev. Dr. Teresa Mithen Danieley,
Missioner for Public Advocacy
March 14, 2023
Thanks to the valiant efforts of several filibustering Senators - encouraged by the prayers of LGBTQIA+ and allied clergy in the Senate Gallery last week - SB 49 - a ban on healthcare for trans youth - has NOT passed the Senate.
During their Spring Break, please urge your State Senator to oppose SB 49. You can find out how to contact your lawmakers on the Senate Legislator Lookup.
Clergy from all denominations and traditions are invited to join the efforts to oppose SB 49 and other anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation, please sign up on Holy Communion's Clergy Form HERE.
There are dozens of other bills still moving in both the House and Senate that would have negative impacts on the education and healthcare of children in Missouri - including legislation favoring open enrollment (HB 253), and attacks on diversity and equity at all levels of education (HBs 1196 and 489). It can be too much to take in and it is hard to know what to do.
If you would like to learn more and take action, the Missouri Equity Education Partnership has provided a "Half Time Report" with a summary of the bills that are of the most concern, as well as the email addresses of the Senators whose filibustering prevented the passage of SB 49 so far (see below). You may also contact Mary Ann Cook to be added to the list for the Diocesan Education Equity Working Group.
Tags: News / Public Advocacy Resources
