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Summer 2020 Legislative Report: Helping you Understand the State of the Government

Background

At the beginning of July, a series of bills were sent through Missouri’s government regarding issues such as the appropriation of money from the state. Appropriation of money from the state simply means that the government takes any money it earns and puts it aside for a different use in the future. Approximately 29 out of the 31 bills sent in to the government surrounding money appropriation were signed and approved by the current governor of Missouri, Mike Parson. They will be fully in effect by August 28th.

What does this Mean?

It means that a series of bills modifying provisions given to certain people and organizations may be altered, for better or for the worse. A series of links to each bill, as well as the two bills vetoed by the state, can be found here: https://www.senate.mo.gov/20info/BTS_Amendments/?SessionType=R&BillID=26838179

A Concern over Rising Violence 

Additionally, in the report, the governor openly expressed concerns over the increase of violence in Missouri, specifically in the St. Louis and Kansas City areas. Homicide rates have been found to be increasing by around 35%.

In order to try and improve the current crime rate, the governor is calling for new provisions, including allowing St. Louis police officers live in a wider variety of areas to qualify for employment. The governor also is trying to create many changes surrounding the purchase of weapons while underage, making some of the provisions about increasing jail time for those who openly sell firearms to children and opening the possibility to having a juvenile qualify as an adult when it comes to the illegal use of firearms.

The Governor Election

The report continues on to entail the head to head race for governor between current governor Mike Parson and Nicole Galloway. Reportedly, the two have gotten more neck and neck as they continue to campaign, a recent poll showing around 41% of residents in favor of Parson and 39% in favor of Galloway, the rest in a current state of neutrality. The election for governor will take place on August 4th and also deals with Amendment 2. 

Amendment 2

This amendment, proposed for the benefit of Missouri’s government, encourages tax money to stop being sent to the federal government. It advocated for taxes to be used for the medical field in the state of Missouri, having intentions of being sent to help out rural hospitals and more. Opposition to the bill fears how it may impact the state budget. To learn more about the upcoming election and amendment 2, see below resources.

COVID-19 Update

Lastly, the report describes the uncertainty over the economy of Missouri and how COVID has affected it. Many believe that the government will have to continue making budget cuts in multiple areas as people have been spending less and less money due to the increase of staying indoors. 

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Important Dates:

• July 27, 2020              First extraordinary Special Session of the 100th General Assembly 

• August 4, 2020           Missouri Primary Election Day

• August 28, 2020         Legislation enacted during the 2020 session become effective                        

• September 9, 2020      Annual Veto Session in Jefferson City

• November 3, 2020      Missouri General Election Day

• December 1, 2020       First day to pre-file legislation for the 2021 legislative session

• January 6, 2021           First day of the 2021 legislative session

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Where Can I Vote? And how can I Help?

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It's necessary to vote as soon as you are eligible. Your voice and opinions deserve to be heard and acknowledged by both the state and federal governments. You cannot see any changes you want to go through if you aren't willing to take action first-- this is how you can start. 

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If you would like to volunteer with MIRA, do not hesitate to reach out to any of the board members via email or phone call. Further contact information regarding board members and the organization of MIRA can be found at the bottom of this page and under the Volunteer page.

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Information every Missouri Voter should Know: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Wl5mboPyophzdXqsntYd-xcHNgDC_Mv5/view

Missouri Voter Outreach Center Website: 

https://voteroutreach.sos.mo.gov/PRD/VoterOutreach/VOSearch.aspx

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Information on Amendment 2: 

https://mffh.org/our-focus/makes-sense-mo/

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An Infographic about Amendment 2: 

https://mffh.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/REMI-infographic-web.pdf