Missouri Legislative Session: A New Beginning and a Call to Action
By Jodi Grace, Chief of Staff for Senator Nicola
The first two weeks of Missouri’s legislative session have come and gone in the blink of an eye, and what an exciting whirlwind it’s been! As the Chief of Staff for Senator Nicola, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside a talented and passionate team to get the Senator’s office up and running. Between setting up systems, meeting with constituents, and getting the lay of the land here at the Capitol, there’s been a lot of hustle and bustle. But now, with the ceremonial events behind us, it’s time to focus on the real work of the session.
The Inauguration, the swearing-in ceremony for our legislators, receptions, and the inaugural ball were such special moments—moments I’ll always treasure. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces—friends, family, supporters—and to be a part of the monumental occasion as we kicked off this legislative session. We celebrated the power of democracy, the hard work that led us to this point, and the opportunity to serve the people of Missouri. It was a time of joy, excitement, and community.
But now, as we move past those celebrations, it’s time to get to work. The Capitol is buzzing with the energy of the legislative process, and it’s both exciting and demanding. With our committees set to begin meeting this week, it’s an important time for Missouri’s citizens to get involved, stay informed, and have their voices heard.
inspiring, Educating, & Empowering Action
One of the core goals here at JodiGrace is to inspire, educate, and empower the people of Missouri to be responsible and engaged citizens—particularly within the legislative process. Whether you’re a long-time advocate or someone who’s just starting to learn about how laws are made, we want to equip you with the tools and information you need to be an active part of the process.
For many, understanding how the legislative process works can feel daunting. How do you track a bill? What does it mean to “testify” on a bill? How can you make sure your voice is heard? These are questions we’ll be addressing here in the coming weeks, with the goal of making the legislative process more accessible and understandable for all Missourians.
Your Opportunity to Testify
One of the most direct ways you can get involved is through testifying on bills that matter to you. If you feel strongly about a bill being discussed in either the Missouri House or Senate, you can actually testify before the committees that are reviewing the bill. And yes—any citizen has the right to testify on any bill. It’s one of the most powerful ways to make your voice heard and to help shape the laws that impact your community, your family, and your future.
Now, there are a few differences between how the House and Senate handle testimony. In the House, you can submit testimony online by filling out a testimony form on the House website. However, while online testimony is allowed, it’s always preferable—and often more impactful—if you testify in person.
In the Senate, on the other hand, you can’t submit online testimony. You must be physically present in the hearing room to testify. But don’t let that discourage you! Testifying in person gives you the opportunity to directly engage with the committee members and share your thoughts in a personal way.
How to Testify
Here’s a simple breakdown of how the testimony process works in both the House and Senate:
- Show up at the designated time and place – Be sure to check the committee schedule ahead of time. The dates, times, and locations of committee hearings are published on the official House and Senate websites.
- Fill out the witness form – Once you arrive at the hearing room, there will be a witness desk where you can fill out a witness form. This form is your official sign-in to testify.
- Share your thoughts respectfully – When it’s your turn to testify, you’ll be called forward to share your position on the bill. Be sure to speak clearly and respectfully, and be prepared to answer any questions from the committee members.
A few important tips:
- Be respectful: While committee members may ask you questions, keep in mind that witnesses are not allowed to ask questions of the committee.
- Stay on topic: Keep your testimony focused on the bill being discussed.
You can find the House committee schedules here and the Senate schedule here. Check these pages often, as hearings can be scheduled or changed throughout the session.
Why Your Voice Matters
I can’t stress enough how important it is to stay engaged throughout the legislative session. Whether it’s testifying on bills, contacting your elected officials, or simply staying informed about what’s happening, you have the power to influence the direction of our state.
The heart of democracy is the active participation of its citizens. As we move forward with this legislative session, I encourage you to take the opportunity to share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas with those of us who are here to serve you. We want to hear from you, and we want to make sure your voice is part of the conversation.
Remember: the legislative process isn’t just for politicians or lobbyists. It’s for every citizen who wants to help shape the laws and policies that impact our lives. Whether you’re passionate about education, healthcare, the economy, or any other issue, your voice can make a difference.
Stay tuned here at JodiGrace.com as we continue to break down the legislative process, explain how to track bills, and help you engage in ways that matter.
Together, we can make a meaningful impact and move Missouri forward, with faith, hope, and the power of an engaged community.
Let’s get to work!
Welcome Back!
It is with great joy and excitement that I welcome you back to the blog at Jodi Grace—now re-branded and re-energized for a new chapter!
I’m so glad you’re here, and I can't wait to share more with you as we embark on this journey together. If you’ve followed me for a while, you may have noticed that I’ve been pretty quiet - maybe even silent over the last few months since the primary. There’s been a lot of rethinking, rebranding, and refocusing as we move forward into the next season of what God is calling me to do. I’m so grateful for each of you who have been along for the ride and for those of you joining us for the first time.
I’m thrilled to share that I’m stepping into a new role as Chief of Staff for Missouri State Senator Joe Nicola, the newest senator from Jackson County. This is a huge honor, and it’s been a blessing to work alongside such an incredible leader who shares my commitment to Biblical values, personal integrity, and service to the people of Missouri.
As I reflect on how things have changed since 2020—from a stay-at-home-mom God called to the Capitol where I became a passionate citizen advocate to blogger & ministry leader, even a short stint when I had to register as a lobbyist and now to the Chief of Staff of a state senator—it’s humbling to see God’s hand in all of it and to look back at what He has done!
It’s been an incredible journey filled with amazing people who have become my best friends. The past four years have delivered new experiences and taken me to nearly every county across Missouri for worship, Spirit-led coffee dates with strangers, meetings with citizens & electeds, campaign stops & public speaking engagements. These have been some of the best experiences of my life!
A New Role, A New Mission
For the past four years, I’ve been a passionate citizen advocate for liberty in Missouri.
I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is for believers to be involved in the legislative process - not just through prayer but through education, action, and a willingness to stand for truth. Now, as I step into the role of Chief of Staff for Senator Joe Nicola, I’m able to work directly within the legislative process—helping to shape policies, advocating for Biblical principles in government, and supporting a leader who is committed to doing the right thing for Missouri.
While this new job is both exciting and humbling, I want to make it clear that my calling to equip believers in Missouri has not changed. In fact, it has only grown stronger.
I’m now in a unique position to give you a behind-the-scenes look into the Missouri State Capitol, helping you understand even more how the legislative process works, and sharing with you how we can all be more active and involved in the issues that matter most. This blog and my social media platforms will be a space where you’ll find Biblical teaching, encouragement, and civic education. I want to help you see the importance of participating in the legislative process, not only as a citizen but as a follower of Christ who has the power to influence change for good.
Behind the Scenes at the Capitol
As part of this new season, I will be giving you a glimpse of what happens inside the Missouri Capitol. Many of us wonder, “What really goes on in Jefferson City? How are laws made? Who is shaping the policies that affect my family, my church, and my community?”
I’ll take you behind the scenes and give you a look into what it’s really like to be part of the legislative process. I’ll be sharing stories, updates on key issues, and explaining how the decisions made in the Capitol impact us all. I want you to feel equipped and informed, not only to understand the process but to know how to participate.
I've actually been doing just that for quite a while now, but this year I'll be on the senate floor instead of in the gallery and I'll be focusing on supporting Senator Nicola and his legislative priorities - which I believe you'll be excited about - and educating you as we go along.
I believe that when we as believers understand how government works, we are better equipped to pray effectively and act responsibly. We can engage in the public square with a heart for justice and truth, and with wisdom from the Word of God. This is about more than just politics; this is about advancing the Kingdom of God through faithful citizenship.
Biblical Citizenship: Standing for Truth in the Public Square
I believe that every believer has a role to play in the governance of our state—whether that’s through prayer, advocacy, voting, or even running for office. As we look at the current landscape of politics in Missouri - it’s clear that now, more than ever, we need strong, principled leaders who understand the importance of Biblical values in shaping public policy.
Summer Conference: Worship, Bible Education, and Civic Engagement
One of the most exciting things on the horizon is our Summer Conference, which will be held later this year. This conference will be a special opportunity for us to come together as believers, worship and hear teaching on a variety of topics related to scripture & civic engagement.
The conference will feature:
- Powerful Worship led by anointed musicians
- Biblical Teaching on what it means to live as faith-filled citizens, understanding our role in government through the lens of Scripture.
- Civic Education to help believers understand government processes and how to engage with public officials and how to influence public policy for God’s glory.
More details will be coming soon, so be sure to subscribe to and stay connected on social media for updates.
Looking Ahead with Hope and Expectation
As I begin this new chapter of serving as Chief of Staff to Senator Nicola, I want to thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and prayers. I am more committed than ever to seeing the Kingdom of God advance through our engagement in public life. Together, we can make a difference in our state—not just through our votes, but through our prayers, our actions, and our unwavering commitment to Biblical principles.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. I look forward to walking alongside you as we engage in the work that God has called us to do. Keep praying for Missouri, for our leaders, and for the strength to be faithful citizens who stand firm in truth.
I am truly excited for what’s ahead, and I can’t wait to see how God will move in our hearts and in our state as we continue to gather, learn, and grow together.
Please stop by to say hello if you're in the Capitol. We're in Office 226.
With Grace and Gratitude,
Jodi Grace
Founder, Jodi Grace Ministries
Chief of Staff, Missouri State Senator Joe Nicola
This blog post supports Episode 22 of the Arise & Build podcast with Bev Ehlen on the Republican primary caucus process.
no presidential primary election in missouri
Are you expecting to cast a vote at the polls in the Missouri presidential primary in 2024?
If you are, you shouldn't be. There won't be one.
In 2022, the Missouri legislature did away with the presidential primary as you have known it in the past. The truth is that it wasn't ever what you really thought. It was never the official process for choosing Missouri's primary winner. It was only a way for you to express your opinion, but it held no weight whatsoever.
The way the presidential primary winner is actually chosen has always been through the republican party caucus.
What's a caucus? A group of people. In this case, a group of republican (we hope) voters.
presidential primary caucus
The End Goal: Choose delegates that will go to the Republican National Convention on July 15 to cast a vote for their chosen republican presidential candidate. The winner of the RNC vote will be on the ticket in the November general election in 2024.
the most important action you can take
We NEED you to participate in your county caucus!
The county caucus is where it all begins and it lays the foundation for every vote cast thereafter. We NEED you to show up on MARCH 2nd before 10:00am and stay until the votes are cast and the meeting is over.
This is THE most important thing you can do to ensure that Missouri voters are well represented in our presidential election!
the process
- County Caucuses on March 2nd - Each county will choose 2 groups of predetermined number of delegates. One group will go to the Congressional Caucus. The other will go to the Missouri State Republican Convention.
- Congressional Caucuses on April 6th - County delegates go to their Congressional Caucus where 3 delegates will be chosen to attend the RNC in July.
- Missouri State Republican Convention on May 4th in Springfield, MO. County delegates go to the state convention and choose 27 delegates that will attend the RNC in July.
county caucuses are the #1 priority
At the county caucus, you will make your primary choice known. If there is a clear winner (50% plus 1) ALL the delegates for the county will vote for the county winner at the congressional caucus & state convention.
If there is not a winner by simple majority, there is a process of splitting the county delegates by percentage.
The county caucus is CRITICAL!
put march 2nd on your calendar!
Where is the caucus? You'll have to make a phone call or two to find out.
The locations are chosen by your Republican Central Committee so you need to contact your Chairperson to find out where your caucus will be.
You may not know who that is, so finding out is the first step. If you don’t know what the Central Committee is, that’s a conversation for a different day.
Miles Ross can tell you. He works for the GOP and his number is 417.812.5078. Call him and ask who your Central Committee Chair is and what their phone number is. When you find out, if you could email that information to me at jodi@jodigrace.com, I will start compiling an updated list.
Then, call your county chairperson and ask for the location for the presidential primary county caucus.
Plan on being at that location by 9:45am. They will close the doors at 10:00am and no one will be allowed in after that. You will be in that room until everything is finished. Plan on being there AT LEAST 2 hours, but it could be longer so clear your day.
Can you be a delegate?
We need good, honest people to commit to be a delegate to the other caucuses.
The congressional caucus is April 6th. It may be a bit of a drive from your house - a county or two away depending on your district and location. It wouldn't require an overnight stay.
The state convention is in Springfield on May 4th. You'll want to be there the night before so it would require the expense of a hotel room & food.
The national convention is in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 15th and the expense of the entire trip would be yours to cover.
You'll need to know if you are willing and able to be a delegate when you attend your county caucus.
This blog post supports Episode 17 of the Arise & Build podcast on protecting our kid's data and personally identifiable information.
statewide longitudinal data systems (SLDS)
REMEMBER...the Globalist Goal: Centralizing & standardizing ALL systems in order to inventory, monitor & control ALL human activity & behavior.
SLDSs help support this goal by centralizing educational related data on our children and tracking them from birth in order to funnel them into tracks or pathways specifically designed to prep them for the workforce.
These data systems are being promoted as tools to help support kids and equip them for the workforce. I believe we need to let our kids be kids, enjoy the freedom to explore, learn and choose their path into adulthood when they are ready.
Giving over our kid's educational & personally identifiable information is NOT for their own benefit. There are so many hazards related to this type of data collection. The reward is NOT at all worth the risk. In fact, I don't see any rewards for our kids associated with this type of data collection.
Missouri has been collecting information through the MOSIS program for several years.
P20W (Preschool to Grade 20 to workforce)
The P20W program in Missouri will track our kids from preschool and/or birth through grade 20 and into the workforce.
WestEd refers to California's program as "cradle to career" and that is exactly what Missouri is setting up to do as well.
Missouri Office of Administration P20W budget request for fiscal year 2024.
Giving away MO Kid's Personally Identifiable Information
HB 447 sponsored by Rep Bishop Davidson and carried by Senator Holly Rehder (running for Lt. Governor - I'm still praying for a decent candidate in that race, but it's not her) created a new section of statute, 210.1360 GIVING AWAY the personally identifiable information of our children.
This same language was also filed by ..
- Senator Curtis Trent in SB 628
- Rep Phil Christofanelli in HB 1010 (Christofanelli is running for MO Senate in '24. I suggest voting for Adam Schnelting instead)
This statute allows for the PII of our kids to be given to not only state agencies, but also VENDORS & CONTRACTORS as well as agents and grantees.
In the world of education and childcare, vendors & contractors could be publishers, data management services, software companies, etc. but also playground equipment providers, retailers, and even food service. The statute does not prohibit ANY type of vendor or contractor from being able to receive this information.
This means your school or childcare provider can share PII with literally ANY vendor or contractor that is doing business with the school or provider.
This statute needs to be repealed.
action Item
Contact your legislators and express your desire to keep personally identifiable information private in all circumstances. Ask them to sponsor legislation to repeal 210.1360.
This blog post is the show notes for Episode 16 on the Arise & Build podcast entitled "Data is the New Oil."
links & resources
The resources surrounding data collection are never-ending. The ones I chose to list here will be beneficial if you are new to this topic and want some of the basics.
Personally Identifiable Information: Any representation of information that permits the identity of an individual to whom the information applies to be reasonably inferred by either direct or indirect means. Further, PII is defined as information: (i) that directly identifies an individual (e.g., name, address, social security number or other identifying number or code, telephone number, email address, etc.) or (ii) by which an agency intends to identify specific individuals in conjunction with other data elements, i.e., indirect identification. (These data elements may include a combination of gender, race, birth date, geographic indicator, and other descriptors). Additionally, information permitting the physical or online contacting of a specific individual is the same as personally identifiable information. This information can be maintained in either paper, electronic or other media.
The World Health Organization - SCORE helps member states monitor progress toward health related Sustainable Development Goals.
United Nations Statistics Division - The United Nations Statistics Division is committed to the advancement of the global statistical system. We compile and disseminate global statistical information, develop standards and norms for statistical activities, and support countries' efforts to strengthen their national statistical systems. We facilitate the coordination of international statistical activities and support the functioning of the United Nations Statistical Commission as the apex entity of the global statistical system.
United Nations Data Commons for SDGs - Introducing the new UN Data Commons for the SDGs — a platform integrating authoritative SDG data and information resources from across the UN System into a public repository with advanced search functionality and a modern, user-friendly interface.
PDMP.mo.gov - SB 63 ushered in PDMP to Missouri, the 50th state to opt in. Sponsoring by Senator Holly Rehder and carried in the House by Rep Travis Smith, Missouri now is participating in a national prescription drug database. It was promoted as a tool to help addicts, but the research shows the database is actually not helpful in fighting the war on Rx drugs addiction. It does, however, centralize Missourian's prescriptions of MANY types of meds.
Prescription Drug Monitoring Program in Missouri (DOJ website)- The funding source for the PDMP is a CDC grant.
ESG - What is it? - Foundation for Government Accountability.
