bill hardwick's mrna amendment
Friday afternoon in the Missouri House of Representatives, God gave us a miracle!
There's not much that I'm thrilled with regarding legislation this session, but this is a major miracle & I can't sit by without giving thanks & praise to Him and the humans who were willing to stand in the gap for our kids!
Representative Bill Hardwick filed HB700 which would've protected employees as well as our school kids from being required to take mRNA vaccines. His original bill made it through both House committees, but Majority Floor Leader Jon Patterson refused to bring it to the floor for debate and a vote.
As a result, Rep. Hardwick chose to take the portion pertaining to school kids and add it as an amendment onto an education related bill. It was a big mountain to climb. Honestly, I had pretty much given up hope that it could happen.
he did it...and it passed!
SB 199, an education related bill sponsored by Senator Holly Rehder, had already made it through the senate and was up for debate in the House. Representative Bishop Davidson was handling it and he made a motion to add a large amendment that addressed several different things.
Rep Hardwick rose to inquire of Rep. Davidson and ask questions about his proposed amendment. While he was speaking, Hardwick's vaccine amendment was filed (thank you Rep Mazzie Boyd for the assist!) and offered as an "amendment to the amendment."
Rep Hardwick's presentation of his amendment was wonderful. The PQ halted all conversations about it and brought the issue to a vote. Thankfully, Hardwick called for a roll call vote, which records each legislator's vote. I've shown those votes below.
watch it happen
This is a video of Rep Hardwick presenting the amendment and the vote. I hope you'll watch!! He did an excellent job!
In the video, Hardwick mentions the Governor having the opinion that we shouldn't require Covid vaccines. He posted that opinion publicly on Twitter in the fall of 2022. He stated clearly that the government should not require Covid vaccines in schools.
We'll see if Governor Parson will stick to his word or try to squirm his out of protecting our kids to keep Pfizer happy.
here's the vote
republicans who voted 'no' with democrats
what's next?
I wish I could tell you that this was a done deal but we still have a ways to go. The bill now will go back to the Senate. Since it originated in the Senate and now has been changed by the House, the senate has 3 options. In order to pass a bill, BOTH chambers (House & Senate) have to agree on the final form - including every tiny detail.
When SB 199 is back in the senate, these are the options:
- Senate leadership could refuse to even take it up for a vote. This would kill the bill and our amendment.
- Senate leadership can refuse to adopt all the changes, but send it to a Conference Committee, consisting of 5 from the House & 5 from the Senate. The committee would meet, make a deal and then take the final version back to both chambers for a final vote.
- Senate leadership can choose to bring it up AND bring it to a vote.
please pray!
We only have 96 hours of session left. Time is running out & we need this amendment to pass for the sake of our kids! Please pray that God moves more mountains for this amendment to pass!
please take action.
You can help make your wishes known by making 2 phone calls and sending 2 emails. Tell them why you DON'T want schools requiring any type of mRNA vaccine and we want to keep Rep Hardwick's amendment to that effect. Be sure to politely ask for SB 199 to be brought to the floor for a vote or sent to conference committee.
1. Cindy O'Laughlin, Senate Majority Floor Leader
573-751-7985
2. Senator Holly Rehder
573-751-2459
protect the mo constitution
If you have been following and supporting the journey of what is called Concurrent Majority Ratification (CMR) of the Missouri Constitution, NOW is the time to take action! If you aren't familiar, I've written a couple blogs previously on the topic. Check those out for background info.
current situation
HJR 43 is in the Senate. It's a proposal to change the simple majority ratification we have now to 60% majority.
What we want is to change that 60% majority ratification to concurrent majority ratification based on Missouri House Districts. This would mean that in order for our state constitution to be changed, we would need a simple majority of voters in favor AND a majority of House Districts in favor. This would mean that every Missourian would be well represented because the House districts are the smallest political subdivisions.
HJR 43 has been through the senate committee and is heading for the Senate floor where we hope it is amended. Senator Sandy Crawford is the bill handler.
what to do
1. Email your own Missouri Senator.
Ask if they will "go on the record as supporting concurrent majority ratification (CMR) of our state constitution based on House districts with their vote." State in your email that Senator Sandy Crawford has asked to hear from him/her in regard to his/her preference.
Encourage him to vote for CMR based on House districts in order to best represent every Missourian. We do NOT want a 60% majority ratification process based or a CMR process based on Congressional districts.
A short email might look like this:
Dear Senator _____,
I am writing today to ask if you would vote FOR concurrent majority ratification of our state constitution based on House districts. I am in favor of this because it ensures every Missourian is well represented in the changing of our constitution. I have serious concerns about CMR based on congressional districts, and I absolutely oppose a 60% majority ratification.
Can I count on your vote for CMR based on House districts? If not, why and what is your preference?
Senator Sandy Crawford is asking for your input before 3pm today and I'm asking for a written response as well.
Thank. you for your time. Have a great day.
2. Call your Senator's office and refer them to your email. Tell them you've emailed regarding CMR and would like a response in writing. If you gain info on the phone, write it down and let me know.
3. When you get a response vie email or statement, please forward the email to me at jodi@jodigrace.com.
when to do it? NOW!!
PLEASE drop what you are doing & take 5 minutes to take care of this right now.
This may be our last chance to ensure that EVERY Missourian is represented well in our changes to the Missouri constitution moving forward.
school board elections
Remember you don't have to vote for 3 candidates if you have 3 seats open. Only vote for the candidates you truly want and leave the rest blank.
school board candidate recommendations
Billings - Ben Garbee
Blair Oaks RII - Sarah Fessler, Sarah Lueckenhoff
Bolivar - Josh Laird, Brad Womack
Branson - Lane McConnell, Angie Smith
Camdenton R3 - Shelley Creed, Callie Henze, Troy Risner
Cape Girardeau Public School District - Kim Swartz
Columbia - Chuck Basye, John Potter
Fort Zumwalt - Matt Richard, Graham, Marc Pratte
Fox C6 - Curtis Frazier, Judy Smith, Travis Lintner
Francis Howell - Jane Puszkar,, Ron Harmon,, Mark Ponder
Grain Valley Schools - Lance Pollard
Grandview R-II - Heather Langhans-Bodnar
Hallsville - Secley Kennedy
Hannibal - LaDonna Hampton, Dr. Jeff Evans, Anna Lemon
Harrisonville - Ashley Franklin
Hillsboro - Gloria Link
Jackson School Board - Dr. Darcy Lilley
Jefferson City - Brad Bates, Mike Harvey
Kearney School District - Len Broughton
Ladue - Kyle Meyer
Lebanon R-III School Board - Mikel Flanders
Lee's Summit R7 - David Grady, Regina Garrett, William Peterson
Liberty School District - Jenn Bauer, Luba Koval
Lindbergh - David Randelman
Mexico School District - Dusty Blue
Nevada R5 - Jeremy Fast, Adam Dean, Lois Pendrak
Nixa - Linda Daugherty, Alex Bryant
Osage County R2
Ozark - Christina Tonsing, Anthony Petrosino, Amber Bryant
Palmyra - Chris Turner, Danielle Heimer
Parkway - Kathy Guerra, Ryan Kerr, Matt Ehlen
Pleasant Hill - Athena Brattin
Putnam County R1 - Jason Rouse, C. L. Vestal
RayPec - Christine Sarsfield
Rockwood - Tom Dunn, Trisha Katzfey, Richard Wierzba
School of the Osage - Joyce Bush, Dr. Kelly Frisella
Smithville School District - Samantha Oryshyn, Brooke Perkins
Springfield - Landon McCarter, Chad Rollins
St. Charles - Bryan O'Mara
St. Clair - Jason Gaszak
Warren County R3 - Caroline Spraggs
Washington - only three candidates filed for three openings
Webster Groves - Justin Hauke
Wentzville - Jen Olson, David Lewis, Renee Henke
West Plains - Jodi Purgason, Scott Tuma
Windsor - Dan Shaul
Wright City R2 - Beth Dean, Monica Hepperman, Frank Zykan
marc cox voter guide
iVoter guide
victory!
Tuesday morning around 7:30 am I would've been like Martha and the Vandellas' Dancing In The Street as I headed to my vehicle if I hadn't been so exhausted from being awake all night through the democrat filibuster on The SAFE Act, SB 49.
After a long night of listening to the litany of stories about pets, vacations and all manner of things as democrats held the floor and republicans negotiated with, most likely, Washington University's lobbyist, The SAFE Act was perfected with 23 of 24 republican senators voting yes. It even had 18 senators sign on as co-sponsors just after the perfected version was agreed up and before the vote.
The Third Read & Pass vote in the Senate AND it was first read in the House on Thursday, March 23rd.
What an answer to prayer! God showed up in such miraculous ways throughout this process. HE IS SO GOOD!
thank you!
Before we go any further I want to be sure to say a big heartfelt "Thank You" to our republican senators who each played a role in the passing of the bill.
Senator Mike Moon championed this bill and has been carrying it for the last 3 years. Senators Hoskins & Carter joined him in filing this session. Four others were truly fighting for this bill even before Spring Break, but we couldn't have gotten through the fight without the rest. They all played a part in the victory and they deserve a big pat on the back! It was truly a team effort.
thank you, sponsors!
mike moon
Senator Moon is the CHAMPION of this legislation. He has sponsored this bill for three years. He had a heart for this bill when no one else was even looking and he has consistently stood in the gap for Missouri's kids. We couldn't be more thankful for his heart and persaverence to stand even when he was standing alone.
denny hoskins
Senator Hoskins filed his own version of the bill which was combined with SB 49 through the committee process. Although this was his first year filing it, he was committed and stood strong to fight for what is right throughout this bill's journey through the senate.
jill carter
Senator Carter also filed her own bill as a freshman senator. We are proud that she took a risk in filing such controversial legislation in her first year and we are looking forward to what's to come from her. Her bill was combined with Senator Moon's as well.
thank you for always standing
There were a group of senators who were always fighting for this bill to move forward. They readily answered questions regarding their support and they signed Senator Moon's letter to prioritize this bill after Spring Break. We appreciate their strong commitment to fight for this bill and for never wavering.
bill eigel
Senator Bill Eigel was a strong force for The SAFE Act from the very beginning. He fought at every step for the success of SB 49, including standing and speaking against the ANTIFA anti-protestors at the Missouri Kids FIRST Rally.
rick brattin
Senator Rick Brattin never wavered in his support. He took every opportunity he had to support and move this bill forward.
ben brown
Senator Ben Brown is a freshman senator and he's doing a great job! We are thrilled with his willingness to stand strong on hard issues. He added his signature to commit to make this a priority after spring break and took every opportunity to support the bill throughout the process.
andrew koenig
Senator Koenig made a strong statement over spring break when he committed publicly by signing Senator Moon's letter, that he would commit to make this a priority upon their return from the break. We appreciate your stand, Senator Koenig!
nick schroer
Senator Schroer stood with the other 6 senators in prioritizing this bill after the break. His office was QUICK to respond to our inquiry in the weeks before the bill came to the floor when we asked if he would support the original bill, including puberty blockers and hormones.
thank you, co-sponsors!
After the bill had been negotiated and agreed to, these senators signed on as co-sponsors before the perfection vote. We appreciate their commitment to add their names to the list of supporters & vote for the perfection of the bill early Tuesday morning.
thank you for voting yes
The final vote for passage through the senate was taken mid-morning on Thursday, March 23rd. In addition to all previous senators mentioned, and although the 18 shown above could have passed the bill without additional support, these senators listed below did contribute a yes vote in the final passage.
Senator caleb rowden
senator justin brown
senator lincoln hough
senator mike bernskoetter
senator mike cierpiot
it's not ideal
I'm so thrilled this passed the Senate I can hardly stand still but I don't want to lead you to believe this is a perfect situation. It's not.
Through the perfection process, the bill was changed significantly. The original bill did three things:
- Banned puberty blockers from children under 18 years of age.
- Banned cross-sex hormones from children under 18 years of age.
- Banned gender transition surgeries from children under 18 years of age.
- Consequences for breaking the law considered unprofessional conduct & license to practice is revoked.
The negotiations during the filibuster produced these three additions:
- Four year sunset clause pertaining to the puberty blockers & hormones was added. This means that on August 28, 2027, this provision of the ban will expire UNLESS the legislators in the 2027 session make it permanent. This isn't good. It means we'll have to fight this battle again in the 2027 legislature and if we lose, these drugs become legal again for kids.
- Grandfather clause was added. This allows children who were already on the prescriptions to continue them if they were already using them at the time this law is passed. This isn't too bad and in some cases, is necessary for the safety of the kids. Some of these drugs are very dangerous they are abruptly stopped.
- Cause of action for patients to bring suit against medical professionals if they are sterilized or suffer harm by any of these medical procedures. Patients would be able to sue for unlimited amounts. They would be allowed to bring a suit against a medical professional until age 37 or 15 years after the treatment has ceased if they are found to be sterile.
it's not over
Although I am so very thankful that this has passed, the battle is not over with this bill. It still has to go through the House process, including two committees.
Representative Brad Hudson will be the House handler of this issue and there may be challenges ahead.
We may need your help as this legislation moves forward, so please share this information with your pastor & church friends, your family, neighbors and others who are like-minded in wanting to protect Missouri kids. Ask them to subscribe to the blog or join the FB Group.
thank you! THANK YOU! THAnK YOU!
There aren't words to say enough about what YOU have done by speaking up and showing up when we needed you. We couldn't have accomplished this in this timeframe without your help.
Thank you so very much for joining the battle for our kids with me!
hate mail
It has surely been an interesting week! I can't say that I was completely unaware of what would be said about the upcoming rally to support The SAFE Act but it's not easy to see the headlines or to read the hate mail, either.
I don't like talking to the press. You always know it's not going to be written like you said it and there's nothing you can do about it. Whether you believe it or not, I am not anti-trans nor is anyone else associated with this rally that I'm aware of. In fact, I've grown to have more compassion for them than ever before.
I still support The SAFE Act.
The hate mail coming through does cause me to pause and consider the possibility for a crowd to be at the Capitol Monday who oppose our position or might be there to cause trouble. This spurred me to write today in an effort to be very clear.
this is a peaceful gathering
If you are planning on coming Monday, PLEASE come with a peaceful, enjoyable day in mind.
I do NOT condone ANY disruptive, aggressive or violent behavior whatsoever.
The purpose and intent of this rally is to:
- Support & encourage our senators who have taken a stand in support of this bill
- Gather with like-minded Missourians for worship, fellowship, learning & participating in Missouri government
- Respectfully let our legislators know our wishes regarding The SAFE Act.
capitol police 573.751.2764
I've been at every trans related hearing this session to observe.
The group of people that show up from the LGBTQ community are not what I'd call respectful to those of us who don't agree with them. I've been called names, shouted at, and told the blood of innocent children committing suicide is on my hands. It has not been a pleasant experience. Please prepare yourself for the possibility.
If this type of thing happens to you while you are here, please do not respond at all. Walk away.
If you...
- sense tensions rising with people around you in a way that is concerning
- feel uncomfortable or unsafe because of someone's behavior
- see someone acting in a way that is aggressive or suspicious
- are concerned for someone's safety or feel uneasy in any way
- are provoked by someone & they won't leave you alone
PLEASE reach out to Capitol Police at 573.751.2764.
Capitol Police is always present inside the Capitol building and there are always officers very near, especially during our time in the rotunda.
in the gallery
I hope you'll stay with us to watch the Senate "drama" unfold, whatever that turns out to be. The Senate Gallery is located on the 4th floor. Please download and print this Capitol Map if you'd like.
Gallery Rules
- No food or drinks
- No hats
- Feet off of rails and backs of chairs
- Be quiet & respectful. Talk kept to a minimum & at a whisper
- Cell phones on silent
unity
Remember that we are uniting on Monday to stand together to protect kids. The focus Monday is the KIDS. They come FIRST.
We are locking arms - gays, trans, christians, agnostics, catholics, black, white, brown, etc. This doesn't happen often and I'm proud to be hosting an event where we can put our differences aside and focus on common ground.
