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.
house joint resolution 43 - 60% majority ratification
HJR 43 sponsored by Rep Henderson would change the way our Missouri State Constitution is amended/ratified. It has already passed the House and is making its way through the Senate.
Currently, Missouri voters ratify a change to the constitution by a simple majority vote. Yesterday, I wrote Pro Abortion Republicans? Afraid So. about the hazards of that process for rural Missourians.
60% majority in other states
Today, I want to discuss HJR 43 further. The language in this bill has been brought to the ballot in a handful of other states recently and it was defeated. Arkansas & South Dakota both voted it down just his past November.
Why? I can't be certain, but here's what I think.
The people of this nation know that "majority" means 50% plus 1. It does not mean 60%. Nothing in American government has ever been based on 60% majority. It just doesn't sit well with voters, whether they are informed or not.
Educated voters understand that this threshold also means that when they support a proposed amendment, it will only take 40% to veto. If you are talking about conservatives, they would have nearly zero possibility of passing anything due to liberal population in the cities.
most likely, hJr 43 as written will fail at the poll
This is an issue being talked about inside the Capitol. Many many, I'd say most legislators know this measure, as written currently, will likely be voted down by Missouri voters & it likely will not even pass the Senate without changes.
What does that mean for our constitution if it fails on the ballot? It means nothing would change. Ratification would stay at 50% majority of popular vote.
possible strategy: lower the threshold to get it passed in the legislature & on the ballot for the people
I've heard the possibility that Speaker Plocher feels lowering the threshold, maybe down to 53%, would help get it passed here in the Capitol and on the ballot. That's possible. But what is the effect of that on our ratification process?
Very little.
If it is on the ballot & fails - no change. Simple majority ratification prevails.
If it is on the ballot & passes - nearly no change. Only a slight percentage increase & still based on majority of popular vote.
Who wins with that strategy? NOT rural Missourians. NOT conservative Missourians.
Who wins is the politicians (Rep Dean Plocher) who defeat concurrent majority ratification language for the special interests that are paying them AND simultaneously pass something they can sell to the people as a ratification reform.
And yet...it really is NOT.
We are still left with ratification based on simple majority that is determined by the very few liberal districts in the state.
politicians & special interests. WHO IS THAT?
Well, as far as politicians - Rep. Dean Plocher would be at the top of the list. This is his legislative priority. And if Plocher is happy then Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden is likely happy because then Plocher gives him what he wants.
Special interests who would like this ratification process to stay as it is would be organizations who support things like:
- Rank choice voting
- Abortion
- Open borders
- Gun control & red flag laws
- MONA (Missouri Non-Discrimination Act, which makes LGBTQ+ a protected class)
- Legalizing marijuana
- Urban priorities
Missouri needs to ratify our state constitution in a way that ALL our districts are represented. That is concurrent majority ratification as written in SJR 28.
what can you do?
1. Call Senator Caleb Rowden and ask for SJR 28 to be called up out of committee. It was voted "Do Pass" but he refuses to call it up so it can be debated and perfected.
Call Caleb - 573.751.3931 Email Caleb - caleb.rowden@senate.mo.gov
2. Call Senator Sandy Crawford. She's handling HJR 43 in the Senate. Please respectfully let her know you want to see CONCURRENT MAJORITY RATIFICATION language using HOUSE DISTRICTS. I *think* she might be open to making changes. Let's pray she is.
Call Senator Crawford - 573.751.8793. Email Senator Crawford - sandy.crawfod@senate.mo.gov
3. Call & email your own Senator & Representative and express your concerns and ask them for support of Concurrent Majority Ratification if they have the opportunity. HJR 43 has already passed the House but they might have another opportunity to vote. Find them here: Legislator Lookup Tool
3. Sign the petition. It's super easy! Scroll down to to Initiative Petition (IP) Reform & click, fill it out & submit.
4. Reach out to EVERY conservative Missourian you know & share this blog!
5. Think about businesses and organizations that might be represented in your area & share this blog. Ask for their support - especially those supporting farmers or rural life. Think...Farm Bureau, Mo Cattlemen's Association, Mo Soybean Assoc, Corn Growers, electric co-ops, local Chamber of Commerce offices, local banks, ag industry, etc.
6. Reach out to ALL the PRO LIFE organizations, churches, citizens you know! Send them this blog & ask them to participate in helping. If they need more information, please have them contact me. I'll help them.
roe overturned! Missouri is in charge.
Woohoo!!
How many of you celebrated when this news was handed down from SCOTUS? Missouri now gets to be in control of the way we handle abortion for ourselves. Yay! We conservatives love local control. Big win for us!
In this deeply red state, that shouldn't be a problem for pro-lifers, should it? You wouldn't think so. But I think it is.
the problem is the way we change our state constitution
If you voted in the November 2022 election, you know that Amendment 3 passed. It legalized recreational marijuana and a host of things related to that issue. It's passing didn't just add statute to our code book. It changed the Missouri Constitution.
In this deeply red, "conservative" state how did that happen? A simple majority, that's how.
The simple majority of voters (50% + 1 vote) rules when it comes to our constitution. In Missouri, that means that K.C. and St. Louis rule while rural Missouri's votes really don't even matter.
Here's a county map of the vote on Amendment 3. It's easy to see that only a small handful of counties were in agreement with recreational marijuana. But it passed.
abortion is next. without question. and they know it.
What happens when abortion is on the ballot in the '24 election? The exact. same. thing.
And your lawmakers - all of them - know it.
how do we change the root of the problem?
It's called Concurrent Majority Ratification (CMR).
CMR would give representation to the rural minority when we want to make changes to the Missouri Constitution.
My preference is that we would base our representation on the smallest voting districts possible, our Missouri House Districts.
Senator Jill Carter filed SJR 28 which would do this. The language in this bill says that two things must happen for our Missouri Constitution to be changed.
- A simple majority of the popular (individual) votes on the ballot measure.
- A simple majority of Missouri House Districts vote in favor.
If this was the case, Amendment 3 would not have passed because although there was a simple majority of popular votes, there was nowhere near a simple majority of House districts in favor.
the speaker of the house, dean plocher
Rep Dean Plocher is the current Speaker of the House & he's running for Lt. Governor in 2024. He doesn't want CMR.
The word on the street here is that he's going to hold up other legislation until his preferred bill is passed which is Rep Henderson's HJR 43. The problem with that is that what he wants isn't fair to rural Missourians, either!
And it likely won't stop abortion from becoming a constitutional right in '24.
HJR 43 is sponsored by Rep Henderson and is moving quickly through the General Assembly. It would also change the way we amend our state constitution, but it's not a good option and here's why.
HJR 43 only raises the threshold from 50% + 1 to 60% popular vote in favor for passage.
Example #1:
Abortion is on the ballot via Initiative Petition.
When the polls close, there is a 60% of popular (individual) vote in favor.
The result is abortion becomes a constitutional right, EVEN IF all 60% of those voters are in concentrated in St Louis & KC.
Example #2:
Rural Missouri wants to pass a ballot measure relating to farming freedom and got it added via Initiative Petition.
When the polls close, the cities easily "veto'd" the measure with only 40% voting no.
There is NO WAY rural Missourians would ever pass any amendment because the cities would EASILY vote it down.
If HJR 43 passes as it is currently written, you can assume that it is very likely you'll see legalized abortion as a constitutional right in Missouri in November '24. The liberals will come out of the woodwork to vote and will use whatever means necessary to register anyone walking. Make no mistake - they are prepared.
AND.... only a few voting precincts would be in control. How does that make you feel? And of course, they are the ones that have the most potential for fraud. So there ya go.
Guess what? PLOCHER KNOWS IT. They all know it.
You think Dean Plocher is really pro life? If he is, then he should be acting like it in regard to this issue.
You think Dean Plocher is pro farmer? Because the farmers in rural Missouri are being silenced.
You think Dean Plocher is conservative? Because the conservatives in Missouri are not being heard. HJR 43 is a bill that suppresses the voice of the most conservative voters in Missouri.
Plocher holding everything hostage to pass the 60% bill?
That's what I hear.
It's not just about abortion. It's about rural missouri having a voice.
This is the difference between a simple democracy and a democratic republic. In a republic - the minority still has a voice. Until we have concurrent majority ratification, that is not happening in regard to the changing of our constitution.
"Ruling the roost" is being done by our urban areas and the heart of Missouri is being ignored.
I'll also add that although population density is greatest in the cities, it's agriculture that is the heartbeat and economic foundation of Missouri. It's so ironic that our voices in rural Missouri don't matter in this current culture of "diversity & equity".
TAKE aCTION. there's a lot you can do!
1. Call Senator Caleb Rowden and ask for SJR 28 to be called up out of committee. It was voted "Do Pass" but he refuses to call it up so it can be debated and perfected. Wonder why...(insert eye roll).. he's going to make Dean happy & give him HJR 43 so he can get what he wants.
Call Caleb - 573.751.3931 Email Caleb - caleb.rowden@senate.mo.gov
2. Call Senator Sandy Crawford. She's handling HJR 43 in the Senate. Please respectfully let her know you want to see CONCURRENT MAJORITY RATIFICATION language using HOUSE DISTRICTS. I *think* she might be open to making changes. Let's pray she is.
Call Senator Crawford - 573.751.8793. Email Senator Crawford - sandy.crawfod@senate.mo.gov
3. Call & email your own Senator & Representative and express your concerns and ask them for support of Concurrent Majority Ratification if they have the opportunity. HJR 43 has already passed the House but they might have another opportunity to vote. Find them here: Legislator Lookup Tool
3. Sign the petition. It's super easy! Scroll down to to Initiative Petition (IP) Reform & click, fill it out & submit.
4. Reach out to EVERY conservative Missourian you know & share this blog!
5. Think about businesses and organizations that might be represented in your area & share this blog. Ask for their support - especially those supporting farmers or rural life. Think...Farm Bureau, Mo Cattlemen's Association, Mo Soybean Assoc, Corn Growers, electric co-ops, local Chamber of Commerce offices, local banks, ag industry, etc.
6. Reach out to ALL the PRO LIFE organizations, churches, citizens you know! Send them this blog & ask them to participate in helping. If they need more information, please have them contact me. I'll help them.
join me on zoom!
The Missouri Freedom Forum is held on Zoom every SUNDAY night from 8:00 - 9:00pm
We host different guests each week and discuss a couple of hot topics related to current issues in Missouri legislation. And we always leave time for Q&A.
Tonight's guests are:
- Senator Jill Carter
- Ron Calzone, Director of Missouri First
- Bev Ehlen, veteran Missouri activist
Tonight's Topics:
- Initiative Petition Reform & Concurrent Majority Ratification
- These issues address the way we amend the Missouri Constitution, such as how Amendment 3 passed in November allowing marijuana to be legal for recreational purposes.
- The Week Ahead
- The Safe Act - Banning hormones, puberty blockers & gender surgery for kids
- Education - Local control schools & open enrollment
Please join us tonight & invite other Missouri patriot friends!
Meeting ID: 985 7944 0085
Password: freedom
Phone In: US: 646 876 9923 or 669 900 6833
Apologies for my late publication of my focus for the week. I'm blaming the Super Bowl. I hope you were celebrating the BIG WIN, as well and enjoying the break for the crazy world of Missouri politics for a few hours.
YAY for the WIN... now back to reality.
monday, feb 13th
mo senate hearings
1:00 pm in Senate Committee Room 2
There are several bills being heard on the topic of Initiative Petitions and constitutional amendments.
I'm most familiar with Senator Carter's SJR 28 which includes language that would require a concurrent majority in order to pass amendments to the Missouri Constitution. This means when we have a ballot measure and there is a potential change to the MO Constitution a majority of MO House districts would be required to vote in favor of an amendment IN ADDITION to having the majority of the popular vote. The result of concurrent majority requirement is that the rural areas of Missouri would be represented vs the urban areas alone determining the changes to our constitution.
This issue is VERY important. We expect there will be an abortion related amendment on the ballot in 2024. We want ALL Missourians' voiced to count.
There may be other good bills being presented in the hearing as well. I'll do my best to share what I learn.
CALL TO ACTION
Request a YES vote from the committee members.
Senator Elaine Gannon, Chair - 573.751.4008
Senator Sandy Crawford, Vice Chair - 573.751.8793
Senator Jill Carter - 573.751.2173
Senator Mary Elizabeth Coleman - 573.751.1492
Senator Andrew Koenig - 573.751.5568
Senator John Rizzo - 573.751.3074
Senator Barbara Washington - 573.751.3158
Email Addresses (copy & paste):
elaine.gannon@senate.mo.gov, sandy.crawford@senate.mo.gov, jill.carter@senate.mo.gov, andrew.koenig@senate.mo.gov, john.rizzo@senat.mo.gov, barbara.washington@senate.mo.gov
THIRD READ & PASS
Subject: Parent's Rights & Transparency
My Opinion: NO. Read the blog for more details.
This bill is perfected and will come before the body of the senate for a yes/no vote.
CALL TO ACTION:
1. Call & email your Senator and let them know what your concerns are with this bill. Ask for a no vote. Senator Eigel has a better option! Nothing at all is better than this. Legislator Lookup Tool
2. Copy the link to this post & send it to a conservative friend!
SENATE BILLS FOR PERFECTION
Subject: Medicaid Expansion. Covers care for 12 months after pregnancy.
My Opinion: Yes IF they amend the bill to prohibit funds for post-abortion care.
CALL TO ACTION:
1. Call & email your Senator and let them know what your concerns are with this bill. Ask for language that would prohibit post abortion care. Legislator Lookup Tool
2. Copy the link to this post & send it to a conservative friend!
tuesday, february 14
hearings
8:15 in the Senate Lounge
Subject: Modifies provisions relating to workforce development in ELEMENTARY and secondary schools.
My Opinion: NO. You very well may disagree with my position. I DO believe our kids need to be proactive and have a plan for their futures. It's smart. It's wise. As a mom, I help my kids think through their options after high school. That said, although I do believe it's wise, I do NOT believe it should be mandated by the State government. My 14 year old 8th grader does NOT need to be worried about choosing a career or where he's going to college. He needs to learn to love learning. He needs to learn to love exploring and experiencing new things. He needs to be a kid. I even believe that's true of my 12th grader. Wise? Absolutely. But mandated? NO. NO. NO.
CALL TO ACTION:
Contact committee members to express your views. I'll be asking for a NO vote.
Andrew Koenig, Chair 573.751.5568
Rick Brattin, Vice-Chair. 573.751.2108
Lauren Arthur. 573.751.5282
Doug Beck. 573.751.0220
Elaine Gannon. 573.751.4008
Denny Hoskins. 573.751.4302
Greg Razer. 573.751.6607
Nick Schroer. 573.751.1282
Curtis Trent. 573.751.1503
Education Committee Emails (Copy & Paste): andrew.koenig@senate.mo.gov, rick.brattin@senate.mo.gov, lauren.arthur@senate.mo.gov, doug.beck@senate.mo.gov, elaine.gannon@senate.mo.gov, denny.hoskins@senate.mo.gov, greg.razer@senate.mo.gov, nick.schroer@senate.mo.gov, curtis.trent@senate.mo.gov
10:00 am in Senate Committee Room 1
SB 49- Senator Mike Moon
SB 164 - Senator Jill Carter
SB 236 - Senator Denny Hoskins
SUBJECT: These 3 bills ban puberty blockers and gender transition surgery for children under the age of 18.
MY OPINION: YES!
All three of these bills are great. They are written to protect our kids from the abuse of the left wing agenda that is targeting kids.
CALL TO ACTION:
1. Pray!! Last week, a whistleblower released the truth about the gender clinic that has been operating at St Louis Children's Hospital in partnership with Washington University. It has gotten the attention of our Attorney General and even national news outlets. I suspect the response to Tuesday's committee hearing will be larger than anything we've seen with the trans hearings thus far. Please pray for calm, safety and for God's will to be done. Pray for Senators Moon, Carter & Hoskins...for
their safety and their peace of mind as well as success.
2. Contact committee members. Request a YES vote.
Senator Justin Brown, Chair. 573.751.5713
Senator Mike Moon. 573.751.1480
Senator Elaine Gannon. 573.751.4008
Senator Nick Schroer. 573.751.1282
Senator Andrew Koenig. 573.751.5568
Senator Tracy McCreery. 573.751.9762
Senator Greg Razer. 573.751.6607
Email Addresses (Copy & paste):
justin.brown@senate.mo.gov, elaine.gannon@senate.mo.gov, mike.moon@senate.mo.gov, nick.schroer@senate.mo.gov, andrew.koenig@senate.mo.gov, tracey.mccreery@senate.mo.gov, greg.razer@senate.mo.gov
