Throughout session, The Monitor will be arriving in your inbox on a weekly basis.
Legislative Session Begins
The Missouri Legislature’s 100th General Assembly was sworn in January 9. The House and Senate each have new leadership, and this session is the first with Gov. Mike Parson, who took the position last June after then-Gov. Eric Greitens resigned.
The pro-reproductive health caucus has grown by four since last year to 51 members, with 10 in the Senate and 41 in the House. As always, we are tracking legislation affecting Missourians’ sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as measures impacting Planned Parenthood patients more broadly. Though several proposals further restrict access to safe, legal abortion, the bills we support outnumber the bills we oppose by nearly two to one. Our updated bill summary has more in-depth information.
- St. Louis Public Radio: Missouri Legislature Opens 2019 With An Ambitious Agenda
Attacks on Clean Missouri
Missourians spoke clearly in favor of democracy reform in November and passed Amendment 1, known as Clean Missouri, with 62% of the vote.
Nevertheless, some lawmakers are planning to undermine the will of the people and change the measure.
Amendment 1 caps lobbyist gifts at $5, lowers campaign contribution limits, imposes a two-year waiting period before lawmakers can return as lobbyists, requires lawmakers to abide by open records law, and changes the redistricting process so neither party gets an unfair advantage. Planned Parenthood Advocates was a part of the coalition supporting Clean Missouri, and we will be working to protect these democracy reforms in our state constitution.
- Southeast Missourian: Editorial: Challenging the Will of Voters
Join Planned Parenthood Advocates at the Women's March this Saturday!
Hit the streets this Saturday Jan. 19 for the Women’s March! Planned Parenthood organizers will be marching, asking marchers to sign “I Stand with Planned Parenthood” petitions, and tabling at four different Marches across Missouri — join them and raise your voice for sexual and reproductive rights!
| Columbia | 12 p.m. | Boone County Courthouse Plaza |
| Kansas City | 2 p.m. | Brookside Park |
| Springfield | 12 p.m. | Park Central Square |
| St. Louis | 10 a.m. | 18th & Market, in front of Post Office |
Roe v. Wade Anniversary Events
January 22 marks the 46th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court’s landmark decision affirming the constitutional right to safe, legal abortion. Join with Planned Parenthood Advocates to mark this special date and look forward to work ahead.
- Columbia: Roe Anniversary Action Council Launch on Thursday, Jan. 24 @ 3:30 p.m.
- Kansas City: Reversing Roe Documentary Screening and Discussion on Saturday, Jan. 26 @ 5 p.m.
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