We’ve completed 41 days – and have more to go before final adjournment on May 13th. I’m not proud of the legislation to date that we have sent over to the Senate for their consideration.
Where are the “jobs” bills that we were promised by the Speaker of the House? Where are the bills which will truly benefit people in Missouri?
Our energy so far on the House floor has been spent on:
* Decreasing the minimum wage – ignoring the vote of the people in 2006
* Requiring drug testing for poor single mothers
* Telling the MO Highway Patrol that they must give driver’s license tests inEnglish only
* Make it harder for workers to prove discrimination on the job
* Telling the federal government that they must balance their budget
* A voter approved constitutional amendment to reaffirm the right to pray in public
* Government intrusion in private tragic pregnancy situations
* An omnibus firearm bill – making it easier to carry secret guns in the capitol
But wait – there’s more on the way:
* Ignoring the 2010 vote of the people again – gutting puppy mill protections.
* Ignoring the 2006 MO Supreme Court ruling – disenfranchising people from voting
* Union busting bills – including attacks on teacher pay and tenure
* Eliminating the non-partisan court plan – making judges part of the political process
I am standing up and speaking LOUD on the House floor as the Progressive Caucus chair. Because of my commitment to justice and equality, I have taken the lead in the House to fight voter photo ID bills – which would make it difficult and/or impossible for seniors, disabled and students to vote. Our democracy depends on free and fair elections and I have vowed to protect our basic voting rights, not just for those who can afford it, but for everyone.
The Legislature is adjourned for Spring Break until March 28. Please stay tuned.