Talk Talk Vote!: Recent Episodes

Talk Talk Vote

Join Rachel Thompson and Anne Calvert of Talk Talk Vote! as they discuss current issues and give you the info you need to make your own difference in the world.

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Rachel and Anne talk spending bill, SAVE Act, local involvement (mutual aid!), and how to make your voice heard when you're calling an elected official who isn't your own (hint: money).

Call Congress (the switchboard number): 202-224-3121

Five for Democracy

  1. Call to express your disappointment about voting on the spending bill: Sen. Cortez Masto (D-NV), Sen. Durbin (D-IL), Sen. Fetterman (D-PA), Sen. Gillibrand (D-NY), Sen. Hassan (D-NH), Sen. Peters (D-MI), Sen. Schatz (D-HI), Sen. Schumer (D-NY), and ESPECIALLY Sen. Shaheen (D-NH) who voted to pass the bill, not just to advance the bill to a vote.
  2. Call Sen. Rand Paul and thank him for voting against the spending bill.
  3. Call your congressperson to ask them to speak out against the SAVE Act.
  4. Local Involvement: Search for your local mutual aid group “Cityname mutual aid” and find out how to get involved!
  5. ReminderPolitical Revolution – they have lists of protest events happening in person and online. https://events.pol-rev.com/

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Join Anne and Rachel for a reminder about what society's different sectors can actually do, an up date on cabinet nominations, and a couple of topics to keep an eye on.

Five for Democracy

  1. Call on your Senators to vote NO on: UN Ambassador Nominee Elise Stefanik.
  2. Call Senators Hawley (R-MO) and Sanders (I-VT) to thank them for introducing the bipartisan bill to cap credit card interest rates at 10%.
  3. Check out: Political Revolution – they have lists of protest events happening around the country.

Follow litigation: www.justsecurity.org

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Know thine enemy's goals and you can mess with them.

Keep thinking critically about the news you hear.

Five for Democracy1 – Give your senators a call to ask them to vote no on:

  • Attorney General Nominee: Pam Bondi
  • Secretary of Energy Nominee: Chris Wright
  • Secretary of Health and Human Services Nominee: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
  • UN Ambassador Nominee: Elise Stefanik

2 – Also, give Costco a call to say thank you for keeping their DEI programs in spite of the administration!

  • 425-313-8100 (6am-6pm Pacific) *updated number from the recording*
  • If you're a Costco shareholder, let them know!

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We're back, baby.

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Hello! We're back for a short series in the lead up to the November 2024 election. Over the coming weeks we'll address some of the whys and hows of voting.

This week: Election Integrity

Tune in to hear more about the integrity and security of our elections. Brace yourselves for a throw back to the hanging chad era.

Want to know what voting methods your jurisdiction uses? Check out https://verifiedvoting.org/

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Hello! We're back for a short series in the lead up to the November 2024 election. Over the coming weeks we'll address some of the whys and hows of voting.

This week: Why Vote?

Rachel has 10 really good reasons why you should vote in this (and every) election.

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Bills expected on the Floor of the House this week:H.R. 354: LEOSA Reform Act – OPPOSE

  • This bill broadens the authority for certain law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms across state lines.
  • Specifically, the bill allows qualified active and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms and ammunition (including magazines) in school zones; in national parks; on state, local, or private property that is open to the public; and in certain federal facilities that are open to the public.
  • Further, the bill permits states to reduce the frequency with which retired law enforcement officers must meet certain qualification standards.
  • Call Your Representative: tell them to vote NO on HR 354
  • Read more here

H.R. 4814: Consumer Safety Technology Act – SUPPORT

  • This bill establishes a pilot program to explore the use of artificial intelligence to support the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Specifically, the CPSC must consult with relevant stakeholders, such as data scientists and product manufacturers, and use artificial intelligence for a least one of the following purposes: (1) tracking trends in injuries involving consumer products, (2) identifying consumer product hazards, (3) monitoring the sale of recalled consumer products, or (4) identifying consumer products that do not meet specified importation requirements related to product safety.
  • Call Your Representative: tell them to vote YES on HR 4814
  • Bipartisan Support
  • Read more here

H.R. 5390: Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act – SUPPORT

  • This bill requires the Department of Commerce to study and report on products that are in high demand across the critical infrastructure sectors. Critical infrastructure sectors are those whose assets, systems, and networks are vital to national security, the economy, public health or safety, or any combination of those matters.
  • Call Your Representative: tell them to vote YES on HR 5390
  • Bipartisan Support
  • Read more here

H.R. 6571: Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act of 2023 – SUPPORT

  • To establish a critical supply chain resiliency and crisis response program in the Department of Commerce, and to secure American leadership in deploying emerging technologies, and for other purposes.
  • Call Your Representative: tell them to vote YES on HR 6571
  • Bipartisan Support
  • Read more here

Senate Hearings Scheduled:Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies

  • Hearings to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2025 for Indian Country.
  • Tune in at 10:00am ET, Wednesday, May 15, 2024 (or watch after!)

Foreign Relations

  • Hearings to examine the future of arms control and deterrence.
  • Tune in at 10:00am ET, Wednesday, May 15, 2024 (or watch after!)

Budget

  • Hearings to examine climate change and the costs to national security.
  • Tune in at 10:00am ET, Wednesday, May 15, 2024 (or watch after!)

Where to find other Senate hearings!

  • https://www.senate.gov/committees/hearings_meetings.htm

Drop us a line: talktalkvote@gmail.com

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Bills expected on the Floor of the House this week:H.R. 7109: Equal Representation Act – OPPOSE

  • To require a citizenship question on the decennial census, to require reporting on certain census statistics, and to modify apportionment of Representatives to be based on United States citizens instead of all persons.
  • Call Your Representative: tell them to vote NO on HR 7109
  • Read more here

H.R. 2925: Mining Regulatory Clarity Act of 2024 – OPPOSE

  • This bill sets forth a process to allow mine operations to use, occupy, and conduct operations (e.g., construction of roads and other mining infrastructure activity) on public land regardless of whether a mineral deposit has been discovered on the land.
  • Call Your Representative: tell them to vote NO on HR 2925
  • Bipartisan Support
  • Read more here

S. 2073: Eliminate Useless Reports Act of 2023 – SUPPORT

  • A bill to amend title 31, United States Code, to require agencies to include a list of outdated or duplicative reporting requirements in annual budget justifications, and for other purposes.
  • Call Your Representative: tell them to vote YES on S 2073
  • Has already passed through the Senate
  • Bipartisan Support
  • Read more here

Senate Hearings Scheduled:Judiciary

  • Hearings to examine the urgent need to protect immigrant youth.
  • Tune in at 10:00am ET, Wednesday, May 8, 2024 (or watch after!)

Indian Affairs

  • To receive a briefing on the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission's Report on Native Children.
  • Tune in at 2:30pm ET, Wednesday, May 8, 2024 (or watch after!)

Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs

  • Hearings to examine consumer protection, focusing on examining fees in financial services and rental housing.
  • Tune in at 10:00am ET, Thursday, May 9, 2024 (or watch after!)

Where to find other Senate hearings!

  • https://www.senate.gov/committees/hearings_meetings.htm

Drop us a line: talktalkvote@gmail.com

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Bills expected on the Floor of the House this week:H.R. 4016: Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act – SUPPORT

  • For those veterans who become unable to manage their VA benefits, the VA has a program in which another person can serve as a fiduciary to help the veteran. However, as with anything, there's the potential for fraud. This bill would provide for reimbursement to veterans defrauded by fiduciaries.
  • Call Your Representative: tell them to vote YES on HR 4016
  • Bipartisan Support
  • Read more here

H.R. 4824: Carbon Sequestration Collaboration Act – SUPPORT

  • This bill would direct the Secretary of Energy to start performing carbon sequestration work and evaluating the effects of it. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, carbon sequestration can be divided into geologic and biologic sequestration. The former often can assist oil wells which are no longer producing at high levels to produce more oil. Geologic sequestration involves forcing CO2 into geologic formations while biologic generally refers to growing more vegetation, like trees, which can capture and store carbon.
  • Call Your Representative: tell them to vote YES on HR 4824
  • Bipartisan Support
  • Read more here

H.R. 6093: Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2023 – SUPPORT

  • This bill would reauthorize funds to be used to improve the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's weather research, support improvements in weather forecasting and prediction, expand commercial opportunities for the provision of weather data, and for other purposes.
  • Call Your Representative: tell them to vote YES on HR 6093
  • Bipartisan Support
  • Read more here

H.R. 3195: Superior National Forest Restoration Act – OPPOSE

  • This bill would reauthorize mining in specified Forest Service lands in Minnesota.
  • Call Your Representative: tell them to vote NO on HR 3195
  • Read more here

H.R. 6285: Alaska’s Right to Produce Act of 2023 – OPPOSE

  • This bill would ratify and approve all authorizations, permits, verifications, extensions, biological opinions, incidental take statements, and any other approvals or orders issued pursuant to Federal law necessary for the establishment and administration of the Coastal Plain oil and gas leasing program, and for other purposes.
  • Call Your Representative: tell them to vote NO on HR 6285
  • Marginal Bipartisan Support
  • Read more here

Senate Hearings Scheduled:Budget

  • Hearings to examine Big Oil's evolving efforts to avoid accountability for climate change.
  • Tune in at 9:00am ET, Wednesday, May 1, 2024 (or watch after!)

Foreign Relations

  • Hearings to examine conflict and humanitarian emergency in Sudan; focusing on an urgent call to action.
  • Tune in at 10:30am ET, Wednesday, May 1, 2024 (or watch after!)

Where to find other Senate hearings!

  • https://www.senate.gov/committees/hearings_meetings.htm

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Bills expected on the Floor of the House this week:H.R. 4016: Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act – SUPPORT

  • For those veterans who become unable to manage their VA benefits, the VA has a program in which another person can serve as a fiduciary to help the veteran. However, as with anything, there's the potential for fraud. This bill would provide for reimbursement to veterans defrauded by fiduciaries.
  • Call Your Representative: tell them to vote YES on HR 4016
  • Bipartisan Support
  • Read more here

H.R. 4824: Carbon Sequestration Collaboration Act – SUPPORT

  • This bill would direct the Secretary of Energy to start performing carbon sequestration work and evaluating the effects of it. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, carbon sequestration can be divided into geologic and biologic sequestration. The former often can assist oil wells which are no longer producing at high levels to produce more oil. Geologic sequestration involves forcing CO2 into geologic formations while biologic generally refers to growing more vegetation, like trees, which can capture and store carbon.
  • Call Your Representative: tell them to vote YES on HR 4824
  • Bipartisan Support
  • Read more here

Senate Hearings Scheduled:Foreign Relations

  • [Many more items than listed here] Business meeting to consider...to impose sanctions with respect to persons engaged in the import of petroleum from the Islamic Republic of Iran, to impose sanctions with respect to foreign support for terrorist organizations in Gaza and the West Bank, to impose sanctions with respect to the Supreme Leader of Iran and the President of Iran and their respective offices for human rights abuses and support for terrorism, to address the threat from the development of Iran's ballistic missile program and the transfer or deployment of Iranian missiles and related goods and technology, including materials and equipment, to require a strategy to counter the role of the People's Republic of China in evasion of sanctions imposed by the United States with respect to Iran
  • Tune in at 10:00am ET, Tuesday, April 16, 2024 (or watch after!)

Judiciary

  • Hearings to examine eliminating the abuse of solitary confinement, focusing on a legacy of harm.
  • Tune in at 10:00am ET, Tuesday, April 16, 2024 (or watch after!)

Judiciary: Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law

  • An oversight hearing to examine AI, focusing on election deepfakes.
  • Tune in at 2:00pm ET, Tuesday, April 16, 2024 (or watch after!)

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Subcommittee on Investigations

  • Hearings to examine Boeing's broken safety culture, focusing on firsthand accounts.
  • Tune in at 2:00pm ET, Wednesday, April 17, 2024 (or watch after!)

Where to find other Senate hearings!

  • https://www.senate.gov/committees/hearings_meetings.htm

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Bills expected on the Floor of the House this week:H.R. 4389: Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act of 2023 – SUPPORT

  • This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 and revises the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act, which provides financial assistance for projects to promote the conservation of neotropical migratory birds.
  • Call Your Representative: tell them to vote YES on HR 4389
  • Bipartisan Support
  • Read more here

H.R. 2560: Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2023 – SUPPORT

  • This bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to establish a Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance Grant Program to encourage and facilitate coordinated rapid response and rescue of stranded marine turtles.
  • Call Your Representative: tell them to vote YES on HR 2560
  • Bipartisan Support
  • Read more here

H.R. 4639: Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act – SUPPORT

  • To amend section 2702 of title 18, United States Code, to prevent law enforcement and intelligence agencies from obtaining subscriber or customer records in exchange for anything of value, to address communications and records in the possession of intermediary internet service providers, and for other purposes.
  • Call Your Representative: tell them to vote YES on HR 4639
  • Bipartisan support
  • Read more here

Senate Hearings Scheduled:Budget

  • Hearings to examine offshore tax evasion by the wealthy and corporations.
  • Tune in at 10:00am ET, Wednesday, April 10, 2024 (or watch after!)

Joint Economic Committee

  • Hearings to examine investing in early childhood education.
  • Tune in at 2:30pm ET, Wednesday, April 10, 2024 (or watch after!)

Where to find other Senate hearings!

  • https://www.senate.gov/committees/hearings_meetings.htm

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Bills expected on the Floor of the House this week:H.R. 6610: Passport System Reform and Backlog Prevention Act – SUPPORT

  • This bill is intended to provide for the modernization of the passport issuance process, and for other purposes.
  • Call Your Representative: tell them to vote YES on HR 6610
  • Bipartisan Support
  • Read more here

H.R. 7520: Protecting Americans’ Data from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024 – SUPPORT

  • This bill prohibits data brokers from transferring sensitive data of United States individuals to foreign adversaries, and for other purposes.
  • Call Your Representative: tell them to vote YES on HR 7520
  • Bipartisan Support
  • Read more here

H.R. 6009: Restoring American Energy Dominance Act – OPPOSE

  • This bill requires the Bureau of Land Management to withdraw a proposed rule titled Fluid Mineral Leases and Leasing Process. The rule would make various changes to oil and gas leasing on public lands, including to implement provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021.
  • Call Your Representative: tell them to vote NO on HR 6009
  • NO Bipartisanship
  • Read more here

H.R. 1121: Protecting American Energy Production Act – OPPOSE

  • This bill prohibits the President from declaring a moratorium on the use of hydraulic fracturing unless Congress authorizes the moratorium. Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a process to extract underground resources such as oil or gas from a geologic formation by injecting water, a propping agent (e.g., sand), and chemical additives into a well under enough pressure to fracture the formation.
  • Call Your Representative: tell them to vote NO on HR 1121
  • NO Bipartisanship
  • Read more here

Senate Hearings Scheduled:Aging

  • Hearings to examine keeping our promise to older adults and people with disabilities, focusing on the status of Social Security today.
  • Tune in at 10:00am ET, Wednesday, March 20, 2024 (or watch after!)

Budget

  • Hearings to examine the nature of climate costs.
  • Tune in at 10:00am ET, Wednesday, March 20, 2024 (or watch after!)

Finance

  • Hearings to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2025.
  • Tune in at 10:00am ET, Thursday, March 21, 2024 (or watch after!)

Where to find other Senate hearings!

  • https://www.senate.gov/committees/hearings_meetings.htm

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Bills expected on the Floor of the House this week:H.R. 7521: Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act – BE INFORMED

  • This bill is intended to protect the national security of the United States from the threat posed by foreign adversary controlled applications, such as TikTok and any successor application or service and any other application or service developed or provided by ByteDance Ltd. or an entity under the control of ByteDance Ltd.
  • Call Your Representative: tell them what you think!
  • Read more here

H.R. 886: Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act – SUPPORT

  • This bill amends the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act to improve the administration of the Marine Debris Foundation, to amend the Marine Debris Act to improve the administration of the Marine Debris Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and for other purposes.
  • Call Your Representative: tell them to vote YES on HR 886
  • Read more here

H.Res. 1065: Denouncing the Biden administration’s immigration policies – OPPOSE

  • No matter how you feel about President Biden's immigration policies, our elected officials would better serve their constituents by actually writing immigration legislation, as opposed to complaining about the status quo.
  • Call Your Representative: tell them you're tired of them talking and that you want to see some action.
  • Read more here

Senate Hearings Scheduled:Judiciary

  • Hearings to examine voting rights in America.
  • Tune in at 10:00am ET, Tuesday, March 12, 2024 (or watch after!)

Rules and Administration

  • Hearings to examine administration of upcoming elections.
  • Tune in at 3:00pm ET, Tuesday, March 12, 2024 (or watch after!)

Where to find other Senate hearings!

  • https://www.senate.gov/committees/hearings_meetings.htm

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Bills expected on the Floor of the House this week:HR 6585: Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act– SUPPORT

  • This bill expands student eligibility for Pell Grants by establishing the Workforce Pell Grant Program.
  • Call Your Representative: ask them to vote YES on HR 6585
  • Read more here

(PASSED – HR 7102: Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act – we asked you to SUPPORT last week. Passed out of the House 2/29/24!!)

Senate Hearings Scheduled:Homeland Security and Government Affairs

  • Hearings to examine closing corporate loopholes that reward offshoring jobs and profits.
  • Tune in at 9:30am ET, Wednesday, March 6, 2024 (or watch after!)

Where to find other Senate hearings!

  • https://www.senate.gov/committees/hearings_meetings.htm

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Bills expected on the Floor of the House this week:HR 7102: Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act – SUPPORT

  • This bill establishes an Office of Native American Affairs within the Small Business Administration, and for other purposes.
  • Call Your Representative: ask them to vote YES on HR 7102
  • Bipartisan sponsors
  • Read more here

HR 6585: Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act– SUPPORT

  • This bill expands student eligibility for Pell Grants by establishing the Workforce Pell Grant Program.
  • Call Your Representative: ask them to vote YES on HR 6585
  • Read more here

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Bills expected on the Floor of the House this week:HR 6976: Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act – OPPOSE

  • This bill makes driving while intoxicated or impaired a ground for (1) barring a non-U.S. national (alien under federal law) from admission into the United States, or (2) deporting the individual.
  • Call Your Representative: ask them to vote NO on HR 6976
  • Read more here

HR 6678: Consequences for Social Security Fraud Act – OPPOSE

  • This bill makes certain acts related to Social Security fraud a ground for (1) barring a non-U.S. national (alien under federal law) from admission into the United States, or (2) deporting the individual.
  • Call Your Representative: ask them to vote NO on HR 6678
  • Read more here

HR 5585: Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act – OPPOSE

  • This bill establishes new federal criminal offenses for operating a motor vehicle within 100 miles of the U.S. border while fleeing from a U.S. Border Patrol officer or a federal, state, or local law enforcement officer who is actively assisting or under the command of the U.S. Border Patrol.
  • Call Your Representative: ask them to vote NO on HR 5585
  • Read more here

HR 6679: No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act – OPPOSE

  • The bill prohibits any non-U.S. national who participated in or otherwise facilitated the October 7, 2023, attacks from seeking any immigration-related relief or protections, including (1) protection from being deported to a country where the individual's life or freedom would be threatened, or (2) asylum in the United States.
  • Call Your Representative: ask them to vote NO on HR 6679
  • Read more here

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The House is not in session this week, so we're focusing on Senate hearings.

Senate Hearings Scheduled:Rules and Administration

  • Hearings to examine the use of Artificial Intelligence at the Library of Congress, Government Publishing Office, and Smithsonian Institution.
  • Tune in at 2:15m ET, Wednesday, January 24, 2024 (or watch after!)

Judiciary - Subcommittee on Criminal Justice and Counterterrorism

  • Hearings to examine AI in criminal investigations and prosecutions.
  • Tune in at 2:30pm ET, Wednesday, January 24, 2024 (or watch after!)

Foreign Relations

  • Business meeting to consider S.2003, to authorize the Secretary of State to provide additional assistance to Ukraine using assets confiscated from the Central Bank of the Russian Federation and other sovereign assets of the Russian Federation.
  • Tune in at 10am ET, Wednesday, January 24, 2024 (or watch after!)

Budget

  • Hearings to examine how the climate crisis threatens ocean industries.
  • Tune in at 10am ET, Wednesday, January 24, 2024 (or watch after!)

Small Business and Entrepreneurship

  • Hearings to examine succession planning, focusing on opportunities to build wealth and keep jobs in local communities.
  • Tune in at 2:15pm ET, Wednesday, January 24, 2024 (or watch after!)

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Bills expected on the Floor of the House this week:HR 4250: PRESS Act – SUPPORT

  • Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act
  • Under this law, federal entities would not be able to compel journalists to disclose protected information except in very limited circumstances.
  • Call Your Representative: ask them to vote YES on HR 4250
  • Bipartisan sponsors
  • Read more here

HR 3058: Recruiting Families Using Data Act of 2023 – SUPPORT

  • This bill requires state child welfare services to implement a "family partnership plan" which would improve foster care placement stability, increase rates of kinship placements (placement of children with family members), and align the composition of foster and adoptive families with the needs of children in or entering foster care.
  • Call Your Representative: ask them to vote YES on HR 803
  • Bipartisan sponsors
  • Read more here

BUDGET

  • We expect a bipartisan budget deal to come up this week or next.
  • While this deal will not include funding for things like the war in Ukraine, passing it would help avert a partial government shutdown.
  • Call Your Representative: ask them to SUPPORT a bipartisan budget deal

Senate Hearings Scheduled:Budget

  • Hearings to examine closing corporate loopholes that reward offshoring jobs and profits.
  • Tune in at 10am ET, Wednesday, January 17, 2024 (or watch after!)

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

  • Hearings to examine addressing long COVID, focusing on advancing research and improving patient care.
  • Tune in at 10am ET, Thursday, January 18, 2024 (or watch after!)

Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs

  • An oversight hearing on A.I. and the future of journalism.Hearings to examine national security challenges, focusing on outpacing China in emerging technology.
  • Tune in at 10am ET, Thursday, January 18, 2024 (or watch after!)

Environment and Public Works

  • Business meeting to consider:
  • S.1863, (PROVE IT Act of 2023) to require the Secretary of Energy to conduct a study and submit a report on the greenhouse gas emissions intensity of certain products produced in the United States and in certain foreign countries.
  • S.2781, (Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2023) to promote remediation of abandoned hardrock mines.
  • Tune in at 10:30am ET, Thursday, January 18, 2024 (or watch after!)

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Bills expected on the Floor of the House this week:HR 788: Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2023 – OPPOSE

  • This law would limit the government's ability to direct settlement payments by corporate wrongdoers to organizations that work to assist in relief efforts for broader groups of victims.
  • In the past, this ability has been used to direct settlements from big banks who were held responsible for their roles in the mortgage foreclosure crisis in the early 2000s. A portion of that settlement money was directed to community organizations that assisted broader communities affected by the foreclosure crisis.
  • Call Your Representative: ask them to vote NO on HR 788
  • Read more here

HR 803: PROTECT Taiwan Act – SUPPORT

  • Pressure Regulatory Organizations To End Chinese Threats to Taiwan Act
  • This law would require excluding Chinese representatives from certain international organizations if there are reported actions by China that threaten Taiwan's security, society, or economy.
  • Call Your Representative: ask them to vote YES on HR 803
  • Bipartisan sponsors
  • Read more here
  • Other Taiwan-focused bill: HR 540

HR 4768: No Russian Agriculture Act – SUPPORT

  • This law would direct the Treasury to invest in projects with the goal of reducing US reliance on Russian agricultural goods.
  • Call Your Representative: ask them to vote YES on HR 4768
  • Bipartisan sponsors
  • Read more here

Senate Hearings Scheduled:Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

  • Hearings to examine harnessing AI to improve government services and customer service.
  • Tune in at 10am ET, Wednesday, January 10, 2024 (or watch after!)

Budget

  • Hearings to examine investing in the future, focusing on safeguarding municipal bonds from climate risk.
  • Tune in at 10am ET, Wednesday, January 10, 2024 (or watch after!)

Judiciary - Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law

  • An oversight hearing on A.I. and the future of journalism.
  • Tune in at 2pm ET, Wednesday, January 10, 2024 (or watch after!)

Energy and Natural Resources

  • Hearings to examine federal electric vehicle incentives including the federal government's role in fostering reliable and resilient electric vehicle supply chains.
  • Tune in at 10am ET, Thursday, January 11, 2024 (or watch after!)

Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs

  • Hearings to examine stopping the flow of fentanyl, focusing on public awareness and legislative solutions.
  • Tune in at 10am ET, Thursday, January 11, 2024 (or watch after!)

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Rachel and Anne talk Congress (why are there two chambers? what do they do for us?), learn that Idaho was a successful trolling of Congress, and put their Senators' and Representative's numbers in their phones.

Do you have another example of Congress getting trolled? Already have your Senators' and Representative's numbers in your phone? Give us a shout at talktalkvote@gmail.com

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Anne and Rachel talk federalism (we cover all the hot topics here), geek out about congressional records, and explore the federal government's resource page: www.usa.gov.

Do you also geek out about old records from 1874? Did you notice when Rachel said "supra-natural" instead of "supranational"? Let us know at talktalkvote@gmail.com

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Rachel and Anne talk free speech (what exactly is it??), surprising protest songs, and how petitions can have a real impact.

Do you have a protest song we didn't mention? Got a petition you want us to sign? Let us know at talktalkvote@gmail.com

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That's a wrap on the 2023 MO Legislative Session! Thanks for sticking with us and making your voices heard. Rachel and Anne talk about what passed and what didn't during this tense but under-productive session. Do you know where the Peach Capital of Missouri is? We do.

We're going to miss speaking to you every week! Drop us a line, hit us with a suggestion, or tell us what actions you took this session at talktalkvote@gmail.com.

<3

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Initiative Petition Bills

SJR 12 (This bill has vague language that purports to further define the single subject rule in initiative petitions. The vague language could be used to restrict the scope of initiative petitions.)

  • 5 for Democracy: Call or email your State Senator to express your OPPOSITION TO SJR 12 or use the initiative petition specific dial-through number sponsored by Jobs for Justice, 833-491-0334. Leave a message with your zip code and it will be routed to your Senator.


SJR 28 (Increases the threshold for passage of a citizen’s initiative petition from a simple majority to a majority of votes cast statewide and a majority of congressional districts.)

  • 5 for Democracy: Call or email your State Senator to express your OPPOSITION TO SJR 28 or use the initiative petition specific dial-through number sponsored by Jobs for Justice, 833-491-0334. Leave a message with your zip code and it will be routed to your Senator.


HJR 43 (Increases threshold for passage of Initiative Petition-driven Constitutional Amendments from a simple majority to 60%.)


Voting Rights Bills

SB 44 (Makes removing registered voters from the voter roles easier.)

  • 5 for Democracy: Contact your senator and urge them to vote NO on SB 44. Legislator Lookup


Education Bills

SB 81 (Authorizes parents to choose the school that their children attend and direct state aid for that child to that chosen school.)


Gun Violence Bills

HB 282 (Allows concealed carry on public transportation.)


Questions or comments? Email us at talktalkvote@gmail.com!

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Initiative Petition Bills

HJR 43 (Increases threshold for passage of Initiative Petition-driven Constitutional Amendments from a simple majority to 60%.)

  • This bill is back off of the table so we need everyone to: call or email your State Representative to express your OPPOSITION TO HJR 43.

SJR 12 (This bill has vague language that purports to further define the single subject rule in initiative petitions. The vague language could be used to restrict the scope of initiative petitions.)

  • 5 for Democracy: Call or email your State Senator to express your OPPOSITION TO SJR 12 or use the initiative petition specific dial-through number sponsored by Jobs for Justice, 833-491-0334. Leave a message with your zip code and it will be routed to your Senator.

SJR 28 (Increases the threshold for passage of a citizen’s initiative petition from a simple majority to a majority of votes cast statewide and a majority of congressional districts.)

  • 5 for Democracy: Call or email your State Senator to express your OPPOSITION TO SJR 28 or use the initiative petition specific dial-through number sponsored by Jobs for Justice, 833-491-0334. Leave a message with your zip code and it will be routed to your Senator.

Got some time this Tuesday, May 2nd? Jog on down to Jeff City to join League members at the MOVPC-sponsored Lobby Day to tell our elected representatives in person what we support and oppose!

Questions or comments? Email us at talktalkvote@gmail.com!

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Initiative Petition Bills

HJR 43 (Increases threshold for passage of Initiative Petition-driven Constitutional Amendments from a simple majority to 60%.)

  • This bill is unlikely to move forward. Instead, efforts to hinder the initiative petition process have moved to SJR 12.


SJR 12 (This bill has vague language that purports to further define the single subject rule in initiative petitions. The vague language could be used to restrict the scope of initiative petitions.)

  • 5 for Democracy: Call or email your State Senator or use the initiative petition specific dial-through number sponsored by Jobs for Justice, 833-491-0334. Leave a message with your zip code and it will be routed to your Senator.


Voting Rights Bills

HB 391 (Prevents courts from editing ballot language.)


Gun Bills

SB 131 (Exempts guns and ammunition from state & local sales taxes; also provides tax credits for manufacturers.)

  • 5 for Democracy: Submit opposing testimony to the House Ways and Means Committee HERE by Monday, April 24 at 11:00am.


Social Justice Bills

HB 489 (A "Do No Harm" bill, restricting health care licensing boards from requiring DEI requirements.)


HB 1196 (Another “Do No Harm” bill (similar to HB 489) which prohibits the use of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) statements in public institutions of secondary education.)

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Gun Bills

SB 343 (Criminalizes the negligent discharge of a firearm (Blair’s Law).)


HB 282 (Allows concealed carry on public transportation.)


LGBTQ+ Bills

HCS HB 183 (Would establish guidelines for student participation in athletic contests organized by sex in grades 6-12.)


Questions or comments? Email us at talktalkvote@gmail.com!

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Initiative Petition Bills

HJR 43 (Increases threshold for passage of Initiative Petition-driven Constitutional Amendments from a simple majority to 60%. Was filibustered to a temporary halt March 29th!)

  • 5 for Democracy: Call your senator!! Use the Initiative Petition specific dial through number - 833-491-0334 - leave a message with your zip code and it is routed to your Senator.


HB 834 (Failure to provide a signer with the fact sheet or read it aloud before collecting a signature invalidates all signatures collected by that circulator on that date.)


Voting Rights Bills

HB 1184 (Requires election authorities to notify voters when an absentee ballot envelope has not been completed.)


SJR 30 (Would preclude Ranked Choice Voting; limits structure of primary elections.)

  • 5 for Democracy: Call or email your State Senator to express your OPPOSITION to SJR 30 by Tuesday, April 11.


Gun Bills

HB 282 (Allows concealed carry on public transportation.)


Questions or comments? Email us at talktalkvote@gmail.com!

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Initiative Petition Bills

HJR 43 (Increases threshold for passage of Initiative Petition-driven Constitutional Amendments from a simple majority to 60%. Was filibustered to a temporary halt last week!)

  • 5 for Democracy: Call your senator!! Use the Initiative Petition specific dial through number - 833-491-0334 - leave a message with your zip code and it is routed to your Senator.
  • Link to further reading: Missouri Independent


Voting Rights Bills

SB 210 (Requires election authorities to notify voters when an absentee ballot envelope has not been completed.)


Health Care Bills

SB 82 (Ensures access to assistance like SNAP, TANF, and child care to persons working to establish self-sufficiency and "get off welfare" without putting them at risk of net losses due to assistance withdrawal.)


LGBTQ+ Rights Bills

HB 183 (Prohibits transgender athletes from participating in competitive girl’s or women’s events in public or private middle schools, high schools, or institutions of higher education.)

  • 30 Minute Matters: Email or call your State Senator to urge them to vote NO on HCS HB 183.
  • Link to further reading: KMBC


Social Justice Bills

SB 248 (Allows for faster restoration of voting rights after incarceration and voting while held on misdemeanor charges.)


Questions or comments? Email us at talktalkvote@gmail.com!

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Initiative Petition Bills

HJR 43 (Increases threshold for passage of Initiative P etition-driven Constitutional Amendments from a simple majority to 60%.)

  • 5 for Democracy: Call or email your state senator to urge a NO vote on HJR 43. Legislator Lookup


Voting Rights Bills

SB 346 (Modifies provisions related to elections including protecting election officials and allowing provisional absentee voting.)


Gun Bills

SB 131 (Exempts guns and ammunition from state & local sales taxes; also provides tax credits for manufacturers.)

  • 5 for Democracy: Call or email your state Senator to urge a NO vote on SB 131. Legislator Lookup


Social Justice Bills

HB 489 (A "Do No Harm" bill, restricting health care licensing boards from requiring DEI requirements.)


HB 1196 (Another “Do No Harm” bill (similar to HB 489) which prohibits the use of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) statements in public institutions of secondary education.)


Questions or comments? Email us at talktalkvote@gmail.com!

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Voting Rights Bills

HB 31 (Prevents courts from editing ballot language.)

  • 5 for Democracy: Submit testimony IN OPPOSITION to the House's Elections and Elected Officials Committee by Tuesday, March 21st at 12pm.


Gun Bills

HB 485 (Allows for concealed carry in churches.)

  • 5 for Democracy: Submit testimony IN OPPOSITION to the House Emerging Issues Committee by Wednesday, March 22nd at 4:30pm.


HB 701 + HB 712 (Anti-Red Flag Laws.)

  • 5 for Democracy: Submit testimony IN OPPOSITION to the House Emerging Issues Committee by Wednesday, March 22nd at 4:30pm.
  • Further Reading: NPR Poll


Other Bills

SB 424 (Creates new provisions to prevent discrimination on the basis of hair texture and protective hairstyles.)


We also apologize for the poor audio quality – Anne is on the road this week!

Questions or comments? Email us at talktalkvote@gmail.com!

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Citizen Initiative Petition Bills

HJR 43 (Modifies the threshold for passage of constitutional amendments from a simple majority to 60%. Defines "eligible voters" as only US citizens and residents of Missouri.)


Voting Rights Bills

SJB 44 (Makes removing registered voters from the voter roles easier.)

  • 5 for Democracy: Contact your senator and urge them to vote NO on SB 44. Legislator Lookup


Gun Violence Bills

HB 282 (Changes the law regarding firearm concealed carry permits allowing those with permits to legally carry on public transportation including buses.)

  • 5 for Democracy: Submit testimony to the House Emerging Issues Committee here.


Next week – Spring Break!!

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Citizen Initiative Petition Bills

HJR 43 (Modifies the threshold for passage of constitutional amendments from a simple majority to 60%. Defines "eligible voters" as only US citizens and residents of Missouri.)


Voting Rights Bills

SJB 44 (Makes removing registered voters from the voter roles easier)

  • 5 for Democracy: Contact your senator and urge them to vote NO on SB 44. Legislator Lookup


Health Care Bills

SB 45 + 90 (Expands MO HealthNet coverage for low-income pregnant women to include full Medicaid benefits for the duration of the pregnancy and for one year following the end of the pregnancy.)

  • The "perfected" (aka finalized) version of this bill prohibits women who undergo abortions from receiving the expanded coverage, which doesn't match the federal guidelines for the agency that funds this!
  • Links to further reading: Missouri Independent article

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Citizen Initiative Petition Bills

HJR 43 (Modifies the threshold for passage of constitutional amendments from a simple majority to 60%. Defines "eligible voters" as only US citizens and residents of Missouri.)

  • 5 for Democracy: Email or call your state senator and urge them to vote NO on HCS HJR 43. Legislator Lookup
  • Links to further reading: Watch this video from Sunday's episode of Heart of the Matter on KMBC, channel 9. KMBC video


Health Care Bills

SB 45 (Expands MO HealthNet coverage for low-income pregnant women to include full Medicaid benefits for the duration of the pregnancy and for one year following the end of the pregnancy.)

  • 5 for Democracy: Contact your senator and urge them to vote YES on SB 44.


Social Justice Bills

SB 82 (Ensures access to assistance like SNAP, TANF, and child care to persons working to establish self-sufficiency and "get off welfare" without putting them at risk of net losses due to assistance withdrawal)

  • 5 for Democracy: Call or email your senator to urge them to support SB 82. Legislator Lookup


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Citizen Initiative Petition Bills

HJR 43 (Changes Missouri’s Initiative Petition law to establish an insurmountable threshold for any future Initiative Petition)

  • 30 Minute Matters: Email your opposition to this bill to your State Senator and members of the Senate Local Government and Elections Committee. Committee members can be found HERE. Deadline: Committee meets February 13th at 1:00pm, but send your emails even after this deadline.


SB 102, SB 113, SJR 2, SJR 5, SJR 10, SJR 12, SJR 17, SJR 28 (All make changes to Missouri's Initiative Petition process)

  • 30 Minute Matters: Email your opposition to this bill to your State Senator and members of the Senate Local Government and Elections Committee. Committee members can be found HERE. Deadline: Committee meets February 13th at 1:00pm, but send your emails even after this deadline.


HJR 28, HJR 29 (Make changes to Missouri's Initiative Petition process)

  • 5 for Democracy: **SUBMIT WRITTEN TESTIMONY HERE**  Click on the 2 Initiative Petition bills, affirm, and submit. You should receive an email to confirm your submitted testimony. Make sure to click the link in the email you receive to confirm your testimony is submitted!


Voting Rights Bills

SJB 44 (Makes removing registered voters from the voter roles easier)

  • 5 for Democracy: Contact your senator and urge them to vote NO on SB 44.


Education Bills

SS#2 SCS SBs 4, 42 & 89 (Hands over curriculum control to the state legislature)

  • 30 Minute Matters: Send an email to each member of the Fiscal Oversight Committee and urge them to oppose this bill. Committee members can be found HERE. Contact your senator and urge him to vote against the bill on the senate floor. Legislator Lookup
  • Links to further reading:  Missouri Independent Article


Social Justice Bills

SB 82 (Ensures access to assistance like SNAP, TANF, and child care to persons working to establish self-sufficiency and "get off welfare" without putting them at risk of net losses due to assistance withdrawal)

  • 5 for Democracy: Call or email your senator to urge them to support SB 82. Legislator Lookup
  • 30 Minute Matters: Ask your friends to take action with you!

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Citizen Initiative Petition Bills

SJR 2, SJR 5, + SJR 28 (Changes Missouri’s Initiative Petition law to establish an insurmountable threshold for any future Initiative Petition)

  • 30 Minute Matters: Email your opposition to this bill to your State Senator and members of the Senate Local Government and Elections Committee. Committee members can be found HERE. Deadline: Committee meets February 6th at 1:00pm, but send your emails even after this deadline.


Citizen Initiative Petition + Voting Rights Bills

SJR 17 (Changes the threshold for passage of Initiative Petitions AND prohibits Missouri from joining the National Popular Vote Compact)

  • 30 Minute Matters: Email your opposition to this bill to your State Senator and members of the Senate Local Government and Elections Committee. Committee members can be found HERE. Deadline: Committee meets February 6th at 1:00pm, but send your emails even after this deadline.


LGBTQ+ Rights Bills

SB 14 (Prohibits anyone of any age from changing the sex listed on their birth certificate, thus blocking trans people from acquiring accurate government IDs among other things)

  • 5 for Democracy: Call your state senator and express your opposition to this bill.
  • 30 Minute Matters: Email your opposition to this bill to your State Senator and members of the General Laws Committee. Committee members can be found HERE. Deadline: Committee meets February 7th at 10:00am


Get typing!

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Citizen Initiative Petition Bills

HJR 19 (Changes Missouri’s Initiative Petition law to require winning not just a majority of votes cast but also a majority of votes in more than half of the state senate districts.)

  • Five for Democracy: Submit testimony in opposition to to HJR 19 before the hearing HERE. Deadline: Committee meets January 31st at 12:30pm


HJR 30, + HJR 43 (Both of these bills proposes changes to the Missouri citizen Initiative Petition law as enshrined in the Missouri Constitution)

  • 30 Minute Matters: Read the Missouri Independent’s article by a conservative, “Missouri voters won’t fall for the ballot initiative power grab”
  • Anne's Bonus Task: Talk to your friends and family about Missouri's Citizen Initiative Petition process!


LGBTQ+ Rights Bills

HB 337, HB 183, HB 170 (Together, these bills create the Save Women’s Sports Act or define what “sex” is so only biological females would be allowed to participate in women’s sports)

  • 30 Minute Matters: Email your opposition to this bill to your State Senator and members of the General Laws Committee. Committee members can be found HERE.


Let's go!

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Citizen Initiative Petition Bills

HJR 18, HJR 24, HJR 25, HJR 30, + HJR 43 (Each of these bills proposes changes to the Missouri citizen Initiative Petition law as enshrined in the Missouri Constitution)

  • Five for Democracy: Submit testimony in opposition to any or all 5 bills before the hearing HERE. Deadline: Committee meets January 24th at 12pm


Voting Rights Bills

SB 44 (Sets up an onerous voter purging regime that makes voter inactivity over a 2 year period a criteria for removal from the voter registration list)

  • 30 Minute Matters: Email your opposition to this bill to your State Senator and members of the Local Government and Elections Committee. Committee members can be found HERE. Deadline: Committee meets January 23rd at 2pm


Education Bills

SB 42 (School districts would be prohibited from teaching about “any divisive concepts." The bill also targets trans kids.)

  • 30 Minute Matters: Email your opposition to this bill to your State Senator and members of the Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee members can be found HERE. Deadline: Committee meets January 24th at 8am


Tax Bills

SB 93 (Would reduce the current 4% income tax on corporations to 0% by 2027)

  • 30 Minute Matters: Email your opposition to this bill to your State Senator and members of the Economic Development and Tax Policy Committee before the hearing. Committee Members can be found HERE. Deadline: Committee meets January 23rd at 2pm

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Tax Bill!

SB 8 (Gradually does away with personal property tax which will hurt school districts etc that rely on this revenue stream)


Up and at 'em!

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Welcome back! Rachel and Anne are back to ease you into the 2023 Missouri Legislative Session. This week's Five for Democracy is easy! Just hit the follow button for this podcast on your favorite podcast platform. That's it!

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Join Anne and Rachel in this send off to 2022 and get ready for 2023!

First off, learn more about writing testimony in favor of or in opposition to bills by reading over testimony from a bill that came up in the 2022 MO Legislative session: https://house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills221/witnesses/HJR132Testimony.pdf. When you find our testimony (or your own testimony), let us know!!

Then, thinking about running for office? We break it down step-by-step so that you know how to get up and rolling!

Next, Anne tells us about some unique figures who have run for office through history and gives us a run down on what LWVKC volunteers have been up to!

Finally,

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Rachel and Anne take you through the detailed processes that our local election authorities go through to ensure our elections are secure. Then, how old do you think the Clap-o-Meter is? We'll give you our best guess! Finally, with a run down of election work that the League is doing, we encourage YOU to go to Vote411 and also to vote early in-person!

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Anne and Rachel lay out what changes have been wrought by HB 1878 on Missouri's voting system. Due to provisions in the law, we cannot talk about requesting mail-in absentee ballots, so we encourage you to visit sos.mo.gov for more information on that topic.

Greg Woodhams comes by to talk to Rachel and Anne about the broader picture of changes that HB 1878 has brought to town.

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Rachel and Anne discuss federal legislation, the history of polling, and a couple of new projects the League is working on!

Then, they interview Jazlyn Gallego and Reid Magney from VoteRiders to learn more about their mission and find out how they can help voters in Missouri.

Find more information at www.voteriders.org

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Join Rachel and Anne to learn about what happens to a bill after it passes through the House and Senate. And! Missouri is going to have a Special Session! Anne gives us some little known information about Independence Day.

The interviews with voters have been edited for length and clarity.

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We wanted to bring you a brief update on the state of abortion rights. In a slight divergence from the norm, we branch out from our Missouri focus to talk about Kansas's Amendment 2 vote that is coming up on August 2nd. Then, we explain what exactly the laws are surrounding abortion right now in Missouri.

Take care of yourselves. Anger can be healthy. Make sure you check www.vote411.org for your ballot in the August 2nd election!!

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Join Anne and Rachel to talk about the differences between State Legislatures across the US and get an idea of where Missouri's legislative activities fit in with other states'. Follow along with Laura while she speaks with a member of the Election Board. And, learn from Anne how Missouri's state flower came to be!

Thank you for sticking with us -- we are back from much appreciated vacations.

Get in touch with us at talktalkvote@gmail.com!

An insight into LWVUS's stance on the rights of trans individuals: https://www.lwv.org/league-urges-us-senate-pass-equality-act

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That's it! The regular legislative session is over. Missouri passed 43 non-budget bills through the House and Senate over this 2022 legislative session. Listen to find out what passed and what didn't!

Thank you to all of you who took pen (or keyboard) in hand this session and made your voices heard!!

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Voting Bills

HB 1878 (Includes a photo ID requirement for absentee voting)

  • Five for Democracy: Email or call your State Senator to express your opposition to this bill. Find your Senator here.

Deep Dive: Read up on what overturning Roe v. Wade will mean.

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Voting Bills

HB 2140 (Includes restrictions on voter registration activities on volunteer organizations like the League)

  • Five for Democracy: Email or call your State Senator to express your opposition to this bill. Find your Senator here. Second Reading in the Senate is May 2nd.

Education

SB 694 (Prohibits schools from using the 1619 Project as a resource for teaching)

  • Five for Democracy: Email or call your State Senator to express your opposition to this bill. Find your Senator here. Deadline May 2nd.

HB 1858 (Creates a "Parents' Bill of Rights" that includes a variety of requirements and restrictions that the League opposes)

  • Five for Democracy: Email or call your State Senator to express your opposition to this bill. Find your Senator here. Third Reading scheduled May 2nd.

Contact us at: talktalkvote@gmail.com

We'd love to hear from you!

Rachel said "stridation" when she meant "stridulation". She is very sorry if this has caused confusion.

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Voting Bills

HB 1878 (Includes a photo ID requirement for absentee voting)

  • Five for Democracy: Email or call your State Senator to express your opposition to this bill. Find your Senator here.

Education

SB 718 (Designates the 3rd week of September as "Historically Black College and University Week" in Missouri)

  • Five for Democracy: Contact the members of the House Higher Education Committee to express your support for this bill. Deadline: ASAP.

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Voting Bills

SB 654 (Includes a variety of restrictions on voter registration efforts)

  • Five for Democracy: Email or call your State Senator to express your opposition to this bill. Find your Senator here. Deadline is Tuesday, April 19th.

SB 812 (Prohibits courts from editing ballot language for a General Assembly-passed constitutional amendment)

  • Five for Democracy: Email or call your State Senator to express your opposition to this bill. Find your Senator here. Deadline is Tuesday, April 19th.
  • Deep Dive: Read this article from the Brennan Center.

Education

SB 694 (Specifically prohibits certain items from being included in school curricula – overseen at the state level)

  • Five for Democracy: Email or call your State Senator to express your opposition to this bill. Find your Senator here. Deadline is Tuesday, April 19th.

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Anne and Rachel talk about updates with the League; explain why school boards, city councils, and municipal courts matter (and why you should always vote in your local elections!!); and amazing women with the last name Williams.

To finish off, Anne and Rachel interview Meg Cunningham, a state legislative reporter with The Beacon!

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Initiative Petition Bills

SB 812 (Prohibits courts from editing ballot language for a General Assembly-passed constitutional amendment)

  • Five for Democracy: Email or call your State Senator to express your opposition to this bill. Find your Senator here. Deadline is Monday, April 11th.

Voting Bills

SB 654 (Includes a variety of restrictions on voter registration efforts)

  • Five for Democracy: Email or call your State Senator to express your opposition to this bill. Find your Senator here. Deadline is Monday, April 11th.

HJR 131 (Preemptively derails a citizens’ initiative petition about ranked choice voting that is currently gathering signatures)

  • Five for Democracy: Email or call your State Senator to express your opposition to this bill. Find your Senator here.

Reproductive Rights

HB 2012 (Makes the manufacture, prescription, and distribution of abortion inducting drugs a felony)

  • Five for Democracy: Email or call your State Senator to express your opposition to this bill. Find your Senator here.

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Voting Rights Bills

HB 1678 (Allows for partisan intrusion into local election authorities among other things)

  • Five for Democracy: Submit testimony in opposition to this bill here. Deadline is 11am April 6th!

SB 654 (Very similar to HB 1678 -- includes restrictions on voter registration efforts)

  • Five for Democracy: Email your Representative to express your opposition to this bill. SB 654 is scheduled for perfection in the House on April 4th.

Education Bills

HB 1814 (Allows public school students to transfer to a public non-resident school district if the parent pays school taxes on property owned in the non-resident school district)

  • Five for Democracy: This bill has passed the House and is headed to the Senate. Email your State Senator to express your opposition to this bill.

HB 2652 (Disadvantages traditional school districts in racially and socioeconomically diverse neighborhoods)

  • Five for Democracy: This bill has passed out of committee and is headed to the House floor for perfection. Email or call your representative to express opposition to this bill.

HB 1753 (Diverts public funds from public schools to private educational services)

  • 30 Minute Matters: Contact members of the House Rules - Legislative Oversight Committee to express opposition.

HB 1552 (Requires public school districts that have charter schools within the boundaries of their district to pay charter schools for each student the charter school has)

  • Five for Democracy: This bill has passed the House and is headed to the Senate. Call or email your senator to express opposition.

HB 1933 (Mandates a civil rights curriculum to be written at the state level)

  • Five for Democracy: Submit testimony in opposition to this bill here. Deadline is 11:59pm April 4th!

Up and at 'em!

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SB 678 (Requires 25% of KCMO budget to go to KCPD)

  • Five for Democracy: Submit testimony in opposition to this bill here. Deadline is midnight March 28th!

HB 1462 (Allows concealed weapons on public transit and places of worship)

  • Thirty Minute Matters: Contact members of the Senate General Laws Committee and ask them to oppose this bill. Deadline is Tuesday, March 29th at 9:30am!

HB 2008 (Requires school districts to post curricula online)

  • Thirty Minute Matters: Contact members of the House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee and ask them to oppose this bill. Deadline is Monday, March 29th at midnight! (Rachel mistakenly says the hearing is on March 28th, but it is actually on March 29th at 8am)

Threats to Voting Rights

  • Deep Dive: Read this article from the Brennan Center about election subversion laws. Prepare yourself to take action when these bills come up in our state legislature.
  • Here are a few of the bills that are currently in the mix in our legislature: SB 670, SB 695, HB 1646, HB 2113, HB 1911.

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HB 2008 (Requires school districts to post curriculums online)

  • Five for Democracy: Submit testimony in opposition to this bill here. Deadline is midnight March 21st!

HB 1455 (Prohibits the distribution of absentee ballots by individuals or organizations—including the League!)

  • This bill has passed through committee and will be back on the House floor soon for perfection and a final vote.
  • Five for Democracy: email your state representative and tell them to oppose this bill!

HB 1552 (Directs money away from public schools and towards charter schools)

  • This bill passed out of the House and has now moved to the Senate.
  • Thirty Minute Matters: Contact members of the Senate Education Committee and ask them to oppose this bill.

HJR 91 (Makes it harder for citizens to use the initiative petition process)

  • Five for Democracy: call your State Senator and tell them to oppose HJR 91.
  • Thirty Minute Matters: email or call members of the Senate Interim Committee on Elections and tell them you oppose HJR 91.
  • Deep Dive: sign up here for a phone bank shift to oppose HJR 91!

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Deep Dive into HB 1646!

Link to the eVoter.

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5 for Democracy:

  • Submit testimony in opposition to: HB 2197, HB 2461, + HB 2734 (prohibiting trans girls from playing sports in school). DUE BY MONDAY (3/7) AT 5PM.
  • Submit testimony in opposition to: HJR 133 (increases barriers to citizen initiative petitions). DUE BY WEDNESDAY (3/9) AT 11AM.
  • Submit testimony in opposition to: HB 1646 (includes provisions for photo ID requirements, changes to absentee voting policies, and declares that Missouri would not have to follow any federal voting rights laws). DUE BY WEDNESDAY (3/9) AT 11AM.

30 Minute Matters

  • Email the members of the Elections and Elected Officials Committee to encourage them to vote down HJR 132 (increases barriers to citizen initiative petitions). DUE BY WEDNESDAY (3/9) AT 11AM.

Got thoughts? Send us an email at talktalkvote@gmail.com!

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Last time, Rachel talked about how a bill becomes a law, but how does a bill even become a bill? Anne helps break this one down!

Laura talks to a new citizen (and new voter!) about their plans to vote in both local and federal elections.

Then, Anne and Rachel are joined by Sean Soendker Nicholson who was a key member of the team that got Clean Missouri passed in 2018. He helps us understand how citizen initiative petitions get on the ballot and why it is such an important right to protect!

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Read about and make your own decision (ACTION DUE 11:59PM 2/28):

HB 2189: Modifies and creates provisions regarding the use of certain training, instructional, and curricular materials in public schools and charter schools. Link to full bill. Link to bill summary. Link to submit testimony (DUE BY 11:59PM 2/28).

HB 1835: Identifies particular social studies academic performance standards and learning standards for elementary and secondary education. Link to full bill. Link to bill summary. Link to submit testimony (DUE BY 11:59PM 2/28).

Write a letter to your editor about these initiative petition bills (DUE 3/7):

SJR 31 + SJR 37 -- the League opposes them because:

  • the initiative petition process is one of the purest forms of democratic participation
  • for more than a century, Missouri citizens across the political spectrum have been able to make their voices heard through the initiative petition process
  • these bills make it harder for everyday citizens to participate in our democracy
  • these bills make it harder for citizen-generated petitions to pass (SJR 31: 60% or SJR 37: 66%), while legislature-generated petitions will still only require a simple majority
  • SJR 37 increases the number of signatures required to get the petition onto the ballot (there is already a very high signature threshold)

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Deep Dives:

  • Read about HJR 117 (block funding to Medicaid expansion)
  • Read about HJR 70 (make passing initiative petitions functionally impossible)

5 for Democracy:

  • Call Senator Luetkemeyer at (573) 751-2183 to request that he, as Chairman of the Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee, put SB 793 on the committee calendar (expunge past minor marijuana convictions).
  • Call Senator Luetkemeyer at (573) 751-2183 to request that he, as Chairman of the Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee, put SB 795 on the committee calendar (use of force restrictions).

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Up for hearings this week:

Monday, 5pm (Testimony due by 4pm!)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: HB 2627 – Submit Testimony: https://house.mo.gov/WitnessForm/Default.aspx?bill=HB2627&noticeid=6611

Tuesday, 12pm (Testimony due by 11am!):

CONCEAL CARRY PERMITS: HB 1833 – Submit Testimony: https://house.mo.gov/WitnessForm/Default.aspx?bill=HB1833&noticeid=6628

Wednesday, 12pm (Testimony due by 11am!):

VOTING/ELECTIONS: HB 2113, HB 2140, + HB 2002 (Yes, they are up again from last week!) – Submit Testimony: https://house.mo.gov/WitnessForm/Default.aspx?bill=HB2113&noticeid=6630

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The Elections Committee in the MO House is holding a public hearing on 4 important bills this Wednesday (2/9/22):

HB 2113 + HB 2140 - photo ID requirements

HB 1455 - forbid groups or individuals from distributing blank absentee ballot applications

HB 2002 - require election authority to record a voter's political party

Link to submit testimony: https://house.mo.gov/WitnessForm/Default.aspx?noticeid=6565 (you'll need to watch for an email to confirm your testimony once you submit!)

Chair: Rep. Dan Shaul: 573-751-2504

Vice-Chair: Rep. Peggy McGaugh: 573-751-1468

Ranking Minority Member: Rep. Kevin Windham: 573-751-4468

Did you call in or submit testimony? Let us know at talktalkvote@lwvkc.org

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Happy January! This episode is late but it is here!

Rachel and Anne dive into the details to demonstrate how a bill moves through both houses of the Missouri Legislature before becoming a law. Laura talks to new citizens about the value of the vote. Anne gives us a reminder that wearing your wig backwards is a-okay.

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Anne and Rachel talk federal legislation, how to have an impact (5 for Democracy!!), and where adultery is still illegal.

Instead of an interview this month, we talk to some League members with different histories about what made them decided to join the League and what activities they partake in with the League!

Congressional Calendar: https://www.nab.org/documents/advocacy/2021CongressionalCalendar.pdf

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Anne and Rachel take a look at the history of the Kansas City Police Department and speak to Gwendolyn Grant, President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, about the current state of affairs with the KCPD as well as actions that are being taken to try to increase the KCPD's accountability to the community.

Your 5-minute task this week is to call your Senators and tell them to vote to allow the Freedom to Vote Act to come to debate.

Resources:

To make a donation in support of Gwendolyn Grant's actions on behalf of Kansas City residents: make a check out to "Greater Kansas City Community Foundation" and make a note that it is for Gwendolyn Grant's CLEAR Fund.

Missouri's Police Scorecard: https://policescorecard.org/mo

LWVUS's Filibuster Position

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Hey folks! There will not be a show at the end of this month, as Anne and I are wrapped up in a couple of other projects! But, tune back in next month to hear about policing in Kansas City, Five for Democracy, and What's Up with the League! Also, we'll be interviewing Gwendolyn Grant, the President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City.

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In this episode, Rachel and Anne focus on redistricting. With help from LWV Missouri's own Sharon Schneeberger, they dive into the different redistricting processes and discuss how Missouri residents can have an impact. Laura talks to a brand new citizen!

Find up to date information about redistricting in Missouri at: lwvmissouri.org

5 for Democracy Actions:

On social media, share redistricting information on Facebook and Twitter (check out @LWVMissouri and @LWVKC)!

Attend a hearing!

St. Louis:

October 16 Senate Commission Hearing – Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel, 10:00 AM

October 21 Commission Hearing – Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel, 10:00 AM

Kansas City:

October 19 House Commission Hearing – Kansas City Marriott Downtown, 9:00 AM

October 19 Senate Commission Hearing – Kansas City Marriott Downtown, 1:00 PM

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Join Anne and Rachel as they discuss Critical Race Theory, call their senators, and learn some trivia about...nature learning to relax? Laura is back with Main Street Beat! No interview this month – but you can go back and listen to our previous interviews to get inspired all over again!

Remember, you can find more information about the League at LWVKC.org!

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This month, Anne and Rachel discuss the current state of gun legislation in Missouri, teach you how to create a Google Alert, and speak to Rosilyn Temple, the founder of KC Mothers in Charge. The mission of KC Mothers in Charge is to reduce violent crime through prevention, education and intervention, and to guide and support the families of victims. Listen in to hear what you can do to help support this mission!

Find out more about the KC Mothers at: kcmothersincharge.org

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The continuation of Rachel and Anne's interview with Merrique Jenson, the Program Director at Transformations KC, a transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) and gender expansive youth social and support drop-in group in the Kansas City area for young people (12-18 years old) who self-identify as TGNC or are questioning their gender identity. She is also Director of SocialScope Productions, a consulting and coaching company focused on LGBTQ multimedia projects, community storytelling, and building innovative, equity program design models and professional development trainings.

Find more information about Transformations KC at...

their website: www.transformationskc.org

their instagram: @KCTransformations

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Join Anne and Rachel as they explain the recent spate of anti-trans bills and give you a tip on how to track legislation in just five minutes. Laura is back with Main Street Beat, asking folks about voting access. And finally, Rachel and Anne speak to Merrique Jenson, the Program Director at Transformations KC, a transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) and gender expansive youth social and support drop-in group in the Kansas City area for young people (12-18 years old) who self-identify as TGNC or are questioning their gender identity. She is also Director of SocialScope Productions, a consulting and coaching company focused on LGBTQ multimedia projects, community storytelling, and building innovative, equity program design models and professional development trainings. The interview continues in part 2!

Find more information about Transformations KC at...

their website: www.transformationskc.org

their instagram: @KCTransformations

And check out the show Merrique mentioned, Veneno!

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Anne and Rachel talk about contacting your US legislators in Five for Democracy, delve into what the League of Women Voters is in Explain it to Me, hear from Kansas City residents about voting access in Main Street Beat (welcome to Laura Marcus Mountjoy!), and speak with Tina Weaver about the community programs that the North Kansas City YMCA is developing.

Falcons! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIwCBks7HDg

Congressional Switchboard: (202) 224-3121

Senator Roy Blunt, KC: (816) 471-7141

Senator Josh Hawley, KC: 816-960-4694

Representative Emanuel Cleaver II (D-5), KC: (816) 842-4545

Representative Vicky Hartzler (R-4), Columbia: (573) 442-9311 

Representative Sam Graves (R-6), KC: (816) 792-3976

North Kansas City YMCA: https://kansascityymca.org/locations/north-kansas-city

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Rachel and Anne talk about Medicaid expansion in Missouri and how you can make your voice heard in less than five minutes. Then Anne shares some trivia about poem reciting lawmakers. Finally, they interview Kansas City activist and icon Alice Kitchen about her travels all over the world and her work in Kansas City to promote equality and justice.

To find your legislators, go to senate.mo.gov/legislookup!

Talk Talk Vote! is a LWVKC production. It's produced by Rachel Thompson and Anne Calvert. Theme music provided by Hanging Chad Studio.