*******HOUSE ADVANCES BILL TO END MAJORITY RULE IN MISSOURI****
April 3, 2024
JEFFERSON CITY – In response to the Missouri House giving final passage to HJR 86 – a bill designed to shred our long-standing practice of one person, one vote and end majority rule in Missouri, Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action released the following reactions:
“This is a clear and unprecedented move to end majority rule in Missouri,” said Caitlyn Adams, Executive Director of Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action. “Simple majority rule is common sense and already the law of the land in Missouri. Lobbyists and special interests are trying to shred our constitution to undermine the principle of ‘one person, one vote’ because they can’t control citizens the way they control politicians.”
Missourians from across the state and political spectrum reacted similarly:
Mark Perrigo, a Republican voter and painter from Hallsville, MO, said, “Rather than do a better job for the people of Missouri, those same politicians have decided to be sore losers and try to take away our ability to change things for our communities. Missourians all over the state believe in one person, one vote.”
The impact of the proposed changes could be profound for many Missourians whose lives have been made better through the initiative petition process. “Like most Missourians, I work hard for my family, but I don’t get paid enough and went without healthcare for many, many, many years,” said Bridget Hughes, a fast food worker and leader with Stand Up KC and the Missouri Workers Center. “I voted to raise the minimum wage and expand Medicaid,” continued Hughes. “Because of those initiatives, I was able to pay my bills and treat my cervical cancer. We need to keep the power in our hands. Politicians need to leave the ballot initiative alone.”
HJR 86 will be referred to the Senate. “Majority rule has been the law in Missouri for more than 100 years. We will continue to fight to protect our freedom to determine our future in Missouri,” Adams said.
###
Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action is a statewide grassroots coalition of individuals and faith, labor, student, and community groups building transformative power for social, racial, and economic justice. Our individual and organizational members come together to hold decision-makers accountable and to build a Missouri where opportunity exists for all regardless of race, identity, income, or immigration status. Follow our work at https://www.facebook.com/MissouriJobsWithJustice/ or www.mojwj.org
