The Missouri Legislature Is So Back – And They’re Ready To Make Missouri Worse

Welcome back to Under the Dome, your weekly update on the goings-on of the Missouri state legislature.

Starting December 1, Missouri’s state legislators started pre-filing bills ahead of the 2024 legislative session. While legislators won’t officially reconvene under the dome until January 3, the bills they’ve filed so far make it clear: the roadmap for 2024 includes getting rid of your voice and your freedoms.

Attacks On Majority Rule

Once again, the legislature is coming for your voice. Last year, legislators spent months debating how exactly they wanted to abolish majority rule in passing constitutional amendments. By filing nearly 20 bills targeting the initiative petition process in the first week of pre-filing, legislators have made it clear they don’t care what Missourians want.

Cuts To Public Education Funding

Missouri has gotten national attention this year for its abysmal teacher pay and school funding. In 2024, the state legislature plans to pour gas on the fire by expanding voucher programs and charter schools. These bills would take money away from chronically underfunded public schools and give it to private institutions that don’t have to follow the same rules.

Bringing Back Right-to-Work

In 2018, Missourians voted to get rid of “right-to-work” laws, which would make it harder for working Missourians to advocate for fair and safe working conditions. But since our politicians don’t care what Missourians want, they’ve decided to bring it back.

Restrictions On Abortion Access

Even though Missouri has one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country, that’s still not enough for the most extreme members of the legislature. Under some of their proposals, anyone who gets or provides an abortion could potentially be charged with murder.

Increased School Censorship

Politicians in both chambers want to expand school censorship, even as Missouri is considered one of the most censored states in the country.