CWA Chapter hears update from state legislators

The Branson area Prayer/Action Chapter of Concerned Women for America Missouri gathered for their monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 19. Following the opening prayer and a patriotic song shared by Rose Buckles, Haven Howard introduced Missouri Senator Brad Hudson and District 156 Missouri Representative Brian Seitz to share about the recent legislative session. 

Seitz, Howard, Hudson

Pro-life legislation remains a high priority for conservative legislators. Senator Hudson said he is grateful that, although no legislative session ever goes perfectly, they “moved the needle” on some important items. Senate Bill 999, the Born Alive Protection Act to guarantee medical care to infants born alive as a result of an abortion attempt, passed and is awaiting the Governor’s signature. All present agreed that giving care to a newborn infant should be common sense, regardless of circumstances, and were thankful that the Missouri General Assembly had agreed. 

Senate Bill 907 also passed and has been signed, with bi-partisan support, to protect small businesses from lawsuits filed by a Kansas City lawyer regarding the compliance of their websites. This issue has caused harm for many Missouri business, including some local ones, as the lawsuits have had no provision for “in process” websites or time window for upgrades but have appeared simply to be a money grab. 

Senator Hudson shared that goals for the next session include bans on drag shows performed in front of children, with prosecution for violations by performers and parents. Another goal is to permanently prohibit the providing of abortion drugs to minors, as the current ban has a 2027 sunset clause. 

Before turning the mic to Representative Seitz, Senator Hudson thanked him for his support on the House side of the important bills that passed. 

Rep. Seitz shared that he is working with Rep. Cathy Jo Loy on “Olivia’s Law,” which would require educational videos about human development to be part of the science curriculum in public schools. He is also continuing to build legislative partnerships to prevent abortion drugs entering Missouri by mail. 

Other issues mentioned by Rep. Seitz include the need to ensure that tourism tax dollars are used to promote tourism; and legislation calling for background checks in settings involving adults caring for minors in overnight stays such as a church camp. He also asked for prayer for the new Missouri Speaker of the House, Alex Riley. 

Both legislators reminded attendees to exercise their right to vote in August and November. A “Yes” vote on the revised Amendment 3 will reinstate important protections that ended with the current Amendment 3; and a “Yes” vote on Amendment 4 will help ensure that rural Missourians are fairly represented in the citizen initiative petition process, requiring that proposals pass in a majority of districts rather than a simple statewide majority. Later last week, the decision was announced by the Governor to place Constitutional Amendments on the August ballot. 

Haven Howard wrapped up the meeting by reminding attendees of the Liberty Rally to be held on June 13 at Big Cedar Lodge, which will give the opportunity to hear from many elected officials; and a White Rose Resistance Rally to be held in Springfield on June 27. Email havenhoward01@gmail.com for more information.

For additional prayer/action items, current bills on the national level, etc., visit www.concernedwomen.org.