Talk Talk Vote!

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.

Bills expected on the Floor of the House this week:H.R. 354: LEOSA Reform Act – OPPOSEThis 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 354Read more hereH.R. 4814: Consumer Safety Technology Act – SUPPORTThis 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 4814Bipartisan SupportRead more hereH.R. 5390: Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act – SUPPORTThis 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 5390Bipartisan SupportRead more hereH.R. 6571: Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act of 2023 – SUPPORTTo 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 6571Bipartisan SupportRead more hereSenate Hearings Scheduled:Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related AgenciesHearings 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 RelationsHearings to examine the future of arms control and deterrence.Tune in at 10:00am ET, Wednesday, May 15, 2024 (or watch after!)BudgetHearings 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.htmDrop us a line: talktalkvote@gmail.com

Bills expected on the Floor of the House this week:H.R. 7109: Equal Representation Act – OPPOSETo 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 7109Read more hereH.R. 2925: Mining Regulatory Clarity Act of 2024 – OPPOSEThis 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 2925Bipartisan SupportRead more hereS. 2073: Eliminate Useless Reports Act of 2023 – SUPPORTA 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 2073Has already passed through the SenateBipartisan SupportRead more hereSenate Hearings Scheduled:JudiciaryHearings to examine the urgent need to protect immigrant youth.Tune in at 10:00am ET, Wednesday, May 8, 2024 (or watch after!)Indian AffairsTo 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 AffairsHearings 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.htmDrop us a line: talktalkvote@gmail.com

Bills expected on the Floor of the House this week:H.R. 4016: Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act – SUPPORTFor 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 4016Bipartisan SupportRead more hereH.R. 4824: Carbon Sequestration Collaboration Act – SUPPORTThis 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 4824Bipartisan SupportRead more hereH.R. 6093: Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2023 – SUPPORTThis 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 6093Bipartisan SupportRead more hereH.R. 3195: Superior National Forest Restoration Act – OPPOSEThis bill would reauthorize mining in specified Forest Service lands in Minnesota.Call Your Representative: tell them to vote NO on HR 3195Read more hereH.R. 6285: Alaska's Right to Produce Act of 2023 – OPPOSEThis 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 6285Marginal Bipartisan SupportRead more hereSenate Hearings Scheduled:BudgetHearings 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 RelationsHearings 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

Bills expected on the Floor of the House this week:H.R. 4016: Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act – SUPPORTFor 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 4016Bipartisan SupportRead more hereH.R. 4824: Carbon Sequestration Collaboration Act – SUPPORTThis 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 4824Bipartisan SupportRead more hereSenate 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 IranTune in at 10:00am ET, Tuesday, April 16, 2024 (or watch after!)JudiciaryHearings 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 LawAn 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 InvestigationsHearings 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

Bills expected on the Floor of the House this week:H.R. 4389: Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act of 2023 – SUPPORTThis 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 4389Bipartisan SupportRead more hereH.R. 2560: Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2023 – SUPPORTThis 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 2560Bipartisan SupportRead more hereH.R. 4639: Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act – SUPPORTTo 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 4639Bipartisan supportRead more hereSenate Hearings Scheduled:BudgetHearings 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 CommitteeHearings 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

Bills expected on the Floor of the House this week:H.R. 6610: Passport System Reform and Backlog Prevention Act – SUPPORTThis 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 6610Bipartisan SupportRead more hereH.R. 7520: Protecting Americans' Data from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024 – SUPPORTThis 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 7520Bipartisan SupportRead more hereH.R. 6009: Restoring American Energy Dominance Act – OPPOSEThis 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 6009NO BipartisanshipRead more hereH.R. 1121: Protecting American Energy Production Act – OPPOSEThis 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 1121NO BipartisanshipRead more hereSenate Hearings Scheduled:AgingHearings 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!)BudgetHearings to examine the nature of climate costs.Tune in at 10:00am ET, Wednesday, March 20, 2024 (or watch after!)FinanceHearings 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

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 hereH.R. 886: Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act – SUPPORTThis 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 886Read more hereH.Res. 1065: Denouncing the Biden administration's immigration policies – OPPOSENo 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 hereSenate Hearings Scheduled:JudiciaryHearings to examine voting rights in America.Tune in at 10:00am ET, Tuesday, March 12, 2024 (or watch after!)Rules and AdministrationHearings 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

Bills expected on the Floor of the House this week:HR 6585: Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act– SUPPORTThis bill expands student eligibility for Pell Grants by establishing the Workforce Pell Grant Program.Call Your Representative: ask them to vote YES on HR 6585Read 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 AffairsHearings 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

Bills expected on the Floor of the House this week:HR 7102: Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act – SUPPORTThis 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 7102Bipartisan sponsorsRead more hereHR 6585: Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act– SUPPORTThis bill expands student eligibility for Pell Grants by establishing the Workforce Pell Grant Program.Call Your Representative: ask them to vote YES on HR 6585Read more here

Bills expected on the Floor of the House this week:HR 6976: Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act – OPPOSEThis 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 6976Read more hereHR 6678: Consequences for Social Security Fraud Act – OPPOSEThis 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 6678Read more hereHR 5585: Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act – OPPOSEThis 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 5585Read more hereHR 6679: No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act – OPPOSEThe 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 6679Read more here

The House is not in session this week, so we're focusing on Senate hearings.Senate Hearings Scheduled:Rules and AdministrationHearings 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 CounterterrorismHearings to examine AI in criminal investigations and prosecutions.Tune in at 2:30pm ET, Wednesday, January 24, 2024 (or watch after!)Foreign RelationsBusiness 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!)BudgetHearings to examine how the climate crisis threatens ocean industries.Tune in at 10am ET, Wednesday, January 24, 2024 (or watch after!)Small Business and EntrepreneurshipHearings 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!)

Bills expected on the Floor of the House this week:HR 4250: PRESS Act – SUPPORTProtect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying ActUnder 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 4250Bipartisan sponsorsRead more hereHR 3058: Recruiting Families Using Data Act of 2023 – SUPPORTThis 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 803Bipartisan sponsorsRead more hereBUDGETWe 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 dealSenate Hearings Scheduled:BudgetHearings 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 PensionsHearings 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 AffairsAn 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 WorksBusiness 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!)

Bills expected on the Floor of the House this week:HR 788: Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2023 – OPPOSEThis 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 788Read more hereHR 803: PROTECT Taiwan Act – SUPPORTPressure Regulatory Organizations To End Chinese Threats to Taiwan ActThis 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 803Bipartisan sponsorsRead more hereOther Taiwan-focused bill: HR 540HR 4768: No Russian Agriculture Act – SUPPORTThis 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 4768Bipartisan sponsorsRead more hereSenate Hearings Scheduled:Homeland Security and Governmental AffairsHearings 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 LawAn 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 ResourcesHearings 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 AffairsHearings 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!)

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

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

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

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.

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!!

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

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!!

Voting BillsHB 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.

Voting BillsHB 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.EducationSB 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.comWe'd love to hear from you!**Rachel said "stridation" when she meant "stridulation". She is very sorry if this has caused confusion.**

Voting BillsHB 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.EducationSB 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.

Voting BillsSB 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.EducationSB 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.

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!

Initiative Petition BillsSB 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 BillsSB 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 RightsHB 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.

Voting Rights BillsHB 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 BillsHB 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!

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 RightsDeep 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.

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!

Deep Dive into HB 1646!Link to the eVoter.

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 MattersEmail 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!

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!

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 participationfor more than a century, Missouri citizens across the political spectrum have been able to make their voices heard through the initiative petition processthese bills make it harder for everyday citizens to participate in our democracythese 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 majoritySJR 37 increases the number of signatures required to get the petition onto the ballot (there is already a very high signature threshold)

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).

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¬iceid=6611Tuesday, 12pm (Testimony due by 11am!):CONCEAL CARRY PERMITS: HB 1833 – Submit Testimony: https://house.mo.gov/WitnessForm/Default.aspx?bill=HB1833¬iceid=6628Wednesday, 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¬iceid=6630

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 requirementsHB 1455 - forbid groups or individuals from distributing blank absentee ballot applicationsHB 2002 - require election authority to record a voter's political partyLink 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: 573-751-2504Vice-Chair: Rep. Peggy McGaugh: 573-751-1468Ranking Minority Member: Rep. Kevin Windham: 573-751-4468Did you call in or submit testimony? Let us know at talktalkvote@lwvkc.org

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.

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

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/moLWVUS's Filibuster Position

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.

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.org5 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 AMOctober 21 Commission Hearing – Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel, 10:00 AMKansas City:October 19 House Commission Hearing – Kansas City Marriott Downtown, 9:00 AMOctober 19 Senate Commission Hearing – Kansas City Marriott Downtown, 1:00 PM

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!

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

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.orgtheir instagram: @KCTransformations

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.orgtheir instagram: @KCTransformationsAnd check out the show Merrique mentioned, Veneno!

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=oIwCBks7HDgCongressional Switchboard: (202) 224-3121Senator Roy Blunt, KC: (816) 471-7141Senator Josh Hawley, KC: 816-960-4694Representative Emanuel Cleaver II (D-5), KC: (816) 842-4545Representative Vicky Hartzler (R-4), Columbia: (573) 442-9311 Representative Sam Graves (R-6), KC: (816) 792-3976North Kansas City YMCA: https://kansascityymca.org/locations/north-kansas-city

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.