We Must Come Together Again to Stand Up for Democracy  The governor issued 208 vetoes and 32 expenditure restrictions to the state operating budget passed by the General Assembly during regular session. The constitutionally mandated veto session was held on Wednesday, Sept. 10, and none of the governor’s budget line-item vetoes were overturned.
That same day, thousands of protestors rallied at the Capitol to oppose the second extraordinary session called by the governor this year. Many people were upset because this extraordinary session wasn’t called to lower costs, improve public safety or make health care more accessible and affordable. It was called to change the state’s tried and true initiative petition process and redraw our congressional districts. Thank you to all who showed up, raised signs and voices, and stood up for democracy. Like many Missourians, I believe most Jefferson City politicians are once again ignoring you. They’ve worked hard to overturn many of Amendment 3’s reproductive rights protections approved by Missouri voters in 2024. They’ve repealed paid sick leave benefits and parts of the minimum wage increase also passed by Missourians in 2024. Now, they’re trying to rig the state’s congressional maps to grab another seat, and they’re pushing changes to the initiative petition process that would largely put an end to majority rule and strip power from the people. During this extraordinary session, the Senate Majority Caucus repeatedly utilized a rare procedural move called a P.Q. or “move to the previous question” motion. It cuts off debate and allows the majority party to overcome a minority’s attempt to stall or block legislation. They used it to change the Senate rules and speed up the legislative process during extra session. Ironically, these rules were not followed. The P.Q. motion was used again and again to end debate and pass the congressional redistricting bill and initiative petition resolution, despite intense public outcry in the background and the minority caucus’ best efforts. Up until this session, the P.Q. had only been used to pass 18 bills since 1970. It was used four times in 2007 and three times in 2016. It has been used an unprecedented five times in 2025. House Joint Resolution 3 will require a majority of votes cast in each congressional district to pass citizen-led initiatives. As few as 5% of voters could defeat initiative petitions under this new legislation. House Bill 1 makes Missouri’s congressional map less contiguous and splits up what is currently one single district representing Kansas City. This fight isn’t over. Changing Missouri’s initiative petition process, HJR 3, still requires voter approval. We can reject this amendment on the ballot. Our voices and votes matter. When Missourians come together, we’ve proven time and time again that we can protect our rights. Contact Us If there is anything I or my amazing staff, Hannah Dolan and Emily O’ Laughlin, can do to assist you, please call 573-751-9762, email tracy.mccreery@senate.mo.gov or visit us in State Capitol Room 427. | 