Creve Coeur Democrat: Why do Republicans feel the need to overturn what the voters wanted

(From Sen. Jill Schlupp, D-Creve Coeur)

What a week it was!

We heard it would be coming to the Senate, and indeed, the legislature's efforts to repeal the voters' passage of Clean Missouri are underway.

 As you will remember, Clean Missouri created a new process using a non-partisan demographer to draw legislative district lines after the 2020 census numbers are in. It prioritized competitive districts so that voters will have a real choice during partisan elections in November. It also made various ethics reforms including imposing a $5 lobbyist gift limit and lowering campaign contribution limits.

The legislation passed statewide with 62% voter approval and passed in every state Senate district. Why, then, does the majority party feel the need to overturn the voters' change to the Missouri Constitution through their own ballot initiative? 

 

Its passage has threatened the majority party's supermajority status if districts are drawn more competitively.

They claim people didn't know what they were voting on. They claim the redistricting proposal combined with various ethics reforms confused people. Let's be clear: The multi-part bill that the Republicans say confused people at the polls is the same multi-part format included in the new legislation being proposed. Too confusing before, but not next time? There seems to be a lot of hypocrisy as this legislation is debated.

The Senate Democratic minority, now made up of 8 senators due to the loss of two members to gubernatorial appointments, held the floor arguing against the Republican's challenge to Missouri voters' decision until 3:10 AM. It was a long night, which ended when the Republicans laid the bill over. Democrats are standing strong in support of the public's vote and interests. That said, the Republican's bill to undermine the voters will be back again for debate.

And, so you know, I offered an amendment that would do away with Dark Money in Missouri politics, requiring disclosure of donors so people would know who is spending big money to support or oppose ballot measures. My colleagues avoided voting on my Dark Money disclosure proposal. I believe transparency in our government is critical. It is your government. You should know what special interests are influencing policy.

It is early in session. Things are moving fast. I'll always work to keep you informed.