Kansas City Democrat: 2022 Missouri Senate session held captive by extremist conservatives

(From Sen. Jill Schlupp, D-Kansas City)

Not quite two weeks out from the adjournment of the legislative session in Jefferson City, I am not sure whether to jump for joy or lament the work still left undone after 14 years of service as a state legislator. Frankly, I am doing both.

This year, our session was often held captive by extremist conservatives unhappy with their inability to even further gerrymander congressional maps to diminish the influence of Democrats in our state. 

Additionally, as you will see in an example below, this extremist group blocked bipartisan bills to seemingly flaunt control, which left some of us puzzled over what values members of this group really support. So, in some ways, term limits couldn't have kicked in for me at a more appropriate time.

 

Truth is, I am grateful for the passage of many of my substantive bills over these many years. As a member of the minority party, it should be clear that it takes bipartisan support for me to have passed anything. Working with people on both sides of the aisle is important, and not always easy.

Relationships developed, coupled with positive legislation for Missourians, allowed for passage of my bills covering topics from suicide prevention to whistleblower protections to ending surprise emergency room billing, criminalization of revenge porn, providing sexual assault victims time off work, making daycare safer for our young children, extending mental health coverage for postpartum women, getting lead out of school drinking water and more.

And as we all know, no one does any of this alone. Countless constituents, organizations and advocacy groups have offered their input and ideas and stood with and by me through years of work. Chief of Staff Megan Price and Executive Assistant Jackie Schmitz continue to do so much to serve you and me well. 

They solve problems, helped countless constituents and have become experts in the vast range of topics that we as legislators address. They have earned respect throughout the building. They are professional, smart, curious, organized, compassionate and kind. And they have earned my trust, and served as my confidantes. They have walked alongside me the past four years, giving me support, information, reminders and confidence. I was supported so well, which allowed me to support your interests well. They give me confidence in and hope for the future.

When next session begins, and my term actually ends in January, it is clear there will be further attacks on reproductive healthcare; efforts to deny our nation's history and impose a chilling effect on our educators; a desire to block resources for those most in need; the undermining of voting rights including the people's initiative petition process; further attacks on the LGBTQ and transgender communities, the degradation of our environment under the guise of progress; the expansion of gun access at the expense of lives...

These serious and harmful issues will get hearings and floor time. Laws will be proposed. My nine colleagues on the Democratic side are strong and smart and committed. 

As the only Democrat who came into the Senate in 2014, I am the only Democrat terming out. I am hopeful the 24th will continue to be represented by a Democrat going forward. My service has shown me that majorities, especially supermajorities, need to be kept in check. The minority voice in Jefferson City matters.