The Democratic Insider: February 19, 2023

Friends,

Since the session began, Democratic lawmakers have been fighting non-stop to prevent frivolous attacks from radical Republicans from becoming law. Republicans are putting forward, and passing, what many would call “bad legislation.” The GOP controlled House and Senate are continuing their attacks on hardworking families, women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, minorities rights, paying state workers, and local government control.

MDP Chairman Mike Butler Announces Resignation

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to inform you of my resignation as Chairman of the Missouri Democratic Party, effective February 28, 2023.

I have greatly enjoyed working for the Party for the past three years. I consider it an honor and one of the high points of my career to have been elected Chairman, not once but twice. My company, Open Concept, LLC, has recently received a large financial investment, and requires more of my time. I very much appreciate the opportunity to have worked for and with such a great group of leaders, staff and volunteers.

The transition from me to the next Chairman will be effortless and I offer my support in any way in the transition process. I wish all the best to the next Chairman and the Party for its continued success.

Sincerely,

Michael Butler

Chair, Missouri Democratic Party

It’s Time to Give Public School Teachers a Raise

The Missouri GOP party continues its attacks on state workers

In an article by the Missouri Independent, four-day school weeks have been growing exponentially across Missouri’s rural school districts since 2009. That year, the state legislature removed a requirement that set a minimum number of days schools must open their doors, leaving a mandate for 1,044 hours of learning. Roughly 12% of the state’s public school K-8 students now attend class four days per week, according to Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Missouri State University College of Education data.

According to The Edvocate, there are six benefits to raising teacher pay.

Keeps teachers in the classroom
Helps staffing in Urban districts
Means fewer teachers having to work second jobs
Less dependence on government programs
Students benefit from well paid teachers
Increasing teacher pay strengthens the pipeline

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas voiced concerns on Twitter, calling for salary raises for educators and naming a four-day school week a “gimmick.” “I am concerned this is more about adults than our kids. I hope I am wrong,” he wrote.

Missouri ranks 50th in the nation for the average teacher starting salary, paying new educators an average of $33,234, according to the National Education Association. The state is 47th for overall teacher salary, paying an average of $51,557.

The Missouri Democratic Party joins lawmakers seeking to raise teacher pay. “Raising teacher pay is long overdue,” said Matthew Patterson, MDP executive director. “Paying them what they are worth will show our respect for them and their profession and give them the recognition they deserve.”

Photo credit KCUR

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For more information, email Info@missouridems.org.

Congresswoman Bush Named Top Democrat on Oversight Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs

Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01) was confirmed as Ranking Member for the Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs. As the lead Democrat on the subcommittee, the Congresswoman is responsible for steering oversight of energy and labor policies, impediments to economic growth and job creation, regulatory affairs, population and demographic studies, and federal paperwork reduction and information collection.

“I am thrilled and humbled to take on this new leadership role on the Oversight and Accountability Committee as Ranking Member of the Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs. Also benefiting from the steady leadership and guidance of our incredible full committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin, our Subcommittee will conduct robust oversight over union busters, unsafe workplaces, big polluters, and anyone else trying to profit at the expense of the wellbeing of regular, everyday people. This Subcommittee will unlock new opportunities for St. Louis to lead on holding large corporations accountable and our federal government accountable, and we are ready to leverage this opportunity in service of those in communities nationwide who have the greatest need.”

STAFF COHORT PROGRAM

Spring 2023 Staff Cohort applications are due March 12th

The LeadMO Staff Cohort is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to build a career in politics, grassroots organizing, and advocacy.

Accepted applicants will participate in a virtual module of skill-building courses (e.g. fundraising, communications, voter contact) twice weekly for three weeks. From there students attend a weekend long capstone project to put skills to the test and continue building their political networks. This cohort requires a five week commitment of 10 hours per week + the full three-day Capstone. The LeadMO Staff Cohort is a 100% free program.

Applications are open and will be accepted until March 12th with a program start date of April 4th. Learn more and apply at leadmo.org/staff-cohort-program/.

Quade: Restitution Bill Needed in Wake of Johnson Decision House Minority Leader Crystal Quade has released the following statement after Judge David Mason overturned the murder conviction of Lamar Johnson earlier this afternoon.

“Lamar Johnson spent 28 years in prison for a murder he did not commit, and our judicial system finally honored that truth today as Judge David Mason overturned his conviction.

“While Mr. Johnson celebrates alongside his family, his community and the thousands of people who have supported him along his journey, the state has an obligation to make him as whole as it can after it robbed him of nearly three decades of his life. The General Assembly and the governor must take immediate action on legislation — like my own House Bill 374 — that would guarantee restitution and compensation for the wrongfully convicted.

“Mr. Johnson and other Missourians deemed innocent after serving time deserve nothing less than Missouri’s best efforts to right the wrongs the state has inflicted.”

Tuesday, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II highlighted the of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and how it will help Kansas City. “I was honored to join U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Region 7 (IA, KS, MO, NE) Administrator McCollister & The Full Employment Council this morning to announce another $500,000 from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

I’m thrilled to see federal dollars continue making their way back to #MO05, where we can use them to train hardworking Missourians, expand opportunities for Kansas City workers, and help clean up our communities!

With this funding, the Full Employment Council will train 60 students & fill dozens of green jobs in Kansas City.

Great turnout down in Greene County Democratic Party for their annual Chili Supper! Representative Hein For Missouri (Stephanie Hein) had some of the best chili at the event!