Elections determine policy at every level -
LOCAL, STATE, FEDERAL
And these policies affect your LIFE
Book Bans | LGBTQ in Classrooms | Childcare | School Vouchers | Child Labor Laws | Abortion Bans
Banning Books in Missouri
In Missouri, a contentious issue has arisen regarding the removal of books from libraries due to their sexual content.
The lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of the law, arguing that it violates educators' due process rights by using vague language that invites government overreach. It also fails to differentiate between school employees' official capacity and their personal capacity, potentially exposing them to legal repercussions.
Many of these books were written by or about minority or LGBTQ individuals, leading to concerns about censorship and the suppression of diverse voices.
School librarians, who are professionally trained to curate appropriate collections, find themselves caught between legal obligations and their commitment to providing valuable resources for students.
In summary, the issue revolves around striking a balance between protecting minors and preserving intellectual freedom within Missouri's libraries. The outcome of the ACLU's lawsuit will play a crucial role in shaping the future of book selection and access in educational settings.
LGBTQ Issues and Sexuality in the Classroom
Missouri Republican lawmakers have pre-filed more than 20 bills aimed at restricting LGBTQ rights and visibility ahead of the 2024 legislative session.
In the previous session, lawmakers passed legislation that banned gender-affirming care for minors and barred transgender athletes from participating in sports that align with their gender identity.
One specific bill that has sparked heated debates seeks to ban most LGBTQ education subjects for all grades in the state's public schools.
Lawmakers are arguing over whether such a ban is necessary to protect children or whether it stifles important conversations about diversity, inclusion, and understanding.
(1) ‘I’m terrified’: Missouri lawmakers file onslaught of anti-LGBTQ bills .... https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/i-m-terrified-missouri-lawmakers-file-....
(2) Missouri Debates Ban on LGBTQ Education for All Grades. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/missouri/articles/2023-03-01/mis....
(3) Missouri Leads Nation in Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation in 2023, Says ACLU. https://www.advocate.com/news/missouri-anti-lgbtq-legislation-2023.
Affordable Child Care
Affordable child care is crucial to the St. Louis City – and the entire state of Missouri for many reasons, among them:
- Economic Impact: Accessible and affordable child care allows parents to work or pursue education without worrying about their children's well-being. When parents can participate in the workforce, it contributes to the local economy by increasing productivity and tax revenue.
- Child Development: High-quality child care programs provide a structured environment that supports early childhood development. Children benefit from social interaction, cognitive stimulation, and learning opportunities. Early education sets the foundation for future success in school and life.
- Reducing Poverty: Affordable child care helps low-income families break the cycle of poverty. When parents can work or attend school, they have a better chance of improving their financial situation. Additionally, child care subsidies can directly alleviate financial strain on families.
- Gender Equality: Access to affordable child care promotes gender equality. When child care responsibilities are shared more equally between parents, it allows women to participate fully in the workforce and pursue career advancement.
- Community Well-Being: Child care centers often serve as community hubs, providing a safe space for children and fostering social connections among families. Strong communities rely on accessible services that support families and promote well-being.
Earlier this year (2024), St. Louis City was working toward increasing its sales tax by 3/8 of a cent to pay for day care subsidies. However, Missouri State law prohibits cities from subsidizing child day care. The Missouri Senate passed a change to the law to allow St. Louis City to increase its sales tax for child care, but the full legislature did not have time to vote on the change due to time constraints at the end of the legislative session. Some St. Louis officials opposed a sales tax because (i) sales taxes are regressive (tax imposed without regard to income), and (ii) do not carry enough accountability in how the sale tax proceeds are used, citing the 2020 Prop R that increased property taxes to pay for early childcare education but did not lead to increased seats or reduced costs
Missouri state officials and municipalities in Missouri continue to work to come up with ways to make child care affordable, such as the tax credits for businesses who provide day care to their employees, proposed by Governor Parsons. That bill also did not make it to the entire legislative body for a vote due to time constraints.
https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/13/child-care-tax-credits-senate-parson-freedom-caucus/
https://www.ky3.com/2024/02/15/missouri-house-passes-tax-credits-assist-families-pay-childcare/
School Vouchers
School vouchers are a contentious topic, with both supporters and detractors raising various issues. Here's a breakdown of the two main viewpoints:
Arguments FOR School Vouchers
- Increased Choice for Parents: Proponents argue that vouchers empower parents to choose the school that best fits their child's needs, whether public, private, or religious. This can be particularly appealing to families in low-performing public school districts.
- Improved Academic Performance: Some studies suggest that school choice, including vouchers, can lead to better academic outcomes for students. The competition created by vouchers may also incentivize public schools to improve.
- Greater Racial and Socioeconomic Integration: Voucher programs could potentially encourage integration by allowing students from different backgrounds to attend private schools.
Arguments AGAINST School Vouchers
- Drain on Public Schools: Critics argue that vouchers divert funding away from public schools, which are already facing budget shortfalls. This can lead to larger class sizes, fewer resources, and a decline in the overall quality of public education, coupled with a failure to improve by public schools.
- Reduced Accountability: Private schools participating in voucher programs may not be held to the same standards of accountability as public schools. This raises concerns about the quality of education students receive.
- Limited Benefits for Low-Income Families: Vouchers often don't cover the full cost of private school tuition, leaving a financial burden on low-income families. Additionally, some private schools may not be required to accept all students, limiting their effectiveness for low-income families and students with special needs.
- Circumvent Laws on Government Funding for Religious Schools: In Missouri, most Educational Assistance Organizations that collect and distribute scholarships for private schools are affiliated with specific religious faiths. The Missouri Constitution prohibits governmental assistance to religious schools.
Ultimately, the debate over school vouchers is complex and there's no easy answer. It's important to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks to determine if they are a good fit for a particular school district or community.
https://www.treasurer.mo.gov/moscholars/EAOs
https://treasurer.mo.gov/MOScholars/ParentsStudents
https://ttef-stl.org/moscholars-donor/
Child Labor Laws
A GOP-sponsored bill in Missouri aims to loosen child labor laws by removing the formal work permit process for 14- and 15-year-olds who want to work in non-casual jobs (such as babysitting or mowing lawns).
Currently, 14 and 15-year-old children in Missouri must obtain a certificate issued by their school, which includes information from their prospective employer about the job, parental consent, and age verification. The school or, if the child is homeschooled, a parent reviews this information to ensure it aligns with state laws regarding the type of work and working hours. Once the certificate is issued, a copy is filed with the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.
However, the proposed bill would eliminate this formal process. Instead, the only requirement would be that a parent signs a permission slip for the child’s employer. Proponents argue that schools’ role in the process is unnecessary and outdated, emphasizing that parents should have the primary decision-making authority.
The bill did not pass in the 2024 legislative session.
Arkansas passed a similar law last year eliminating youth employment permits, though it didn’t include the parental permission slip piece. It faced opposition from child advocacy groups and others, who worried it would remove a layer of oversight protecting child workers in a time when child labor violations have gained attention nationally for being on the rise.
It’s essential to strike a balance between allowing young people to gain valuable skills through employment while ensuring their safety and well-being.
Reproductive Rights/Abortion Bans
A question on Missouri’s ballot in either August or November 2024 will ask Missouri voters whether to constitutionally protect abortion until fetal viability. (Endorsed by the Missouri League of Women Voters)
The fight for women's reproductive rights is ultimately about bodily autonomy and the right for women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
- Total Bans: Completely outlawing abortion at any stage of pregnancy, with no exceptions for rape, incest, or the life of the mother. These bans criminalize abortion and could potentially put women seeking abortions and the doctors who help them at legal risk.
- Six-Week Bans: These bans restrict abortion access very early in pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant. This significantly limits a woman's ability to exercise her right to choose.
- Mandatory Waiting Periods & Parental Consent Laws: These laws create unnecessary hurdles and delays for women seeking abortions. Waiting periods can cause logistical problems and financial strain, while parental consent requirements can be particularly difficult for young women or those in abusive relationships.
- Restrictions on Medication Abortion: Medication abortion is a safe and effective method of abortion early in pregnancy. Some states have passed laws that limit access to medication abortion by making it more difficult to obtain or by requiring in-person dispensing, which contradicts medical guidelines.
- Targeting Clinics and Providers: Laws that impose unnecessary regulations on abortion clinics can make it difficult for them to operate and can reduce access to safe and legal abortion services. Additionally, laws that criminalize abortion providers can have a chilling effect, discouraging doctors from offering abortion services.
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Guttmacher Institute: https://www.guttmacher.org/united-states/abortion
- Center for American Progress: https://www.americanprogressaction.org/topic/abortion-rights/
- KFF Health Policy Agency: https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/issue-brief/a-review-of-exceptions-in-state-abortions-bans-implications-for-the-provision-of-abortion-services/
- Increased Maternal Mortality and Morbidity: Research suggests that abortion bans could lead to a significant rise in pregnancy-related deaths, particularly for women of color who already face higher mortality rates. Additionally, complications from unsafe abortions or carrying unwanted pregnancies to term could increase.
- Unsafe Abortions: When safe and legal abortion services are unavailable, some women may resort to unsafe methods like self-induced abortion or procedures performed by unqualified individuals. This can lead to severe health complications, infections, and even death.
- Economic Strain: Women denied abortions may face financial hardship due to lost wages, childcare costs, and medical bills associated with continuing an unintended pregnancy or raising an additional child. This can disproportionately impact low-income women and families.
- Mental Health Issues: Being forced to carry an unwanted pregnancy to term can be emotionally stressful and lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. Additionally, the stigma surrounding abortion and the legal ramifications of seeking one can contribute to negative mental health outcomes.
- Reduced Educational Attainment and Career Opportunities: Women who are denied abortions may be forced to delay or abandon their educational pursuits or leave the workforce to care for children they did not plan for. This can limit their future earning potential and overall economic opportunities.
- Strained Foster Care System: An increase in unintended pregnancies could lead to more children entering the foster care system, placing a burden on already strained resources.
- Impact on Domestic Violence: Some victims of domestic violence may seek abortions to escape abusive relationships. Bans can make it harder for them to leave their abusers, putting them at further risk.
Low-income women, women of color, and those living in rural areas are likely to be disproportionately affected by abortion bans.
- Reduced Access to Essential Care: Abortion bans often restrict access to miscarriage management, a safe and time-sensitive procedure crucial for incomplete miscarriages or when a fetus has serious health problems. Physicians in states with bans may hesitate to provide this care for fear of legal repercussions, even if the mother's health is at risk.
- Chilling Effect on Other Reproductive Care: The legal uncertainty surrounding abortion bans can create a "chilling effect" on healthcare providers. Doctors may be hesitant to prescribe contraception or offer other reproductive health services for fear of violating the law or being accused of wrongdoing.
- Delayed or Denied Prenatal Care: Women who are forced to carry unintended pregnancies to term may delay or forego prenatal care due to financial strain or fear of judgment. This can lead to complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
- Increased Maternal Mortality Rates: Research suggests a correlation between abortion restrictions and higher maternal mortality rates, particularly for women of color who already face higher risks. This can be due to a lack of access to safe abortion services or inadequate prenatal care.
- Mental Health Consequences: Denial of an abortion can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Additionally, the stigma and legal anxieties surrounding abortion bans can exacerbate these problems.
- Strain on Healthcare Systems: An increase in unsafe abortions or complications from carrying unwanted pregnancies to term can place a burden on already strained healthcare systems. This can lead to longer wait times and reduced access to other essential services.
These consequences also disproportionately impact low-income women, women of color, and those living in rural areas, who may already face barriers to accessing quality healthcare.
