With the Missouri and Illinois legislative sessions over, we wanted to take a moment to both highlight recent wins and call out the legislative actions that threaten our democracy and challenge the will of the people as we fortify ourselves for the battles ahead.

Missouri

HB 567 – Paid Sick Leave Repeal

Status: Passed by legislature, sent to Governor Kehoe for final decision

HB 567 repeals the guaranteed paid sick leave portions of Proposition A, which Missouri voters approved in November with 57.6% of the vote. Since Proposition A is a statute change, Missouri lawmakers can change the policy without a statewide ballot vote.

Now is the time to make sure people know exactly who voted to take away paid sick time and what we can do about it. Sign up to canvass in your region and help spread the word with Missouri Jobs with Justice here.

HJR 73 – Reproductive Rights and Gender-Affirming Care Ban

Status: Passed (will appear on state election ballot)

HJR 73 is the Missouri legislature’s latest attempt to overturn the will of voters who chose to protect reproductive rights in our state constitution. The resolution also seeks to ban gender-affirming care for trans youth.

Read Deaconess Foundation President & CEO Bethany Johnson-Javois’ full statement on HJR 73 here.

HB 737 – Child Welfare

Status: Passed by legislature, sent to Governor Kehoe for final decision

HB 737 is a child welfare bill that bans child marriage, voids nondisclosure agreements in childhood sexual abuse cases, and blocks the state from seizing foster children’s benefits to help pay for their care.

SB79 – Medicaid Coverage of Hearing-Related Devices

Status: Passed by legislature, sent to Governor Kehoe for final decision

SB79 is an expansive health care bill that includes establishing Medicaid coverage for cochlear implants and hearing aids.

As we celebrate this regional win, national lawmakers are attempting to cut Medicaid funding. We continue to advocate for the health and well-being of all people and believe that rolling back access at the federal level, after the people of Missouri voted for expansion, will be detrimental to our region.

Illinois

Child Tax Credit Increase

Status: Governor Pritzker approved budget

The new Illinois state budget expands the Child Tax Credit to $600 per child in eligible households.

HB 3247 – Safe Schools for All

Status: Passed both houses, sent to Governor Pritzker for signature

HB 3247 protects the right of immigrant children to free and public education in Illinois and protect students from immigration enforcement in schools.