Category Archives: Missouri House

How’s that working out for you?

28 Friday Nov 2025

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Brandon Phelps (r) [2025 file photo].

From the Missouri State Treasurer:

MOScholars: Tax Credits

Under the guidelines established by the Missouri General Assembly in 2021, MOScholars tax credits may be awarded to individuals and businesses that file a Missouri income tax return and make an eligible contribution to a certified educational assistance organization (EAO). These private contributions for tax credits fund scholarship accounts for students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and students living in low-income households.

A MOScholars tax credit is equal to 100% of an eligible donation, not to exceed 50% of the donor’s state tax liability for the tax year the credit is claimed. MOScholars tax credits may be carried forward for four (4) subsequent tax years. The tax credit is not sellable, transferrable, or refundable.
[….]

About your tax dollars:

Two-day trial reveals inner workings of Missouri private school voucher program
Less than 2% of MOScholars students are funded through donations this school year. The rest depend on general revenue from the state budget
By: Annelise Hanshaw
November 26, 2025

More than 98% of scholarships administered by the MOScholars program this school year are funded by Missouri taxpayers. And though there are strict eligibility requirements for private-school scholarships, eligibility isn’t checked after the initial scholarship is awarded or for siblings of students who received a scholarship.

The revelations about the inner workings of Missouri’s private school voucher program came to light over the course of a two-day trial in Cole County Circuit Court this week.

[….]

When state lawmakers created the program in a 2021 bill, they set it up to run on donations that are eligible for a 100% tax credit up to half of a donor’s tax liability. In the first three years of the program, donations totaled $33.8 million.

Gov. Mike Kehoe announced in January that he intended to bring a major infusion of funding to the program through a $50 million appropriation of general revenue. This windfall for MOScholars has allowed the state to nearly triple the amount of scholarships awarded this fall.

“If not for general revenue, would many of (the new) scholars be able to receive a scholarship?” Assistant Attorney General Peter Donahue asked the treasurer’s director of programs, Trent Blair.

“No,” Blair answered.

[….]

Of 6,418 scholarships awarded this school year, only 111 are funded through tax credits. That includes the 2,405 students who were in the program last year. So if MOScholars did not receive the state appropriation, the funding would cover less than 5% of the renewal students going into the school year.

[….]

The treasurer’s office uses an education management system called FACTS to review applications and determine eligibility. Haggard asked if the software checks if renewal students still meet eligibility requirements.

It doesn’t, Blair said.

“So a student can receive a scholarship even though they don’t meet the IEP or income requirements?” Haggard then asked.

“Yes,” Blair said.

When a student is eligible one year, the system presumes that they retain eligibility. The siblings of renewal students are also deemed eligible.

[….]

And Brandon Phelps?:

“…Supported and passed legislation to expand MO Scholars giving low income families more options in education…”

“…Of 6,418 scholarships awarded this school year, only 111 are funded through tax credits….”

Our tax dollars at work, for private educational interests.

Previously:

Hey Brandon Phelps (r), we hear you’re afraid of church ladies (September 18, 2025)

Rick Brattin (r) and Brandon Phelps (r) – Chamber of Commerce “Coffee & Concerns” – Warrensburg, Missouri – October 9, 2025

09 Thursday Oct 2025

Posted by in Missouri General Assembly, Missouri House, Missouri Senate

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[left to right] Brandon Phelps (r), Rick Brattin (r), Bruce Uhler.

Rick Brattin (r – 31st Senate District), Brandon Phelps (r – 54th Legislative District), and Warrensburg Mayor Bruce Uhler attended and spoke at “Coffee & Concerns” – a community event hosted by the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce – on Wednesday morning. Around fifty individuals were in attendance.

Rick Brattin (r).

A moderator from the Chamber of Commerce started with questions for the panel, then opened up questions from those in attendance. The event lasted over an hour and a half.

The complete audio:


.
A question from the audience:

Question: …One of my children has a severe disability. So, my question is going to be asking about how will you, um, make sure and, and a specific plan to insure that we are fully funding our schools, especially in those areas of special education. Um, I fear, based on a previous answer you gave, even as the vice-chair of the Education Committee, that you think our schools have more money than we do. Um, and I can tell you that is not the case. Um, so I am curious how you will insure that we are fully finding our schools, not leaving local districts to cover the gap, and how will you make sure we are not diverting funding away from our public schools, uh, via vouchers?

Rick Brattin (r): Why…I’m just like you, I mean, my, I have a daughter that’s a severe dyslexic. I’ve had to privately pay for years and years of tutoring [….] out of my pocket. Uh, and it has been, you know, transformative to be able, but it’s, it’s a life long deal, but I have to, to continually invest in my, my daughter’s capability to be able to flourish. Uh, and I think every student should have that capability. And that’s why I, I’m perplexed at the, the, the opposition to vouchers. You know, why, why I’m paying out of pocket for something that, that yes, if we’re sending taxpayer dollars, why shouldn’t I be able to have that allotment to be able to go to pay for the education that I know my kid is going to be able to flourish in? Uh, instead of walking into a, a type of school system that, uh, is, is a one size fits all approach?

Question: And our taxes pay for public schools. [crosstalk] That cover all students.

Rick Brattin (r): Well, your taxes, our taxes pay for the education of our students. Uh, it doesn’t state that it’s required that it’s public schools. Now we’ve set up that frame work but that doesn’t mean that the legislature and the people don’t want, uh, the capability to go elsewhere if they’re not receiving a good quality education. I mean, look at Kansas City, St. louis, even Lee’s Summit area that I represent a, a portion of. Where they’re at, at twenty, thirty percent, uh, proficiency rates in their readings and math. What are we supposed to do there? Continue to spend money and send our kids there to, to abysmally fail? I, I think it’s a detriment to our students. And especially those that are dyslexic, uh, or have other, uh, disabilities that are totally going under the radar because the school district just, uh, honestly has policies in place that, uh, allow them to be able to, to not be caught.

Well, Congressman Eric Burlison [r – MO 7] is a perfect example. He’s a great friend of mine. His daughters actually through a school district in, in Springfield were, both of them were diagnosed through the school district with dyslexia. The school district opted not to tell the parents. And not to even do anything to, uh, to remedy, trying to help fix their, the, the dyslexia. Until they took them out, got their private, uh, testing done and then the school district after they, actually, caught that they did the testing and refused to, to give that data to the parents, uh, the school district just basically said that they just, you know, uh, didn’t have to. [laugh] And so, I mean, not all school districts are acting in, in good faith and that’s where I think giving the individual parent that capability to take their money, uh, and, and educate their kids where they see fit. Like I had to pull my kids out of, of, Pleasant Hill. Uh, Uh, the public school district and now they’re going to Summit Christian Academy, it’s a private school, and, and they’re, they’re learning well beyond, uh, the, their years of what they would have received, uh, when, when they were at, it’s a, a public school. [….]

Question: Senator, this is not answering my question.

Rick Brattin (r): But, I, I’m just explaining that, that I saw that the school was failing my student and my kids and I had to pull out [crosstalk]…

Question: So you come from a place of privilege where you’re able to pull your children out [crosstalk]…

Rick Brattin (r): I, I make thirty-five thousand dollars a year [crosstalk] as a state senator. I’m not a [crosstalk]…

Question: In, a community like this doesn’t have the access to other schooling systems or, or abilities to send children [crosstalk] to those other places…

Rick Brattin (r): But that’s what it, that’s what [crosstalk] I, if, if we have the systems and processes in place to where we allow the student, uh, the money to follow the student I guarantee you that that will rise up. But when we have a, a monopoly system in education that doesn’t allow for it, of course you’re not gonna have [crosstalk]…

Question: It’s not a monopoly, it’s public education, thank you, senator.

Rick Brattin (r): well it is a monopoly because your taxpayer dollars are forced to go there and regardless if your student is actually even going to that school district. I’m still sending my money to Pleasant Hill School District and I’m paying for my kid’s education as well, on top of the tutoring for my daughter. So yes, I’m paying twice and it’s wrong and people that can’t afford it, they’re trapped. So, I, I’m the chair of Education [Missouri Senate Committee] and this is one of those things that I am emphatically for, is making sure these, these funds follow the student so they can get out of these trapped areas.

Voice: That’s bullshit.

Voices: All right, all right.

Rick Brattin (r): Hey, if you have a great school district then, then you have nothing to worry about. Nothing to worry [crosstalk]…

Question: If you fully fund it.

Rick Brattin (r): It, it is fully funded. At fourteen thousand dollars per pupil, it is funded….

Rick Brattin (r): …Now, as for the separation of church and state, that is nowhere in the Constitution. In fact the, the right to, to freedom of religion is in the Constitution. Uh, the first public education book in the United States is the New England Primer. I highly advise you to go to, to Amazon or Google or, or Ebay, whatever, and purchase a copy and see if separation of church and state of the first ordained public education book was was not religious. I assure you it wasn’t. That, that was not the case. Uh, so this, we, we’ve gotten to this place in America where all the sudden if, if money is utilized to educate students can’t in [inaudible] of faith. I, I think is absolutely the antithesis of America. Uh, we look at things like evolution being forced upon in all public education. Well, that’s, that’s a religion of science that, that’s been adopted and is forced upon the kids. Uh, and, and we’re funding that. I mean, so, to, to say that there’s not that, that aspect of it, it’s already occurring in public education. It’s just the, the secular, uh, world view which the Supreme Court ruled is a religion is, is what the dominant, uh, religion is of, of the school districts. But again, I am not and I do not want to attack the schools. I just want to make sure that, that parents have that capability, ’cause they know what’s best for their kids. Now, do all parents know, there is some crummy parents, there’s some parents that don’t care about their kids, I mean it, and that, that is terrible but, but, we try to do everything we can do with, and, and to make sure that they, they know that. And that’s, that’s my part in it is making sure that they have that capability, uh, to have access to all, uh, educational opportunity as possible. Now, again, we may differ in how and what that looks like, but I assure you I’m not an enemy trying to dismantle everything. I just, I just want there to be a level of competition that makes us all better. I mean, we, we educate and bring up our children to be competitors in every aspect and every realm of life. And then when we talk about vouchers all the sudden it’s, oh we can’t have any level of competition and so on and so forth. I just think that’s, uh, that’s a huge disservice….

[Note: The New England Primer was first published in Boston between 1687 and 1691. Extant copies date from 1727. All well before there was a United States of America.]

[Note: Amendment I – “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” – U.S. Constitution

I Section 6. “….That no person can be compelled to erect, support or attend any place or system of worship, or to maintain or support any priest, minister, preacher or teacher of any sect, church, creed or denomination of religion…” – Missouri Constitution

I Section 7. “That no money shall ever be taken from the public treasury, directly or indirectly, in aid of any church, sect or denomination of religion, or in aid of any priest, preacher, minister or teacher thereof, as such; and that no preference shall be given to nor any discrimination made against any church, sect or creed of religion, or any form of religious faith or worship….” – Missouri Constitution]

Warrensburg Mayor Bruce Uhler.

Brandon Phelps (r).

Brandon Phelps (r): …Just on a, just on a side note, just something, uh, that was mentioned, and actually, I’ve said this before, maybe it gets mentioned quite often. Um, and, and I can’t speak for the senator, but I imagine that I am. We as legislators listen to you significantly more than you can possibly imagine. The problem is, and I told this to a group a while back, that just because maybe we have voted in a manner that you don’t agree with doesn’t mean that we didn’t understand the legislation. It doesn’t mean that we didn’t listen to constituents. It doesn’t mean that, uh, perhaps, if we haven’t met with you, it doesn’t mean that we’ve met with nobody. Um, and, uh, I discussed this with a group a while back that they just, I think they loved probably ninety-five percent of the things that I voted on and the way that I voted, but there were a few things they just simply didn’t like. And they asked me on those things they didn’t like, they said, well, why didn’t you listen to the people? Why didn’t you read the legislation? How come you didn’t, how come you didn’t understand and educate yourself on the legislation? And I said, so, wait a minute, let me get this clear. So on all the things that I voted in the manner that you like, you assumed I did educate myself. You assumed I did speak to the people. You assumed I did listen to the constituency. But on the three that you didn’t like, you assumed I didn’t read those bills. You assumed that I didn’t listen to constituency, and so I want you all to understand that believe it or not, while we are together right here, and for many of you this is the first opportunity, but for many of you it is not. These events, for me at least, I don’t know about for the senator, um, and so everybody knows, and I, I’m a first year legislator. I will tell you that I was actually just stunned that when session ended how many of these events started getting put on my calendar. I will tell you it’s almost daily. Uh, and when the superintendent told you that we spoke, um, a week and a half ago, we did, for two hours. We, we’ve had an opportunity to speak multiple times. During session he came to my office and we had a long conversations. But, that is that way with everybody. I just would ask people, number one, I want you to understand me. I’m gonna listen to you. I’m gonna hear you. I am going to research. But I would also ask that you don’t make the assumption that if I have not agreed with you on a hundred percent of the issues a hundred percent of the time that I just don’t listen. Because that’s not fair. Because we have thousands, tens of thousands of phone calls and emails. And I actually would tell people that’s one of the things I actually, I, I, I think, I think I told the mayor this, um, I know I told [….] this. That’s one of the things I love most about the job. I’m getting a free education when people come in and share their thoughts and concerns with me. They don’t always agree with me and I don’t always agree with them. But I do listen, I do research, and I do understand that we will not agree one hundred percent of the time on one hundred percent of the issues. It’s not possible. Uh, many of these events I go to, the people in the room, some of them in the room contacted my office or contacted me personally with one opinion, while other people in the room contacted me with another. I actually think that’s what makes us great. I actually believe that you are not supposed to agree with me on everything. And I am not supposed to agree with you on everything. I actually believe that that is what we want to see. Because your competing ideas with my competing ideas make us all better people. I can learn from you. And you can learn from me. But I would only say that that is possible when we have enough open mind to assume that the legislator making the vote didn’t just do it willy-nilly. Perhaps the legislator was listening and did have the info. And at the end of the day we’ve got to vote yes or we’ve got to vote no or we could take the coward’s way out and we could just go for a walk down the Capitol and not be there. I’m always there, I’ve always voted. My door in my office, uh, there are some that are open all day, there are some that are closed during the day. Mine’s never been closed. Uh, and I will tell you, these events, like I say, I, I bet I’ve been to a hundred now since the session ended in May. So we’re listening and I want you to know we’re listening and if you call me I will listen. And if you want to meet, I will meet and we will talk. Because I value it, I really do. I, I just really think that we need to share ideas and I am willing to accept the fact that you’re idea may be better than mine. My idea may be better than yours. But when I vote please don’t make the assumption that I only voted based on my ideas and I did it without any other input….

“…But I do listen, I do research, and I do understand that we will not agree one hundred percent of the time on one hundred percent of the issues. It’s not possible…”

Previously:

HB 291: keping misooree stoopit (January 5, 2013)

Rep. Rick Brattin (r): cdesign proponentsists (February 10, 2013)

Hey Brandon Phelps (r), we hear you’re afraid of church ladies (September 18, 2025)

Hey Brandon Phelps (r), we hear you’re afraid of church ladies

18 Thursday Sep 2025

Posted by in Missouri General Assembly, Missouri House

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They asked substantive questions which you had difficulty answering were mean to you.

Brandon Phelps (r) [2025 file photo].

Don’t be a such a snowflake, it’s actually part of the job. You know, being held accountable by your constituents.

Let’s see, on September 9, 2025 Brandon Phelps (r) voted to approve the Gerrymandering of congressional districts in Missouri and voted to restrict the citizen initiative process for Missouri voters.

We understand those rude church ladies had the temerity to ask you questions about that.

Then, this came in today’s mail, apparently paid for by a right wingnut PAC of some sort:

Oooh! “Liberty.” Ironic, don’t you think, considering Brandon Phelps (r) just voted to disenfranchise voters and restrict their voices in the citizen initiative process?

Oh, gee, the legislative agenda of AFP-Missouri. Did you actually ask your constituents about that? Just asking.

HB 1: Gerrymander this

09 Tuesday Sep 2025

Posted by in Congress, Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Governor, Missouri House, Missouri Senate, Uncategorized

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“Gerrymander This”

The right wingnut controlled Missouri General Assembly is proceeding with the gerrymandered early redistricting of Missouri’s congressional districts at the behest of Donald Trump (r). Fascists gotta Fascist:

103rd General Assembly, 2nd Extraordinary Session
HB 1 Creates provisions for redistricting federal congressional seats
Sponsor: Deaton, Dirk (159)
Proposed Effective Date: Varies
LR Number: 3344H.01P
Last Action: 09/08/2025 – Perfected (H)
Bill String: HB 1
[….]

Some of the submitted testimony to the Special Committee on Redistricting:

I oppose this power grab in an already gerrymandered state. Missouri overwhelmingly opposes the state passing harmful legislation and overturning voter approved bills. Embarrassing. History will not look kindly.

Gerrymandering is intentionally taking away the voice of the people. If we are a democracy, the voice of the people should be heard. Just as with our last election, our legislature has proven they do not care about their constituents or our votes. They only want power and control. Stop this nonsense, and start passing reforms to help everyday citizens.

I oppose this attempt to further marginalize the voices of non-Republicans in the state of Missouri. There is no moral or democratic reason for this mid decade redistricting. It is apparent that the Republican lawmakers are willing to silence the voices of Missouri citizens to follow the orders handed to them by a corrupt federal government.

This is an UNCONSTITUTIONAL call for gerrymandering. It is a blatant attempt to take away representation for Democratic voters. Democratic voters account for 40% of the vote in the state and already only have 25% representation. This will further dilute that representation to only 12%. This is anti-democratic!

There is no reason to redraw congressional districts; gerrymandering is unconstitutional and serves only to suppress the vote. There is no other legitimate and valid purpose. There is no compelling government interest that justifies this action. This is an arbitrary action that interferes with the fundamental rights of all citizens, regardless of political party.

Can we not bootlick a person in the Epstein files please? This is a distraction from the very real fact our sitting president was close friends with a pedophile…a pedophile and a rapist. And you scurry to do his bidding. Gross and embarrassing.

Members of the Committee,

I submit this testimony in opposition to the Governor’s proposed redistricting map. Article III, Section 3 of the Missouri Constitution establishes both the standards and the timing for redistricting.

First, Missouri’s Constitution makes clear that redistricting occurs only once every ten years following the U.S. Census, or if a court strikes down an existing plan. We are currently in the middle of the 2020 Census cycle, and no court has invalidated our maps. Attempting to redraw districts now has no constitutional basis and would directly conflict with the provisions of Article III.

Second, the Constitution requires that districts achieve partisan fairness and competitiveness. A map designed to guarantee a 7–1 congressional split grossly misrepresents Missouri’s statewide vote patterns, where Republicans typically receive about 57% of the vote and Democrats about 41%. Such an outcome would almost certainly exceed the 15% wasted-vote threshold and fail the responsiveness simulations required by our Constitution.

Finally, the Constitution requires that redistricting be carried out by the independent bipartisan citizens commission (or the judiciary if the commission fails), not by the General Assembly in special session. For these reasons, the mid-cycle timing, the fairness violations, and the improper process, I respectfully urge you to reject the Governor’s proposed map.

Thank you for your consideration.

I find it truly appalling and disheartening that the state I have called home for over 40 years is seeking to essentially negate the voices and will of 40% of its tax-paying citizens. It’s truly a travesty. No taxation without representation. I sincerely object as an American.

Supporting the out of schedule redrawing of congressional districts is a violation of the people of Missouri’s rights. This clearly an undemocratic attempt to prop the next election in favor of one party.

I stand in strong opposition to the redistricting plan proposed by Governor Kehoe and the Missouri Republicans. This legislation would leave Kansas City without meaningful representation, a clear violation of both the Missouri Constitution and the United States Constitution. The GOP received 58% of the statewide vote, yet they are attempting to take 7 of 8 congressional seats—87.5% of the representation. That is not democracy, it is gerrymandering. This plan will not survive constitutional scrutiny, and the inevitable litigation will waste millions of taxpayer dollars. Kansas Citians deserve representation, not disenfranchisement.

HB1 is a blatant attempt to redraw Missouri’s congressional map with no transparency, no public input, and no regard for the people it impacts. Maps should reflect real communities—not political calculations—but this proposal is nothing more than partisan and racial gerrymandering that silences voters in the 5th Congressional District and beyond. Redrawing maps mid-cycle is political gamesmanship that erodes trust in our democracy. Every person deserves to be heard, counted, and fairly represented—and HB1 denies Missourians that fundamental right by letting politicians choose their voters instead of voters choosing their representatives.

Redrawing Missouri’s district maps to heavily favor Republican voters, instead of representing a fair mix of how the Missouri populace actually votes is undemocratic and an insult to all voters of this great state. Coupled with the fact that Missouri’s current leadership does not want to abide by voter-passed initiatives, this new map is entirely self-serving and designed to make a stronghold where the people will never get a say again. The voters should choose its representatives, NOT the other way around.

This gerrymandering effort must not be allowed to move forward. Furthermore, if this map passes without a quorum, it is illegal and should be stricken.

I urge the committee to reject HB 1, the so-called “Missouri First Map,” an illegal and anti-democratic proposal designed to silence voters by rigging Congressional district maps solely for political leverage in advance of the 2026 elections.

The proposal would break up Kansas City and combine metro Kansas City with farmers over 250 miles away on the Illinois/Iowa border – making it harder for all of these communities to be fairly represented. Seven out of eight congressional districts would go to Republicans, even though Democrats make up about 40% of Missouri’s voters.

The Missouri Constitution says that Congressional redistricting only occurs every 10 years after the census. This accounts for population shifts to ensure that everyone’s vote counts. Missouri already did so after the most recent census — and rejected a 7-1 map like the proposal in front of you today. Redrawing lines mid-decade to split up voters’ ability to elect candidates of their choice violates our constitution.

Let’s be clear – this is about politicians choosing their voters, not voters choosing their representatives. And that’s just anti-democratic. This proposal is nothing more than an attempt to rig the 2026 elections before a single vote is even cast – at the behest of Washington DC, and at the expense of real Missourians.

Missourians across the political spectrum oppose this mid-decade redistricting. This proposal would silence hundreds of thousands of Missourians – pitting people against one another and breaking up communities instead of creating a system that works for everyone. Missouri lawmakers: Please stand up for your constituents and reject this effort to rig the district lines and split up our local communities.

Missouri is the show-me state. Please show your constituents and all Missourians that you care about their ability to make their voices heard fairly and reject this proposal.

As a voter, it is my constitutional right to be able to vote in my district without corrupt politicians and special interference groups interfering with my rights. Any and all involved in this scheme is openly anti-democracy and should be ashamed.

I urge the committee to reject HB 1, the so-called “Missouri First Map,” an illegal and anti-democratic proposal designed to silence voters by rigging Congressional district maps solely for political leverage in advance of the 2026 elections.

Missouri has had a Kansas City-based Congressional District since at least 1885, when a former Kansas City Mayor was elected to the post. Now Donald J. Trump, Governor Mike Kehoe and the GOP supermajority in Jefferson City want to break us up, destroying our traditional 5th Congressional
District and splitting Kansas City into 3 districts. We have been ably represented by Emanuel Cleaver II, another former Kansas City Mayor, since 2005. We cannot allow our community to be divided in an unprecedented mid-decade partisan gerrymander.

The plan developed is, of course, unconstitutional. “Districts shall be contiguous and as compact as may be.” This is not true of the GOP map, which spreads a portion of Kansas City into far west and southwest Missouri, comprising vast swaths of of rural areas, while the other district stretches beyond central Missouri into areas north and east of Columbia.

Communities shall be preserved. In this plan, they are not. One of Kansas City’s smallest and most diverse State House Districts would be in three Congressional Districts, not coincidentally dividing Kansas City’s sizable Latino Community.

Districts should follow political subdivision lines and split counties and county segments shall be as few as possible. In this plan, Jackson County is intentionally divided into three Districts, diluting the interests of our community in all three.

My home would be in the new 4th District, while 2 miles away, my neighbors east of Troost Avenue would be in the 5th, which includes Jefferson City and parts northeast of Columbia. The decision to utilize Troost Avenue is not coincidental- the GOP has intentionally utilized the disgraced ‘dividing line’ between Black and white Kansas City, enforced during the decades of de jure and de facto segregation.

This is a most cutting and offensive affront, especially to generations of civil rights leaders who have sought to tear down this Troost Avenue barrier.

Of course, using divisive boundaries like Troost Avenue immorally divides the City’s sizeable Black community, perpetuating segregation and the marginalization of minority and progressive communities.

This decision is wrong, morally bankrupt and, given the majority’s fealty to the whims of the President, likely to be rubber stamped by the General Assembly.

Kansas Citians will see you in court, and likely at the Ballot Box, to stop this illegal and unconstitutional GOP power grab!

The proposed redistricting plan will do nothing to further fair, free elections in the state of Missouri and will simply serve to hurt all Missourians by disenfranchising those in areas that have historically elected Democrats and also by reducing the incentives for Republicans in ‘safe’ districts to listen to their constituents as their districts are seen as even less competitive than they already are.

This power grab is unconstitutional, undemocratic, and unacceptable. The Missouri Constitution is explicit: redistricting happens after the Census, once per decade. There is no provision for redrawing maps “whenever it suits you.” To divide Kansas City, dilute Black and urban representation, and rig outcomes is a betrayal of your oath and an assault on the rights of every voter in this state.

I submit this testimony in opposition to HB 1. You are undermining the very values that US Democracy is built on by moving this bill forward. I’m embarrassed by this blatantly illegal power grab from our elected officials. You do not want this to be your legacy from your time in office.

Missouri has overturned the will of the people time and time again, and it’s time this ends. Missouri republicans are in the back pocket of a convicted felon, rapist, and authoritarian. I strongly oppose H.B. 1 and any other attempt to redraw Missouris congressional map before the 2026 midterm election. This will rob voters of their rights. This will rob the 40% of Missourians who vote democratic ticket. Voters should choose their representatives, not the other way around.

I am against anything against the well being of the working class

Missouri maps should not be determined by the President of the United States. This bill is an attempt by the majority party to pick their voters which is an undemocratic attempt to preserve the congressional majority in Washington. Listening to the hearing today, it’s clear there is no legitimate reason to change maps other than aquiesing to President Trump. We are not blind.

Representatives should be chosen by the voters and should actually work in the interests of voters. Communities don’t want this. We are tired of people not working in the best interests of people, but for themselves. As a veteran I am embarrassed of these leaders.

What in the world do you all think you’re doing?! It is only legal to redistrict immediately following a census. I’m not sure why you all think you make adjustments at the whim of an authoritarian president. I vehemently oppose this bill. The world is watching the US democracy collapse; Missouri does not have to contribute even more to its inevitability!

Elected officials should represent all constituents who reside in the state. I fear there will be a time that the state is turned into a battleground as it swings back and forth between parties rather than honoring one person one vote representing all of the people. Missouri is a state with priorities that differ region to region. All of the regions should be represented by people who can and will represent them. This attempt to silence opposing views is anti-democratic and anti-American. It diminishing the state.

I don’t support this. You should not either.

I could list all the reasons why redistricting Missouri in the manner is wrong. But you know them all
already.

I could call you out on the fact that this is a blatant power grab. But you know this, and you know we
know.

I could speak on all the ways you openly lie to your constituents and yourselves, because you’ve seen the playbook where lies are rewarded with power. You know.

I could state facts that are irrefutable regarding how your continued support of flawed policy and radically unpopular and undemocratic ideas are tearing apart our economy, our communities, our democracy, and our peace. You know.

And with all your knowledge and all your facts, you will bend the knee to the same bad ideas. Showing no leadership or moral compass. Digging the hole that has kept you from facing your constituents ever deeper.

But many of us were raised by the golden rule. To love thy neighbor. That people faught, marched, and died for equal rights, equal protections, equal say, freedom, and democracy.

Your vote to pass redistricting in Missouri just proves everything they say about you. That you can’t win without cheating. That you are in office for your own self interest. That you believe Missouri communities are not deserving of representation. And that there’s just absolutely and unequivocally people in this state that you don’t care about. Well that’s not true, you care enough to take their vote and their voice.

You’ll probably vote to pass this, pat yourselves on the back and bask in the glow of dollars thrown your way. And for a moment you will rest in what you’ve done. But one thing I know, you will all crumble to the consequences of these actions. You will lose family, friends, coworkers, respect, community, and at some point the power you sold your soul for.

I hope this moment in time, and the disgust you reap upon yourselves is worth it.

This is illegal and unconstitutional. It is totally a racist, political power grab to attempt to steal representation from the voters of District 5. It is our governor’s attempt to please President Trump. This is not democratic. Elections must be won fairly, or we risk becoming a facist country. This is wrong! Please do not allow it.

I am vehemently opposed to this unconstitutional attempt to redraw Missouri congressional districts to disenfranchise voters who do not support the Trump agenda. The Republican Party claims to be the party of small government but have proven time and time again that they are only interested in serving the elite and capitulating to the requests of Donald Trump. These attempts to redraw districts mid-decade illustrate how unpopular the Republican agenda is and makes it crystal clear that they feel they can only win elections by cheating. Missouri republicans have lost their moral compass and sold their souls to Donald Trump and the billionaire class. Missouri has significant issues that need to be addressed, but instead of focusing on solutions to address our impending budget crisis, lack of resources in rural areas of the state and the hundreds of foster children sleeping in offices every year due to a shortage of appropriate foster homes, the governor and legislature have decided once again to prioritize Donald Trump over the best interest of Missourians.

Restricting and changing the Missouri constitution denies Missouri voters our voice. You were elected to serve the people, and now you are rigging our state to serve a power hungry elite who could care less about strengthening our communities. This is the opposite of servant leadership. Is this the legacy you want to leave for the citizens of Missouri?

This is clearly designed to cheat fair elections. If you want votes, then promote policies that voters want. This administration has twice voted to overturn the will of the people with the right to body autonomy and health insurance coverage and now proposes to silence our voices altogother by suppressing our votes . If you don’t want a democracy, move elsewhere.

When we decide whether people deserve representation or land deserves representation, it will be only the corrupt who choose land. The history of this country is time and again, power being given to land owners over Slaves, over women, over immigrants. Time and again, history has sided with individuals. Be on the right side of history.

Please do not disenfranchise us further. I would like to feel like my vote matters. This is extremely deceptive since you are already not respecting what we voted for back in November. This is absolutely unacceptable.

[….] I am a lifelong Missourian speaking today in opposition to House Bill 1 (HB 1), introduced on September 3, 2025, which creates provisions for redistricting Missouri’s federal congressional districts.

Why I Oppose This Bill

1. It risks undermining fair representation.

Redistricting inherently shapes how and whose voices are heard. Without transparent, impartial criteria, HB 1 could enable partisan maps that prioritize political advantage over democratic representation. Missourians deserve maps drawn with integrity, not political gain.

2. It is out of the political norm.

Traditionally, redistricting is handled in regular order with an expectation of broad consultation and balanced input. To take up a bill of this magnitude in a rushed special session, without clear public demand, signals a departure from established norms. This sets a troubling precedent for how we govern and undermines the legitimacy of the process.

3. It lacks meaningful public input and community-centered criteria.

Fair redistricting should prioritize preserving communities of interest, geographic continuity, and voter cohesion. HB 1 is silent on these standards, making the process disconnected from the people it impacts and further eroding public trust.

4. Unchecked redistricting decisions foster political polarization.

When district lines are drawn to favor one party, elections become less competitive, and elected officials feel less accountable to all constituents. Missouri needs leaders who represent diverse voices, not legislators insulated by heavily gerrymandered districts.

What Missourians Deserve Instead

Independent redistricting commissions structured to prevent self-dealing and ensure maps serve the people rather than insiders

Clear, publicly available criteria, including respect for communities of interest and geographic compactness

Open, participatory processes with accessible hearings and meaningful opportunities for citizen feedback

For redistricting to reinforce democracy, it must be rooted in transparency, fairness, and public involvement, not in political maneuvering.

Conclusion

I respectfully urge you to oppose HB 1. Missouri deserves a redistricting process that protects fairness
in representation, transparency in decision-making, and public trust in government. To pass this bill
now, in this way, would be both harmful and outside the norms of responsible governance.

Thank you for your consideration.

Respectfully,
[….]

Opposition in the thousands. But the right wingnut super-majority in the Missouri General Assembly won’t listen.

Salus populi suprema lex esto – “The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law.”

Hey, Brandon Phelps (r), are you going to vote for this gerrymandered bullshit?

30 Saturday Aug 2025

Posted by in Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Governor, Missouri House

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Just asking.

Brandon Phelps (r) [2025 file photo].

From the announcement by Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe (r) for the Missouri General Assembly Special Session to cover Donald Trump’s (r) Fascist ass:

Johnson County and Warrensburg would be moved to the 5th Congressional District from the 4th Congressional District. To what purpose? Give republicans 7 “safe” of 8 Congressional Districts in the State of Missouri.

Kansas City would be split among three congressional districts:

That is the very definition of Gerrymander.

By the numbers:

Election Results Official Election Returns
State of Missouri – General Election, November 05, 2024, Tuesday, November 5, 2024
As announced by the Board of State Canvassers on Thursday, December 5, 2024

U.S. Representative – District 1 (653 of 653 Precincts Reported)

Andrew Jones Republican 56,453 18.4%
Wesley Bell Democratic 233,312 75.9%
Rochelle A. Riggins Libertarian 10,070 3.3%
Blake Ashby Better 2,279 0.7%
Don Fitz Green 5,151 1.7%
Total Votes 307,265

U.S. Representative – District 2 (591 of 591 Precincts Reported)

Ann Wagner Republican 233,444 54.5%
Ray Hartmann Democratic 182,056 42.5%
Brandon Daugherty Libertarian 8,951 2.1%
Shelby Davis Green 3,941 0.9%
Total Votes 428,392

U.S. Representative – District 3 (325 of 325 Precincts Reported)

Bob Onder Republican 240,620 61.3%
Bethany E. Mann Democratic 138,532 35.3%
Jordan Rowden Libertarian 9,298 2.4%
William Hastings Green 4,013 1.0%
Total Votes 392,463

U.S. Representative – District 4 (348 of 348 Precincts Reported)

Mark Alford Republican 259,886 71.1%
Jeanette Cass Democratic 96,568 26.4%
Thomas Holbrook Libertarian 9,240 2.5%
David Haave Write-in 2 0.0%
Total Votes 365,696

U.S. Representative – District 5 (571 of 571 Precincts Reported)

Sean E. Smith Republican 120,957 36.4%
Emanuel Cleaver, II Democratic 199,900 60.2%
William Truman (Bill) Wayne Libertarian 6,658 2.0%
Michael Day Green 4,414 1.3%
Total Votes 331,929

U.S. Representative – District 6 (443 of 443 Precincts Reported)

Sam Graves Republican 265,210 70.7%
Pam May Democratic 100,999 26.9%
Andy Maidment Libertarian 5,919 1.6%
Mike Diel Green 3,058 0.8%
Total Votes 375,186

U.S. Representative – District 7 (283 of 283 Precincts Reported)

Eric Burlison Republican 263,231 71.6%
Missi Hesketh Democratic 96,655 26.3%
Kevin Craig Libertarian 7,982 2.2%
Total Votes 367,868

U.S. Representative – District 8 (399 of 399 Precincts Reported)

Jason Smith Republican 271,249 76.2%
Randi McCallian Democratic 77,649 21.8%
Jake Dawson Libertarian 7,166 2.0%
Total Votes 356,064

The Congressional Districts in Missouri are already Gerrymandered. Mike Kehoe (r) and the right wingnut super majority in the Missouri General Assembly want to make it worse.

Again, the numbers:

Total Congressional Vote in Missouri: 2,924,863

With a range of total votes among the 8 Congressional Districts (lowest/highest): 307,265/428,392

Total Republican votes: 1,711,050 Percentage of total vote: 58.50%

Total Democratic votes: 1,095,671 Percentage of total vote: 37.46%

Current Party Distribution of Congressional Seats in Missouri (8 total):

Republican (2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8): 6 seats 75%
Democratic: (1, 5): 2 seats 25%

What Gov. Mike Kehoe (r) and the other Trump (r) enablers and sycophants in the Missouri General Assembly want from this special session:

Republican (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8): 7 seats 87.5%
Democrats: (1): 1 seat 12.5%

What would actually reflect and represent the population of Missouri?:

Republican: 5 seats 62.5%
Democratic: 3 seats 37.5%

That’s pretty darn close to 58.50% and 37.46%, don’t you think?

So, is Brandon Phelps (r) going to vote for the republican gerrymandered bullshit? His party leadership wants it.

The answer is “yes” with a probability approaching 1.

“…The republican way – they choose their voters, the voters don’t choose their representatives.”

Previously:

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D) – on Donald Trump’s (r) early redistricting scam (August 29, 2025)

Rep. Ashley Aune – Lafayette County Democrats – Higginsville, Missouri – August 9, 2025

10 Sunday Aug 2025

Posted by in Missouri General Assembly, Missouri House, Uncategorized

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Yesterday evening Lafayette County Democrats held their annual fundraising dinner and pie auction in Higginsville. Democratic Party office holders and party officials spoke at the event.

Missouri House Minority Floor Leader, Representative Ashley Aune (D):


.

Rep. Ashley Aune: ….the challenge this year has truly been the republicans’ insistence on overturning the will of the voters at every single turn. Whether it’s abortion rights, or workers’ rights, uh, you know when I came in it was Medicaid expansion they were trying to undo. And every single session that I’ve been down there it’s been something else. Uh, one other way, uh, to thwart the voters to say, ‘I know better than you.’ Um, and this year it has been the most egregious we’ve ever seen.

On top of that, as you heard, we are being threatened with this [Congressional] redistricting plan. Uh, and I have, every indication that I’ve seen is that it’s happening. Uh, and, of course, as super, as a super-minority we have very few levers to challenge that….

….We can not show up for work as Democrats and the republicans can do their work, no problem. In fact, they’d probably prefer it that way….

Rep. Ashley Aune: ….In order the break the [republican] super-majority we need to flip two seats in the Senate and three seats in the House. That is absolutely doable in 2026 you guys. We have, not only do we have incredible candidates lining up to run in some of the most important races across the state, but we have people Like Keri Ingle, who’s digging in to Eastern Jackson County [applause] and making sure that that senate district, it doesn’t stay red. We have people like Betsy Fogle down in Springfield who are running to put that put that senate seat as well….

….While Missourians continue to elect republicans, they’re also voting for progressive priorities like Medicaid expansion, legalizing marijuana, making sure that we put abortion rights in our Constitution, and improving workers’ rights across the state. Missourians believe in progressive values. We need to make them believe in progressive candidates….

Previously:

Lafayette County Democratic Dinner and Pie Auction – Higginsville, Missouri – August 9, 2025 (August 10, 2025)

Rep. David Tyson-Smith – Lafayette County Democrats – Higginsville, Missouri – August 9, 2025 (August 10, 2025)

Rep. David Tyson-Smith – Lafayette County Democrats – Higginsville, Missouri – August 9, 2025

10 Sunday Aug 2025

Posted by in Missouri General Assembly, Missouri House, Uncategorized

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Yesterday evening Lafayette County Democrats held their annual fundraising dinner and pie auction in Higginsville. Democratic Party office holders and party officials spoke at the event.

Rep. David Tyson-Smith.


.

Rep. David Tyson-Smith (D): ….the people that are around [Trump] right now have no backbone. They have no backbone and they’re cowards. And, and not only they are not standing up to him, they’re, they’re going along with his bidding, right. So, uh, for example Congressman [Mark] Alford (r), okay, so he had a town hall recently, you know I met with him, and I talked with him. You need to have a town hall. You need to go out and meet the people. A public town hall. Right, not just a private thing, a public thing. And so he shows up and he says, ‘Um, you know everyone’s, you know, basically, people don’t like these, uh, ICE agents with masks.’ And he says, ‘You know, you guys liked masks with COVID. But now you don’t like masks with ICE agents?’ [voices: “No.”] Can you believe he said that? Can you believe that? I mean, the, you’re groaning, they were groaning at that town hall. It’s gross.

You’ve got Josh Hawley (r) who voted for the big ugly bill, right, right [voices: “Boo!”] The big ugly bill which is going to kill rural hospitals, isn’t it? And then he tries to fool you and says, ‘Oh, you know what I’m gonna do? I’m gonna file my own bill to help rural hospitals.’ What are you talking about, Josh? Your bill is not gonna pass. No. Are his republican friends gonna vote for his bill? No. He just says that so you think he’s on your side. He’s not on your side. He’s voting against you….

Rep. David Tyson-Smith (D): ….What I’m gonna tell you is the truth. This is, I promise you, this is not an exaggeration. A thousand years from now people are going to look back at this moment and they’re going to look to see what happened. Did he roll over the country, keep the House illegally, stay an extra term, another term, smash everything that’s sacred to all of us? Or did we stand up and fight?….

….Well I say, maximum resistance everywhere all the time. We have to fight them everywhere. [cheers, applause] Everywhere. The library. The beaches. The stores. The rallies.

Friends, it’s gonna take all of us, right….

Previously:

Lafayette County Democratic Dinner and Pie Auction – Higginsville, Missouri – August 9, 2025 (August 10, 2025)

Mark Alford (r): all hat, no cattle

06 Thursday Mar 2025

Posted by in Congress, Mark Alford, Missouri General Assembly, Missouri House, social media

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Mark Alford (r) [2024 file photo].

“…Congressman Alford sent 3 staffers to my office to intimidate my Legislative Assistant and told her not to give out his public number to constituents who call and are angry about Trump’s and Musk’s federal policies. They said he was getting inundated with calls and was cornered in a coffee shop by angry people…”

“Cornered”. Drama queen.

No shit, Sherlock. It’s your fucking job.

David Tyson Smith
[March 6, 2025]
Congressman Alford sent 3 staffers to my office to intimidate my Legislative Assistant and told her not to give out his public number to constituents who call and are angry about Trump’s and Musk’s federal policies. They said he was getting inundated with calls and was cornered in a coffee shop by angry people. A VA employee came to my office and we sent her over as well. The staffers said the Congressman doesn’t want to talk about the VA. One of the staffers further tried to intimidate my LA by asking for a picture with her. Congressman Alford, if you have a problem with angry constituents, have the courage to address it with President Trump. Do not try to intimidate my staff. Also, feel free to pick up the phone and call me man to man. I will be following this up with a letter to your office. I am not going to be intimidated by you.

David Tyson Smith (D) [2021 file photo].

Some of the responses:

Fight the good fight! These brownshirts should be exposed for the insular bullies that they are. Weak and pitiful.

Wow. Guess they don’t know that your LA is pretty tough to intimidate.

Well isn’t Rep Alford just a hypocritical pos who doesn’t want to be held accountable for his pathetic actions! I hope the calls keep on coming.

Keep sending them to his office. The GOP members of Congress need to be uncomfortable!

Way to go David Tyson Smith! What bullies! Stay strong, we have your back!!

Sorry David. It was me. I was the one that called.
I’m sorry, but now I’m going to call more often.

Heh.

What a little man. No empathy. Power hungry. No principles. Fragile ego. I now know my assignment. Guess I am going to have to call him 3 times tomorrow.

Was it this number?
(202)225-2876

Is this the one to call?

well that’s the DC number but I’m not sure if you want to call?
Sounds like they’re a bunch snowflakes that can’t answer simple questions, like why they’ve switched sides to Putin.

Or was it the Columbia office number?
573-540-6600

I’ll try this one.

She wasn’t giving out classified information, his number is on the state website! Sheesh.

Just think if the Congressman had all of Boone County instead of just half.

I guess his tv jobs didn’t prepare him for taking care of his constituents. Not a good look for him to send three staffers to JC. Seems to me he may be over staffed.

He isn’t my Congressman, but may the ghost of Ike Skelton haunt him all his days.

If Alford doesn’t want to defend the position of his orange king maybe he should re-evaluate his priorities and defend the constitution like he took an oath to do. Not surprised he is trying to use intimidation. It is the Republican m.o.

Don’t be intimidated.
It’s happening out here to.
The threats are coming in.
After that shameful address to Congress Nazis feel emboldened.

Wow. This is crazy. I am sorry you are dealing with this.

Poor boober, maybe he should try working for the people and not bending over constantly for the president!

I can confirm that he was NOT confronted in that coffee house. I was there and I filmed it.

Oh, no!!!
Not CONSTITUENTS!!!
However will he survive!?!?!
🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
They made this crappy bed.
I hope they enjoy sleeping in it!

Congressman Mark Alford why are you running from your constituents? Is trump’s approval really that important to you?

Alford is a tiny coward. Shouldn’t he be listening to his constituents as opposed to hiding from them?

How childish of him. Thank you for standing up!

I’m shocked…SHOCKED I SAY…to find out he’d act this way. I’d have never guessed after he was a massive bully for years on local TV that this spineless coward would act this way.
SHOCKED

Mark Alford (r) [2023 file photo].

Previously:

Mark Alford (r) – coffee with constituents – Belton, Missouri – February 24, 2025 – hot water (February 24, 2025)

Mark Alford (r) – coffee with constituents – Belton, Missouri – February 24, 2025 – hot water – part 2 (February 24, 2025)

Self-important snowflake is apparently afraid of listening to his constituents. (February 25, 2025)

Mark Alford (r) – “Oh, the humanity!” (February 25, 2025)