Benton County Democrat Club
The Benton County Democratic Party held their monthly meeting Wed., April 20th at the Warsaw Ambulance building. Chair Jacqueline Farr called the meeting to order and introduced our guest, Matthew Kreisler, the recipient of the “Because Books Are Expensive” $300 scholarship we sponsored. Matthew, a senior at Lincoln High School, spoke about his college plans and expressed appreciation for the scholarship.
The minutes of the March meeting had been posted online for members to read. The minutes were approved. Treasurer John Parks read the treasurer’s report which was approved. John noted that we have a record number of yearly dues that have been paid. During the meeting, we voted to participate in the Warsaw Junk Market on June 18th. Other activities will be discussed at later meetings. In new business, with the consolidation of the club and
Central Committee, the members voted to create a new logo for business cards and literature. Kathy White volunteered to work on the logo. There was some discussion on what items we would like to giveaway at the State Fair booth. Jacqueline will put together prices and have them ready to discuss during the next meeting.
In other business, Jacqueline presented Legislative Action Plans that need our attention and to call our representative:
1. HB 1860 is a Republican assault on Missouri families by cutting the amount of support a family can count on by shrinking the amount of time they can remain on unemployment while searching for a new job.
2. HB 2140 is a Republican assault on voting rights by placing restrictions on residency and absentee ballots for residents but allows non-county residents to hold office as an election commissioner and clerk, and the bill makes it more difficult to register voters.
3. HB1678 is another Republican assault on voting rights. It would allow the Secretary of State to audit and purge any local voter registration using criteria the secretary deems appropriate. The proposed language contains no safeguards limiting the secretary’s discretion to order local election officials to cancel registrations nor any requirement that criteria are identical across all jurisdictions.
4. Despite Missouri voters approving Medicaid expansion, the Republican super-majority have taken steps to reverse it.
The Benton County Democratic Party meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Visitors are welcome. Follow us on Facebook: Benton County Democratic Party or on Twitter: Benton County Missouri Democrats@CountyMissouri.
