The pre-filing of bills has started in Jefferson City and the start of the 2021 session of the Missouri General Assembly is just around the corner.
It’s vitally important that you make contact now with your local State Senator(s) and State Representative(s) and invite them to your office, join them for a cup of coffee, meet them at their office, or host a ZOOM meeting to have a chat with them about the issues they will be taking with them to Jefferson City, and share with them issues that could affect your newspaper and your community.
Because of term limits, there will be dozens of new legislators in our state capitol in 2021. These new legislators have not dealt with MPA legislative issues such as open meetings and open records of public bodies, the Sunshine Law, public notices required to be published in newspapers, sales tax issues, business issues, and the list goes on.
And, don’t forget the legislators that have been in Jefferson City. It is important that we continue to nourish those relationships.
These meetings should be cordial. It is so important that you know your local legislators and that they know you!
During the 2021 legislative session, MPA may be calling you asking you to contact your local legislators on specific issues. Grassroots lobbying by newspaper publishers and general managers will be important for your newspaper in 2021!
Please, now is the time to make those contacts in an effort to foster good or even better relations with your local elected officials. MPA needs your assistance to help protect newspapers and to promote open government in Jefferson City.
Below is a Google doc spreadsheet (of new legislators) where you can update if you plan to meet (either virtually or in person) or have met with your legislator.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Se0U4zbEgnJKTezJ41LKiRZASkQsfvJji_3tViCBRsk/edit?usp=sharing
The legislative session officially begins Jan. 6 and ends May 14.
Have a safe and healthy holiday season.
Mark Maassen
Missouri Press Association
573 449-4167 ext. 308
mmaassen@mopress.com
