With the 2007 Missouri Legislative session newly underway, it is imperative that the region’s African-American state senators and representatives put all personal and political differences aside to better represent their constituents.
The well publicized recent split within the state’s Legislative Black Caucus should not deter members from presenting a unified front on all issues of importance to voters – many of them African-American – whom they represent. These legislators’ effectiveness lies in their solidarity on the vital policy issues. That solidarity is necessary as a basis for constructive coalitions with other progressive lawmakers.
The Republican Party in Missouri routinely capitalizes on differences within the state’s Democratic Party, which often finds black and white Democrats in opposition. It would like nothing more than to have black Democrats bickering amongst themselves over divisive issues, including tuition voucher programs and the beleaguered St. Louis Public Schools district, while the GOP passes destructive legislation into state law under their noses.
Two misguided Republicans will lead an effort to try to erase the voters’ will on the legality of stem cell research. Will our black legislators stand as one against this affront to the democratic process?
Republicans and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce will immediately launch an all-out effort to repeal or modify provisions of the newly passed minimum wage increase. The target will be the automatic cost-of-living increase in that wage. What action will black legislators take to protect a bill written to help the working poor that was passed with a 70-percent statewide voter majority?
A Medicaid overhaul is in the works, and Republicans have shown no compassion for the state’s poor, elderly, and physically and mentally challenged people in past reform legislation. Will black legislators be their voice, or will they be busy shouting each other down?
There will almost certainly be another attempt to pass a voter ID bill, designed to disenfranchise many of the constituents served by the state’s black legislators. While the right to vote is under attack, will black legislators be more concerned over who votes for them as a party leader?
There are too few African-American legislators and too little time during the legislative session to waste a second on childish arguments, office assignments and power trips.
Too much is at stake to continue the current air of mistrust between black elected officials serving in Jefferson City. Their constituents, whose interests are largely under-represented, deserve better. They desperately need devoted, effective, unselfish advocates in state government now.