Missouri Report, May 2025 ⏰

As the legislative session in Jefferson City draws to a close, Freedom Principle MO remains focused on the fight for liberty, accountability, and conservative leadership across our great state. This month’s Missouri Report highlights several bills nearing the finish line. This is legislation that directly affects the future of election integrity, education freedom, and the sanctity of life.

We’ve also been on the ground at key events like the Midwest March for Life, connecting with fellow Missourians who share our commitment to protecting the principles that make this state exceptional.

In this issue, we are featuring new endorsements and a renewed call for candidates to step up and join the Missouri 82 Alliance. We will show you the work of Freedom Principle MO across the state. We’re also trying something new: a short reader survey to hear from you about how we can improve this newsletter and better serve our shared cause. And scroll all the way to the end to see our attempt at humor. Sometimes you just have to laugh.

Thank you for standing with us. This is how we build a stronger, freer Missouri.

For liberty,

Byron Keelin

President, Freedom Principle MO

Tick Tock...Final Days in Session

With just a few legislative days remaining in this session, lawmakers are racing to finalize major legislation.

Another nail-biter...This legislative session is closing in true Missouri fashion -- a flurry of activity trying to push priorities over the finish line. Here’s a breakdown of the key bills Freedom Principle MO is watching closely:

🔹 State Budget Chaos

Lawmakers must pass the state budget by Friday, per the Missouri Constitution. Senators Hough and Cierport have irresponsibly slashed funding for the Secretary of State and Lt. Governor—while leaving wasteful spending at DESE untouched. Take Action: Urge your legislators to restore funding for constitutional offices and cut bloated bureaucracy at DESE.

🔹 HJR 73 – Pro-Life Constitutional Amendment

Advanced out of committee last week after strong support from Freedom Principle MO, Missouri Right to Life, and other pro-life advocates. Faces a final vote in the Senate this week, likely requiring a procedural “PQ” motion to override opposition. If passed, this resolution would let voters decide to protect life in Missouri’s constitution.

🔹 HB 567 – Protecting Small Businesses

This bill stops automatic minimum wage hikes and repeals burdensome paid sick leave mandates. Currently being filibustered, but Senate leadership may use PQ to push it through before session ends. A critical win for small business owners and fiscal responsibility.

🔹 HB 711 – Open Enrollment Reform

Would allow students in failing public schools to transfer to better-performing districts. Facing opposition from some Democrats and Republicans; Senator Hough is demanding more public school funding as a condition. The bill’s fate remains uncertain as it heads to possible conference between chambers.

🔹 SB 152 – Ban on Foreign Spending in Ballot Measures

Scheduled for a final vote this week. Closes a dangerous loophole by banning foreign entities from funding state ballot initiatives. A major tool in fighting dark money influence on Missouri’s Constitution.

🔹 SB 360 – Education Freedom Act

Stalled in the House due to inaction by Speaker Patterson. Would give schools freedom to adopt more effective assessment models instead of relying on the failing MAP test. Empowers local control over accreditation and promotes real academic growth tracking. Take Action: Call Speaker Patterson and urge him to assign this bill to committee immediately.

Call Speaker Jonathan Patterson directly:

Phone: 573-751-0907 | Email: Jonathan.Patterson@house.mo.gov

Together, we can finish strong and deliver real victories for Missourians.

Take Action: Before the Clock Runs Out

With just days left in the 2025 legislative session, your voice is more important than ever. Help us push conservative priorities over the finish line:

✅ Restore the budgets for the Secretary of State and Lt. Governor
✅ Support HJR 73 to let voters protect life in the Missouri Constitution
✅ Defend small businesses by urging a vote on HB 567
✅ Fight for school choice—tell your senator to pass HB 711
✅ End foreign influence by backing SB 152
✅ Fix Missouri education—demand Speaker Patterson move SB 360 forward

Contact Your Lawmakers Today: Look up your legislators: www.senate.mo.gov

Spotlight: Key Endorsements Fuel Momentum for MO 82 Alliance

Former Sen. Bill Eigel and Rep. Justin Sparks offered official support for the Missouri 82 Alliance, to elect true conservatives to the MO legislature.

The Missouri 82 Alliance is gaining momentum. What started as a grassroots effort is now a full-fledged political movement. Powered by Freedom Principle MO and Missouri First PAC to elect a true conservative majority in the Missouri House, the Missouri 82 Alliance secured two key endorsements this month.

Former State Senator Bill Eigel and Representative Justin Sparks (Dist. 110) — two of Missouri’s most principled conservative voices — have officially endorsed the Missouri 82 Alliance. They understand that despite having a GOP supermajority, Missouri still lacks a conservative majority that reflects the Republican platform and the will of the people.

The Missouri 82 Alliance is building a pipeline of candidates ready to challenge the status quo and fight for life, liberty, and limited government. By uniting as the state’s largest special interest group — We the People — conservatives can reshape Missouri’s political future.

Join The Missouri 82 Alliance Now

There has never been a better, more important time to join this fight. Can we count on you to help elect the next generation of conservative leaders?

Spreading Conservative Principles

Election Integrity Was Center Stage at the MO Capitol April 2

Freedom Principle Missouri members joined Oscar Harrell of the Show Me Sentinel (and our very own Show Me Conversations Podcast) at the Missouri State Capitol on April 2 for the Return to Hand Counting Demo hosted by Act for Missouri. Without free and fair elections, we cannot have a true representative republic. FPM supports hand counting!

Jeff City Hosted Pro-Lifers For Midwest March for Life

Thousands of pro-life citizens turned out for the Midwest March for Life in Jefferson City on May 1. Freedom Principle MO was on hand to distribute information on both the Missouri 82 Alliance and the facts about HJR 73, the bill that aims to fix the problems created by Amendment 3 and return the common sense abortion regulations, licensing requirements, parental consent, and malpractice protections overwhelmingly supported by voters.

We would love to see you at future events. Join Freedom Principle MO and you will get the inside information on when and where you can join us for upcoming capitol days, rallies, community forums, and educational talks.

Join Freedom Principle MO

Members can stay informed with details on efforts to engage legislators with our members-only legislative update emails. As a member of FPM, you become one of the people making a difference for the future of Missouri.

We Want Your Feedback!

We've now published three issues of the Missouri Report, and we’d love to know what you think. Your input will help us improve and ensure we’re delivering the news and insight that matters most to Missouri conservatives.

Please take a moment to answer these quick questions at our survey here.

Take the Survey

The Show Me Conversations podcast is posted weekly on Thursdays at 6 p.m. and can be found on Spotify and many podcasting platforms. New episodes:

Episode 10: April 4

Cary Wells, a FPM board member and Kate Sickles, FPM member, political activist and serial volunteer, join the podcast to discuss grassroots activism in Missouri.

Episode 11: April 18

Kirk Hilzinger,

FPM member and Chair of St. Louis City Republican Central Committee, talks with Byron about what is needed to transform Missouri

Episode 12: April 20

Oscar and Byron reflect on Easter about the hope of the resurrection as a metaphor for the efforts to bring back conservative values to Missouri.

Episode 13:

May 5

An in-depth discussion about the importance of ridding Missouri politics from foreign influence in our elections and the implication of recent legislation like SB22.