glaring example of misplaced priorities: the special session “bailout for billionaires,” in which lawmakers voted to give tax breaks to the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. 

This was a total ignoring of the constitution and of the conservative value of fiscal responsibility.

What in the world is the PQ?

Understanding the "Previous Question" Motion in the Missouri Legislature

If you’ve been following Missouri politics this session, you may have heard about the use of the "PQ." It’s shorthand for the "Previous Question" motion—a rarely used but powerful procedural tool in the Missouri Legislature.

So, what exactly is the PQ?

The Previous Question is a parliamentary motion that allows the majority to cut off debate and force an immediate vote on a bill or amendment. When the PQ is invoked and passed, no more discussion is allowed. It’s essentially a way for to say: We’re done talking. We’re voting now.

When is it used?

In practice, the PQ is used when debate has become lengthy or contentious—usually on hot-button issues or when time is running out in the legislative session. Invoking the PQ can be an effective tool to stop delay tactics when the minority party does not operate in good faith and attempts to thwart legislative progress through filibustering. While it's a routine tool in the Missouri House of Representatives, its use in the Senate is rare and often controversial due to the chamber's tradition of extended debate and consensus-building.

How does it work?

In the Missouri Senate, invoking the PQ requires a written motion signed by at least 10 senators and must be approved by a majority vote. Once adopted, it halts all debate and brings the matter directly to a vote. 

Does this happen often?

Historically, the PQ has been used sparingly in the Missouri Senate. In 1970, the PQ made a comeback when was used for the first time in 100 years to end debate on an income tax increase proposed by Governor Warren Hearnes. After that, another long break for the PQ ended in 2015 when it was used to stop debate on a right-to-work bill during the last week of the legislative session, leading to its passage. PQ struck again in 2016 to end a record-setting 39-hour filibuster on a controversial religious freedom bill. Almost ten years later, the PQ was invoked in the 2025 legislative session twice in one day on measures related to abortion and paid sick leave. These instances highlight a trend where the PQ is used to expedite the process, especially on contentious issues.

Why does it matter?

This year, the PQ was used in several key moments during the final days of session, allowing leadership to pass bills in the face of filibustering tactics by the minority. While it’s allowed under the rules, the PQ is controversial because it bypasses open debate, transparency, and collaboration that should guide the legislative process. However, when both sides do not seek collaboration, the PQ can be the final statement that says, "enough with the games."

Implications and Controversy

While the PQ can be an effective tool to overcome legislative gridlock, its use in the Senate often leads to heightened tensions among lawmakers. While the PQ serves as a mechanism to advance legislation, its application in the Missouri Senate may have lasting impacts on legislative dynamics.

It's Great to be a Billionaire

Mike Kehoe Calls Special Session to Funnel Money to the Wealthy and Fund a Cobbled-Together Spending Package that's Ripe for Abuse

In a special legislative session that concluded in the wee hours of June 5, the Missouri Senate approved an aid and incentive package exceeding $100 million. The stated aim was to support disaster recovery in tornado-stricken St. Louis and to retain the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals within the state.

disaster declarations (when the hardest hit areas of north St. Louis City include multitudes of people that do not have insurance...) Additionally, the plan dedicates $50 million to a cancer treatment research reactor at the University of Missouri. (Why are taxpayers paying for a cancer treatment reactor when the University of Missouri has a $2.6 billion endowment?)

As always, the question is: Did a special interest lobby for these funds? Who will administer them? And who will ultimately receive the benefit? We have seen many well-meaning dollars allocated "to help" the needy end up in the pockets of organizations fraught with waste and people seeking to abuse the system.

The state is proposing stadium financing that includes bonds covering up to 50% of construction costs and $50 million in tax credits to counter Kansas’ offer. The Chiefs are planning a $1.15 billion renovation of Arrowhead Stadium, pending a decision. Let's calculate 50% of $1.15 billion...and remember how accurate construction estimates can be.

The fact is, public stadium funding benefits wealthy team owners at taxpayers' expense. Does anyone remember the term "fiscal responsibility?"

The Missouri Senate passed this cobbled-together, Frankenstein of a funding bill with a 19-13 vote, needing 18 votes to pass. This week, the House of Representatives is hearing and voting on SB 3. Supporting the property tax freeze contained in SB 3, as written, is in direct conflict with Article X, Section 3 of the Missouri Constitution. 

Article X, Section 3 states: “Taxes may be levied and collected for public purposes only, and shall be uniform upon the same class or subclass of subjects within the territorial limits of the authority levying the tax, and all taxes shall be levied and collected by general laws.”

Because the property tax freeze exempts several counties, the severability clause could be challenged in court, throwing out the property tax freeze and leaving the stadium funding intact. This, we believe, is Governor Kehoe’s plan. 

This means those legislators who thought they were getting a great deal for their constituents will end up with egg on their faces when their local counties take the state to court. Reach out to your representatives to oppose this bill.

Are you mad yet?

The Republican Party is supposed to be the party of Pro-Life, yet Speaker Patterson tried to derail the legislature's attempt to fix the tragedy of Amendment 3. Help us bring back conservative values and honest, true political leaders who will deliver what they promise.

If we don't stand up, who will?

The Missouri 82 Alliance is the solution to a bloated, out of control and out of touch legislature. Help us bring back conservative values, and honest, true political leaders who actually deliver what they promise. Powered by Freedom Principle MO and Missouri First PAC to elect a  conservative majority in the Missouri House, the Missouri 82 Alliance will identify and work to elect true conservatives who pledge their adherence to conservative principles and work with the voters to make lasting change. Please join us now to help this critical movement succeed. 

Show our elected officials that there are consequences for politics as usual and that the people who elect them are watching and holding them accountable.

Freedom Principle MO Represents You at Legislative Review Event

Legislators, Activists and Conservative Voices United for an End of Session Discussion in Des Peres

Freedom Principle Missouri was happy to be included in the mix for the 2025 Missouri Legislative Review on June 5 in Des Peres hosted by Wild Horse and Missouri River Townships, South County Republican Club, Franklin County Central Committee, St. Louis Young Republicans and 97.1 FM Talk. 

The emcee was Marc Cox and topics included regional wrap ups for St. Louis, St. Charles and Franklin Counties as well as an "insider update" from This Week in Missouri Politics host Scott Faughn. Bill Eigel and Dennis Hancock gave a preview of 2026 priorities as the republican candidates for County Executive in St. Charles and St. Louis counties, respectively.

Attendees were able to meet with many legislators, including Sen. Adam Schnelting, Sen. David Gregory, Sen. Ben Brown, Rep. Justin Sparks, Rep. George Hruza, Rep. Phil Oehlerking, Rep. Richard West and Rep. Mark Matheissen. 

Freedom Principle Missouri met with voters along with other grassroots organizations and party leaders including Missouri National GOP Committeeman David Lightner and organizations like Missouri Right to Life, Coalition Life and MO Tax Relief Now. 

This is something you can do.

Freedom Principle MO is watching our legislature's moves whether it's during active sessions, in special sessions or in the boardrooms and meetings with constituents. We offer unprecedented access to information about what is really happening behind the scenes with elected officials so that you can be an informed voter and get the results you want out of your government. 

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

Tell us what you think.

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:

Find Your People at These Events

These are the following meetings and events where you can see the Freedom Principle MO. Please attend and bring a friend. 

Monday, August 11, 5:00 pm 

We The People -- Pettis County

Heckart Community Center, 1800 West Third Street, Sedalia

Tuesday, August 12

We The People -- Crawford County

Knights of Columbus, 7057 Old 66, Cuba

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