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Bev Ehlen

Jul 27 2020
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Amendment 2 – Medicaid Expansion of Eligibility Is Wrong for Missouri

By | Missouri | No Comments

There will be a proposition on the ballot statewide on August 4, 2020. Amendment 2, which will greatly expand the eligibility to qualify for Medicaid. Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee (CWALAC) recommends a NO vote on the amendment for these reasons:

  1. Amendment 2 seeks to add to the Medicaid rolls persons between ages 19-64 who are childless and have household incomes at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. This could very well cut the services for Missouri’s most vulnerable citizens who need access to critical health care services due to the increased number of individuals who would qualify for Medicaid in Missouri should the amendment pass.
  2. Amendment 2 would greatly increase the number of young adult women who would qualify for Medicaid payments for “morning after” pills. One federal Medicaid regulation provides for mandatory Medicaid payment of prescription drugs or devices “to prevent implantation of the fertilized ovum.” The federal Medicaid statute compels states to fund family planning services in their Medicaid plans for women of child-bearing age, including minors who “can be considered to be sexually active” and “desire such services and supplies.”
  3. The more Medicaid is expanded, the more taxpayers’ money is paid to Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers. There have been numerous federal court decisions that have declared a state may not exclude a provider simply based on the scope of the services it provides. Our own Missouri Supreme Court issued such a decision earlier in July.

Click here for CWA of Missouri’s explanation of Amendment 2. Click here for the wording of Amendment 2.

If you have any questions, please contact me.

“Defend the cause of the poor and the fatherless! Vindicate the oppressed and suffering! Rescue the poor and needy! Deliver them from the power of the wicked!”

Psalm 82:3-4

In compassion,
Bev Ehlen
State Director

Jul 09 2020
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Event: David Barton – America’s Historian

By | Missouri | No Comments

Join us Saturday, July 25 in Branson, Missouri!

Are you concerned about what we see happening around our country – the social unrest, tearing down of statues, the increased efforts to rewrite America’s history?

At this critical time in our nation’s history, we invite you to hear David Barton, who has been named “America’s Historian.” He will  share the historical perspective of our freedoms, the role God had in creating our great nation, and how we as Christians can respond in love to the world around us.

Click here for more information and to view and print flyer.

Jul 05 2020
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Missourians: Did You Know We Had a Pro-life Win?

By | Missouri | No Comments

I wanted to pass along a piece of good news. Last month, Missouri won another victory for life when a federal court rejected a lawsuit from the Satanic Temple, challenging the state abortion informed consent law. In the lawsuit, the Satanists claimed the pro-life law saving babies violated their religious beliefs.

You can read here about the court decision.

No action is needed except to thank our God for Missouri’s pro-life Attorney General Eric Schmitt and his office and their competent defense time and time again concerning our good pro-life Missouri statutes regarding abortion.

Join me in proclaiming Psalm 100: “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”

If you have any questions, please contact me.

In gratitude,
Bev Ehlen
State Director

Jul 05 2020
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Pro-life Missouri Taxpayers Were Just Delivered a Blow

By | Missouri | No Comments

Missouri Supreme Court Overturns Law Blocking Taxpayer Dollars to Abortionists.

Pro-life Missouri taxpayers were delivered a blow on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, when the Missouri Supreme Court ruled the Missouri General Assembly unconstitutionally stripped Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood.

The court’s decision stated that the Missouri General Assembly violated the Constitution when lawmakers blocked Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood. The Republican-controlled General Assembly’s budget-writing strategy has defunded the organization more than $1 million since 2018. In the 6-1 high court decision, Judge Zel Fischer was the only one siding with the state in the case.

Read the court decision.

Please pray for mothers who are facing “unplanned pregnancies” and feel their only choice is to end the life of their child. Please pray women who find themselves in crisis pregnancies will find help at a Christian- based Crisis Pregnancy Center where they will not only receive the emotional and financial help that they need but have the Good News of the Gospel shared with them.

“He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous, both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.” Proverbs 17:15

Peace in Him,

Bev Ehlen
State Director

Jun 25 2020
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July 11 Second Saturday Meeting: Update on Missouri General Assembly

By | Missouri | No Comments

(Click here to view and print flyer.)

We are honored to have Sen. Bill Eigel speak on what was accomplished during the abbreviated 2020 Missouri legislative session. He will also address the expansion of Medicaid that will be on our August ballot.

Sen. Eigel is a United States Air Force military veteran of eight years and has owned a small business in St. Charles County for more than 10 years.

After leaving the service in 2006, Sen. Eigel purchased St. Louis Skylights, a small residential and commercial remodeling company. Despite the challenges of the economic recession in 2008 and 2009, Eigel took his company (and affiliates) to be one of the fastest growing skylight installation companies in the country.

Sen. Eigel was elected to the Missouri State Senate in 2016.

Sen. Eigel lives in Weldon Spring with his wife, Amanda, and their two children.They are all members of St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish in Cottleville, Missouri.

 

 

May 22 2020
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Missouri: Great News to Report!

By | Missouri | No Comments

Thank you! Missourians spoke up and the
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services responded.

As you recall, earlier this week, I sent an alert asking you to speak out on the attempted power grab by Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). We just got word, the Department of Community DHSS has withdrawn the emergency amendment that was put in place, and will withdraw the 19 CSR 20-20.050 at the end of the public comment period! Thanks be to God!

“For You, O Lord, have made me glad by what You have done, I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands.” Psalm 92:4

A special thanks to those who prayed and took action by sending a letter to Adam Crumbliss, Director, Division of Community and Public Health of the DHSS.

Gratefully yours,
Bev Ehlen
State Director

May 21 2020
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Mail-In Voting: Contact Gov. Parson and Ask Him to Veto SB631!

By | Missouri | No Comments

Please contact Gov. Mike Parson and ask him to veto SB631, which allows mail-in voting for the 2020 August and November elections.  The conference report on SB631 was passed on the last day of the session with the ballot integrity protections stripped from the bill. SB631 disenfranchises Missouri voters by providing new opportunities for vote fraud.

Contact Information:
Office of Governor Michael L. Parson
P.O. Box 720 / Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: (573) 751-3222
Online email form

Here is the statement issued Friday by Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft opposing the final version of SB631, which allows mail-in voting without ballot integrity protections.

Jefferson City, Mo. — Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft issued the following statement in regard to Senate Bill 631:

“Over the past few months, I have been working with county clerks and legislators to create bi-partisan legislation that would enable Missourians to vote safely and securely in view of Covid-19 concerns.  I supported HCS for SB 552, because it allowed marginal expansion of absentee voting with safeguards of notarized ballots and a sunset clause. The bill also provided for a photo ID requirement, which Missourians overwhelmingly approved in 2016.

“The legislators in conference stripped the safeguards and voter ID from SB 631. Without the agreed upon safeguards, I have grave concerns that this bill will make voting less secure and jeopardize the integrity of our elections.”

Please pray before you call Gov. Parson. Please pray for the integrity of our elections in Missouri, that each person who is eligible to vote and wants to vote will vote.

“But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens” Exodus 18:21.

If you have any questions, please contact me.

Gratefully,

Bev Ehlen
State Director

May 20 2020
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Missourians: Speak Up for First Amendment Rights

By | Missouri | No Comments

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has proposed amendment 19 CSR 20-20.050 to obtain the authority to enact emergency rules and therefore, control the activities of Missourians even when no state of emergency is declared. The DHSS director, or someone authorized to do so, would have the power to declare another “pandemic” and suspend our constitutional rights as they see fit.

Action Needed
Contact the director of the Missouri DHSS if you do not support this proposed power grab. Comments must be submitted in writing to the address below and must be received by May 30, 2020.

Adam Crumbliss, Director
Division of Community and Public Health
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
PO Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570

Sample letter:
Dear Mr. Crumbliss,

I am writing to oppose the proposed amendment to 19 CSR 20-20.050.

Sections (3) and (4) would give an unelected person the power to declare a statewide pandemic, close public and private places indefinitely (including schools and churches), and limit the size of public and private gatherings.

This violates the First Amendment rights of the people to peaceably assemble and a person’s right to exercise one’s religion.

Please withdraw the proposed amendment.

I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

Your name and address

Please pray as you write your note to Mr. Crumbliss. Pray that our first amendment rights will be honored by the Missouri DHSS.

“No weapon that is formed against you will prosper …” (Isaiah 54:17)

If you have any questions, please contact me.

In Truth and Righteousness,
Bev Ehlen
State Director

Apr 15 2020
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Missouri: Introducing CWA’s Constitution 101 Class!

By | Missouri | No Comments

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”  – Ronald Reagan.

While many of us are staying home and/or homeschooling, Concerned Women for America (CWA) is providing a great learning opportunity for teens, pre-teens, and adults. CWA’s General Counsel, Mario Diaz, Esq., has created an educational and entertaining series on the U.S. Constitution.

Mario takes us on a journey to understand America’s founding documents and the principles which guard our liberty. Part I focuses on the Declaration of Independence by way of an introduction to the concepts that undergird the U.S. Constitution.

View Part 1 of this free 30-minute class here. Part II of the series is scheduled for release on April 22 at 3:00 p.m. EST via Facebook Live. So be sure to follow us on CWA’s Facebook page for notifications to join us live!

If you cannot join the Facebook Live, the archive will be posted on the CWA website.

Bev Ehlen
State Director

Jan 28 2020
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mother-baby

Join CWA of Missouri at the Midwest March for Life this Saturday!

By | Missouri | No Comments

We are called to be pro-life, to protect life, and to proclaim truth. Abortion takes the lives of millions of unborn children every year in the United States. Join Concerned Women for America of Missouri as we March for Life in Jefferson City. Gov. Mike Parson will be joining the March as the first governor to participate in the Midwest March for Life!

Here are the details:

Midwest March for Life in Jefferson City, Missouri
Saturday, February 1, 2020
Click here for all event details.

Agenda:

7:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – St. Peter Selinger Expo Hall (216 Broadway Street.)  Life-affirming booths and vendors inside the Expo Hall. Coffee, hot chocolate, and pastries available for a nominal fee.

8:00 a.m. – Capitol Prayer Walk – Meet Bonnie Lee in the 1st floor Capitol rotunda: prayer cards will be distributed, and prayer teams assigned offices. Pray for the Legislators, Executive officers, families, and staff; leave a card of encouragement.

8:00 a.m. – Rosary / Divine Mercy – Meet on the steps of St. Peter Church; look for Gregory Thompson with life-size cross. Fr. Anthony Viviano will lead the Rosary.

9:30 a.m. – Pre-Rally with speakers in front of St. Peter Expo Hall.

10:00 a.m.  – March begins at St. Peter Selinger Expo Hall; March North towards the river, past Governor’s Mansion, proceed one block to Madison Street, turn right on High St to the Capitol, Approximately 3/4 mile.

10:45 a.m.  – Rally inside State Capitol 1st floor Rotunda

12:00 p.m.  – Chili & Hot Dog Fundraising Lunch Expo Hall, K of C Precious Blood Council 4454

1:00 p.m. – Youth Rally Jacinta Florence of Students for Life (Call 573-340-8444 to reserve seats)

1:00 p.m. – Adult Apologetics David Bereit /Fr. Ahrens Room (Call 573-340-8444 to reserve seats)

2:00 p.m. – Mass for Life St. Peter Church

See you this Saturday!

Bev Ehlen
State Director

Jan 12 2020
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Map of MO

Action Needed: Local Control of Missouri’s Public School Districts at Risk

By | Missouri | No Comments

Time-sensitive – Comments Deadline is Wednesday, January 15

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) released the revised proposed rule, 5 CSR 20-100.295 Missouri School Improvement Program 6 (MSIP 6), for public comment on December 16, 2019. If enacted, the proposed rules changes will diminish local control and centralize the management of our public school districts.

DESE’s MSIP 6 webpage describes the difference between its current standards (MSIP 5) and the proposed standards: “The most recent generation of MSIP (MSIP 5) focuses on student performance [emphasis added] metrics – output measures. The next generation will continue to emphasize standards for student performance but will also emphasize leading indicators – inputs in economic terms – that will ensure healthy school systems and the continuous improvement process.”

In other words, DESE is effectively proposing standards that will diminish local control and centralize school district management at the department.

Take Action:
Make your voice heard by providing your comments concerning the proposed rule change. Click here to enter your comments. The public comment period deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15. You may use the sample language below or respond in your own words. You can read the entire proposed rule available on the website to consider other standards for comment.

The number of responses DESE receives is VERY important. As a reminder, the first proposed rule requiring schools to teach gender diversity was withdrawn because DESE received almost 1500 responses opposing the proposed change.

Sample comments:

DESE’s proposed MSIP standards change Missouri’s school district accreditation standards to effectively centralize authority over districts at the state level in violation of Missouri law. That is, several proposed standards limit the discretion of local school boards to manage districts and determine personnel needs by requiring boards to structure their purpose and personnel organization in specific ways in order to be accredited.
OR
The proposed MSIP 6 standards create a double standard in which local districts are held accountable for compliance with state statutes, but DESE evaluators are not accountable for standards that are themselves incompliant with Missouri statutes. Furthermore, word choice used in several standards, for example, stakeholders (which is not defined in Missouri statute and may include non-resident representatives of advocacy organizations) rather than taxpayer (which would require representation of residents), allows DESE evaluators to determine the definition of terms; thereby increasing its power to control the influences affecting policies districts will be compelled to implement to score well on MSIP 6 evaluations.
OR
The proposed MSIP standards should be reviewed for alignment with Missouri law and ensure the protection of local school board authority.

Thank you.
Bev Ehlen
State Director

Dec 04 2019
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Child with doctor

Calls Needed to Stop Therapy Ban

By | Missouri | No Comments

Time-sensitive – calls needed by Friday, December 6.

The City of St. Louis is considering passing a ban on therapy for a minor who is not comfortable with same-sex attraction or has gender identity issues.

Here are the facts:

  • BB152 has been filed by St. Louis Alderwoman, Christine Ingrassia.
  • BB152 prohibits medical and mental healthcare providers from providing “conversion therapy,” also known as reparative therapy, ex-gay therapy, or sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts to a minor.
  • BB152 was heard in the Health and Human Services Committee on Wednesday, November 13, where several spoke in support and opposition of the bill. The committee unanimously voted that same morning to pass it out of committee and onto the full Board of Aldermen.
  • BB152 could be brought up for perfection and final vote in the regular Friday meeting of the full Board of Aldermen on Friday, December 6.

Immediate Action Needed
Please contact the members of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen (see list below) regarding the proposed ban on “conversion reparative” therapy for minors in the city of St. Louis. Ask them to vote no on BB152. Please be kind and respectful in your correspondence.

Please pass this information on to others you know who would be interested in this issue.

Thank you.

Bev Ehlen
State Director
Concerned Women for America of Missouri

 

St. Louis Board of Aldermen

Sharon Tyus, Ward 1
(314) 622-3287
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/aldermen/ward-1/

Lisa Middlebrook, Ward 2
(314) 622-3287
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/aldermen/ward-2/

Brandon Bosley, Ward 3
(314) 622-3287
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/aldermen/ward-3/

Samuel L Moore, Ward 4
(314) 622-3287
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/aldermen/ward-4/

Tammika Hubbard, Ward 5
(314) 622-3287
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/aldermen/ward-5/

Christine Ingrassia (Sponsor of BB152), Ward 6
(314) 622-3287
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/aldermen/ward-6/

Jack Coatar, Ward 7
(314) 622-3287
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/aldermen/ward-7/

Annie Rice (Co-sponsor of BB152), Ward 8
(314) 622-3287
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/aldermen/ward-8/

Dan Guenther, Ward 9
(314) 622-3287
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/aldermen/ward-9/

Joseph Vollmer, Ward 10
(314) 622-3287
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/aldermen/ward-10/

Sarah Martin, Ward 11
(314) 622-3287
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/aldermen/ward-11/

Larry Arnowitz, Chairman, Ward 12
(314) 622-3287
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/aldermen/ward-12/

Beth Murphy, Ward 13
(314) 622-32874
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/aldermen/ward-13/

Carol Howard, Ward 14
(314) 622-3287
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/aldermen/ward-14/

Megan E. Green (Co-sponsor of BB152), Ward 15
(314) 622-3287
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/aldermen/ward-15/

Tom Oldenburg, Ward 16
(314) 622-3287
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/aldermen/ward-16/

Joseph D. Roddy, Ward 17
(314) 622-3287
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/aldermen/ward-17/

Jesse Todd (Co-sponsor of BB152), Ward 18
(314) 622-3287
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/aldermen/ward-18/

Marlene E Davis
(314) 622-3287
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/aldermen/ward-19/

Cara Spencer, Ward 20
(314) 622-3287
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/aldermen/ward-20/

John Collins-Muhammad, Ward 21
(314) 622-3287
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/aldermen/ward-21/

Jeffrey L Boyd, Ward 22
(314) 622-3287
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/aldermen/ward-22/

Joseph Vaccaro, Ward 23
(314) 622-3287
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/aldermen/ward-23/

Bret Narayan, Ward 24
(314) 622-3287
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/aldermen/ward-24/

Shane Cohn, Ward 25
(314) 622-3287
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/aldermen/ward-25/

Shameem Clark Hubbard, Ward 26
(314) 622-3287
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/aldermen/ward-26/

Pam Boyd, Ward 27
(314) 622-3287
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/aldermen/ward-27/

Heather Navarro, Ward 28
(314) 622-3287
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/aldermen/ward-28/