If lawmakers in Missouri pass SJR45, voters in the Show Me State will have the opportunity to vote on an amendment that would prohibit the Missouri legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government from recognizing, enforcing, or acting in furtherance of any federal action that exceeds the powers delegated to the federal government.
From the perspective of the Missouri Tenth Amendment movement, passage of SJR45 would send a strong message of Missouri self determination and limited government to Washington D.C. Additionally, with continued encouragement from their constituents, it would likely embolden lawmakers in the state to support other specific nullification bills in the future.
As Tenth Amendment Center communications director Mike Maharrey stated, bills like SJR45, “reminds state lawmakers that they do have not only the responsibility, but also the power, to interpose and stop the federal government from shoving unconstitutional acts down the peoples’ throats. While they certainly aren’t a cure-all, Tenth Amendment Resolutions serve an important function and send an important message.”
But not everyone agrees, and various sources indicate that if the Tenther community fails to stand up for what they believe – the detractors of nullification and state sovereignty certainly will! For instance, a blog from the Law Offices of Angela L. Williams LLC states, “This is another piece of disturbing legislation proposed by none other than List of Shame long time member, Brian Nieves.”
Show Me Progress echoes similar complaints, stating that the bill consists of paranoia, and potentially overturns “over two hundred years of stare decisis. “
if you would like to show your support, Senator Brian Nieves, who works to represent the people of Missouri District 26 (Franklin, Warren, and western St. Louis County), is the elected leader sponsoring SJR45. As an initial reading of the bill was given at the Missouri Senate Session on January 9 of this year, continued encouragement will be needed from all concerned Missouri citizens. Please call Senator Nieves Capitol Office at (573) 751-3678, or e-mail him at Brian.Nieves@senate.mo.gov, to thank him for working on our behalf in this manner. And if you have a moment to personally help the cause of freedom in Missouri, let Senator Nieves know that you’ll be watching SJR45, and working to let your own local leaders know why our government needs to respect the rights granted to us by our federal and state constitutions.
For a list of Missouri legislators, click HERE.
To track Tenth Amendment resolutions across the U.S., click HERE.
- Missouri Governor Vetoes 2nd Amendment Preservation Act - July 5, 2013
- Missouri Action Alert: Help Pass the 2nd Amendment Preservation Act - March 30, 2013
- Missouri 2nd Amendment Preservation Act: A Call for Action! - March 19, 2013