IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION supporting the Yes on 2 Healthcare for Missouri initiative on the August 4, 2020 ballot, in recognition and in honor of the Medicaid 23, a group of clergymen who fought for Medicaid expansion in Missouri.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 20467, July 27, 2020
INTRODUCED BY Ronald E. Finley, County Legislator
Body
WHEREAS, on May 6, 2014, ministers across Missouri staged a demonstration in the Missouri Senate gallery after lawmakers refused to expand Medicaid; and,
WHEREAS, this peaceful protest was made in solidarity, and by prayer and pleas for greater health equity and healthcare affordability in Missouri; and,
WHEREAS, this selfless act of protest resulted in the arrest of the twenty-three protesters, who were charged with trespassing and obstructing government operations; and,
WHEREAS, those arrested on May 6, 2014, were the Medicaid 23: Rev. Dr. Wallace S. Hartsfield, Sr. (deceased), Rev. Emmett Baker, Jr., Rev. Dr. John H. Bennett, Rev. Tony Caldwell, Rev. Chania Chandler, Rev. W.T. Edmonson, Rev. Lloyd D. Fields, Sr., Elder Jessie Fisher, Dawn Hickman, Evangelist Esther L. Holsendorf, Bishop Steve Houpe, Rev. Dr. Vernon P. Howard, Jr., Rev. Tony Johnson, Rev Karlous Kalu, David Kingsley, Riccardo Lucas, Rev. Dr. Samuel E. Mann, Rev. Susan McCann, Rev Donna McDaniel, Rev. Kenneth Moseley, Rev. Dr. Tex R. Sample, Bishop James D. Tindall, and Rev. Dr. Rodney D. Williams; and,
WHEREAS, this group has continued their advocacy for Medicaid expansion in Missouri; and,
WHEREAS, Medicaid expansion is on the August 4, 2020 ballot for approval across Missouri; and,
WHEREAS, if passed, Missouri Amendment 2 will require the state to provide Medicaid healthcare services for persons under the age of 65 whose income is equal to or below 138 percent of the official poverty line; and,
WHEREAS, Missouri is one of only fourteen states that have rejected federal funds to cover the costs of the recommended Medicaid expansion; and,
WHEREAS, it is estimated that over 200,000 citizens of Missouri will benefit if Medicaid is expanded in the state, with the federal government covering ninety percent of the cost through the Affordable Care Act; and,
WHEREAS, the Medicaid 23 are due our gratitude for their sacrifice, leadership, and commitment to the betterment of the lives of Missourians; and,
WHEREAS, support for this ballot initiative is vital to helping lower-income people get access to cost-effective, preventative, and primary healthcare; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the County Legislature of Jackson County, Missouri, that the Legislature hereby proclaims its gratitude to the Medicaid 23 and extends its support for the Yes on 2 Healthcare for Missouri ballot initiative.
Enacted and Approved
Effective Date: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage by a majority of the Legislature.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________ ______________________________
Chief Deputy County Counselor County Counselor
Certificate of Passage
I hereby certify that the attached resolution, Resolution No. 20467 of July 27, 2020, was duly passed on July 27, 2020 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas _______7________ Nays ______2________
Abstaining ___0______ Absent _____0_______
________________________ ____________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of Legislature