Jeanette Mott Oxford

Democratic primary in 5th state Senate race could cost St. Louis a 'black' seat

Rachel Lippmann — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 11:35:00 +0000

In 1961, Theodore McNeal, an official with the union representing Pullman porters, went to Jefferson City as the Senator from the 7th District.

Since then, the city of St. Louis has always had at least one black state senator. But redistricting and term limits may put that 52-year-streak in jeopardy.

Bill forbidding interference with crisis pregnancy centers passes Mo. House

Marshall Griffin — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:07:42 +0000

The Missouri House has passed legislation that would bar local governments from interfering with the day-to-day operations of alternatives to abortion agencies.

The bill would forbid municipalities from regulating advertising and advice given out by crisis pregnancy centers run by pro-life groups. Supporters say they’re trying to protect the First Amendment free speech rights of volunteers and staff at the centers. The sponsor, State Rep. Chuck Gatschenberger (R, Lake St. Louis), admits it’s a preemptive move.

Rally at Mo. Capitol opposes Limbaugh induction into Hall of Famous Missourians

Marshall Griffin — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 22:23:40 +0000

Around a hundred demonstrators rallied outside the State Capitol today to protest plans to induct conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh into the Hall of Famous Missourians.

Limbaugh has come under fire for calling Georgetown University law student Sandra Fluke a “slut” and a “prostitute" on his nationally-syndicated radio program. Fluke had testified in favor of President Obama’s birth control policies before Congressional Democrats. Fellow Democrat and State House Member Jeanette Mott Oxford told the crowd in Jefferson City that it would be wrong for visitors to the State Capitol to see a bust of Limbaugh in the third floor Rotunda.

5th bill filed in Mo. Gen. Assembly to raise cigarette tax

Marshall Griffin — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 22:47:45 +0000

Yet another bill has been filed in the General Assembly this year that would raise Missouri’s cigarette tax, currently the lowest in the nation.

This one would raise it to 75 percent of the current national average – in other words, from 17 cents per pack to $1.09-1/2 cents per pack. Missouri’s tax per pack would also rise or fall as the national average changes, and it would require a referendum by Missouri voters to take effect. The bill was filed by State Rep. Jeanette Mott Oxford (D, St. Louis), who spoke in favor of raising the cigarette tax during budget debates on Thursday.

Mo. House endorses English-only driver's exams

Marshall Griffin — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 02:56:10 +0000

The Missouri House has given first-round approval to legislation that would require driver’s license exams be given only in English.

Currently, the state of Missouri provides the written driver’s exam in English and eleven other languages. House Member Mark Parkinson (R, St. Charles) says his bill follows the spirit of the state constitution’s mandate that public proceedings be conducted in English.