Show-Me State Times

The Missouri Convention of States' opposition to a proposed Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) COVID-19 emergency amendment prompted the agency to withdraw it. 

The proposed DHSS amendment states the following:

"The local health authority, the director of the Department of Health and Senior

Services or the director’s designated representative is empowered to close any public or

private school or other place of public or private assembly when, in the opinion of the

local health authority, the director of the Department of Health and Senior Services or the

director’s designated representative, the closing is necessary to protect the public health.

However, in a statewide pandemic, as established by [only] the director of the

Department of Health and Senior Services or the director’s designated representative,

such individual shall have the authority to close a public or private school or other place

of public or private assembly. The director or designated representative shall consult

with the local health authorities prior to any such closing. Any school or other place of

public or private assembly that is ordered closed shall not reopen until permitted by

whomever ordered the closure."

Bradley Cooper, information analyst for Convention of States Action, said by email on May 22 that the organization heard about the proposed amendment and went into action.

"At the end of last week, we first got wind that the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) had proposed an emergency amendment that would give the department director, and any local health official, the ability to initiate a ‘shutdown’ whenever they please," said Cooper. "Without a public hearing, the volunteers with Missouri Convention of States (COS) knew that we needed to stand up to this government overreach in the only way possible--activate our supporters."

According to Cooper, there are currently safeguards in place on when a shutdown can be ordered, but the emergency amendment would have changed that.

"Our state leadership team spent the entire weekend working to ensure that each and every one of Missouri COS’ supporters were contacted and alerted of this government overreach. That alert, or as we call it, a ‘Call to Action’ went out on Monday, May 18, 2020," said Cooper.

The day after the call to action alert went out, more than 1,200 emails, phone calls and letters were sent to government officials in Missouri, according to Cooper.

The organization's swift action resulted in 1,301 messages sent to government officials.

Cooper said the action was indicative of "Missourians willing and ready to be involved in their government, and that they will take safe actions to promote liberty."

After COS's action, more than 18 senators sent a letter to the DHSS requesting the emergency amendment be withdrawn, Cooper said.

"Our network of volunteers didn't stop contacting their officials, and after several hundred more contacts, the DHSS formally withdrew their emergency amendment on Wednesday, May 20," said Cooper.

The organization has had many successes and Cooper, an information analyst, said he has witnessed those successes.

"I am so proud that Missouri took the fight to those who represent them, and said ‘enough is enough.’ The fact that in less than three days, Missourians stood up when it mattered the most, and took action to protect their liberty, is powerful," said Cooper. 

Cooper said Missouri COS plans to "stand up, open up and show up! Right now, more than ever, Missouri COS is involved in Missouri’s government." He said as a sophomore in high school, if an "non-elected" official wants to give himself and others the power to tell him he cannot attend school without a state of emergency declared, "that must be fought."

"I will not stand by while a liberty-restricting policy is enacted, and I know my fellow Missourians wouldn't either. As a student, I am so humbled to see the overwhelming response that Missourians sent to their government officials, and it worked!" said Cooper. "Missouri drew a line, and told the government you cannot cross this line. It's not about politics, it's not about who is right or who is wrong, it’s simply about the Constitution."

The call to action this past week was just the beginning. The Missouri Convention of States "will always be here to tell government they need to be representing the people," said Coopers. "This Call to Action was just the start. Today, May 22, is Freedom Friday, and Missouri is ready to practice common sense compliance and to get back to supporting local businesses."