Representative Ed Lewis's Capitol Report

House Passes Resolution to Support Ukraine (HR 3658)

Last Thursday, I stood alongside all the members of the Missouri House and unanimously approved a resolution to express our support for Ukraine and its people, and to condemn Russia’s attack on the sovereign nation.

The resolution calls Russia’s invasion “unprovoked and unjustified” and notes it is the “largest invasion of a sovereign nation in Europe since World War II.” The resolution also notes the combat is directly responsible for massive civilian casualties, including a Russian mortar attack on a children’s hospital that inflicted devastating loss of life.

“We proudly stand alongside Ukraine, its people, and its leaders during this horrific and unnecessary war and vow to support Ukraine and hold Russia accountable for its catastrophic decision to invade this sovereign nation,” said the resolution’s sponsor.

HR 3658 condemns the attack in the strongest possible terms and strongly endorses swift and severe economic sanctions and stringent export controls on Russia. Additionally, the resolution urges Russia to “immediately cease its violent, illegal, and immoral assault upon 40 Ukraine, end the needless bloodshed, and return to diplomacy and the rules-based 41 international order that has ensured peace and prosperity for so many.” The resolution also recommends to the President and Congress to reaffirm the unwavering support of the United States for Ukraine’s freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

State Leaders Announce “Missouri Stands with Ukraine” Initiative (HB 2913)

House Majority Floor Leader Dean Plocher has announced the new “Missouri Stands with Ukraine” initiative in response to the Russian invasion of the sovereign nation and unprovoked aggression perpetrated by Vladimir Putin on the people of Ukraine.

Plocher is the sponsor of HB 2913, which targets business transactions with Russia and Russian entities. Plocher was also joined at the announcement by Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe who asked all Missouri retailers to consider voluntarily removing Russian-made or Russian-branded products from store shelves, and encouraged Missouri businesses to identify suitable product alternatives through the State’s “Buy Missouri” program.

“Our message today is clear. Missouri is open for business to those who value democracy, human rights, free enterprise, and self-determination,” said Plocher. He added, “Brave Missourians – our servicemen and women – have served with honor to defend these values for over 160 years. These values made our country great and are the envy of the free world. History calls on every generation to defend freedom when necessary. We will do our small part in Missouri to lead the way.”

HB 2913 directs a complete suspension of Missouri business activities involving state entities and private businesses receiving public funding from contracting or working with Russia, Russian entities, or any country that is attacking or occupying a NATO member, Ukraine, Finland, Sweden, or Georgia.

“We in Missouri will do our small part to unite with the international community’s response to Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine. We stand by the strong leadership President Zelensky as the Ukrainian people fight fearlessly and heroically against the tyranny of Putin,” Plocher said.

“Missouri will do its part in this critical moment in history,” said Kehoe. “As the Buy Missouri advocate for our state, I always encourage Missourians to purchase locally, and now it is more important than ever to do so. No matter how large the transaction, even if it’s a single product on a store shelf, the amplified effect of these decisions send a direct and meaningful message to the Russian government that Missourians support Ukraine.”

This week, Governor Parson ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome to shine blue and yellow, the colors of the Ukrainian national flag, beginning at sunset March 1, 2022, until sunrise on Friday, March 4, 2022.

"We join the rest of the nation and the world in expressing our condemnation of the attacks on Ukraine and this Russian assault on democracy," said Plocher. "We are proud that the Capitol dome will shine blue and yellow, showing that Missourians stand in solidarity with the freedom-loving people of Ukraine as they fight against Putin's tyranny."

House Passes Bill to Address Substitute Teacher Shortage (HB 2304)

My substitute teacher bill was heard on the house floor Tuesday and members of the Missouri House voted to address the substitute teacher shortage . Many schools are having to close or use other staff because there in not a sufficient number of substitutes available to schools.

“This bill is really addressing an issue that’s very prevalent in our state today. Our schools are having a very difficult time acquiring substitute teachers,” said Rep. Ed Lewis, the bill’s sponsor, “This bill just tries to open up the lane for substitute teachers to make it as wide as possible.”

HB 2304 would provide a four year certificate for individuals who want to substitute teach. Under the bill, applicants for certification can complete a background check and have it sent to up to five schools where the applicant is interested in subbing. The applicant must have at least 36 college hours or have completed a 20 hour online training. Additionally, the bill provides an alternative route to certification for qualified individuals with technical or business expertise or Armed Forces experience. These individuals could be granted a substitute certificate for a local school with just a sponsorship of the local superintendent. This bill also allows retired teachers to substitute teach and unlimited number of hours without compromising their public-school retirement.

The bill requires a final vote in the House before moving to the Senate.

Protecting the Rights of Belief-Based Student Groups (HB 1724)

Belief-based student groups on college campuses would have their rights protected under legislation approved this week by the Missouri House. Lawmakers gave initial approval to HB 1724 to protect these groups from being discriminated against because of their sincerely held beliefs.

The bill would prohibit public institutions of higher learning from taking any action or enforcing any policy that denies a belief-based student association benefits available to other student associations. The bill also prohibits discrimination against a belief-based student association based on its requirement that leaders of the association adhere to its sincerely held beliefs, sincere practice requirements, or standards of conduct.

“HB 1724 is designed to protect a long-standing practice in Missouri where belief-based clubs of all creeds and points of view are free to operate as registered student clubs and require that their leaders adhere to the group’s sincerely held beliefs,” said the bill’s sponsor. He added, “This is really just common sense. A pro-choice club should not be required to let a pro-life student serve as its president and a Baptist student club should not be required to let an atheist teach its bible studies.”

Last week, Governor Parson ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome to shine blue and yellow, the colors of the Ukrainian national flag, beginning at sunset March 1, 2022, until sunrise on Friday, March 4, 2022.

Igor Shalai, a legislative assistant at the Missouri Capitol is a former Ukrainian Citizen.