Rep. Oxford’s Recommendations In the November 4 Election:
On the Ellen show on October 20, Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden gave three strong indications of why the LGBT community can trust that they will have allies in the White House when Barack Obama is elected on Nov. 4. First Biden took Ellen’s hand and warmly congratulated her on her recent marriage. Secondly he stated firmly that he would vote No on Proposition 8 to overturn same-sex marriage if he lived in California. Thirdly he reminded the audience that he and Obama have both opposed an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to ban same-sex marriage rights.
Polls are encouraging, but it is important that our community not take Obama’s election for granted. We need to talk with our friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors and ask for their votes for Obama. We need to canvas door-to-door, phone bank, and participate in the many Get Out the Vote activities that are coming up in Missouri. We are a battleground state, and Obama can win here. (Yes, we can!) And of course we need to make sure we get to the polls on Nov. 4 or, if needed, by absentee ballot. (The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot is Oct. 29, but absentee voting continues at the boards of election offices until Election Day.)
And while you’re at the polls, please cast three other progressive votes this year:
Vote No on Amendment 1. This is an unneeded Constitutional amendment to require that all government proceedings in Missouri be conducted in English. No government proceedings in Missouri are being conducted in anything but English, so this is an unnecessary revision of our constitution and a blatant appeal to fuel anti-immigrant sentiments. Immigrants need our solidarity on this one, including the many LGBT immigrants currently separated from partners by repressive U.S. statutes.
Vote Yes on Proposition B. This would create a Quality Home Care Council which would run a statewide registry of screened home health care attendants to match with people who need services. It would reduce turnover, improve working conditions, and increased the possibility that persons who are able may continue to live independently in their homes.
Vote Yes on Proposition C. This would require Missouri investor-owned electric utilities (Ameren, Empire, Aquila, and KCP&L) to get 15% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2021. Renewables are defined as clean sources of energy like wind, solar, landfill gas, biomass, and small hydroelectric projects. According to Missouri Coalition for the Environment, 26 states have passed a similar policies without unduly increasing utility costs for consumers. Let’s vote Green on C and take care of Mother Earth.
Capitol: 201 West Capitol Avenue
Jefferson City, MO 65101-6806
573-751-4567; jeanette.oxford@house.mo.gov
Home: 2910 Lemp Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63118-1716
314-772-0301; jmo4rep@juno.com
