To the members of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry:
Missouri voters will soon decide several hugely consequential elections — and they are happening a lot sooner than you think.
With control of U.S. Congress at stake, much of the country is focused on the General Election on November 8. But I am urging you not to overlook Missouri’s legislative primary elections on August 2. These races will have a major impact much closer to home. Our hope is that we elect legislators who will continue to move Missouri forward.
In recent elections, too many of Missouri’s competitive primary races have been won by extreme candidates. These politicians then come to Jefferson City and actively work against the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry and our economic growth agenda.
This scenario was painfully obvious during the 2022 Legislative Session. The Missouri Chamber was forced to devote much of our time to defeating dozens of attempts by legislators who thought it would be a good idea for the state to dictate private employer vaccine policies.
As we worked to stop this government overreach, fringe-leaning legislators accused the Missouri Chamber of supporting “tyranny.” In public hearings, lawmakers brazenly claimed Missouri Chamber was “totalitarian,” and that businesses were treating employees like “serfs” or “slaves.”
Meanwhile, we were also fighting bills aimed at slashing funding from Missouri’s transportation system and other counterproductive measures.
The good news is the Missouri Chamber — backed by a united business community — stood up and stopped these efforts. We were successful on all fronts.
Our ability to continue to make progress in Missouri will largely be determined by the upcoming August 2 primary elections.
This year we are seeing more fringe candidates vying for seats in the Missouri General Assembly. If they win, the anti-business factions in the legislature would gain even greater power, and perhaps eventually assume control.
Our political efforts are focused on educating voters about these races and supporting candidates we believe will help pass policies that Missouri needs to grow and prosper.
At the Missouri Chamber, we are committed to doing everything we can to make sure the right candidates win in 2022.
There is no force greater than the Missouri business community. Our unified voice makes a tremendous difference during the legislative session. When we unite, we can influence votes and stop bad bills in their tracks, as we showed during the 2022 session.
We need the same urgency and unity right now ahead of the primary elections. We need your voice and your financial support to win.
Anti-business groups, such as trial attorneys, are watching the same races we are watching. In recent years, these groups have poured money into helping extreme candidates win. Their goal is to create chaos in the Missouri General Assembly.
But there is a huge opportunity just ahead.
On August 2 we can turn the tide in the Missouri General Assembly. This is our chance to defeat candidates who are openly campaigning with anti-business messages — and help candidates aligned with our Missouri 2030 economic vision.
Electing pro-business candidates will send a strong message to politicians that taking extreme positions to win a primary doesn’t work. It would change the tone when lawmakers return to Jefferson City and help us keep the legislature focused on the priorities that will help you grow your business.
There is a lot at stake — and we need your help. I urge you to speak up, use your resources and work with us to protect Missouri’s progress.
We will be reaching out for your support. Let’s make a difference on August 2.
Sincerely,
Daniel P. Mehan
President and CEO
Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry
