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HCR5 does
basically two things:
(1)
recognizes American Sign Language as the first or native language of
many deaf and hard of
hearing citizens of Missouri, and
(2) urges
the Governor to establish by executive order an annual "Deaf
Awareness Week" to be
held in September of each year to coincide with the
International Deaf Awareness Week, at
which time the language, culture, and contributions of
Missouri's deaf and hard of hearing
citizens will be recognized.
At the request of the Missouri Commission for the Deaf,
Representative David Reynolds introduced HCR5 on January 10. It was
referred to the House "Miscellaneous Bills and Resolutions
Committee" on January 17, had a public hearing on January 30, and
was reported out of that committee on February 6 with a “Do Pass”
recommendation. The House adopted HCR5 on February 7, with only one
minor amendment, by a vote of 148 “For” and 0 “Against.” It was
reported to the Senate on February 11, and referred to the Senate
“Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions and Ethics Committee” on February
12. It had a public hearing by that committee on February 28, and
was voted "Do Pass" on March 21. Since then it has languished on the
Senate Resolutions Calendar, where it has fluctuated from number 3
on that calendar to number 9.
The
Missouri Commission for the Deaf has been told by Senator Kenney,
Senate Majority Floor Leader, that there are no problems with HCR5,
and that it should be voted on soon. But it has been on the
Resolutions Calendar for almost a month now, and has made no further
progress. Advocates who are in support of this bill should contact
the either the President Pro Tem of the Senate or the Senate
Majority Floor Leader and ask that HCR5 be brought to the Senate
floor as soon as possible for debate and vote. In addition,
advocates should call or send an e-mail to their local Senators and
ask for their support of HCR5 when it comes up for a vote on the
Senate floor.
As always, the Missouri
Commission for the Deaf would appreciate receiving copies of any
mail, fax or e-mail sent to legislators regarding this bill.
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