MidwestSocial 🕸

Love to see it. I hope this translates to more support for our public transit.

stlouis !stlouis@midwest.social

Thought we were missing a community for the Ravioli Bois, so I went ahead and created one.

c/stlouiscitysc

Hey, there’s the arch!

Henry Shaw Cactus and Succulent Society welcomes you to attend the biggest cactus and succulent event in the Midwest. Browse and buy rare plants and pots, and enjoy the show featuring St. Louis’ top growers.

The Board of Aldermen on Thursday gave initial approval to one of the largest water rate increases in recent history in hopes of shoring up a water department deep in the red.
The plan, carried by Alderwoman Anne Schweitzer, of far south city, and backed by the Mayor Tishaura O. Jones, would increase the average homeowner’s bill over the next year to $105 per quarter from $75.

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The decision Thursday marked the first vote to raise water rates since the late 2000s, the last time the water department said the city had no choice.

What are your favorite patios for lunch in St. Louis?

cross-posted from: lemmy.world/post/160390

As the 2023 legislative session sputtered to a close, House Speaker Dean Plocher stood before a throng of reporters talking about what happened — including the failure to change ballot initiatives.

Republicans wanted to send a ballot item to voters that would raise the threshold to amend the state constitution from a simple majority to 57%. The Des Peres Republican said something that many in Missouri politics assumed all along: Making the constitution more difficult to amend was critical in stopping an initiative petition to expand abortion access in Missouri.

“We are pro-life,” Plocher said. “And if the Senate fails to take action on IP [initiative petition] reform, I think the Senate should be held accountable for allowing abortion to return to Missouri.”

Some Democrats, like House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, said Plocher was saying “the quiet part loud” about the motivations behind trying to get voters to approve a measure raising the constitutional amendment threshold. But in many respects, the proposal will have a far bigger impact than just stymying one potential initiative petition.

But now there’s another option for emergency contraception if you want to get it for free or without an appointment. Missouri Family Health Council and the St. Louis County Department of Health have stepped up to help get free emergency contraceptive kits to you in person and in the mail.

“In March, I signed an executive order committing St. Louis County to the reproductive and sexual health services it currently provides while working to expand services in an equitable way to address health and racial disparities,” County Executive Dr. Sam Page said. “Making emergency contraception free and accessible is a responsible public health decision. Thank you to the Missouri Family Health Council for making this possible.”