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Black lawmakers cite racism as Missouri House OKs crime bill

House Speaker Dean Plocher, a Republican, speaks to reporters during a press conference Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, in the House Lounge of the state Capitol in Jefferson City, Mo. Plocher touted passage of a bill that Republicans say will help fight high rates of violent crime in cities such as St. Louis. Democratic Black lawmakers who opposed the bill accused Republican leaders of racism for shutting down debate on it. (AP Photo/David A. Lieb)

Missouri state Rep. Kevin Windham speaks to reporters during a press conference Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, in the House Lounge of the state Capitol in Jefferson City, Mo. Missouri Legislative Black Caucus members accused the state's House Republican leaders of racism for cutting off a House floor speech by Windham and halting debate on crime legislation that passed Thursday. (AP Photo/David A. Lieb)

Black lawmakers cite racism as Missouri House OKs crime bill