On Nov. 6, voters in Missouri will be asked to consider an amendment to the Missouri Constitution and three propositions in addition to selecting candidates for state and local offices. As a Missouri State Senator, I am offering this information explaining the ballot issues in plain English. I am not encouraging you to vote for or against any of these proposals, but I strongly encourage you to cast your ballot.
Constitutional Amendment NO. 3: A “yes” vote will amend the Missouri Constitution to change the current nonpartisan selection of Supreme Court and Court of Appeals judges to a process that gives the governor increased authority to appoint a majority of the commission that selects these court nominees. This measure also allows the governor to appoint all lawyers to the commission by removing the requirement that the governor’s appointees be non-lawyers. A “no” vote will not change the current constitutional provisions for the nonpartisan
selection of Supreme Court and Court of Appeals judges.
Proposition A: A “yes” vote will amend Missouri law to allow any city not within a county (the City of St. Louis) the option of establishing a municipal police force
by transferring certain obligations and control of the city’s police force from the board of police commissioners currently appointed by the governor to the city. This amendment also establishes certain procedures and requirements for governing such a municipal police force including residency, rank, salary, benefits, insurance, and pension. The amendment further prohibits retaliation against any employee of such municipal police force who reports conduct believed to be illegal to a superior, government agency, or the press. A “no” vote will not change the current Missouri law regarding St. Louis City’s police force.
Proposition B: A “yes” vote will amend Missouri law to create the Health and Education Trust Fund with proceeds from a tax on cigarettes and other tobacco
products. The amount of the tax is $0.0365 per cigarette and 25 percent of the manufacturer’s invoice price for roll-your-own tobacco and 15 percent for other tobacco products. The fund proceeds will be used to reduce and prevent tobacco use and for elementary, secondary, college and university public school funding. A “no” vote will not change the current Missouri law regarding taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products or the escrow account and bonding requirements for certain tobacco product manufacturers.
Proposition E: A “yes” vote will amend Missouri law to deny individuals, families, and small businesses the ability to access affordable health care plans through a state-based health benefit exchange unless authorized by statute,
initiative or referendum or through an exchange operated by the federal government as required by the federal health care act. A “no” vote will not change the current Missouri law regarding access to affordable health care plans through a state-based health benefit exchange.
