Official Ballot Title Amendment 3

Proposed by Initiative Petition Official Ballot Title:

Do you want to amend the Missouri Constitution to:

establish a right to make decisions about reproductive health care, including abortion and contraceptives, with any governmental interference of that right presumed invalid;

remove Missouri’s ban on abortion; allow regulation of reproductive health care to improve or maintain the health of the patient;

require the government not to discriminate, in government programs, funding, and other activities, against persons providing or obtaining reproductive health care; and

allow abortion to be restricted or banned after Fetal Viability except to protect the life or health of the woman?

State governmental entities estimate no costs or savings, but unknown impact. Local governmental entities estimate costs of at least $51,000 annually in reduced tax revenues. Opponents estimate a potentially significant loss to state revenue.

Fair Ballot Language:

A “ves” vote establishes a constitutional right to make decisions about reproductive health care, including abortion and contraceptives, with any governmental interference of that right presumed invalid; removes Missouri’s ban on abortion; allows regulation of reproductive health care to improve or maintain the health of the patient; requires the government not to discriminate, in government programs, funding, and other activities, against persons providing or obtaining reproductive health care; and allows abortion

to be restricted or banned after Fetal Viability except to protect the life or health of the woman.

A “no” vote will continue the statutory prohibition of abortion in Missouri.

If passed, this measure may reduce local taxes while the impact to state taxes is unknown. 

The following ballot measures have been certified for the November 5, 2024 general election.

Official Ballot Title Amendment 2

Proposed by Initiative Petition

Official Ballot Title:

Do you want to amend the Missouri Constitution to:

allow the Missouri Gaming Commission to regulate licensed sports wagering including online sports betting, gambling boats, professional sports betting districts and mobile licenses to sports betting operators;

restrict sports betting to individuals physically located in the state and over the age of 21;

allow license fees prescribed by the Commission and a 10% wagering tax on revenues received to be appropriated for education after expenses incurred by

the Commission and required funding of the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund: and

....allow for the general assembly to enact laws consistent with this amendment?

State governmental entities estimate onetime costs of $660,000, ongoing annual costs of at least $5.2 million, and initial license fee revenue of $11.75 million. Because the proposal allows for deductions against sports gaming revenues, they estimate unknown tax revenue ranging from $0 to $28.9 million annually. Local governments estimate unknown revenue.

Steve Jordan Pledges to Support Congressional Term Limits

Dexter, MO – U.S. Term Limits (USTL), the leader in the national, non-partisan movement to limit terms for elected officials, is gathering support from state lawmakers across the nation. Its mission is to get 34 states to apply for an amendment proposal convention specific to term limits on Congress. Missouri state house candidate, Steve Jordan (District 151), has committed support for term limits on Congress by signing the term limits convention pledge.

The U.S. Term Limits pledge is provided to candidates and members of state legislatures. It reads, “I pledge that, as a member of the state legislature, I will cosponsor, vote for, and defend the resolution applying for an Article V convention for the sole purpose of enacting term limits on Congress.”

In the 1995 case, Thornton v. U.S. Term Limits, the Supreme Court of the United States opined that only a Constitutional Amendment could limit the terms of U.S. Senators and House Representatives. According to Nick Tomboulides, Chief Executive Officer of USTL, the best chance of imposing term limits on Congress is through an Article V Proposal Convention of state legislatures.

“The Constitution allows for amendments to be proposed by either 2/3 of Congress or 2/3 of the states. While we’d like for Congress to take the high road and propose term limits on itself, we know they are too self-interested to do that without external pressure.” said Tomboulides. “That is why it is important to get buy-in from state legislators,” he added. Once proposed, the amendment must be ratified by 38 states.”

Tomboulides noted, “More than 87% of Americans have rejected the career politician model and want to replace it with citizen leadership. The way to achieve that goal is through a congressional term limits amendment. Steve knows this and is willing to work to make sure we reach our goal.”

According to the latest nationwide poll on term limits conducted by Pew Research, term limits enjoy wide bipartisan support. Pew's analysis states, “An overwhelming majority of adults (87%) favor limiting the number of terms that members of Congress are allowed to serve. This includes a majority 56% who strongly favor this proposal, just 12% are opposed.”

View Jordan's signed pledge here

U.S. Term Limits is the largest nonpartisan, nonprofit organization advocating solely on term limits. Our mission is to improve the quality of government with a citizen legislature that closely reflects its constituency and is responsive to the needs of the people it serves. USTL does not require a self-limit on individuals. Our aim is to limit the terms of all members of Congress as an institution. Find out more at termlimits.org

*U.S. Term Limits does not endorse candidates. Candidates who sign the pledge endorse term limits.

Governor Mike Parson Proclaims October as Pork Month in Missouri 

The official proclamation has been presented to the Missouri Pork Association.

 Governor Mike Parson has proclaimed October as Pork Month in the state of Missouri, in recognition of the high-quality pork produced by Missouri pig farmers and their families. Missouri’s pork industry ranks seventh in the nation with 3.35 million head, producing more than six percent of the U.S. total, and providing nearly $1.4 billion in value.

“We are proud of Missouri pork producers for the work they do each day,” said Governor Mike Parson. “Pork is one of the most nutritious and versatile products on the market, and the industry continues to advance. The swine industry is one that deserves to be celebrated each and every day, especially during Pork Month.”

Tremendous progress has been made in the pork industry through research in genetics, resulting in an economical and nutritious product for today’s consumers. Pork producers across the country continue to make progress in overall sustainability by being more efficient every day.

“As a pork producer myself, I know the commitment it requires to raise healthy, high-quality livestock,” said Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn. “I celebrate the grit and tenacity of Missouri swine producers every day, and I’m appreciative Governor Parson does the same. Thanks to the many producers committed to providing quality pork products to consumers across the globe.”

To learn more about Pork Month and the Missouri pork industry, visit https://www.mopork.com/.

Stoddard County, it has been a great honor to serve as your Coroner for the last three years. Coming into this office I had a vision for the position, and I am proud to say that we have made great progress over the last three years. During my term I have worked over 330 death investigations, while also staying under budget every year and saving taxpayers over $36,000. One goal I had coming in to office was to be more public and transparent with the office as well as use my platform to promote positive mental health, suicide awareness, and substance abuse awareness

I have partnered with law enforcement, private entities, and mental health professionals to see that those goals are met. I also continue to keep the public informed by releasing an end of the year report showing taxpayers and citizens exactly what our office is doing on a yearly basis. While some elected officials take their foot off the gas once elected, I have remained committed to serving. 

In this position when I meet you it is usually on the worst day of your life after suffering the loss of a loved one. Knowing that, I always show compassion, empathy, and respect. While also providing a voice for those who no longer have one. 

I truly love my job and love having the opportunity of being able to serve you. While also providing the last line of defense for the deceased to ensure that no stone goes left unturned, and that every death is investigated properly. That is why I am proud to say that I will be seeking re-election this year for a second term as Stoddard County Coroner. I appreciate the support I have received in the past and I ask for your support again as we look ahead to this years election

Thank you and God Bless. 

Brent Stidham