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| Serving in the Missouri General Assembly since 2007 |
Understanding the Ballot Issues: Primary Election for Kansas City
Voters in Kansas City will be asked to consider five amendments to the Missouri Constitution as well as two local questions on the Aug. 5, 2014, primary ballot. As the state senator who represents a portion of Jackson County, I would like to explain the ballot issues you will see when heading to the polls on Aug. 5. I am not encouraging you to vote for or against any proposal, but I do strongly encourage you to cast your ballot. The only way to make your voice heard is to exercise your right to vote. Constitutional Amendment 1: Right to Farm A "yes" vote would limit the ability of Missouri voters and legislators to place future restrictions on farming and other agricultural-related practices, such as puppy mills. A "yes" vote on Amendment 1 would shield factory farms and concentrated agricultural feeding operations (CAFOs) from regulations protecting livestock, consumers, and the environment. A "no" vote would not amend the Missouri Constitution, thereby allowing current farming practices to continue and future voters and lawmakers the ability to enact legislation regarding farming and agricultural-related practices. A "no" vote could also save taxpayer money, as the amendment's potential for increased litigation expenses could cost the state money that may otherwise be used to fund vital services, such as education and health care. Constitutional Amendment 5: Guns A "yes" vote would amend the Missouri Constitution to include a declaration that the right to keep and bear arms is an unalienable right. Amendment 5 also adds ammunition and gun accessories to this constitutionally protected status. Constitutional Amendment 5 would extend additional rights to possess firearms and ammunition to convicted gang members, drug dealers, and individuals accused of domestic violence. The amendment could also result in courts throwing out existing gun laws that prevent dangerous felons from possessing certain weapons. In extending gun rights to criminals who should not have them, a "yes" vote on Amendment 5 would impede the work of law enforcement agencies charged with protecting the public. A "yes" vote would also significantly increase criminal justice and legal expenses, as almost every prosecution of a state gun law could be questioned in court. A "no" vote on Amendment 5 would not amend the Missouri Constitution regarding guns, ammunition, and gun accessories and would preserve the right of Missourians to keep and bear arms as currently granted under the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. A "no" vote on Amendment 5 would help keep guns out of the hands of criminals who should not possess them. A "no" vote would also save the state money, as the expected significant litigation expenses associated with Amendment 5 would not be incurred by the state. Constitutional Amendment 7: Sales Tax Increase for Transportation A "yes" vote would amend the Missouri Constitution to enact a statewide sales tax increase of three-quarters of 1 percent to be used to fund state and local transportation projects over the next 10 years. A "yes" vote on Amendment 7 would produce $480 million annually for state projects and $54 million annually for local projects. A "yes" vote on Amendment 7 would help rebuild the state's crumbling infrastructure and fund construction projects in Kansas City and throughout Missouri. A "no" vote would keep taxes at their current levels and would not fund the construction projects. Constitutional Amendment 8: Veterans Lottery Ticket A "yes" vote would amend the Missouri Constitution to create a Veterans Lottery Ticket. The revenue from the sale of these new tickets would be used for projects and services related to veterans. Currently, all revenue derived from the Missouri Lottery is constitutionally required to fund public education. A "yes" vote would allow some of those funds to fund these veterans' programs. A "no" vote would not authorize the creation of a Veterans Lottery Ticket, thereby not providing additional funding to veterans' programs. A "no" vote would stop the proposed shift in the funding from education to veterans' programs. Constitutional Amendment 9: Electronic Communications A "yes" vote on Constitutional Amendment 9 would amend the Missouri Constitution with a declaration that the people shall be secure in their electronic communications and data from unreasonable searches and seizures as they are now likewise secure in their persons and homes. A "yes" vote on Amendment 9 would be in line with the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision asserting that a search warrant is necessary for police to search the digital content of an individual's cell phone. A "no" vote would not amend the Missouri Constitution, thereby keeping the constitution silent regarding Missouri citizens' rights to be secure in their electronic communications and data from unreasonable searches and seizures. Question 1: Kansas City Fire Department Tax Reauthorization A "yes" vote on Question 1 would renew the quarter-cent sales tax that funds the operation of the Kansas City Fire Department for a period of 20 years. As this tax is already in effect, a "yes" vote would not increase the current sales tax rate imposed in the city. A "no" vote would disallow the renewal of the current quarter-cent Fire Department sales tax. A "no" vote could lead to a lower sales tax rate in the city and less revenue for fire departments in Kansas City. Question !: Kansas City Urban Rail Transportation Development District A "yes" vote on Question A would be the first step toward extending streetcar routes to the east side of Kansas City. A "yes" vote would not immediately raise taxes, but sales and property tax increases for specific areas would be put on the November ballot if Question A is approved. No taxes would be levied and the project will not be built unless the federal government agrees to pay for half of the projected $515 million cost. A "no" vote would disapprove of the proposed transportation district as well as the concept of extending streetcar routes to the east side. A "no" vote would stop the potential sales and property tax increases needed to fund the project, keeping taxes at current levels. To read more about the statewide measures that will appear on the Aug. 5 primary election ballot, click here or visit www.sos.mo.gov/elections/2014ballot. For additional local election information, visit the Jackson County Election Board's website: jcebmo.org. |
