Senator Mike Bernskoetter

6th Senatorial District

For Immediate Release: 

Oct. 11, 2024

Capitol Building, Room 416

Jefferson City, MO 65101

Contact Kenny Ross: 

 573-751-2076

Supporting the Passage of Amendment 6

This November election, Missouri voters will have the opportunity to vote on Amendment 6. An amendment to our Missouri Constitution I support, which will allow the administration of justice to levy additional fees to support the salaries and benefits of our sheriffs, prosecuting attorneys and circuit attorneys, who serve a crucial role in our justice system in Missouri. This amendment will support those civil servants and ensure all Missourians continue to have access to a world-class justice system.

Currently, the pension system for sheriffs is in dire need of support in Missouri. A common story heard across the nation is pension funds – designed for a different economy and estimated life spans – are coming under duress. This is because of a number of factors. One of the most prominent being a large generational group having reached retirement age at the same time. Combine that with the fact people are living longer than ever before and you can see the financial pressure put on the system. Now, don’t get me wrong, a well-earned retirement and longevity are both good things, but they do put out-of-date pension systems under financial pressure, so new avenues of funding must be explored.

Not only would the passage of Amendment 6 assist sheriffs, it would also allow for the justice system to support the salaries and benefits of prosecuting attorneys through the levying of additional fees. These two groups are crucial to the operation of our justice system. 

Sheriffs serve a crucial role in public safety and the administration of justice in Missouri. Not only do sheriffs serve as the only major law enforcement presence in many parts of Missouri, they also are tasked with running the county jail system. This requires them to transport inmates to and from the jail to court, as well as serve court papers and eviction notices. 

The state’s prosecuting attorneys represent the people of Missouri in the criminal justice system. These professional attorneys prosecute those who are accused of crimes, playing a key role in keeping dangerous criminals off the streets of our communities and making our lives safer. This is often a thankless job, though a quality prosecutor makes a huge difference in the application of justice. We need to support them as they represent us in the justice system, fighting for our interests and safety.

Retention and experience is a key element of a functional justice system. Stable and supported law enforcement officers contribute to better public safety outcomes, as experienced officers are more effective in protecting our state. In addition, experienced prosecutors are better able to prosecute the guilty and deliver justice for our state. 

I hope you will join me in supporting Amendment 6 at the November election. I truly believe the passage of this amendment will help Missouri and keep our communities safe.

Please feel free to contact my office at 573-751-2076. For information about my committee assignments or sponsored legislation, please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Bernskoetter.