For Immediate Release: March 31, 2023

Contact: Timothy Griffin – 573-751-4415

Senator Steven Roberts: “Protecting the initiative petition is vital for our democracy.”

JEFFERSON CITY — House Joint Resolution 43 was brought to the Senate floor for final passage Wednesday evening, in the first of what may be many rounds of debate. If passed, HJR 43 would amend the Missouri Constitution to change the process of citizen-led initiatives. The following is a statement from Sen. Steven Roberts, D-St. Louis:

“Attacks on Missouri’s initiative petition are attacks on Missouri’s democracy. Our state Constitution guarantees direct citizen participation in the democratic process, and we have protected that right for over a century. The initiative process allows everyday citizens to move beyond partisan politics and focus on what matters most to their communities. This proposal is about a select few power-hungry people believing they know what Missourians want better than Missourians do.”

Senator Roberts and several of his colleagues spoke against HJR 43 for more than four hours before the bill was tabled. Senator Roberts said, “Protecting the initiative petition is vital for our democracy.”

For more information, please contact Sen. Steven Roberts’ office at 573-751-4415.

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