A Moment with Mike -- November Ballot Issues

      Next month, voters will head to the polls to determine not only who their elected officials will be, but also to decide which ballot initiatives should become law.  Normally, these issues are mostly straightforward but this year we have seen a lot controversy regarding the language written to describe the ballot issues.

      First, it was the wording provided for  Proposition E, which would prevent the governor from creating a health insurance exchange without  approval from voters or the legislature.  This initiative came from the legislature to assure that the people of Missouri had a voice in this decision.  The original language put out by the Secretary of State was clearly biased and misleading.  A lawsuit quickly followed and the Courts found that the language was not fair and sufficient.  The new language that will be used reads:  “Shall Missouri law be amended to prohibit the Governor or any state agency, from establishing or operating state based health insurance exchanges unless authorized by a vote of the people or by the Legislature?” Regardless of which side of the issue  you support, this language will make it clear to Missourians that they are deciding if the governor should have the power to implement a part of the federal health care plan without legislative or voter approval.

      The other ballot issue that has created a great deal of controversy deals with the language for a ballot initiative that would change  the way Missouri Supreme Court and Appellate Court judges are selected.  Amendment 3 was approved by the Missouri General Assembly this year with the intent of making the selection process more accountable to voters.

      Many feel that the current process is slanted in favor of attorneys who hold four of the seven slots on the panel that makes recommendations to the governor.  The new plan would remove the slot currently held by a Missouri Supreme Court judge and replace it with one appointed by the governor.  With this, the governor would be able to select the majority of the panel.  In turn, if voters aren’t happy with the selections made by the governor’s appointees, they have the ability to vote a new governor into office who can then make different appointments to the selection panel.

      The language for Amendment 3 is also misleading and somewhat biased.  However, once again, regardless of where you are on the issue, in November the people will be deciding if they want to give the Governor more authority to decide judicial positions or if they want to retain the status quo where attorneys have more influence over the process.

      Propositions A and B may be more straightforward but no less controversial for some voters.  Proposition A should not be controversial for voters in Northwest Missouri because it affects how the police force in St. Louis is governed.   Proposition B raises the tax on tobacco products and establishes the Health and Education Trust Fund.  Estimated additional revenue to state government is over $300 million but only programs and services allowed by the proposal can by funded.

      It is important for all responsible voters to acquaint themselves with these issues and try to understand the intent and the consequences of each.

          If you have questions, you may reach me at my Capitol number 573-751-9465, at the local district number, 660-582-4014, by email at mike.thomson@house.mo.gov or by mail at Room 401B State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.