Six ballot issues for November election
BRANSON MISSOURI NEWS:
Missouri voters will have five constitutional amendments and one proposition to vote on in the Nov. 8 general election.
Below are the details of each issue to appear on the Missouri ballot.
Constitutional Amendment 1
The first ballot issue is about whether or not to continue a sales tax used for soil and water conservation, state parks and historic sites, according the Missouri Secretary of State’s website.
The amount is one-tenth of a one percent, and if passed, the tax would continue for 10 more years before, once again, going before voters.
“The measure continues and does not increase the existing sales and use tax of one-tenth of one percent for 10 years,” the website states.
“The measure would continue to generate approximately $90 million annually for soil and water conservation and operation of the state park system.”
A vote “yes” would continue the sales tax, according to the website.
Constitutional Amendment 2
The second ballot issue is about whether or not to limit campaign contributions by individuals or entities to political parties, political committees or committees to elect candidates for state or judicial office.
The website states that the amendment, if passed, would prohibit individuals and entities from intentionally concealing the source of contributions made to campaigns; require corporations or labor organizations to meet certain requirements in order to make contributions to campaigns; and additionally, would provide a complaint process and penalties for any violations of the amendment.
“It is estimated this proposal will increase state government costs by at least $118,000 annually and have an unknown charge in costs for local government entities. Any potential impact to revenues for state and local government is unknown,” the website states.
A vote “yes” would pass the amendment to establish limits on campaign contributions.
“If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes,” the website states.
Constitutional Amendment 3
The third ballot issue is about whether or not to increase taxes on cigarettes every year until 2020. The increase would be 60 cents per pack of 20 cigarettes, according to the website. Additionally, cigarette wholesalers would have to pay 67 cents per pack of 20 cigarettes.
The taxes and fees collected would be deposited into a newly established Early Childhood Health and Education Trust Fund, according to the website.
“When cigarette tax increases are fully implemented, estimated additional revenue to state government is $263 to $374 million annually, with limited estimated implementation costs,” the website states.
“The revenue will fund only programs and services allowed by the proposal,” the website states. The fiscal impact to local government entities is unknown, according to the website.
A vote “yes” would increase the taxes on cigarettes.
Proposition A
Proposition A is about whether or not to increase taxes on cigarettes in 2017, 2019 and 2021. If passed, the additional tax would be 23 cents per pack of 20 cigarettes, according to the website.
The amendment would also increase the tax paid by sellers on other tobacco products by five percent of the manufacturer’s invoice price, according to the website. The taxes collected would only be used to fund transportation and infrastructure projects. The tax increase can be repealed if it is certified to appear on any local or statewide ballot.
“State government revenue will increase by approximately $95 million to $103 million annually when cigarette and tobacco tax increases are fully implemented, with the new revenue earmarked for transportation infrastructure,” the website states.
“Local government revenues could decrease approximately $3 million annually due to decreased cigarette and tobacco sales.”
A vote “yes” would increase the taxes on cigarettes.
Constitutional Amendment 4
The fourth ballot issue is about whether or not to prohibit a new state or local sales tax on any service or transaction. The website states that this amendment only applies to any service or transaction that was not subject to a sales tax as of Jan. 1, 2015.
“Potential costs to the state and local governmental entities are unknown, but could be significant,” the website states.
“The proposal’s passage would impact governmental entity’s ability to revise their tax structures. State and local governments expect no savings from this proposal.”
A vote “yes” would prohibit a new state or local sales tax on any transaction or service and a vote “no” would not prohibit a state or local sales tax.
“If passed, this measure will not increase or decrease taxes,” the website states.
Constitutional Amendment 6
The fifth ballot issue is about whether or not voters should be required by law to verify their identity, citizenship and residency with a potential government-issued photo identification.
The website states that if this were to pass, exceptions to the identification requirement would also be provided by law.
“The proposed amendment would result in no costs or savings because any potential costs would be due to the enactment of a general law allowed by this proposal,” the website states.
“If such a general law is enacted, the potential cost to state and local governments is unknown, but could exceed $2.1 million annually.
A vote “yes” would require voters to have identification.
The website states if this amendment passes, it will have no impact on taxes.
For more information on ballot issues, visit sos.mo.gov/petitions/2016BallotMeasures.
Pending
A medical marijuana initiative petition is currently not on the ballot pending a dispute over the validity of many signatures on petitions. In addition, several county prosecutors have filed a suit to attempt to block the initiative.
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