EDITOR:
With the recent decision of Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe to place four amendments on the August primary ballot, Platte County Democrats emphasize the importance of voter turnout for the Aug. 4 primary. The rationale for placing these amendments on a primary ballot is that there is likely to be lower voter turnout and the Missouri Republicans can get certain unpopular amendments passed. History shows, when voters turn out, progressive amendments pass and Democrats and Missouri win.
Amendment 1- Renews the Parks & Soil Sales Tax– this is a renewal, not a new tax and will keep our parks open, our trails maintained and our farmland protected.
Amendment 2- Direct Election of County Assessors– Requires counties to elect their assessor instead of appointing a trained professional. Currently, Platte County voters elect their assessor and other county positions, which can tend to give one party power in the county. Electing the assessor injects politics into the choice and risks the selection of an individual who lacks the expertise and professional standards needed for this position.
Amendment 4- Changes the rules on citizen-initiated constitutional amendments-
This change would mean the initiative petition process must meet a higher threshold to pass each Congressional district rather than statewide. This takes away the voters power of one person, one vote. It can make it so a minority of voters would make the decision for all of Missouri, instead of a majority vote. Democrats believe in democracy and how important it is to use your power of voting and that your vote should count. Never vote to take your power away.
Amendment 5-Expanding Sales Taxes to Replace Income Tax (The “Everything” Tax)
This would give lawmakers unlimited power to raise sales taxes on any good and service. Currently, the income tax makes up 62.4% (according to the Missouri Budget Project) of the state budget. If that is eliminated sales taxes would need to be raised substantially to make up for a loss of $8.5 billion of revenue for the state. The Democratic Floor Leader and State Representative from Platte County, Ashley Aune, says that “the tax burden will affect eight out of 10 Missourians who will pay more. The state tax burden will rest heavily on Missourians who are already living paycheck to paycheck and our seniors who are already struggling to pay for medications, healthcare and to stay in their homes.”
The Missouri Budget Project points out that not only would this amendment raise taxes for most Missourians, but it also risks devastating cuts to services that build opportunity, and damage our state’s economy. Aune also points out that this amendment is unpopular with Missourians across the political spectrum.
Platte County Democrats ask our voters to educate themselves before going to the ballot box in the August primary. We know that Missouri Republicans will use “ballot candy” to try and deceive and confuse voters that is why we will continue to help keep our voters educated.
The August primary election is incredibly important for Democrats to show up at the polls. Get registered and check your registration at www.sos.mo.gov The last day to register is July 8th. Also, ensure your family and friends are registered and get to the polls. For more voter registration or ballot information check out https://plattedems.org/voter-guide/
We can make history at the August primary, if we all show up and vote all the way down the ballot.
--Platte County
Democratic
Central Committee
