Latest news with #DeanVanSchoiack
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
For the people, by the people: Missouri's Initiative Petition process and changes for August 2025
ST. JOSEPH. MO (News-Press NOW) — A sweeping new law set to take effect Thursday, Aug. 28, will reshape how Missourians bring issues directly to the ballot. Citizens use the Initiative Petition process to put new laws or constitutional amendments directly on the ballot by gathering signatures. It's been used in Missouri for over 100 years, allowing voters to bypass the legislature and place issues directly on the ballot. Recent examples of this include medicaid expansion, abortion access and medical marijuana legalization. Senate Bill 22, passed by Missouri lawmakers earlier this year and signed by Governor Mike Parson, introduces a series of changes to the state's Initiative Petition process, altering everything from who writes the official ballot language to when and how legal challenges can be filed. Supporters of the bill acknowledge the changes will provide greater consistency and fairness. However, critics warn it could undermine democracy by making it harder for grassroots organizations to bring issues before voters. Ballot summary responsibility One of the most significant shifts under Senate Bill 22 is who will write the summary language appearing on ballots, a key piece of information that can shape how voters perceive an issue. Previously, the Missouri Secretary of State was responsible for writing the short summary that appears on ballots to explain what a proposed measure does. State Representative Dean Van Schoiack (R-Savannah), who represents part of Buchanan County, said the change is about 'putting power back in the hands of the elected General Assembly, rather than relying solely on one state office to control how issues are worded for voters.' I think the changes made here allow for the Secretary of State to do his job correctly," VanSchoiack said. Under the new law, when the legislature itself refers an issue to the ballot, lawmakers will now write the summary language instead. The Secretary of State will continue to write summaries for citizen-led petitions. Disagreers of the bill, including David Jones, the vice president for the St. Joseph National Education Association (NEA), argue that it gives more power to officials and not the will of the people. "It's important that when we do any initiatives that are going to go to the vote for the voters, that's worded clearly," Jones said. Longer ballot summaries In the past, anyone who disagreed with the wording of a ballot summary had 10 days after certification to challenge it. Courts also had the authority to rewrite summaries if they found the wording biased. Now, legal challenges and court fights over how a ballot question is worded must be filed by the 22nd Tuesday before the general election. Around 154 days ahead of time. Any court battles over ballot wording must be fully resolved at least 70 days before the election. Additionally, courts must wait for the Secretary of State to attempt up to three rewrites before stepping in. "It doesn't change what's in the petition or the resolution or whatever," VanSchoiack said. "It just gives a chance for the ballot language to change." But critics, including several voter advocacy groups, express that these new hurdles will make it harder for ordinary citizens to hold the government accountable, especially if ballot summaries are drafted in a way that favors one side. "It would be harder for organizations to challenge ballot initiatives that are worded improperly, Jones said. Tune in to News-Press NOW at 5 p.m. on Thursday to watch this Special Report. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Proposal to add more water experts to Missouri Clean Water Commission
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Republican lawmaker from northwest Missouri is rallying legislators from both sides of the aisle to change who can serve on the state's Clean Water Commission. House Bill 488 would require all members of the governor-appointed Clean Water Commission to 'have an interest in and knowledge of conservation and the effects and control of water contaminants.' The measure also specifies that at least two of the seven members 'shall be knowledgeable concerning the needs of agriculture, industry or mining.' But the main focus of the measure's sponsor, State Rep. Dean Van Schoiack, R-Andrew County, is to ensure 'water people' are on the board that 'The reason for the bill is to get more people that are knowledgeable about clean water on the commission,' Van Schoiak said. 'It says at least one person shall be knowledgeable in that field. So that means it could be more than one person.' Thunderstorms with gusty winds expected Tuesday There is currently no requirement that mandates the governor pick a certain number–or any– members of the water industry, including hydrologists or retired citizens who worked in water works. The commission, which is under the purview of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), exists to 'ensure all 2,800 public water systems in Missouri provide safe drinking water.' The appointed-board is also charged with advising the DNR on 'various drinking water issues.' The Missouri Clean Water Commission was established in 1972, the same year President Richard Nixon spearheaded the effort to create the federal Clean Water Act. The early 1970s were also a time where other environmental causes were sweeping through the country under Nixon: the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the adoption of the Clear Air Act. The current board consists of three Democrats and four Republicans. Van Schoiack said that includes members of the public, agriculture, mining but only one person who is a professional in the field of clean, reliable drinking water. At a hearing this week, water utilities including Missouri American Water as well as the Metropolitan Sewer District testified in favor of the bill, citing concerns that members of the board are political appointees and not people who are experts in the field. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now The proposal even got some support from environmental organizations like the Sierra Club, who testified that the intent of the bill is something they support. The only caveat from the Sierra Club's representative was specific language related to a water-related board member who was also concurrently working in the industry. But despite this objection to some of the language, the representative from the left-leaning organization told the committee that the crux of the bill is needed. lawmakers seemed poised to advance the bill onto the next stage of the policy process. Per House rules, HB 488 still needs to be heard and voted out of another committee before it can be taken up for perfection on the House floor. If approved by members of the House, the bill will be sent to the Senate for consideration. Unlike the lower chamber, bills in the Senate only need to be heard in one committee before it can go to the floor. Lawmakers are now halfway through the legislative session, with spring break set for next week. For more information on Missouri's Clean Water Law, . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
