Latest news with #RespectMOVotersCoalition
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
What's next as Missouri lawmakers move to repeal two voter-approved measures?
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri lawmakers passed legislation Wednesday in efforts to roll back parts of two voter-approved measures passed last year: One that enshrines abortion protections in the state constitution, and another that expands paid sick leave and raises the state's minimum wage. In November 2024, Missouri voters approved Amendment 3 – a constitutional amendment guaranteeing abortion rights – and Proposition A – a statutory measure aimed at strengthening workforce protections for pay and sick leave. Now, more than six months later, the Missouri legislature has approved a referendum seeking to repeal Amendment 3 and a house bill aimed at undoing key provisions of Proposition A. New cat hoarding case linked to Wildwood mansion suspect Earlier this year, a spokesperson from the Missouri Sec. of State's Office told FOX 2, that 'There is no specific statutory protection in Missouri law that prevents lawmakers from challenging or altering voter-approved amendments or propositions.' Because of that, Missouri law does not prohibit lawmakers from pursuing changes to voter-approved measures, even for proposals that voters directly approved. Now that legislation has passed to challenge both Amendment 3 and Proposition A, at least in the forms approved by voters, many questions arise: What comes next? And what does the future hold for both measures? The answers ultimately depend on how each measure appeared on the ballot. Amendment 3, the abortion rights measure, was place on the November 2024 ballot as a constitutional amendment through the state's initiative petition process. Under Missouri law, constitutional amendments can only be changed through joint resolutions passed by both chambers of the Missouri legislature, followed by Missouri voters for approval. Since lawmakers approved House Joint Resolution 73, an effort to repeal Amendment 3 could appear on the November 2026 ballot, or perhaps sooner if Gov. Mike Kehoe calls for a special election before then. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Meanwhile, voters initially approved Proposition A as a statutory measure, which unlike constitutional amendments, can be altered through standard legislative action. Lawmakers are attempting to do so through House Bill 567. While Proposition A is currently in effect, Gov. Kehoe could simply sign HB 567 into law without any other steps required, a move that could change its provisions as early as August 28. In previous FOX 2 reports, some local election rights advocates argued that challenges to voter-approved measures often arise when the party in control of the state legislature opposes the outcome. With that in mind, one advocacy group known as the Respect MO Voters Coalition began gathering public input in March a possible future constitutional amendment that would prevent Missouri lawmakers from overturning or weakening voter-approved measures, citing concerns with how the current setup undermines direct democracy and disregards to voice of voters. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Friday event aims to gather input for constitutional amendment protecting voter voices
A statewide coalition is hosting an event Friday in Springfield to gather input about a new constitutional amendment aimed at protecting voting power. The event is organized by the Respect MO Voters Coalition, a newly formed, cross-partisan organization working to use the ballot initiative process to safeguard voters' choices from being undermined by politicians. It is one of 25 scheduled events to be held across the state, according to a news release from the coalition. The interactive town hall is set to take place at 5:30 p.m. Friday at the Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave. Through the event, citizen feedback will be gathered to shape a statewide campaign for a constitutional amendment in the next state election cycle. "The amendment will ban Missouri politicians from undermining citizen initiatives, including banning politicians from placing biased language on the ballot," the release stated. Missouri lawmakers have a long tradition of attempting to alter citizen initiatives. In 2020, when Missourians voted to expand Medicaid coverage, lawmakers refused to fund it until the Missouri Supreme Court ruled they had to. More recently, voters approved Proposition A, requiring paid sick leave and increases to the minimum wage, and Amendment 3, enshrining abortion-rights protections in the state's constitution. Despite this, lawmakers in Jefferson City have filed legislation repealing paid sick leave and changing the terms of the minimum wage increases, as well as, trying to reinstate a ban on abortions that was ended through voter approval. More: Here's what's on the April ballot in Springfield and surrounding communities in the Ozarks "The Respect MO Voters Coalition aims to enshrine protections for citizen-led initiatives in the state constitution, ensuring that the power remains with the people," the release says. "The coalition is committed to ensuring that Missouri voters' rights are protected from political interference." According to the coalition's website, after the town hall events throughout March, it will host a statewide policy summit to decide what versions of the initiative to file with the state. The coalition then plans to conduct several petition signature drives and pledges to place the question on the August or November 2026 ballot. Marta Mieze covers local government at the News-Leader. Have feedback, tips or story ideas? Contact her at mmieze@ This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Respect MO Voters Coalition seeks Missouri constitutional amendment
