Amendment 4

Missouri women have fought for reproductive rights through decades of activism and legal battles. Marlene Hammerman volunteered at Reproductive Health Services in St. Louis for years, counseling thousands of women. Advocates launched a citizen-led ballot initiative to decriminalize abortion, requiring millions in funds and multiple lawsuits before Missourians voted down Amendment 4.

Missouri Republicans expressed concern that out-of-state interests were undermining the state constitution by influencing amendments. However, primary election results questioned this viewpoint: a GOP-backed tax overhaul (Amendment 5) lost by 67 percentage points, while Amendment 1 received strong support. Furthermore, the attempt to restrict constitutional amendments through Amendment 4 failed to achieve sufficient voter support.

Missouri voters rejected Amendments 4 and 5, which aimed to eliminate the state income tax and alter initiative petition rules, by significant margins. Amendments 1 and 2, related to extending a sales tax for parks and requiring elected county tax assessors, were projected to pass.

Michigan's Democratic Senate primary pits progressive Abdul El-Sayed, backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, against Rep. Haley Stevens, supported by Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, with implications for the party's direction. Voters in multiple states, including Missouri, are deciding on high-standard constitutional amendments and key races, such as a Missouri House contest. A voter in Michigan states they would support a Republican candidate in the general election if El-Sayed wins the primary.

Missouri's state primary includes a Democratic rematch between Wesley Bell and Cori Bush in the 1st Congressional District, with AIPAC supporting Bell. A new congressional map and redistricting have altered districts, affecting candidates like Emanuel Cleaver, and voters will decide on ballot measures including one to change constitutional amendment thresholds.

Missouri expects up to 1.4 million voters in its primary election, driven by two major ballot measures (Amendments 4 and 5) and congressional primaries in three districts. Secretary of State Denny Hoskins predicts 32% voter turnout, the highest since 2004, with significant variation across counties ranging from 20% to 70%.

Missouri's proposed Amendment 4 would require citizen-initiated constitutional amendments to pass in all eight congressional districts instead of a simple statewide majority, making it the nation's highest standard. Opponents argue it would severely limit direct democracy, while lawmakers claim it ensures proper vetting of initiatives.

Missouri's proposed Amendment 4 would require citizen-led constitutional amendments to pass in all eight congressional districts instead of a simple statewide majority, making it the nation's toughest standard. The measure aims to limit direct democracy by raising the approval threshold, a move opposed by groups supporting progressive initiatives.

Missouri's proposed Amendment 4 would require citizen-led constitutional amendments to pass in all eight of the state's congressional districts instead of a simple statewide majority, making it the nation's toughest standard for such initiatives. The proposal, opposed by groups supporting progressive ballot measures, aims to limit direct democracy by raising the approval threshold, a move lawmakers argue centralizes lawmaking authority in legislatures.

Missouri's early voting period for the August 4 primary election saw a surge in voter turnout, with counties like St. Charles and Boone reporting significantly higher numbers compared to previous years. The increase is attributed to voter familiarity with early voting and the presence of two constitutional amendments (Amendment 4 and 5) alongside a competitive Republican primary for county executive in St. Charles.

Missouri's political fundraising in 2023 is dominated by ballot measure campaigns for four constitutional amendments on the August 4 primary ballot, with over $27 million raised. Amendments 4 and 5 have attracted the most funding, with Amendment 4 opponents raising $6 million and $5.3 million respectively, while Amendment 5 supporters have raised $12.7 million.

Amendment 4, a proposed Missouri constitutional amendment, requires citizen-led amendments to win majorities in each of the state's eight congressional districts in addition to a statewide majority. Supporters argue it empowers rural Missouri by countering urban influence, while opponents claim it would silence rural and urban voters by making it harder to pass initiatives through petitions. Recent initiatives like Medicaid expansion and recreational marijuana legalization passed statewide despite rural opposition.

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe has criticized out-of-state funding for ballot initiatives while benefiting from financial support from a Delaware nonprofit with undisclosed donors for his own constitutional amendment to eliminate the state income tax. Critics argue the amendment would shift tax burdens onto working-class families and harm local retailers, while Kehoe and supporters claim it would enhance economic competitiveness.

Missouri voters approved a 2016 constitutional amendment banning new sales taxes on most services, but under proposed Amendment 4, it would have failed due to not securing a majority in each of Missouri's eight congressional districts. The 2016 measure passed statewide with 57% support but lost in the 1st Congressional District, meaning Amendment 4 would have blocked it and similar citizen-led initiatives.

Will Green of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) highlighted House Bill 549, which establishes a workforce training program, and Senate Bill 408 to update Louisiana’s workers’ compensation medical fee schedule as key legislative achievements. Disappointments included stalled insurance reform bills (HB526, HB1089) and the failure of Amendment 4, which aimed to address the inventory tax.

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe placed four constitutional amendments on the August primary ballot, including measures to expand sales taxes to replace income taxes and raise the threshold for citizen-led amendments. The August timing aims to give lawmakers time to prepare for tax reforms but faces criticism as a 'power grab' from opponents.