On November 3rd, Missouri voters will decide five statewide ballot questions: four proposed constitutional amendments and one referendum.
Some of these measures deal with issues that have received a great deal of public attention. Others deal with the structure of state government and probably aren't as familiar.
My goal is simple: explain what each question does, what a "yes" or "no" vote means, and what the practical result would be.
Amendment 3: Abortion & Gender Transition Restrictions
Amendment 3 is a direct response to the reproductive rights amendment passed by voters in 2024.
Amendment 3 would:
- Repeal the 2024 constitutional amendment that provided & protected abortion access through fetal viability.
- Allow abortion in cases of rape or incest (under 12 weeks of pregnancy), medical emergencies and fetal anomalies.
- Allow the legislature to pass laws regulating abortion providers and facilities.
- Require parental consent before a minor can get an abortion.
- Prohibit public funding of abortion except in limited circumstances.
- Prohibit gender transition procedures for minors, including surgery, cross-sex hormones and puberty blockers, with exceptions for certain medical conditions.
A "yes" vote repeals the 2024 amendment and replaces it with these narrower protections.
A "no" vote leaves the 2024 provision in place, preserving abortion access through fetal viability and not addressing any restrictions for gender transitions for minors.
The state estimates no direct fiscal impact, though Greene County projects a possible unspecified increase in tax revenue.
Amendment 6: Initiative Petitions
This is the most important amendment on the ballet. If it passes, it will begin to deconstruct our Constitutional Republic.
Amendment 6 had a bumpy road to the ballot. Secretary of State Denny Hoskins initially found the petition insufficient in August, before the Missouri Supreme Court reversed that decision on September 3rd and ordered it certified for November.
An initiative petition allows out-of-state organizations or citizens to collect enough valid signatures to put a proposed law or constitutional amendment directly before Missouri voters, bypassing the legislature.
The process currently is mostly used by out-of-state organizations that spend millions of dollars paying individuals to collect signatures across the state when they can't get the legislature to pass something they want. It has become the way the largest of special interest groups can achieve their policy agenda even if the elected representatives of the citizenry won't comply.
The signature collection process is usually not done according to statute and voters who sign most often do not fully understand what they are agreeing to. Although the IP process was designed to be used by "regular citizens", the process is extremely expensive, costing millions which prevents citizens from actually using it.
The IP process is complex, but it is not functioning well and needs to be adjusted. However, Amendment 6 is not what we need.
Amendment 6 would change the Missouri Constitution to ALLOW:
- The Initiative Petition process to be considered a fundamental right.
- Allow the courts to rewrite ballot summaries through lawsuits.
If Amendment 6 passes, the Missouri Constitution would PROHIBIT:
- The legislature from EVER changing the IP process or referendum powers.
- The legislature from changing or repealing any statute or constitutional amendment passed by IP, retroactive back to January 1, 2010, UNLESS 80% of both the House & Senate agree to the referendum which would then go back to the voters for ratification.
- The legislature from passing a law "similar in effect" to one voters already rejected via referendum, UNLESS 80% of both the House & Senate agree to the referendum which would then go back to the voters for ratification.
If Amendment 6 passes, the Missouri Constitution would PRESERVE:
- Existing simple majority vote ratification and signature collection requirements for certification.
Amendment 7 The "Show-Me Prosperity Fund"
Amendment 7 would create a permanent public endowment fund intended to eventually replace state-imposed taxes.
Tax elimination would depend on the fund first accumulating enough assets and producing sufficient net investment earnings to support state government under the requirements contained in the amendment. There would be no immediate impact on taxes.
Key provisions:
- Establishes the Show-Me Prosperity Fund, a state investment endowment.
- Prevent the legislature from appropriating or diverting money from the fund until the State Treasurer certifies the fund's investment earnings are sufficient to eliminate state taxes.
- Caps annual withdrawals at 3% of the fund's average market value over the prior five years.
- Prohibits the legislature from reinstating eliminated taxes - except if the fund becomes insolvent or falls short, in which case lawmakers regain full authority to tax and spend as needed.
A "yes" vote sets this fund in motion with the long-term goal of phasing out state taxes.
A "no" vote leaves the Constitution unchanged. The fund would not be created.
The state projects no immediate fiscal impact, since any tax eliminatio would dependon th efund's investment performance over time.
Amendment 8: Constitutional Sheriffs
Missouri law already generally provides for county sheriffs to be elected to four-year terms. Amendment 8 would move several provisions concerning sheriffs from state statute into the Missouri Constitution.
It would:
- Constitutionally guarantee the right of Missourians to elect their county sheriff every four years (currently a statutory requirement).
- Enshrine sheriffs' duties, currently governed by statute, directly in the constitution.
- Specify that an elected sheriff can only be removed through a writ of quo warranto initiated by the Attorney General.
Because four-year elected terms for sheriffs already exist under Missouri law, the practical effect of a "yes" vote is mostly to make removal harder and to insulate the office from future statutory change without another constitutional amendment.
A "no" vote leaves sheriff elections and removal governed by ordinary statute, which the legislature can amend more easily.
Proposition A: Congressional Redistricting Referendum
Unlike the amendments above, Prop A is a referendum - meaning it asks voters to approve or reject a law the legislature already passed, House Bill 1 from the 2025 second extraordinary session. It does not amend the Constitution.
- A "yes" vote approves the new congressional map passed by the General Assembly, which redraws Missouri's congressional district boundaries and keeps more counties intact than the current map.
- A "no" vote rejects the new map and leaves the congressional boundaries drawn in 2022 in place.
This measure exists because opponents of the legislature's new map successfully petitioned to force a public vote on it rather than let it take effect automatically.
The Bottom Line
The five questions on the ballot cover very different issues, but each one could have lasting effects on Missouri law and the Missouri Constitution. Each of these measures will be decided by a statewide simple majority of votes cast on that question.
Before you vote, I encourage you to read the official ballot language and, when possible, the full text of the proposals themselves. These are decisions that belong to the people of Missouri, and informed voters make better decisions.
The People Have Spoken
Last night, the people of Missouri spoke with unmistakable clarity. Amendment 5 was overwhelmingly rejected by Missouri voters:
NO: 1,165,085 votes (83.316%)
YES: 233,309 votes (16.664%)
That isn't just defeat. It is one of the clearest messages voters have sent in recent memory.
I was the only Republican in the Missouri Senate speaking out against Amendment 5.
I welcomed the criticism and the attacks. I was told I was on the wrong side of history and that I was repeating socialist talking points. I was even called a Marxist for refusing to go along.
I never wavered from the moment I stood on the Senate floor in the early morning hours. I voiced my opposition as we were required to take a vote on a final draft I hadn't been given time to fully read and digest.
Why I Took My Stand
I stood because I wasn't elected to protect political agendas. I was elected to protect Missouri taxpayers and defend our Constitution.
Last night, Missouri voters proved that standing on principle is never the wrong decision. I'd rather stand alone with the people than stand with the power and money against them.
Politics Needs to Change
I also hope last night brings an end to a style of campaigning that has no place in Missouri politics.
Too many Missourians who questioned Amendment 5 were mocked, bullied, or told they simply didn't understand the issue. Some campaign messages crossed the line. Voters were bullied by giving them the impression that their individual votes were being tracked. Our elections should be about informing voters - not intimidating them or pressuring them into supporting a particular outcome.
We can disagree on policy without attacking the character or motives of those who disagree. The people deserve honest debate, mutual respect, and campaigns built on facts instead of fear.
Thank You, Missouri
Thank you to every Missourian who took the time to study the issue and make your voice heard. Your vote sent a clear message that government must earn the people's trust - not assume it.
Congratulations
Finally, congratulations to every Senate and House primary winner in yesterday's election.
I will continue fighting for transparency, accountability, lower taxes, and the constitutional protections that keep government in its proper place.
Working for Missouri. Fighting for you.
Missouri families needed real property tax relief this legislative session. I was hopeful as session started, since the Senate Republican Caucus made real property tax reform its top priority. But with only two weeks left, so far we've fallen short of that goal.
As the session nears its end, the Missouri Senate passed only one property tax bill just this week, Senate Bill 1410. On paper, this bill addresses property tax policy - but in practice, it focused largely on administrative changes rather than lowering the actual tax burden on property owners.
In a nutshell: the process was adjusted, but the problem remains.
What's Really Happening
Across Missouri - and especially in places like Jackson County - families are dealing with increasing property assessments. Those assessments directly impact how much people pay in property taxes, and for many, the increases have been steep enough to force difficult financial decisions.
While legislation moved forward this week, it did not directly reduce those costs. Instead, the changes focused on areas like ballot language, classification rules, and technical adjustments to how tax limits are calculated under the Hancock Amendment.
Two adopted amendments further weakened taxpayer protections, which is why I ultimately voted against the final version of the bill.
At the same time, my Senate Bill 919 - which included broader, more meaningful reforms - was brought to the floor but there was no path forward.
What I Proposed
During debate on SB 1410, I offered several amendments aimed at delivering practical, real-world relief. Each one was designed to address the actual problem Missourians are facing - not just adjust the process around it.
Here's what those proposals would have done:
1. Cap Assessment Increases at 15%
Prevent sudden spikes in property valuations that lead to unaffordable tax hikes.
2. Increase Transparency in Valuations
Require clear disclosure of how property values are calculated, giving taxpayers a fair chance to understand and appeal assessments.
3. Lower Valuation Ratio Standards
Adjust standards to ensure properties are not assessed above 100% of market value - promoting fairness statewide.
4. Include Jackson County in Relief Measures
Extend relief options to Jackson County, which was previously left out. This amendment was tabled by a Republican senator before it was even fully read. The body didn't even know what was in the amendment.
5. Strengthen the Hancock Amendment
Close loopholes in the underlying bill and ensure the tax burden isn't unfairly shifted onto certain classes of property owners.
Each of these measures was voted down. Several were voted down because there were not enough Republicans on the chamber floor to prevail.
Why This Matters
This issue is about more than policy - it's about people.
Property rights are foundational to liberty. When rising taxes force families out of their homes, something has gone wrong. For many Missourians, especially seniors and working families, homeownership is not just about stability - it's about building a future and passing something on to the next generation.
Jackson County highlights the problem clearly. While 97 of Missouri's 114 counties received some form of relief option during last year's special session, Jackson County was excluded because the two Jackson County democrat senators filibustered. Jackson County got no relief during special session and that is, unfortunately, continuing to be the case.
Families in Jackson County and several others across the state in Senate Districts 6 and 16 and also the districts with Democrat senators, are still waiting for meaningful action.
What Comes Next
At this stage in the session, it is unlikely that comprehensive property tax reform will pass this year. That's the reality.
But this issue is not going away.
I remain committed to working with collegaues at the state level and with local officials to pursue solutions that actually reduce the burden on taxpayers and help families stay in their homes.
We should not accept a system where people are taxed out of their property. We can do better, and we need to.
If you're experiencing rising property taxes or have concerns about your assessment, I encourage you to reach out to our office. We are here to serve you, and your input matters as we continue this work.
Some weeks at the Capitol are easy to point to. Others are quieter, but just as important. This was one of those weeks for me - where meaningful progress was made, even if it didn't always make headlines.
Act Against Abusive Website Access Litigation Passed
I filed SB 1154 to protect Missouri businesses from predatory lawsuits when their commercial websites are not ADA compliant. It was rolled together with SBs 907 & 1154 in the committee process. I'm proud to say that it has passed both the House and the Senate and will be heading to the Governor's office soon.
Budget Takes Center Stage
On Wednesday, we spent nearly 12 hours on the Senate floor working through and passing all 13 of the state's budget bills. This is one of the most important responsibilities we have - deciding how your tax dollars are spent.
I voted yes on the budget for one reason: the overall bottom line was reduced by more than $1.1 billion.
For a long time, one of my biggest concerns has been the size and growth of government spending. In a nutshell:
- What's happening: Government spending has continued to grow year after year, especially since Covid and federal dollars poured in.
- What needs to happen: We must bring that spending down to a sustainable level. The Covid money coming in from the feds is over.
- Why it matters: If we don't control spending, the Missouri government isn't sustainable and we cannot responsibly lower taxes.
This reduction is a step in the right direction. It helps create a path toward meaningful tax relief for Missouri families. I'm hopeful we can continue building on this progress in the year ahead.
Progress on Artificial Intelligence & Property Taxes
Behind the scenes, I had several productive meetings this week that will help shape important policy moving forward in regard to Ai and property taxes.
Artificial Intelligence Legislation
I continue working on legislation to ensure human accountability remains front and center when it comes to Ai. This week included productive discussions - even coordination with the White House - and I'm pleased with the progress we're making.
The goal is simple: Ai should be a tool, not a decision-maker - and never a substitute for human responsibility.
Property Tax Relief
Conversations are ongoing, especially regarding property taxes in Jackson County.
- My focus remains on reducing the burden on homeowners
- Protecting the ability of families to stay in their homes
- Creating more opportunity for homeownership
Property rights are a core freedom, and rising taxes threaten that stability. I will continue working toward solutions that put people first and help keep more money in your pocket.
Jackson County Appeals Process Audit Rating: POOR
This morning, State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick released the first part of a two-part audit regarding the Jackson County assessment process. The report gives the appeals process a "poor" rating while finding it ineffective and noncompliant with county code and state law also noting the Board of Equalization failed to operate transparently or maintain independence over the process.
Below, you'll find links to a summary document of the findings as well as the full audit report.
Coffee & Connections
Over the interim, I want to be accessible and available to my constituents. Getting to know you and hear your concerns is a priority to me.
The first event I'm hosting will be just after session ends, on Saturday May 23rd at 10:00 am, at Rae's Cafe in Independence. Coffee & cinnamon rolls are on me!
An RSVP isn't required, but it is helpful. If you know you'll be in attendance, we'd appreciate it if you would register here: Count Me In!
Despite the hate, chaos, confusion and turmoil in the world, the work of the cross and the power of the resurrection continues to change the hearts of men.
Jesus, the King, chose to come to earth, live as a man tempted like we are and die a horrible death by crucifixion so we wouldn't have to. He shed His blood as a sacrifice for the sin of all. He did it for love of His Father and for each of us.
John 3:16-17 says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him."
All that is required to receive the forgiveness and the abundant eternal life He offers is to receive Him into your heart. No amount of good works can earn our salvation. The resurrection is our assurance that all those who have received Him shall also rise from the dead and be with Him for all eternity.
May you be blessed by the Living God and receive newness of life.
