David Stokes, director of municipal policy for the Show-Me Institute, opposes a constitutional amendment set to appear on the Aug. 6 ballot.

Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher says tax cuts have been good for the state's bottom line.

Stephen Kleinsmith, an Ozark resident and former Nixa Public Schools superintendent, says "there are numerous compelling reasons for this, including the separation of church and state, the religious diversity among students, legal precedents and the potential for disruption."

Roy Holand, former state legislator: "For those citizens bold enough to offer public comments, a more respectful and informational exchange could occur with the BOE adoption of the hearing policy used by the local city council and state legislature."

Jaimie Trussell, president and CEO of Council of Churches Inc.: "There is a cost of doing nothing to support our most vulnerable neighbors. In many ways, our community is already paying for it."

Dan Chiles, Bois D’Arc: "Stand up for your land and your water or you will lose both."

Missouri Rural Crisis Center member Darvin Bentlage: "Control over the meat industry and our food markets is so concentrated that meatpackers are able to control prices for the consumer and producer alike."

Rep. Melanie Stinnett, R-Springfield: "With final approval now in place, let us unite as Missourians in celebrating this huge step forward, recognizing that by caring for new mothers during their postpartum journey, we are sowing the seeds of a healthier and more family-friendly Missouri for generations to come."

A reader writes in response to an email exchange recently printed in SBJ.

Missouri Family Health Council official says, “Further investment in the health care safety net is needed, especially at this time when reproductive health care is already in deep crisis.”