Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander’s office last week approved a handful of petitions for circulation next year designed to limit campaign contributions and legalize medical marijuana.
To be included in the November ballot, petitioners must obtain signatures from registered voters equal to 8 percent of the total votes cast in the 2012 governor’s election from six of the state’s eight congressional districts, according to a news release. The number of signatures needed to change the state constitution currently is 157,788, according to Kander's office.
St. Louis resident Bradley Ketcher submitted eight petitions to establish campaigning limits for Missouri politicians.
If enough signatures are obtained, the ballot initiatives would ask for changes in the state’s constitution to:
• limit campaign contributions for local and state offices;
• establish a limit on gifts lobbyists can give elected officials;
• prohibit elected officials from serving as paid lobbyists; and
• prohibit sexual harassment by elected officials.
Ketcher’s request does not include dollar amounts for the proposed limitations. According to the release, state government entities estimate increased annual operating costs of at least $61,000 if voters approved the measures.
The second set of petitions approved for circulation last week were submitted by Columbia resident Sheila Dundon.
They call for the Missouri Constitution to be amended to legalize marijuana for medical purposes.
Specifically, the two petitions call on the law to be amended to:
• create regulations and licensing procedures for marijuana and marijuana facilities;
• impose a 4 percent tax on the retail sale of marijuana; and
• use generated funds for health care services for the Missouri Veterans Commission.
According to a news release from Kander’s office, the proposal is estimated to generate annual taxes and fees of $17 million to $21 million for state operating costs and veterans programs, $8 million for other state programs and $7 million for local governments.
Dame Chiropractic LLC emerged as the new name of Harshman Chiropractic Clinic LLC with the purchase of the business; Leo Kim added a second venture, Keikeu LLC, to 14 Mill Market; and Mercy Springfield Communities opened its second primary care clinic in Ozark.
