Amendment 5

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.

A crowded Missouri Senate District 6 GOP primary features candidates divided on Governor Mike Kehoe's tax plan to eliminate the state income tax via sales tax increases. Four candidates criticize Amendment 5 as vague and distrustful to voters, while others support moving the proposal forward for public consideration.

Missouri parent groups, including Parents for Missouri Public Schools, are organizing against Amendment 5, a proposed constitutional amendment that would replace income tax with higher sales taxes. Advocates argue the amendment could harm public school funding, particularly in rural districts already facing shortfalls due to reliance on lottery and gaming taxes.

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's one-tenth cent sales tax for parks and soil/water conservation is up for a 10-year renewal on August 4, 2020. The tax, which passed in every county in 2016 with 80% support, faces concerns over opposition campaigns and voter confusion due to multiple ballot measures, including Amendment 5, which could alter sales tax policies. Backers worry low primary turnout and anti-tax sentiment may impact its chances.

The Missouri Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal over the ballot summary for Amendment 5, which would allow lawmakers to increase sales tax to replace income tax. The decision upholds revised summary language from an appeals court, finalizing the version voters will see on the August 4 ballot. Proponents, including Governor Mike Kehoe, support the measure, while opponents argue it would impose higher taxes on everyday goods and services.

A Missouri appeals court upheld the inclusion of Amendment 5, a tax overhaul proposal, on the Aug. 4 ballot but required a revised summary for voters. The amendment would tie income tax cuts to revenue growth triggers and allow a five-year window for expanding sales taxes. The decision allows the measure to remain on the ballot but mandates changes to its summary before the final court deadline.

The Missouri Association of Realtors donated $1.9 million to oppose Amendment 5, a proposed tax plan that would allow lawmakers to eliminate Missouri’s income tax through expanded sales taxes. Opponents argue the amendment could undermine constitutional protections against real estate transfer taxes and new sales taxes on services, while supporters claim it aims to create a stronger economy by replacing income tax.

A Missouri proposal to replace the state individual income tax with expanded sales taxes will appear on the Aug. 4 ballot as Amendment 5, according to a Cole County judge's ruling. Opponents challenged the measure, arguing it violates constitutional requirements, but the judge dismissed these claims, allowing the initiative to proceed.

A Missouri judge will decide by Monday whether Amendment 5, a proposal to replace income tax with sales taxes, remains on the August ballot. Opponents argue the measure violates the state constitution’s single-subject rule, while supporters claim it complies by focusing solely on tax provisions. The ruling must allow time for appeals before the June 9 deadline for ballot changes.

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.