Jefferson City – Secretary of State Robin Carnahan today announced that an initiative petition relating to taxation has met state standards for circulation.
The ballot title for the petition reads:
Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to provide a Missouri state income tax credit of 60% of the amount of contributions or donations made by individuals and corporations to Missouri public schools, higher education colleges and universities, and incorporated and operated educational not-for-profit corporations, organizations, institutions and foundations, in addition to the deductions currently allowed to the contributor or donor for their federal and state income taxes, with certain exceptions?
Annual state government revenue may decrease by an estimated $244 million. The proposal is estimated to increase state operating costs by at least $80,000. Reduced state revenue could result in decreased state funding for local governments and public education entities. Public education entities could have an unknown increase in donation revenue.
The petition, which would amend Article X of the Missouri Constitution, was submitted by Mr. Herman L. Kriegshauser, 19 Jennycliffe Lane, Chesterfield, Mo., 63005-7108, (636) 391-1216.
Before any constitutional changes can be brought before Missouri voters in the November 2012 election, signatures must be obtained from registered voters equal to eight (8) percent of the total votes cast in the 2008 governor’s election from six of the state’s nine congressional districts.
Signatures on behalf of all initiative petitions for the 2012 ballot are due to the Secretary of State’s office by no later than 5 p.m. on May 6, 2012.
Before circulating petitions, state law requires that groups must first have the form of their petition approved by the Secretary of State and Attorney General. The Secretary of State then prepares a summary statement of no more than 100 words and the State Auditor prepares a fiscal impact statement, both of which are subject to the approval of the Attorney General. When both statements are approved, they become the official ballot title.
