Through the Initiative Petition process, groups can collect signatures on a particular issue, submit them to the Secretary of State’s office for certification based on set guideline/requirements and once signatures are certified, the language is placed on the ballot for Missourians to vote on. Groups supporting Medicaid Expansion have done so.
Secretary of State, Jay Ashcroft, has to follow the law in processing all Initiative Petition signatures presented to the Secretary of State’s office. The Governor, in this case, can determine which election (August or November) Missourians will vote on Medicaid Expansion.
Governor Parson has called the election for consideration of Medicaid Expansion to appear on the August 4 ballot. See Governor Parson’s and House Budget Chair, Rep. Cody Smith’s comments and concerns here:
Missouri Right to Life’s Pro-Life Concerns:
Initiative 2020-063 would add a new section to the Missouri State Constitution, known as Article IV, Section 36(c) (the “proposed Amendment”). A copy of the proposed Amendment is appended as the last page of
this article. There are six subsections of the proposed Amendment, of which two are of primary concern to pro-life citizens.
Subsection 1 is designed to increase the roll of persons entitled to Medicaid for their health coverage. Such maximization would enlarge the pool of persons who could obtain the abortion services that are allowed under Medicaid, especially if the Hyde Amendment were to be terminated, as many politicians are now demanding.
Subsection 4 would require the State to maximize the federal share of Medicaid expenditures in Missouri, which would negate efforts to create pro-life health programs with the State's own money.
This paper provides a summary of concerns raised by the proposed Amendment that all Missourians should carefully consider. Continue reading a complete list of Six Major Pro-Life Concerns here:
ON AUGUST 4, 2020 – VOTE “NO” ON MEDICAID EXPANSION,
PROTECT INNOCENT HUMAN LIVES
