As part of its election series, the Fayette Advertiser and the Democrat Leader are providing summaries of the four ballot issues that will be on the Nov. 6 ballot. Below are the “Fair Ballot Language” of two ballot issues: Proposition B and Proposition E. Constitutional Amendment 3 and Proposition A were featured in the Oct. 6 Democrat-Leader. To aid voter understanding, each issue is followed by the views of State Sen. Bill Stouffer (a Republican) and State Rep. Paul Quinn (a Democrat). As many readers are familiar with these two men’s approach to governance, it is thought to be helpful to know their opinions. Candidates will be featured in subsequent issues.


A “yes” vote will amend Missouri law to create the Health and Education Trust Fund with proceeds from a tax on cigarettes and other tobacco products.  The amount of the tax is $0.0365 per cigarette and 25 percent of the manufacturer’s invoice price for roll-your-own tobacco and 15 percent for other tobacco products.  The Fund proceeds will be used to reduce and prevent tobacco use and for elementary, secondary, college, and university public school funding.  This amendment also increases the amount that certain tobacco product manufacturers must maintain in their escrow accounts, to pay judgments or settlements, before any funds in escrow can be refunded to the tobacco product manufacturer and creates bonding requirements for these manufacturers.

A “no” vote will not change the current Missouri law regarding taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products or the escrow account and bonding requirements for certain tobacco product manufacturers.

If passed, this measure will increase taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products.


In his Oct. 4 newsletter, Stouffer writes:

“Proposition B proposes a 760 percent increase to the cost of a pack of cigarettes of 73 cents, from 17 to 90 cents. Missouri currently has the lowest tax on cigarettes in the country. In addition, other aspects of the tobacco industry — such as cigarette papers, loose tobacco and cigars — would also see a raise in taxes. The funds would go towards education funding.

“Supporters of Proposition B say the tax hike would help some folks to stop smoking, plus it would give more money to our schools.

“Opponents claim any tax increase, especially given our economy, is bad. On the other hand, they also point out how an uneven playing field could be created with the passage of this tax raise. There’s wording in the tobacco settlement of 1998 that requires tobacco companies to contribute millions of dollars each year to Missouri’s Medicare fund. However,  the Allocable Share Release excludes those companies created, since the settlement was made 14 years ago. By revoking this loophole, smaller and newer tobacco sellers would have to provide the same amount of money every year as the so-called “big tobacco” companies.

“While education is a worthy cause, I will vote ‘no’ on this issue as now is a terrible time for such a large tax increase.”


In a telephone interview, Quinn said “whatever the people decide” is what he will use to guide his decisions.


A “yes” vote will amend Missouri law to prohibit the Governor or any state agency, from establishing or operating state-based health insurance exchanges unless authorized by a vote of the people or by the legislature.

A “no” vote will not amend Missouri law to prohibit the Governor or any state agency, from establishing or operating state-based health insurance exchanges unless authorized by a vote of the people or by the legislature.

If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes.


State Sen. Bill Stouffer (R-Napton) has long opposed recent attempts by the federal government to become involved in health care issues. He cites a 2010 state-wide vote which indicates a majority of Missourians agree with him. In 2010, 71 percent of Missourians supported then Proposition C which amended Missouri law to deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance.

“That’s a clear indication that our state’s citizens do not want to participate in big government efforts to control health care....”

Two other aspects of Proposition E rankle Stouffer: He believes the “Fair Ballot Language” is misleading and that Proposition E is an attempt by Gov. Jay Nixon to enact “Obamacare without legislative approval....”

“I am voting ‘YES’ on [Proposition E],” Stouffer stated in an Oct. 7 email.


As with Proposition B, Quinn said “whatever the people decide” is what he will use to guide his decisions.