Burlison urges support for Missouri Amendments 4 and 5, calls ballot measures critical to state's future

Southwest Missouri Congressman Eric Burlison is urging voters to support two proposed constitutional amendments he says could reshape the state's future, arguing they would strengthen Missouri's governing process and improve its long-term economic outlook.

Speaking on the KZRG Morning Newswatch, the Republican said Amendment 4 is the most important proposal facing Missouri voters, describing it as a needed overhaul of the state's initiative petition process.

He argued Missouri's Constitution has become cluttered with policy issues that should have been handled through state law rather than constitutional amendments. He said the current system allows constitutional changes to pass with a simple majority vote after supporters gather enough petition signatures.

"The Constitution should require a much more difficult threshold," Burlison said.

According to Burlison, Amendment 4 would preserve Missourians' ability to propose statutory changes through initiative petitions while making it more difficult to amend the state Constitution.

He says Missouri's current process isn't nearly as strict as the U.S. Constitution, which requires approval from three-fourths of the states before amendments can be ratified.

Burlison also criticized what he described as outside organizations and wealthy donors funding petition drives in Missouri. He said tighter constitutional standards would reduce outside influence, prevent misleading ballot language and better protect the state's governing framework. He framed the proposal as a safeguard against what he called "majority rule" overriding constitutional protections for minority rights.

The congressman also voiced strong support for Amendment 5, which would phase out Missouri's individual income tax if certain revenue conditions are met.

Burlison argued states without an income tax, including Texas, Tennessee and Florida, have experienced stronger population and economic growth than many states that levy one. He said income taxes discourage productivity, while consumption-based taxes place the burden on spending rather than earnings.

While acknowledging concerns that eliminating the income tax could eventually lead to higher sales taxes, Burlison said he has been told the amendment was written to remain within the limits of Missouri's Hancock Amendment. Even if tax policy shifted more toward consumption taxes, he said he would support the change because he believes it creates a fairer system that encourages work, investment and saving.

Beyond the ballot measures, Burlison also addressed recent concerns over insurance companies denying storm damage claims. He said existing state laws already provide consumer protections and argued enforcement should remain the responsibility of state insurance commissioners, attorneys general and state courts rather than the federal government.