Proposed overhaul to the Missouri petition process discussed in Senate
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Proposed overhaul to the Missouri petition process discussed in Senate

Date: March 2, 2010
By: Alexandra Smoldt
State Capitol Bureau
Links: SB 818

Intro:  Democratic debate stalled Senate action on proposed changes to the Missouri petition process.
RunTime:  0:42
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Changes in the Senate bill would overhaul the process of petitioning for Missourians, making it easier to get voter backed issues to the legislature.  

Jim Lembke, a Republican Senator from St. Louis county, advocated the need for change in the petition process.

Actuality:  LEMBKE9.WAV
Run Time:  00:09
Description: "There are some things that are in place that cause it to be more restrictive and then there are other things that aren't in statue that prevent us from being more streamlined."

The changes would make the petition process easier for Missouri citizens and would allow for more flexibility in getting signatures.

Some expressed concern that the changes will place too much responsibility on voters and flood the Captiol with petitions.

Reporting from the state Captiol, I'm Alexandra Smoldt.

Intro:  Senate debate stalled action on grassroots petition rights.
RunTime:  0:42
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Proposed changes in a Senate bill would make the petition process much easier for Missourians.

Jim Lembke, Republican Senator from St. Louis county , discussed the need for such changes as fundamental rights.

Actuality:  LEMBKE8.WAV
Run Time:  00:18
Description: "Quite frankly, I'd rather us do this work down here in the legislative body, you know, were a representative republic, we should be tackling these difficult issues for the voters, but when they feel like their legislators aren't acting on important issues to them, they have reserved this right to themselves, in our constitution, so i want to make sure that's not frustrated."

Some Senators expressed concern that if the changes pass, too much responsibility would be placed on the voters and not enough on the lawmakers themselves.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Alexandra Smoldt.