This initiative would create the Missouri Elections Trust Fund. Taxpayers in Missouri would have the option of checking a box on their state income tax form that would designate $5 from the state income taxes they have paid to this fund. (Doing so would not increase the tax liability of decrease the amount of any refund owed to taxpayers exercising this option.)

The funds collected through this program would be distributed only to candidates who voluntarily agree not to accept contributions from corporations or contributions over $1000 and to raise at least half of their money from contributions of $100 or less. The size of the match would depend upon how many taxpayers elect to contribute to the fund and how many candidates agree to the conditions attached to receiving public funds for their campaigns.

RATIONALE:

Some people contribute money to political campaigns because they believe in the candidate or the cause and want to contribute. Some people (primarily the “artificial persons” known as corporations, and some extremely wealthy individuals) contribute huge amounts of money designed to gain access to, and influence with, our elected representatives.

Determining the exact point at which a line is crossed from support to bribery, is somewhat subjective. However, it is clear to even the most casual observers that money has corrupted our system and that corporate interests (Wall Street, mega banks, and mulit-national corporations) have gained effective control of our government. Government of, by, and for the people has been perverted into government by and for corporate interests.

This is the full and complete text of this initiative petition, which was drafted by Winston Apple. It has been approved for circulation. If enough signatures are gathered by May 8, 2016, it will appear on the ballot in Missouri on November 8, 2016.

Be it enacted by the people of Missouri:

Two new sections of the Revised Missouri Statutes are hereby enacted, to be known as sections 130.230 and 143.990, to read as follows:

130.230. 1. “The Missouri elections trust fund” is hereby created to provide public financing for candidates for office in Missouri who agree to accept and meet certain conditions and limitations.

2. The government by the people trust fund will be administered by a board, to be known as the “public finance commission” consisting of seven members, to be nominated by the governor and approved by the senate.... see site for more