Rep. Dean Dohrman, a Republican, represents Johnson, Pettis, and Saline counties (District 51). He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2012. In addition to his legislative duties, Rep. Dohrman is an online professor. Rep. Dohrman is a member of Warrensburg and Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce, and Sedalia Lions Club. He attends Wesley United Methodist Church. A graduate of LaMonte High, Rep. Dohrman earned his PhD from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2004. Born in Warrensburg, Rep. Dohrman currently lives in LaMonte.

Capitol Report, Oct. 6

Posted Thursday, October 6, 2016, at 3:18 PM

Last Friday, the Malta Bend R-V School District came to the Capitol for a visit and to learn about Missouri history and how state government works. It was great to meet so many enthusiastic and engaged students! (Contributed image)

A few weeks ago, I shared with you that Governor Nixon was back up to his old tricks by withholding funding from education in Missouri. As of yesterday, however, the governor has decided to reverse some of his budget cuts. Citing an uptick in state revenue, the governor released $12.1 million, including $6 million for public schools and $3 million for school transportation, which had been cut by $16.5 million. Nevertheless, despite this recent release of funds, as of today, $162 million of budgeted spending remains on hold.

In other news, as I have noted the last few weeks, we are quickly approaching the November election. This election year there are several ballot measures/propositions. These measures are proposed pieces of legislation that must be approved or rejected by voters to become law. As we near the November election, I will continue to briefly summarize each ballot measure that you will see when you head to the polls in a few weeks. This week I will wrap up the list with the last two ballot measures:

Official Ballot Title - Constitutional Amendment 6
Proposed by 98th General Assembly (Second Regular Session) - SS HJR 53

Official Ballot Question:

Shall the Constitution of Missouri be amended to state that voters may be required by law, which may be subject to exception, to verify one's identity, citizenship, and residence by presenting identification that may include valid government-issued photo identification?

The proposed amendment will result in no costs or savings because any potential costs would be due to the enactment of a general law allowed by this proposal. If such a general law is enacted, the potential costs to state and local governments are unknown, but could exceed $2.1 million annually.

Fair Ballot Language:

A "yes" vote will amend the Missouri Constitution to state that voters may be required by law to verify their identity, citizenship, and residence by presenting identification that may include valid government-issued photo identification. Exceptions to this identification requirement may also be provided by law.

A "no" vote will not amend the Missouri Constitution regarding elections. If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes.

Official Ballot Title - Proposition A
Proposed by Initiative Petition

Official Ballot Question:

Shall Missouri law be amended to:

-- increase taxes on cigarettes in 2017, 2019, and 2021, at which point this additional tax will total 23 cents per pack of 20;

-- increase the tax paid by sellers on other tobacco products by 5 percent of manufacturer's invoice price;

-- use funds generated by these taxes exclusively to fund transportation infrastructure projects; and

-- repeal these taxes if a measure to increase any tax or fee on cigarettes or other tobacco products is certified to appear on

any local or statewide ballot?

State government revenue will increase by approximately $95 million to $103 million annually when cigarette and tobacco tax increases are fully implemented, with the new revenue earmarked for transportation infrastructure. Local government revenues could decrease approximately $3 million annually due to decreased cigarette and tobacco sales.

Fair Ballot Language:

A "yes" vote will amend Missouri law to increase taxes on cigarettes in 2017, 2019, and 2021, at which point this additional tax will total 23 cents per pack of 20. This amendment also increases the tax paid by sellers on other tobacco products by 5 percent of manufacturer's invoice price. This amendment further provides that the funds generated by these taxes shall be used exclusively to fund transportation infrastructure projects. These taxes are repealed if a measure to increase any tax or fee on cigarettes or other tobacco products is certified to appear on any local or statewide ballot.

A "no" vote will not amend Missouri law relating to taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products.

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