Comment period begins for initiative petition for educational vouchers

The word "voucher" is not included in the text of an initiative petition that may end up going to Missouri voters, but the language says that is exactly what the petition is offering, since it will allow public money to be put into private schools.

The comment period for the initiative petition has begun, as Secretary of State Jason Kander notes in this news release, which was issued this morning:

Secretary of State Jason Kander today announced that his office has approved the form of an initiative petition amending Article IX of the Missouri Constitution, and the initiative petition is now open for public comment. The petition (2014-045) was submitted by Barbara Swanson. Missourians can provide public comment athttp://www.sos.mo.gov/comment. 

                  

The five-day public comment period allows Missourians to offer their observations on the submitted proposal online or by mail or phone. The office has 10 days after the form of the petition is approved to draft the ballot summary language, during which time the office will review all comments.

In his first month in office, Kander instituted the public comment process, which includes posting the proposed initiative petition online as soon as its form is approved, to make the process more accessible and transparent for Missourians.