Shield Maidens discuss state ballot issues

Stacy Shore, standing left, founder of Shield Maidens of Missouri — a grassroots watchdog organization focused on legislative transparency — and Lisa Pannett, seated with the microphone, address attendees during a presentation Wednesday evening at the Veterans of Foreign Wars/American Legion Hall in West Plains. Hosted by 154th District State Rep. Lisa Durnell, the event drew about 90 people to discuss data centers and state legislative ballot measures, focusing on constitutional amendments 4 and 5 ahead of the Aug. 4 primary election.  Amendment 4 would require citizen-initiated constitutional amendments to pass in all eight Missouri congressional districts rather than by a simple statewide majority. Amendment 5 proposes gradually eliminating the state personal income tax while allowing lawmakers to expand sales taxes to offset lost revenue. State Rep. Keith Elliott (R-153rd District) also attended the event. Watch the Quill next week for more coverage of the event.