Oppose Amendment 3

Some might wonder why so much controversy surrounds proposed Constitutional Amendment 3 -- it's only after one cuts through the sound bites and ads laden with adorable kids that the true deception of this Trojan horse tax scheme is revealed.

North Carolina-based R.J. Reynolds Tobacco, known as the makers of Camel and Pall-Mall cigarettes, has spent $9.5 million and counting to amend Missouri's Constitution. The reason Big Tobacco is pouring millions in Missouri is as sinister as the language buried within Amendment 3.

RJR controls 75 percent of Missouri's cigarette market, and it's using our kids to gain the other 25 percent. Market analysis shows Big Tobacco stands to gain nearly $500 million annually in sales if Amendment 3 passes, while spending less than $500 per Missouri pupil.

Amendment 3 automatically rebates 3 percent of taxes paid by consumers back to tobacco sellers and restricts funding for the enforcement of tobacco laws; it bans research funding on the harmful effects of tobacco smoke, including its impact on young children.

As a longtime leader on anti-abortion issues, I am deeply concerned Amendment 3 will enshrine abortion and abortion services definitions in our constitution for the first time in our state's history.

As a dedicated advocate of Parents As Teachers, I understand the significant impact that early education can have on our children. However, in the case of Amendment 3, something is not better than nothing.

I urge voters to join me in opposing constitutional Amendment 3 and voting no.

Rep. Tila Hubrecht, Dexter, Missouri