SRA Executive Director’s Statement on Missouri partners victory on August 4.
By Amber Wallin, Executive Director of the State Revenue Alliance and Alliance Action Fund
On Tuesday, August 4, Missourians soundly voted down two extreme examples of how state legislatures can undermine popular democracy and the revenue that pays for basic public services. The State Revenue Alliance is proud to stand with our partners who are true heroes for their communities and everyone in Missouri. They defeated a well-funded and cynical effort to permanently shift power to the wealthy and well-connected.
Like Amendments 4 and 5 in Missouri, many statewide ballot initiatives in 2026 are uniquely brazen, undemocratic, costly, and dangerous, and often make it nearly impossible for voters or future politicians to undo them.
We had no doubt Missourians would see Amendment 5 for what it was: a handout to the wealthy and well-connected that would shift costs onto Missouri workers and families and limit opportunities for generations in the future
It’s clear that the tax justice movement has panicked corporate lobbyists and anti-tax politicians into throwing a tantrum. Amendments 4 and 5 were harmful attempts to shore up power for the wealthy elite. And yet, they are only the first of at least 15 similar ballot measures across the country that are attacking citizen initiatives or dare voters to support giveaways to the rich.
The State Revenue Alliance, along with other national partners, tracks and defends against anti-tax efforts to sabotage state tax revenue, including at the ballot. Adding them up, remaining 2026 ballot measures that aim to cut taxes represent at least $16 billion in direct or potential lost public revenue each year. Several more would make it significantly harder for future generations to reverse course, either through ballot initiative or legislative means.
We stand ready to support our partners’ efforts to win for working families through a strong movement for tax justice, and we believe the resounding victory on Tuesday is proof that candidates and policies win when they demand that the rich pay what they owe.
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