For Immediate Release July 14, 2014
Will Kraus Announces Support for Amendment 1 – Farmer’s Rights Calls on Current Secretary of State to Share His Position
LEE’S SUMMIT – Missouri State Senator and candidate for Secretary of State, Will Kraus, R-Lee’s Summit, has endorsed Constitutional Amendment 1 on the August 5, 2014 ballot. Amendment 1 is referred to as the “farmer’s rights” amendment and adds a constitutional guarantee that the right of Missouri citizens to engage in agricultural production and ranching practices shall not be infringed.
“Amendment 1 protects Missouri’s largest industry against intrusion from the federal and state government, as well as from attacks from outside special interest groups,” said Sen. Kraus. “I have always believed in smaller government and this amendment will ensure that Missouri’s farmers and ranchers can avoid damaging government regulations.”
Like many other Missourians, Sen. Kraus grew up on a family farm. He still manages the farm today.
“Growing up outside Sedalia I learned the value of the agriculture industry to Missouri,” said Sen. Kraus. “While the industry is changing, like most industries, farms and ranches are still our most important state asset. We need to make sure we don’t over-regulate and strangle those who are trying to put food on our tables. ”
Sen. Kraus has also called in the incumbent Secretary of State to share his position on Amendment 1.
“As a former legislator, the incumbent has often taken positions on issues important to Missourians,” said Sen. Kraus. “Since the Secretary of State’s office deals with businesses, and most farms of any size are now legal businesses, it is important he share his position on Amendment 1. Missouri voters deserve to know if he supports the protection of farmer’s rights, or if he supports more government intrusion into our most important industry.”
Sen. Kraus joined 28 other senators and 104 state representatives to pass House Joint Resolution 11 & 7 in 2013, which put Amendment 1 before the voters in August. Amendment 1 is supported by Missouri’s largest farming organizations such as the Missouri Farm Bureau and Missouri Farmer’s Care.
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