Secretary of State News

Initiative Petitions Relating to St. Louis City's Police Force Approved for Circulation for 2010 Ballot

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:55:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Missouri - Secretary of State Robin Carnahan today announced that three new initiative petitions met state standards for circulation. The petitions would amend the Missouri Revised Statutes relating to St. Louis City's police force.

The ballot title for the first petition reads:

Shall Missouri law be amended to allow any city not within a county, currently St. Louis City, the option to replace the current state control over that city's municipal police force by passing an ordinance that establishes local control of the city's municipal police force?

It is estimated this proposal would allow the City of St. Louis to eliminate duplicative and unnecessary administrative functions that could result in unknown savings. Reductions in reimbursements from the state's Legal Expense Fund could result in state revenue savings up to $1 million annually.

The ballot titles for the next two petitions read:

Shall Missouri law be amended to allow any city not within a county, currently St. Louis City, the option to replace the current state control over that city's municipal police force and police retirement benefits system by passing ordinances that establish local control of the city's municipal police force and police retirement benefits?

It is estimated this proposal would allow the City of St. Louis to eliminate duplicative and unnecessary administrative functions that could result in unknown savings. Reductions in reimbursements from the state's Legal Expense Fund could result in state revenue savings up to $1 million annually.

The full text of the initiative petitions can be found at 2010 Approved Initiative Petitions.

The petitions, which would amend Chapter 84 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, were submitted by Bradley Ketcher of Ketcher Law Firm, LLC, 28 Plant Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63119.

Signatures on behalf of all initiative petitions for the 2010 ballot are due to the Secretary of State's office by no later than 5 p.m. on May 2, 2010.

Before circulating petitions, state law requires that groups must first have the form of their petition approved by the Secretary of State and Attorney General. The Secretary of State then prepares a summary statement of no more than 100 words and the State Auditor prepares a fiscal impact statement, both of which are subject to the approval of the Attorney General. When both statements are approved, they become the official ballot title.

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To find out more about Missouri's Secretary of State's office, visit www.sos.mo.gov

Carnahan Announces Performance by River Ridge String Band

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:54:00 GMT

Jefferson City, MO- Secretary of State Robin Carnahan today announced that a performance by the River Ridge String Band will be held at the Missouri State Archives, a division of her office, on Thursday, January 28, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. The program will feature a variety of music by the River Ridge String Band, a local band on the Missouri folk music scene.

The River Ridge String Band will once again take center stage at the Missouri State Archives. This musically versatile group, comprised of John Cunning, Charlie Nelson, Cliff White and Molly White, combines the hammered dulcimer, mandolin, guitar, banjo, accordion, vocals and folk percussion instruments to produce an interesting mix of traditional Irish music and old-time fiddle tunes.

Most of the band's repertoire originated as dance tunes in Scotland, Ireland and England. All the jigs, reels and hornpipes they play were part of country dances in the British Isles. Today, these "fiddle tunes" are the mainstay for a form of American folk dance known as contra dancing and are played during traditional Irish and Scottish gatherings known as ceilidhs.

Along with these tunes, the band adds a few classic Bluegrass songs and a variety of ballads and waltzes to create music that is enjoyable for all ages.

The Missouri State Archives is the official repository for state documents of permanent historic value, and is located at 600 West Main Street in Jefferson City. All programs at the Archives are free of charge and open to the public, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information on this and other programming at the Archives, contact Emily Luker, (573) 526-5296 or emily.luker@sos.mo.gov

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To find out more about Missouri's Secretary of State's office, visit www.sos.mo.gov

Initiative Petitions Relating to Earnings Taxes Approved for Circulation for 2010 Ballot

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:43:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Missouri - Secretary of State Robin Carnahan today announced that five new initiative petitions relating to earnings taxes met state standards for circulation.

The first ballot title for the petition relating to earnings taxes reads:

Shall Missouri law be amended to:

require voters in certain cities that have or may have in the future a population in excess of 700,000 and have an earnings tax to approve continuation of such tax at the next general municipal election and at an election held every 5 years and if not approved the tax will be phased out over 5 years; and

prohibit any city except for certain cities that have or may have in the future a population of more than 450,000 but less than 700,000 from using earnings taxes to fund their budget?

The proposal could eliminate certain city earnings taxes. For 2010, Kansas City and the City of St. Louis budgeted earnings tax revenue of $199.2 million and $141.2 million, respectively. Reduced earnings tax deductions could increase state revenues by $4.8 million. The total cost or savings to state and local governmental entities is unknown.

The second ballot title for the petition relating to earnings taxes reads:

Shall Missouri law be amended to:

require voters in certain cities that have or may have in the future a population in excess of 700,000 and have an earnings tax to approve continuation of such tax at the next general municipal election and at an election held every 5 years and if not approved the tax will be phased out over 10 years; and

prohibit any city except for certain cities that have or may have in the future a population of more than 450,000 but less than 700,000 from using earnings taxes to fund their budget?

The third ballot title for the petition relating to earnings taxes reads:

Shall Missouri law be amended to:

require voters in certain cities that have or may have in the future a population in excess of 700,000 and have an earnings tax to approve continuation of such tax at the next general municipal election and at an election held every 10 years and if not approved the tax will be phased out over 10 years; and

prohibit any city except for certain cities that have or may have in the future a population of more than 450,000 but less than 700,000 from using earnings taxes to fund their budget?

The fourth ballot title for the petition relating to earnings taxes reads:

Shall Missouri law be amended to:

require voters in certain cities that have or may have in the future a population in excess of 700,000 and have an earnings tax to approve continuation of such tax at the next general municipal election and at an election held every 5 years and if not approved the tax will be phased out over 10 years; and

prohibit any city except for certain cities that have or may have in the future a population of more than 450,000 but less than 700,000 from using earnings taxes to fund their budget?

The fifth ballot title for the petition relating to earnings taxes reads:

Shall Missouri law be amended to eliminate the ability of cities to use earnings taxes to fund their budgets by requiring certain cities that have or may have in the future a population in excess of 700,000 to phase out any earnings tax over a ten year period and prohibiting any city except for certain cities that have or may have in the future a population of more than 450,000 but less than 700,000 from using earnings taxes as a potential source of revenue?p>
The proposal would eliminate certain city earnings taxes. For 2010, Kansas City and the City of St. Louis budgeted earnings tax revenue of $199.2 million and $141.2 million, respectively. Reduced earnings tax deductions could increase state revenues by $4.8 million. The total cost or savings to state and local governmental entities is unknown.

The five petitions, which would amend Chapter 92 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, were submitted by Mr. Marc H. Ellinger, 308 East High Street, Ste. 301, Jefferson City, MO 65101-3237.

Before any statutory changes can be brought before Missouri voters in the November 2010 election, signatures must be obtained from registered voters equal to five (5) percent of the total votes cast in the 2008 governor's election from six of the state's nine congressional districts. Signatures on behalf of all initiative petitions for the 2010 ballot are due to the Secretary of State's office by no later than 5 p.m. on May 2, 2010.

A list of all 2010 initiative petitions approved for circulation and the full text of petitions can be found at 2010 Approved Initiative Petitions.

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Initiative Petition Relating to Early Voting Approved for Circulation for 2010 Ballot

Mon, 4 Jan 2010 16:58:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Missouri - Secretary of State Robin Carnahan today announced that a new initiative petition met state standards for circulation. The petition would amend the Missouri Revised Statutes relating to early voting.

The ballot title for the petition reads:

Shall Missouri law be amended to:

expand options for voters by allowing them to cast ballots in person prior to federal general elections without the current absentee ballot excuse requirement; and

make it illegal to cast such an early ballot and to vote at the polls for the same election?

State governmental entities will incur estimated costs of $1,436,250 or more in fiscal year 2013 (one-time costs of $705,000 and on-going costs for each federal general election of $731,250). It is estimated there is no cost to local governmental entities since costs of the proposal shall be paid by the state.

The petition, which would amend Chapter 115 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, was submitted by Ms. Jo Sapp, 1025 Hickory Hill Drive, Columbia, MO 65203.

Signatures on behalf of all initiative petitions for the 2010 ballot are due to the Secretary of State's office by no later than 5 p.m. on May 2, 2010.

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To find out more about Missouri's Secretary of State's office, visit www.sos.mo.gov

Carnahan's "Red Tape Reduction Act" Takes Effect on January 1

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 17:29:00 GMT

The New Year brings new, convenient options for Missouri businesses

Jefferson City, Missouri - Secretary of State Robin Carnahan today announced that the "Red Tape Reduction Act" goes into effect on January 1st. Beginning next week, businesses will have the option of filing corporate registration reports with the Secretary of State's Office every two years rather than annually. In addition, the "Red Tape Reduction Act" will allow businesses to change the date of their filing to match tax and other paperwork deadlines.

"I'm proud to have championed this law to make it easier for Missouri's more than 400,000 businesses," Carnahan said. "My office has saved businesses over $10 million in reduced fees since 2005, and I will continue to work to help small businesses grow and succeed in our state."

Dan Mehan, President and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the changes will make a difference for business owners. "In the current economy, anything that makes it easier for businesses to succeed in Missouri is an advantage for our state as we look to grow jobs and recover," Mehan said. "While allowing businesses to file every other year may seem like a small change, what it really does is allow companies to spend less time filling out paperwork and sending in forms so they can focus on what's important - running their businesses and conducting commerce."

Carnahan made this bill one of her major legislative priorities last session, and it was signed into law July 10, 2009, by Governor Jay Nixon as part of HB 481. Other provisions of the Act, which reduce fees by more than 50 percent for limited liability companies that file online, went into effect Aug. 28.

The "Red Tape Reduction Act" furthers Carnahan's commitment to increasing efficiency and streamlining the way businesses interact with government. In 2007, Carnahan launched the Missouri Business Portal (www.business.mo.gov), a joint venture with the governor's office, as a "one stop shop" for businesses to file reports or acquire licenses.

For more information on the Missouri Secretary of State's Office, visit www.sos.mo.gov

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Carnahan and Attorney General's Office Reach Settlement with Stifel Nicolaus

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:48:00 GMT

Hundreds of investors to get early access to needed cash

Jefferson City, Missouri - Secretary of State Robin Carnahan and the Attorney General's Office today announced that Stifel, Nicolaus & Co., Inc., will return up to $41 million to investors by the end of 2010 after the terms of a settlement were reached by her office.

Under the terms of the settlement, every Stifel customer holding auction rate securities will receive a partial payout by January 15, 2010, and all investors that held $150,000 or less will be completely paid back by December 2010. Remaining investors will be paid back fully by the end of 2011.

"The number one goal of my office has always been to get Stifel investors their money back as quickly as possible," Carnahan said. "With this settlement, 90% of Missourians and 80% of Stifel customers nationwide will be made whole by the end of 2010, many of them a year and half ahead of Stifel's original buyback offer."

This action also settles a lawsuit filed by the Attorney General's Office.

"This agreement with Stifel means that investors get quicker access to their money that was previously tied up in auction rate securities," said Joe Dandurand, Deputy Attorney General.

The terms reached today, negotiated by the securities divisions of Missouri and Indiana as part of a national task force, also require Stifel to work with a bank affiliate to offer investor-friendly loans to customers that need immediate cash. Stifel must hire a securities-industry expert to review its training, marketing and selling of nonconventional financial products in the future. In addition, Stifel will pay a penalty of $525,000 as well as costs incurred by the states for its failure to adequately train and supervise agents who sold auction rate securities.

When the auction rate market collapsed in February 2008, investors were left without access to their money. Over the past year, hundreds of investors called Secretary Carnahan's office because they could not access their money to cover medical expenses, pay for education, or retire as planned.

"It's good to have this settled. Stifel did the right thing by buying these investments back," said Roy Gerdel, a Stifel investor from Missouri. "The Secretary of State's Office did the right thing by working with Stifel to accelerate the process."

Since the meltdown, major financial firms across the country have worked with state regulators to buy back auction rate securities from their clients. Carnahan's office has reached settlements with 12 firms, including Wachovia Securities and Commerce Brokerage Services, which helped tens of thousands of investors get access to the money they desperately needed. Nationwide, settlements reached by Carnahan's Securities Division have returned over $10 billion to auction rate securities investors.

For more information regarding investments and fraud protection, or for information regarding a company or representative, call the Missouri Investor Hotline toll-free at 1-800-721-7996 or visit the Secretary of State's web site at www.sos.mo.gov/securities

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Seven Initiative Petitions Approved for Circulation for 2010 Ballot

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 17:17:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Missouri - Secretary of State Robin Carnahan today announced that seven new initiative petitions met state standards for circulation. Five of the petitions would amend the Missouri Revised Statutes relating to earnings taxes. Two of the petitions would amend the Missouri Revised Statutes relating to dog breeders.

The first ballot title for the petition relating to earnings taxes reads:

Shall Missouri law be amended to:

repeal the authority of certain cities to use earnings taxes to fund their budgets;

require voters in cities that currently have an earnings tax to approve continuation of such tax at the next general municipal election and at an election held every 5 years thereafter;

require any current earnings tax that is not approved by the voters to be phased out over a period of 5 years; and

prohibit any city from adding a new earnings tax to fund their budget?

The proposal could eliminate certain city earnings taxes. For 2010, Kansas City and the City of St. Louis budgeted earnings tax revenue of $199.2 million and $141.2 million, respectively. Reduced earnings tax deductions could increase state revenues by $4.8 million. The total cost or savings to state and local governmental entities is unknown.

The second ballot title for the petition relating to earnings taxes reads:

Shall Missouri law be amended to:

repeal the authority of certain cities to use earnings taxes to fund their budgets;

require voters in cities that currently have an earnings tax to approve continuation of such tax at the next general municipal election and at an election held every 5 years thereafter;

require any current earnings tax that is not approved by the voters to be phased out over a period of 10 years; and

prohibit any city from adding a new earnings tax to fund their budget?

The proposal could eliminate certain city earnings taxes. For 2010, Kansas City and the City of St. Louis budgeted earnings tax revenue of $199.2 million and $141.2 million, respectively. Reduced earnings tax deductions could increase state revenues by $4.8 million. The total cost or savings to state and local governmental entities is unknown.

The third ballot title for the petition relating to earnings taxes reads:

Shall Missouri law be amended to:

repeal the authority of certain cities to use earnings taxes to fund their budgets;

require voters in cities that currently have an earnings tax to approve continuation of such tax at the next general municipal election and at an election held every 10 years thereafter;

require any current earnings tax that is not approved by the voters to be phased out over a period of 10 years; and

prohibit any city from adding a new earnings tax to fund their budget?

The proposal could eliminate certain city earnings taxes. For 2010, Kansas City and the City of St. Louis budgeted earnings tax revenue of $199.2 million and $141.2 million, respectively. Reduced earnings tax deductions could increase state revenues by $4.8 million. The total cost or savings to state and local governmental entities is unknown.

The fourth ballot title for the petition relating to earnings taxes reads:

Shall Missouri law be amended to:

repeal the authority of certain cities to use earnings taxes to fund their budgets;

require voters in cities that currently have an earnings tax to approve continuation of such tax at the next general municipal election and at an election held every 5 years thereafter;

require any current earnings tax that is not approved by the voters to be phased out over a period of 10 years; and

prohibit any city from adding a new earnings tax to fund their budget?

The proposal could eliminate certain city earnings taxes. For 2010, Kansas City and the City of St. Louis budgeted earnings tax revenue of $199.2 million and $141.2 million, respectively. Reduced earnings tax deductions could increase state revenues by $4.8 million. The total cost or savings to state and local governmental entities is unknown.

The fifth ballot title for the petition relating to earnings taxes reads:

Shall Missouri law be amended to eliminate the ability of cities to use earnings taxes to fund their budgets by phasing out any existing earnings tax over a ten year period and prohibiting any city from adding such a tax as a potential source of revenue?

The proposal could eliminate certain city earnings taxes. For 2010, Kansas City and the City of St. Louis budgeted earnings tax revenue of $199.2 million and $141.2 million, respectively. Reduced earnings tax deductions could increase state revenues by $4.8 million. The total cost or savings to state and local governmental entities is unknown.

These five petitions relating to earnings taxes, which would amend Chapter 92 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, were submitted by Mr. Marc H. Ellinger, 308 East High Street, Ste. 301, Jefferson City, MO 65101-3237.

The first ballot title for the petition relating to dog breeders reads:

Shall Missouri law be amended to:

require large-scale dog breeding operations to provide each dog under their care with sufficient food, clean water, housing and space; necessary veterinary care; regular exercise and adequate rest between breeding cycles;

prohibit any breeder from having more than 50 breeding dogs for the purpose of selling their puppies as pets; and

create a misdemeanor crime of "puppy mill cruelty" for any violations?

It is estimated state governmental entities will incur costs of $654,768 (on-going costs of $521,356 and one-time costs of $133,412). Some local governmental entities may experience costs related to enforcement activities and savings related to reduced animal care activities.

The second ballot title for the petition relating to dog breeders reads:

Shall Missouri law be amended to:

require large-scale dog breeding operations to provide each dog under their care with sufficient food, clean water, housing and space; necessary veterinary care; regular exercise and adequate rest between breeding cycles;

prohibit any breeder from having more than 50 breeding dogs for the purpose of selling their puppies as pets; and

create a misdemeanor crime of "puppy mill cruelty" for any violations?

It is estimated state governmental entities will incur costs of $654,768 (on-going costs of $521,356 and one-time costs of $133,412). Some local governmental entities may experience costs related to enforcement activities and savings related to reduced animal care activities.

These two petitions relating to dog breeders, which would amend Chapter 273 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, were submitted by Barbara Schmitz, P.O. Box 300176, St. Louis, MO 63130.

Signatures on behalf of all initiative petitions for the 2010 ballot are due to the Secretary of State's office by no later than 5 p.m. on May 2, 2010.

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To find out more about Missouri's Secretary of State's office, visit www.sos.mo.gov

Carnahan Resolves Two Auction Rate Securities Cases for Missouri Investors

Wed, 9 Dec 2009 15:52:00 GMT

Settlements reached with Morgan Stanley and Texas-based IPI

Jefferson City, Missouri - Officials in Secretary of State Robin Carnahan's office have resolved two more auction rate securities cases. The most recent settlements were with Morgan Stanley and Investment Professionals, Inc. (IPI). Carnahan's Securities Division ordered Morgan Stanley to buy back certain retail portions of the more than $100 million in auction rate securities it sold to Missourians, and for IPI to repurchase the more than $1.5 million in auction rate securities they sold to Missouri investors.

Carnahan has been closely involved in resolutions reached by a national task force on auction rate securities since the $330 billion market melted down in February 2008, but has also worked separately on Missouri-focused cases, such as the IPI action. Along with IPI and Morgan Stanley, Carnahan's office has settled auction rate securities cases with Credit Suisse, NatCity, JPMorgan, Merrill Lynch, RBC Capital Markets, Banc of America, Citigroup, Commerce Brokerage Services, Inc, and Wachovia Securities. These orders are available online.

The Securities Division in Secretary Carnahan's office began investigating IPI's auction rate securities activities following a complaint by a Marshall, Missouri, resident in May 2008. The order indicates that even two months after the auction rate securities marketed failed, Texas-based IPI continued to recommend the products and characterized the meltdown as "temporary." IPI's dishonest sales practices led to decisive action by Carnahan's office requiring immediate repayment of more than $1.5 million to its auction rate securities clients in Missouri. The consent order also censures IPI and requires the firm to pay more than $50,000 to the Missouri Investor Education and Protection Fund.

Morgan Stanley, which sold a total of $103 million in auction rate securities to Missouri investors, is also required to repurchase certain auction rate securities it sold to Missouri clients in violation of state securities laws. In addition, the firm must pay more than $215,000 to the Missouri Investor Education and Protection Fund.

Midwest Secretaries of State Announce Expanded Military Voting Program

Mon, 7 Dec 2009 16:45:00 GMT

KANSAS CITY, MO. - The top election officials from four Midwest states today announced major improvements to the military voting programs available to the men and women serving our country. The changes are part of the Defense Reauthorization Act, passed by congress last month, and will be in place by the 2010 General Election.

"We owe the troops who bravely serve our country every opportunity to have their voices heard in our elections," said Carnahan. "I am pleased the other Secretaries in the Midwest share my commitment to implementing these changes so military voters have more efficient and convenient methods to vote."

Major changes mandated by the Act include implementing a tracking system that will allow military voters to verify their ballot has been received by their local election authority. Additionally, those serving in the military will now be able to receive their absentee ballots through a secure, electronic method up to 45 days in advance of the election.�

To return the ballot, expedited mail service will be made available to military voters at no cost. Without expedited service, a study published by the Pew Charitable Trusts found it can take 18 days to transmit mail to or from an overseas military voter, often making it difficult for ballots to arrive in time to be counted. In addition, uniform deadlines and rules from state to state will help ease confusion at military bases where men and women from across the country are serving together.

In 2008, Missouri Secretary of State Carnahan launched an unprecedented effort to reach out to Missourians serving in the military. Detailed information on voting options was distributed directly to more than 1,000 Missourians serving in Kosovo, placed in newsletters, distributed through military family organizations, and promoted at events across the state. In 2004, only 54% of ballots sent to military members were returned on time and counted.� Carnahan's education efforts helped to increased military ballots counted to 78% in 2008. The changes announced today will further increase convenience and security for Missouri men and women serving our country overseas.

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To find out more about the Missouri Secretary of State's Office, visit www.sos.mo.gov

Carnahan's Office Suspends Moberly Broker for Taking Life Savings of Elderly Investor

Tue, 1 Dec 2009 18:13:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Missouri - Officials in Secretary of State Robin Carnahan's office today suspended the license of Moberly-area broker Craig McClaskey for alleged securities laws violations after receiving information regarding his mishandling of an 85 year-old woman's life savings. Investors who have used McClaskey's services and have concerns about their investments should call the Missouri Investor Protection Hotline at (800) 721-7996.

According to the summary suspension order issued today, McClaskey moved $52,000 of the investor's savings into a Florida real estate investment which named McClaskey as a co-owner. The order also states that McClaskey changed several of the woman's investments to designate McClaskey's or his wife as the beneficiary. McClaskey is also alleged to have entered into an agreement to purchase his client's home for one dollar.

"It is unacceptable for financial professionals to take advantage of their clients, and I will not tolerate this behavior in Missouri," Carnahan said. "My office will work quickly to help any investor recover their losses and ensure that brokers answer for their dishonest actions. I will continue to stand up for Missouri seniors and crack down on anyone who attempts to prey on their life savings."

This case may lead to steep penalties under Carnahan's Senior Investor Protection Act, a new law that became effective in August. One of the toughest laws in the country protecting seniors from fraud, the Act imposes a minimum criminal penalty of $50,000 and an additional civil penalty of up to $5,000 for fraudulent acts committed against senior or disabled investors. The Act also contains provisions which may make it easier for an investor to recover lost savings.

Today's order sets a preliminary hearing on this matter for December 4. The summary suspension prohibits McClaskey, who has been a registered broker with Edward Jones since May 2001, from engaging in any broker activities in the state. Carnahan's office will continue its investigation into McClaskey's activities and seek all appropriate further action, which may include a permanent bar from the securities industry.

Carnahan's office has also referred the matter to county and state law enforcement officials. Edward Jones was not named in the order issued today.

Investors with questions or concerns about their investments in Moberly, Randolph County or elsewhere in the state should call the Missouri Investor Protection Hotline toll-free at (800) 721-7996 or visit the Secretary of State's web site at www.sos.mo.gov/securities.

Carnahan Makes Documents from Father of Osteopathic Medicine Available Online

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:03:00 GMT

Jefferson City, MO - "From the day I landed in Kirksville in 1874, osteopathy made some progress."� These words can be found in one of hundreds of original manuscripts and documents from the collection of papers of Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, the father of osteopathic medicine.�More than 650 pages from this collection are available online for the first time at the Missouri Digital Heritage website (www.missouridigitalheritage.com).

"I am pleased that my office was able to partner with the Still National Osteopathic Museum to allow Missourians to see these documents," Secretary of State Robin Carnahan said.�"This collection highlights some of the contributions our state has made to the world in the field of medicine."�

A strong abolitionist and Union Army civil war veteran, Andrew Taylor Still, M.D., D.O., created a philosophy of medicine that focused on the unity of all body parts, which differed from the practice of his day.�He recognized the body's ability to heal itself and stressed preventive medicine, eating properly and keeping fit.�Fellow Missourian Samuel Clemens was also a strong advocate of Osteopathic medicine.�In a letter Clemens wrote to an acquaintance in July of 1899, Clemens stated "Damn all the cures�..this is the satisfactory one."

When Still's theories were initially rejected, he moved from Kansas to Kirksville in 1874 and established a small office in the town square. His practice flourished, and in 1892 he founded the first college of osteopathic medicine, the American School of Osteopathy, which is now the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Through the Missouri State Library, a division of Carnahan's office, the Still National Osteopathic Museum received a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services funded by the Library Services and Technology Act to help get these documents online. In 2008 Carnahan created the Missouri Digital Heritage website, which makes millions of historical documents available online to the public.�

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To find out more about Missouri's Secretary of State's office, visit www.sos.mo.gov

Statement from Secretary Carnahan on Wells Fargo Auction Rate Securities Settlement

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:19:00 GMT

Jefferson City, MO - Secretary of State Robin Carnahan today released the following statement regarding the national settlement with Wells Fargo Investments in auction rate securities investigations:

I am pleased that $1.3 billion is being returned to investors nationwide, and I applaud Wells Fargo for finally agreeing to this important relief.�During these tough economic times, I am glad we can stand up for Missourians and others who need our help.

This settlement is just one of many examples that show state securities regulators are best able to respond to the concerns of main street investors. I appreciate the work and determination of the state regulators that worked with Wells Fargo to reach this settlement, including the Missouri Securities Division, which helped lead this investigation.

More information on the national settlement is available from the North American Securities Administrators Association, online here.

In the past year, major investment banks across the country worked with state regulators and bought back auction rate securities from their clients. Carnahan's office has reached agreements with over 11 firms, including Wachovia Securities and Commerce Bank, which helped tens of thousands investors get access to the money they desperately needed. Nationwide, agreements reached by Carnahan's Securities Division have returned over $10 billion to auction rate securities investors.

For more information regarding investments and fraud protection, visit the Secretary of State's online Missouri Investor Protection Center at www.MissouriSafeSavings.com or call the toll free Investor Protection Hotline at 1-800-721-7996.

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To find out more about the Missouri Secretary of State's Office, visit www.sos.mo.gov

Carnahan Issues Alert about Oil and Gas Investment Offers

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:55:00 GMT

Asks Missourians with any information relating to these offers to call her office

Jefferson City, MO - Secretary of State Robin Carnahan is warning Missourians to exercise special care and vigilance when considering any investment into oil and gas ventures. Recent complaints to the Missouri Securities Division reveal these investments are currently being pitched to investors across the state, but many of these opportunities may be misleading and bring high risks.

Promoters have recently begun making unsolicited calls to Missourians seeking to raise money to finance oil drilling projects. Missourians should know that some of these promoters have had previous run-ins with state and federal regulators over prior oil and gas schemes.� And other offers relating to oil, gas and alternative energy projects involve dubious promises of high returns.�

“Energy investments may seem exciting, but all too often the promises of high returns are just a tactic to get your money,” Carnahan said. “If anyone tells you to invest in oil, gas, or alternative energy, contact my office to makes sure the investment is properly registered before you hand over your savings.”

Some promoters of these ventures have not registered their offers because they claim to be exempt from state and federal regulation. Regulators in other states, however, have taken action. Most recently, Colorado filed a complaint alleging fraud in connection with the marketing of investments in oil and gas drilling operations, available online here.�

Carnahan's office has ongoing investigations into several oil and gas drilling offers, and is working with other law enforcement agencies. Should the Securities Division find violations of the Missouri Securities Act, it will take immediate enforcement action.

In the meantime, Carnahan urges extra caution when considering an offer to invest in any drilling venture.

“Investors should ask for information on all of the risks involved and the full history of all key players involved in any investment,” Carnahan said. “If something doesn't feel right, I encourage investors to contact my office immediately.”

For more information regarding investments and fraud protection, visit the Secretary of State's online Missouri Investor Protection Center at www.MissouriSafeSavings.com or call the toll free Investor Protection Hotline at 1-800-721-7996.

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INITIATIVE PETITION RELATING TO REPEALING THE NONPARTISAN COURT PLAN APPROVED FOR CIRCULATION FOR 2010 BALLOT

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:56:00 GMT

Jefferson City, MO - Secretary of State Robin Carnahan today announced that a new initiative petition met state standards for circulation. The petition would amend the Missouri Constitution relating to repealing the nonpartisan court plan.

The ballot title for the petition reads:

Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:

repeal the current nonpartisan court plan used to select judges and the current prohibition on judges participating in political campaigns;
select all judges through partisan elections; and
reduce the terms for Supreme Court and Court of Appeals judges from 12 to 8 years?

Most local election authorities estimate no costs or savings, however, some local election authorities may incur estimated costs of $25,000 to $184,536 for each general election if the proposal results in the need for additional ballot pages. The proposal may result in an estimated savings of $7,741 to state governmental entities.

The petition, which would amend Article V of the Missouri Constitution, was submitted by Mr. James Harris with the group Better Courts for Missouri, at P.O. Box 1524, Jefferson City, MO 65102, 573-761-7875.

Before any constitutional changes can be brought before Missouri voters in the November 2010 election, signatures must be obtained from registered voters equal to eight (8) percent of the total votes cast in the 2008 governor's election from six of the state's nine congressional districts.

Signatures on behalf of all initiative petitions for the 2010 ballot are due to the Secretary of State's office by no later than 5 p.m. on May 2, 2010.

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To find out more about Missouri's Secretary of State's office, visit www.sos.mo.gov

Carnahan Statement on Ballot Summary Ruling

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:55:00 GMT

Cole County Circuit Court Rules in Favor of Carnahan

Jefferson City, MO - Secretary of State Robin Carnahan released the following statement in response to the Cole County Circuit Court ruling on the ballot summary language for an initiative petition related to elections and union or other representation:

"Our office remained confident throughout this process that the language we wrote for the initiative was an impartial, fair and accurate summary of the proposal.

Missourians deserve to be able to clearly understand what they are voting on, and our office will continue to work to ensure fairness and integrity in all aspects of the elections process."

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To find out more about Missouri’s Secretary of State’s office, visit www.sos.mo.gov