This past week, more than one million Missouri voters headed to the polls to cast their votes in several crucial races. The primary election determined the candidates for U.S. Senate, four U.S. House seats, and the state’s top executive positions, including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, and Attorney General. Additionally, numerous Missouri State House and Senate seats were contested, setting the stage for the upcoming general election. Voter turnout was robust, reflecting the high stakes and public interest in shaping Missouri’s political landscape for the coming years. In addition to those races, Missourians weighed in on two contentious amendments to our state’s constitution. You can find all of the results of the August 6th primary election on the Missouri Secretary of State’s website, https://www.sos.mo.gov/.
Missouri voters approve amendment requiring more police spending in Kansas City
Missouri voters approved a measure requiring Kansas City to allocate at least 25% of its general revenue to policing, a policy previously overturned by the state supreme court. The amendment passed with 51% in favor and 48% against, amending the Missouri Constitution to increase the police funding requirement by 5%. The Kansas City Police Department is overseen by the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners, which includes the mayor and four members appointed by the governor. The legislation, initially passed in 2022 and approved by voters with 63%, was challenged and nullified by the Missouri Supreme Court, leading to the recent vote where Amendment 4 passed by a margin of just over 25,000 votes.
Missouri voters reject property tax break for childcare facilities
Constitutional Amendment 1 to exempt childcare facilities from paying property taxes was rejected by voters, with 54.7% opposing and 45.3% in favor. The proposal aimed to address the state's daycare shortage by incentivizing more facilities to open. The measure was part of ongoing legislative efforts to improve access to childcare, as outlined on voters’ ballots, which highlighted the potential benefits for children, families, the workforce, and society. With the amendment model failing to pass, Missouri lawmakers will likely explore alternative solutions in the upcoming legislative session beginning in January. This comes as Missouri education officials have apologized for an ongoing backlog of childcare subsidy payments, which has left many daycare providers on the brink of closure. The backlog, caused by technical issues with the state’s disbursement of federal funds, was expected to be resolved by the end of July but has been delayed further. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, which oversees the program, has attributed the delays to problems with a contracted vendor, whose system has not been fully operational since its launch in December. Efforts are now being made to clear the backlog within 45 working days, with the help of additional vendors and outside staff. Education officials have expressed frustration and concern for struggling daycare providers, acknowledging the urgent need to resolve the issue.
MoDOT Director McKenna announces resignation
Patrick McKenna, the director of the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), announced his resignation after nearly nine years in the role. His tenure included significant expansion of the department's highway construction program, partially funded by a state gas tax increase and federal infrastructure funding. The announcement was made during a meeting of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission, where McKenna expressed confidence in the department's future. With a new governor to be chosen in the November election, it may fall to them to appoint the next director for the department, depending on when McKenna’s departure date will be.
Governor embarks on trade mission to Panama
Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson are traveling to Panama from August 10-13 for a trade mission aimed at promoting Missouri as an ideal business location. Panama, a key trade partner for Missouri with $37 million in exports in 2023, has had a long-standing relationship with the state, including a 28-year partnership between the Missouri National Guard and Panama. During the trip, Governor Parson will meet with Panamanian government officials, U.S. diplomats, and visit Missouri National Guard members involved in a multinational exercise at the Panama Canal. The mission is part of Governor Parson’s focus on infrastructure and economic development, aiming to strengthen international ties and support mutual economic prosperity.
State releases July 2024 General Revenue Report
The State of Missouri's July 2024 General Revenue Report showed a 7.3% decrease in fiscal year-to-date net general revenue collections, dropping from $898.7 million in July 2023 to $833.5 million this year. Individual income tax collections fell by 11.9%, while sales and use tax collections decreased by 10.5%. In contrast, corporate income and franchise tax collections rose by 20.4%, and all other collections increased by 23.7%. Pass-Through Entity tax collections, a new category this year, added $8.6 million. Refunds decreased by 6.9% compared to last year.
