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Missouri politics

Missouri voters could decide whether to eliminate the state income tax

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Missouri voters may soon decide one of the biggest tax policy questions the state has faced in decades: whether to gradually eliminate the state income tax and potentially replace much of the lost revenue with expanded sales taxes.

The proposal, approved by the Missouri Legislature this year, would phase out Missouri’s top individual income tax rate over time if certain state revenue targets are met.

Supporters say the plan could make Missouri more competitive economically, while critics warn it could increase costs for ordinary families and reduce funding for public services. [Read more…] about Missouri voters could decide whether to eliminate the state income tax

Missouri lawmakers approve tougher penalties for businesses hiring undocumented workers

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Missouri lawmakers have passed legislation that would give the state attorney general significantly expanded powers to investigate and penalize businesses accused of knowingly hiring undocumented immigrants.

House Bill 2366, sponsored by State Rep. Jeff Vernetti, was approved during the final weeks of the legislative session and now awaits action from Gov. Mike Kehoe.

Supporters say the measure is aimed at businesses that deliberately circumvent labor laws and gain unfair competitive advantages by employing unauthorized workers outside legal hiring systems. [Read more…] about Missouri lawmakers approve tougher penalties for businesses hiring undocumented workers

Missouri lawmakers reject effort to legalize video gambling machines

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Missouri lawmakers have once again rejected efforts to legalize video gambling machines, ending a years-long push to regulate the controversial devices found in gas stations, bars and convenience stores across the state.

According to St. Louis Public Radio, the bipartisan Senate Select Committee on Gaming voted unanimously against the latest proposal on Wednesday, effectively killing the bill for the 2026 legislative session.

The machines – commonly referred to as video lottery terminals, or VLTs – have operated for years in a legal gray area in Missouri. Supporters argued that legalization would allow the state to regulate the machines and collect tax revenue for education programs. [Read more…] about Missouri lawmakers reject effort to legalize video gambling machines

Missouri voters oust city council members after $6 billion data center approval

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Voters in the small Missouri city of Festus have removed four incumbent city council members from office following growing controversy surrounding approval of a proposed $6 billion data center development.

The election result in the St. Louis suburb came just days after the city council approved a development agreement for a large hyperscale data center project planned on roughly 360 acres on the city’s southwest side.

According to reporting by Politico and local Missouri media, all four incumbents seeking reelection were defeated after residents expressed frustration over the handling of the project, particularly concerns about transparency, rezoning, infrastructure impacts, and communication with the public. [Read more…] about Missouri voters oust city council members after $6 billion data center approval

Missouri Republicans push ‘born-alive’ abortion bill as session nears end

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Missouri Republicans are pushing to pass a controversial “born-alive” abortion bill before the state’s legislative session ends next week, setting up another major confrontation in the state’s long-running abortion debate.

The legislation, known as the “Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act”, would require medical providers to administer life-saving care to infants born alive following an attempted abortion. Under the bill, anyone who “knowingly performs or attempts to perform an overt act that kills a child born alive” could face first-degree murder charges.

The measure has become a top priority for Republican lawmakers in the state legislature, despite opposition from Democrats, abortion-rights advocates, and even some anti-abortion Republicans. [Read more…] about Missouri Republicans push ‘born-alive’ abortion bill as session nears end