OpinionNovember 12, 2024

Missouri's recent elections bring changes: sports betting and reproductive health measures pass, while law enforcement pay and new gambling licenses fail. Plus, a new driver licensing system launches soon.

Chris Dinkins
Chris Dinkins

Thoughts and prayers go out to all those in are surrounding communities that have been impacted by the recent flooding. I have never seen the rivers rise as rapidly as what they did. I also want to thank all of emergency personnel that responded to those in need during this time.

I am glad that our elections are over and that we can get back to some normalcy without all the talk about candidates and ballot measures. I hope everyone can accept the outcome of the elections and move forward. I did not get everything that I was hoping for when the results came in but I understand the process and will continue to stand up for the values I believe in. If all of the results did not go the way you wanted, I hope you will work in a positive way changes. We all need to work together for the better of our communities, our state and our Nation. May God Bless America.

Here's a quick look at the statewide measures appearing on the ballot and which ones passed and did not pass.

• Amendment 2 – Sports Wagering: Would legalize sports betting for individuals 21+ in Missouri, with a 10% tax on revenues for education and gambling prevention. Passed

• Amendment 3 – Reproductive Health: Proposes constitutional rights for reproductive health choices, lifting Missouri's abortion ban but allowing certain restrictions after fetal viability. Passed

• Amendment 5 – Additional Gambling Boat License: Allows a new gambling boat license on the Osage River to fund early-childhood literacy programs. Did Not Pass

• Amendment 6 – Law Enforcement Salaries and Benefits: Supports funding for law enforcement compensation, including sheriffs and attorneys. Did Not Pass

• Amendment 7 – Voting and Candidate Election Rules: Limits voting to U.S. citizens, restricts ranked-choice voting, and clarifies primary election rules. Passed

• Proposition A – Minimum Wage and Paid Sick Leave: Increases minimum wage to $15 by 2026 and introduces paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. Passed

Missouri Launching New Licensing System with Faster Renewals and Online Options

In early November, the Missouri Department of Revenue will launch a new driver licensing system to modernize and expedite the license renewal process, offering online renewals and faster service at licensing offices. The system's features include upgraded computers, scanners, and customer tablets to help ensure accuracy and streamline the in-office experience across 275 locations.

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Adult drivers between 21 and 49 will benefit from online renewal options, reducing required in-person visits to every twelve years. Additionally, individuals who lose or damage their licenses will have the option to order duplicates online once within a renewal period, thus limiting unnecessary office visits.

The implementation, funded by a $33 million allocation from auto dealership fees under a 2021 law, requires a temporary suspension of licensing services from November 6 to November 11. Offices will close on November 8 for the Veterans Day holiday and resume with the new system on November 12.

This system’s second phase, set for 2026, will integrate with dealerships for sales tax collection at vehicle purchase, addressing issues with expired temporary tags by ensuring taxes are paid upfront. Security upgrades include a new online app for license access, incorporating biometric verification for added protection.

Missouri Schools Awarded State-Funded Grants to Recruit Local Teachers

Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) awarded its second round of “Grow Your Own” (GYO) grants to 125 local education agencies (LEAs) to help recruit local educators and address the state’s teacher shortage. DESE allocated $2.5 million for Fiscal Year 2025 to fund $10,000 one-time grants, supporting programs that encourage local students, paraprofessionals, and substitute teachers to pursue teaching careers. These grants fund dual-credit courses, scholarships, student internships, and certification pathways. Funding was also provided to award Grow Your Own grants to 15 educator preparation programs and five community colleges.

“Investing in Missouri students and their achievement means investing in our educator workforce — both the teachers serving classrooms today and those that will join the profession in the coming years,” said Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger. “Grow Your Own programs are an important part of continuing to address the statewide teacher shortage, so we are thrilled to be able to provide a second round of funding to support this work at the local level.”

LEAs applied to DESE through a competitive grant application process. Grant funds must be obligated, and reimbursement requested by May 31, 2025. You can find the list of LEA grant recipients here, as well as the list of educator preparation program and community college grant recipients.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, or suggestions you might have. As your Representative, I am here to assist you however I can. I can be reached by email at Chris.Dinkins@house.mo.gov or by phone at (573) 751-2112. Please do not contact me via social media. These messages are easy to overlook and may not be responded to in a timely manner.

CHRIS DINKINS serves the 144th District of Missouri. She can be reached by email at Chris.Dinkins@house.mo.gov or by phone at (573) 751-2112.

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