Missouri lawmakers prioritize Prop A, education reform in final weeks
JOPLIN, Mo. — Missouri lawmakers say with just a few weeks left in this year's session—they're still working to make big changes to state law.
Missouri State Senator Jill Carter and State Representative Bob Bromley spoke this morning at the final Donuts and Delegates event of the year—hosted by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce.
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Senator Carter tells us that—compared to the last three years—things are moving much more smoothly in the Missouri Senate. And with just a few weeks left in this year's session—she says the focus is moving towards a couple of items at the top of the majority party wish list.
One of those items is Prop A—passed by Missouri voters last November. Along with increasing state minimum wage—it also requires employers to provide paid sick time for certain employees.
Republicans say they're concerned with the impact that could have on small businesses.Senator Carter says education reform will also be a hot topic.
'We're seeing at the federal level this break off of regulation, and we'd like to do that at the state level as well. Seventy percent of what goes on in public education is dictated by the Department of Education, our State Department of Education, and so, we're trying to give our teachers some flexibility in the assessment process, and also with being able to have more parent and community input,' said Senator Jill Carter, (R-Mo.) 32nd district.
Representative Bromley says his focus is on your vehicle. Specifically, Bromley says a bill allowing for a three-year license plate is being worked on. Currently—Missouri offers one and two-year options. Bromley says he's also working on legislation that would eliminate car inspections on any vehicle made after 2012.
He tells us a better working relationship with the State Senate has allowed both chambers to work on bigger ticket items—like the state budget—faster than in years past.That lets them address smaller—but no less important—issues now.
'Some of these you might consider to be smaller bills that are coming out now. Historically, we've done the small bills, and waited until the end to get the big bills. So now, we're working on a lot of things to do that,' said State Representative Bob Bromley, (R-Mo.) 162nd district.
Session ends on May 16th this year.
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You can follow the bills Senator Carter and Representative Bromley mentioned through links on FourStatesHomePage.com or at links provided here and here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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