Show-Me State Times

Missouri's 2024 legislative session was marred by political discord, which stalled key business priorities and had a detrimental impact on employers and families. The state's child care crisis and legal climate were among the issues that failed to progress due to lawmakers prioritizing political spectacle over practical governance.

The Missouri General Assembly managed to fulfill its constitutional obligation to pass a budget, but only sent 28 non-appropriations bills to Gov. Mike Parson’s desk out of more than 2,500 bills and resolutions filed. This lack of productivity has been attributed to political posturing and dysfunction, particularly from members of the Freedom Caucus.

“The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is disappointed that factional fighting stood in the way of effective governance," said Daniel P. Mehan, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber. He added that efforts by leaders who worked tirelessly against the chaos were overshadowed by a small group of obstructionists who prioritized personal ambition over serving their constituents.

Key pro-business priorities such as access to child care and legal climate reform were blocked. Despite widespread public support for increasing access to child care — believed by nearly 90% of Missouri voters to help parents succeed in the workplace — a bipartisan plan was blocked by the Freedom Caucus. Attempts at reforming the state’s legal climate were also stymied.

However, there were some wins for the business community. SB 754 contains a variety of crime reduction measures, addressing a top concern for 90 percent of CEOs and business leaders surveyed by the Missouri Chamber. SB 748 renews the Federal Reimbursement Allowance program, crucial for sustaining essential health care services across Missouri.

HB 1803 was passed to increase the cap on the MOBUCK$ program, an important economic driver offering loans at lower interest rates to small businesses, farmers, and local governments in Missouri.

The state budget includes funding for expanding I-44, building and retaining a skilled workforce, and onshoring high-tech manufacturing industries vital to national security.

Despite these victories, the Missouri Chamber found itself frequently defending against government overreach that threatened to derail the state's progress. It testified 32 times in opposition, opposing roughly one out of every five pieces of legislation.

“The Missouri Chamber will always defend free enterprise. No matter the issue, when government attempts to reach into business affairs, our position is simple – let business decide,” Mehan said.