Mar 10 2025 2 mins
Missouri continues to grapple with economic and political challenges as it moves into spring 2025. The state legislature recently passed a controversial bill returning control of the St. Louis police department to the state after a 10-hour filibuster in the Senate. Supporters argue it will improve public safety, while critics see it as an overreach of state power. Governor Mike Kehoe praised the bill's passage as a key priority of his administration.
On the economic front, Missouri's business climate shows signs of growth despite ongoing drought conditions. The state added around 190,000 jobs since 2018, with GDP growth outpacing national averages. Recent expansions by companies like General Motors, American Foods Group, and Google have bolstered Missouri's manufacturing and tech sectors. However, persistent drought across much of the state is raising concerns about agricultural output and spring planting conditions.
In education news, a report from Child Care Aware of Missouri highlighted widespread "child care deserts" across the state, where demand for child care far exceeds available options. The shortage is estimated to cost Missouri's economy $1.35 billion annually. State lawmakers are considering measures to address the issue, though concrete solutions remain elusive.
Environmental challenges loom large as Missouri enters its third consecutive year of drought conditions. As of early March, 69% of the Missouri River Basin was experiencing drought, with the most severe conditions in the western part of the state. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers forecasts below-average runoff and reservoir storage for 2025, potentially impacting agriculture, navigation, and hydropower generation.
Looking ahead, Missouri Republicans are gearing up for an unusual 2026 election cycle focused on state legislative and local races rather than statewide offices. A key issue will likely be efforts to repeal and replace a 2024 constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights in the state. Additionally, lawmakers are considering utility legislation aimed at spurring economic development through infrastructure improvements and rate adjustments for large gas users.
On the economic front, Missouri's business climate shows signs of growth despite ongoing drought conditions. The state added around 190,000 jobs since 2018, with GDP growth outpacing national averages. Recent expansions by companies like General Motors, American Foods Group, and Google have bolstered Missouri's manufacturing and tech sectors. However, persistent drought across much of the state is raising concerns about agricultural output and spring planting conditions.
In education news, a report from Child Care Aware of Missouri highlighted widespread "child care deserts" across the state, where demand for child care far exceeds available options. The shortage is estimated to cost Missouri's economy $1.35 billion annually. State lawmakers are considering measures to address the issue, though concrete solutions remain elusive.
Environmental challenges loom large as Missouri enters its third consecutive year of drought conditions. As of early March, 69% of the Missouri River Basin was experiencing drought, with the most severe conditions in the western part of the state. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers forecasts below-average runoff and reservoir storage for 2025, potentially impacting agriculture, navigation, and hydropower generation.
Looking ahead, Missouri Republicans are gearing up for an unusual 2026 election cycle focused on state legislative and local races rather than statewide offices. A key issue will likely be efforts to repeal and replace a 2024 constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights in the state. Additionally, lawmakers are considering utility legislation aimed at spurring economic development through infrastructure improvements and rate adjustments for large gas users.