Doug Beck

Factional warfare marks passage of Republican priority as Freedom Caucus members denounce leadership for stripping out provisions labeled ‘ballot candy.’

Members of the Missouri Freedom Caucus have said passing a resolution that would make it harder to amend the state’s constitution is their top priority. Senate Democrats spent Monday and Tuesday filibustering the resolution.

As amendments aimed at legalizing abortion in cases of rape or incest were voted down, one Republican state senator defended the decision saying, ‘God does not make mistakes.’

Under the law, Missouri counties can decide whether to enact a property tax freeze for seniors. St. Louis and St. Charles counties, along with the City of St. Louis, have already taken advantage of the law.

Income and geographic restrictions would be loosened for a tax-credit program that provides scholarships to help pay for private school tuition under a bill debated Wednesday by the Missouri Senate’s education committee.

The bills now move to the House. Meanwhile, legalizing sports betting is stalled in the Senate.

The bill bars acquisition of farmland from five countries — China, Iran, North Korea, Russia and Venezuela — deemed by the state as enemies of the United States. It also limits how much land other countries would be able to own.

Over 100 educators heard from Gov. Mike Parson and state lawmakers at the Capitol on Tuesday.

The legislation makes several changes regarding K-12 education, including the creation of a portal that contains every school district’s curriculum and other information. It also would prohibit the teaching of critical race theory and other diversity-related concepts.

Beck is also hoping to pass legislation supporting movie and television filming tax credits.