GOP Governor Mike Parson remains in the Missouri Governor’s Mansion in 2024 and Republicans will have supermajorities in both legislative chambers in the new session. It begins on Wednesday January 3 at high noon in Jefferson City. Republicans control the Missouri Senate 24-10 and the Missouri House 111-51. Missouri Senate Majority Leader Cindy O’Laughlin (R-Shelbina) joined us live on 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri” to preview the 2024 session. Leader O’Laughlin expresses frustration with a term that’s used sometimes in Jefferson City: RINO. That means Republican in name only. Senator O’Laughlin tells listeners that some of her GOP colleagues don’t want to compromise, adding that you must compromise to get 18 votes in the chamber. Senator O’Laughlin also doesn’t think the controversial slot machine issue will be resolved during the 2024 session:
(AUDIO): Missouri sports wagering legislation hearing set for this evening
A Missouri House committee will hear testimony Wednesday evening in Jefferson City on legislation to legalize sports wagering.
The bipartisan bill is sponsored by veteran State Rep. Phil Christofanelli (R-St. Peters), a senior member of the House in the term limits era.
“That used to be a novel idea, but almost every other state has done it at this point. I’ve been filing it for four or five years now,” Rep. Christofanelli says.
Representative Christofanelli spoke recently on 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri.” He wants the controversial issue of slot machines addressed separately.
“I like to take one issue at a time and try to get something done for the people back home,” says Christofanelli.
The Missouri House Emerging Issues Committee will hear House Bill 581 at 5 pm. Bill opponents include State Rep. Cheri Toalson Reisch (R-Hallsville), who worries about the impact of gambling addiction. Christofanelli tells listeners that people like sports wagering and that it’s good for the state and good for consumers.
Click here to listen to the January 5, 2023 “Wake Up Mid-Missouri” interview with Representative Christofanelli.
(AUDIO): Sportsradar’s Brandt Iden discusses Missouri sports wagering legislation on “Wake Up Columbia”
The controversial issue of slot machines is the main obstacle preventing sports wagering legislation from passing at the Missouri Capitol. A judge in Platte County has declared the machines illegal, and the issue could end up at the Missouri Supreme Court in the future. Supporters of sports wagering say it would bring an additional $10-million …
Hoskins says sports wagering and slot machine legislation would bring millions of dollars to Missouri
The Missouri Senate Economic Development Committee chairman supports an all-inclusive gaming agenda this year, including sportsbook and slot machines. State Sen. Denny Hoskins (R-Warrensburg) tells 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Columbia” that he’s hopeful a gaming bill will pass this year. He’s filed Senate Bill 643 and several other bills. “There’s 30-plus states now that …