<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=43yTut_1GyK7SVQ00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=43yTut_1GyK7SVQ00" width="960" height="1440" ><figcaption>State Rep. Dale Wright</figcaption></figure>Following the general election, the Missouri House of Representatives is preparing to welcome newly elected members for the 2027 legislative session.The 163-member House will consist of 95 Republicans and 68 Democrats when the General Assembly convenes in January. Republicans will retain the majority, while the new composition marks the first time since 2012 that they will hold fewer than the 109 seats needed for a two-thirds supermajority.The House is expected to welcome 64 incoming members, representing nearly 40% of the chamber. This includes 33 newly elected Republicans, three former Republican representatives returning to the House and 28 newly elected Democrats.Following the election, members of both parties gathered at the State Capitol to hold caucus meetings and elect their leadership teams for the next General Assembly.In the coming weeks, incoming representatives will visit the Capitol for orientation and training, meet with House staff and learn about the legislative process and resources available to support their work.The first regular session of the 104th General Assembly will convene in January 2027.Voters decide five statewide ballot measuresVoters approved Amendment 6, which requires approval from at least 80% of each legislative chamber before proposed changes to voter-approved laws can be submitted to voters for final approval. This means at least 131 votes will be required in the House and 28 votes in the Senate.Voters also approved Amendment 8, which adds provisions concerning the election, duties and removal of county sheriffs to the Missouri Constitution.Voters rejected Amendment 3, which would have changed constitutional provisions concerning reproductive health care and gender transition procedures for minors, and Amendment 7, which would have established the Show-Me Prosperity Fund.Voters also rejected Proposition A, which asked voters to approve the congressional district boundaries enacted by the General Assembly during a special session in 2025. The result leaves the congressional boundaries adopted in 2022 in place.Complete unofficial election results are available through the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office.Initiative to combat fraud in public benefit programsGov. Mike Kehoe announced a new state and federal partnership aimed at identifying, investigating and prosecuting fraud involving taxpayer-funded benefit programs during an Oct. 22 press conference at the State Capitol.The initiative, known as Operation Show-Me the Money, brings together the Governor’s Office, Missouri Attorney General’s Office and U.S. Department of Justice to strengthen oversight of state-administered programs that distribute federal funds.The program will focus on three areas: reviewing referrals from existing investigations and state agency employees, conducting targeted examinations of individual benefit programs and analyzing data across state agencies to identify potential fraud.Initial program reviews will focus on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).The initiative will also seek to identify improvements needed in existing programs and opportunities to strengthen oversight.According to the Governor’s Office, findings could lead to administrative changes, program improvements or future legislative proposals intended to prevent fraud and safeguard public funds.$39.4 million awarded to improve rural health care servicesThe Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) has awarded $39.4 million to 26 rural health care providers to modernize facilities and expand access to medical services.The funding, awarded through Missouri’s Rural Health Transformation Program, will support improvements to maternal health care, behavioral health treatment, diagnostic services, outpatient care and chronic disease management.Projects include renovations and expansions of existing health care facilities, new labor and delivery rooms, expanded behavioral health treatment areas, upgraded MRI and imaging equipment, and additional primary care services.The funding is intended to help rural providers modernize aging infrastructure, expand services closer to patients’ homes and improve access to preventive and coordinated care.The awards were made following a competitive review process. All awards remain contingent upon approval by the federal Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services before funding can be finalized.Missouri Department of Revenue moves to flat license platesThe Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) has begun transitioning from traditional raised-letter license plates to flat license plates in an effort to modernize vehicle registrations.The change will reduce production costs and prepare for the state’s transition from six-digit to seven-digit license plate numbers through the new FUSION system in February 2027.According to DOR, Missouri is running out of available six-digit license plate combinations, making the transition necessary to accommodate future registrations.With the exception of motorcycles and certain specialty plates, motorists requesting replacement plates for vehicles or trailers will receive six-digit flat plates until the launch of FUSION in February 2027, when seven-digit flat plates will begin being distributed.Additional information about Missouri license plates, vehicle registration and renewals is available through the Department of Revenue.Nominations for Governor’s Council on Disability awardsThe Missouri Governor’s Council on Disability is accepting nominations for its 2026 Inclusion Award and Youth Leadership Award, recognizing individuals and organizations working to improve accessibility and opportunities for Missourians with disabilities.The 35th annual Inclusion Award recognizes employers, businesses, organizations and individuals who demonstrate leadership in promoting accessibility, workplace inclusion and the removal of barriers for people with disabilities.The 14th annual Youth Leadership Award recognizes a Missourian with a disability between the ages of 16 and 26 who has demonstrated leadership, advocacy and service through school, volunteer activities or community involvement.Nominations for both awards are due Jan. 31, 2027, and may be submitted by colleagues, educators, family members, community organizations or individuals themselves.For additional information, nomination forms or assistance, contact the council at 573-751-2600.Free Medicare counseling appointments in FarmingtonAnyone interested in receiving assistance with Medicare plan selection is encouraged to take advantage of free counseling sessions sponsored by the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, known as Missouri SHIP.The LIFE Center, located at 725 E. Karsch Blvd. in Farmington, has trained Medicare counselors available to help individuals review their options and select plans that best meet their needs.Appointments are available Tuesday, Nov. 17; Friday, Nov. 20; and Tuesday, Dec. 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.Appointments are required, and walk-ins are discouraged, although organizers indicated they would make every effort to accommodate individuals without appointments.To schedule an appointment, call 573-756-4314.District eventsOne of the most rewarding aspects of serving as your state representative is the opportunity to meet with business leaders, fellow state representatives and school principals throughout southeast Missouri.These meetings provide opportunities to discuss concerns and work together on issues affecting education and the future of our communities.I recently participated in a Southeast Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals (SEMOASSP) legislative meeting with area principals and fellow state representatives.I also enjoyed visiting with third-grade students at Jefferson Elementary School and answering their questions. These students will grow up to become some of southeast Missouri’s future leaders!Another special honor was presenting a Missouri House resolution to Mrs. Maxine Cole as she celebrated her 100th birthday with her family. What a wonderful milestone and a beautiful lady!Happy 100th birthday, Mrs. Cole!Dale Wright</div></body>

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Following the general election, the Missouri House of Representatives is preparing to welcome newly elected members for the 2027 legislative session. The 163-member House will consist of 95 Republicans and 68 Democrats when the General Assembly convenes in January. Republicans will retain the majority, while the new composition marks the first time since 2012 that they will hold fewer than the 109 seats needed for a two-thirds supermajority.

Missouri House Prepares for New Legislative Session

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Following the general election, the Missouri House of Representatives is preparing to welcome newly elected members for the 2027 legislative session. The 1

Missouri House Prepares for New Legislative Session

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