Rupp: The Voter Results are In

The November 2010 election is over and we have new leadership and laws to lead us in to 2011. I would first like to say thank you to all of our voters. One person's vote can truly make a difference, and I appreciate all of you who took the time out of your busy day to exercise your American right. I would also like to thank my fellow Missourians for allowing me to continue to serve you. I am very grateful and look forward to my upcoming term in the Senate.

According to the Missouri Secretary of State's office, our statewide voter turnout was 46.8 percent and many counties had a turnout above 50 percent. In the 2^nd Senatorial District, there was a 51.2 percent turnout in St. Charles County, and a 46.9 percent turnout in Lincoln County.

Among the issues voters had to decide were Proposition A, which was approved by a large 68.4 percent of voters. This amends Missouri law to repeal the authority of certain cities to use earnings taxes to fund their budgets.  The amendment further requires voters in cities that currently have an earnings tax, St. Louis and Kansas City, to approve continuation of such tax at the next general municipal election and at an election held every five years or to phase out the tax over a period of ten years. This measure will impact taxes by removing the ability of cities to fund their budgets through earnings taxes.  The only exception is that voters in cities that currently have an earnings tax may vote to continue such taxes.

Proposition B, which was approved by 51.6 percent of voters, amends Missouri law to require large-scale dog breeding operations to provide each dog under their care with sufficient food, clean water, housing and space; necessary veterinary care; and regular exercise and adequate rest between breeding cycles. The amendment further prohibits any breeder from having more than 50 breeding dogs for the purpose of selling their puppies as pets.

The election also brought Republican legislators across our nation and state to a high majority. In the Missouri House of Representatives, Republicans will hold 106 seats and Democrats will hold 57 seats. In the Missouri Senate, we will have 26 Republicans in service, the most our great state has ever had. I would like to welcome Reps. Brian Munzlinger, R-Williamstown; Brian Nieves, R-Union; Rob Schaaf, R-St. Joseph; Dan Brown, R-Rolla; Jay Wasson, R-Nixa; Ron Richard, R-Joplin; Mike Parson, R-Bolivar; and Bob Dixon, R-Springfield; and Mike Kehoe; R-Jefferson City, to the Senate. I look forward to serving with all the new and returning members in the upcoming legislative session.

For more information about the election results, visit www.sos.mo.gov.

If you have any questions regarding this matter or any other issues within state government, please visit my website at www.senate.mo.gov/rupp.  You can also e-mail me or call my office toll-free at (866) 271-2844.