Expecting a paywall?
Not our style.

We are on a mission to create a more informed public. Your contribution will sustain trustworthy journalism, available to everyone. Can you help?

Yes, I’ll Donate
© 2024 St. Louis Public Radio
St. Louis Public Radio is a listener-supported service of the University of Missouri–St. Louis.
St. Louis Public Radio
BBC World Service
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
BBC World Service
St. Louis Public Radio
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Other

MO House Republicans want fee office reform

By Kevin Lavery, KWMU

St. Louis, MO – State Rep. Mark Wright (R-Springfield) says the offices that collect vehicle license and registration fees for the Department of Revenue are based on patronage.

He says that fosters public distrust.

Wright, who is also running for Missouri Auditor, is among those backing a GOP plan to award contracts to non-profits or local governments.

He says one of his constituents recently expressed his feelings about the current system.

"He told me it's the most distasteful experience that he has with state government," Wright said. "It ought to be a pleasant, more efficient experience, and that's what will happen as a result of our reforms."

Dept. of Revenue Director Trish Vincent says the system is not broken.

She cautions that awarding contracts to non-profits might not always work.

"They want non-profits? Well, that's fine, but not all non-profits know how to run a business, either," Vincent said. "We are holding these folks to their contracts, and we're making them run like a business."

Vincent says currently, non-profits run 37 fee offices in Missouri.

She says the Blunt Administration has already started to make reforms.

Send questions and comments about this story to feedback@stlpublicradio.org.

Support Local Journalism

St. Louis Public Radio is a non-profit, member-supported, public media organization. Help ensure this news service remains strong and accessible to all with your contribution today.

Other