It’s Time to Update Missouri’s 1940s Government
It’s Time to Update Missouri’s 1940s Government.
In the 1940s, Missouri adopted two major reforms that reshaped state government.
The first was the so-called Nonpartisan Court Plan for judicial selection, approved by voters in 1940 to change how judges are chosen. The second was the modern structure of Missouri’s state income tax, embedded in the 1945 Constitution.
Both were considered innovative at the time. Both were sold as modernization.
Eighty years later, Missouri should ask a simple question:
Are these systems still serving the state, or is it time for reform?
Missouri’s Income Tax Is an Outdated System
Missouri’s state income tax first took effect in 1917 and was later formalized under the 1945 Constitution. The framework that governs today’s income tax was designed in a very different economic era.
That Missouri maintains three separate tax brackets for income under $9,000 shows just how outdated the system has become.
Now, momentum is building to eliminate the Missouri income tax outright.
Nine states currently do not have a personal income tax.
Joining that group is how Missouri will compete for population and investment.
The push to eliminate Missouri’s income tax is about economic competitiveness. Other states are lowering barriers to growth. Missouri should not remain locked into a mid-20th-century tax model.
Reforming the Courts
Missouri voters adopted the Missouri Plan in 1940 to reduce corruption and remove partisan politics from judicial appointments.
Under the “Nonpartisan” Court Plan, a nominating commission composed of legal insiders screens judicial candidates, the governor appoints from that shortlist, and judges later face retention elections rather than contested campaigns.
At the time, this approach was praised as court reform.
Today, like the income tax, lawmakers are debating whether that 1940s system still works in 2026.
House Joint Resolution 5 would amend the Missouri Constitution to allow the governor to appoint judges with the advice and consent of the Senate.
In Kansas, lawmakers are debating judicial elections ahead of an August ballot measure.
They are frustrated with the lack of accountability provided by their version of the “Nonpartisan” court plan.
The tide is clearly turning.
Missouri Should Modernize Again
In the 1940s, reformers modernized Missouri’s tax structure and judicial system because they believed change was necessary. Now Missouri faces a similar moment.
Should the state eliminate the income tax to remain competitive? Should Missouri reform its courts?
Other states are adapting their tax codes. Other states are reevaluating how judges are selected.
Missouri should not treat 1940s reforms as permanent fixtures.
It’s time for Missouri to compete.
It’s time for Missouri to win.
It’s time for Missouri to eliminate the income tax.
It’s time for Missouri to reform the courts.
Andy Bakker
Executive Director
Liberty Alliance USA