2020 Missouri Governor Voters Guide
Nicole Galloway (D) vs Mike Parson (R)
The Candidates
Yes. Backed Medicaid expansion “to give over 200,000 … Missourians the health care they deserve, return 100,000 eligible kids their insurance and keep our rural hospitals open.”
No. Called Medicaid expansion a “massive tax increase that Missourians cannot afford.” “I don’t think it’s the time to be expanding anything in the state of Missouri right now.”
No. Opposed 2018’s Constitutional Amendment One, which subjects lawmakers to open-records laws, limits lobbyist gifts, and limits partisan legislative redistricting.
Tighter. Wants new strategy including a mask requirement, “universal testing,” more PPE and better guidance for schools. “We need a plan that keeps all Missouri families safe.”
Infected children, risk infecting teachers, bus drivers, janitors, food service workers, parents, grandparents and neighbors.
Looser. Against mask requirements. “I don’t think that it is government’s role to mandate who wears one.” For early school reopening. Some kids will catch COVID at school but “will get over it.” They won’t have to go to hospitals or doctor’s offices.
Galloway’s Covid-19 recovery plan includes paid sick leave, unemployment benefits, increased funding for county governments and support for small businesses.
June recovery plan calls for “no statewide public health order — Missouri will be fully open for business.” Offers guidance including social distancing in workplace.
Yes. Eliminate big business giveaways. Put more money in classrooms, pay teachers what they deserve, expand pre-kindergarten. Students deserve to pursue higher education without accruing mountains of debt.
No. Made cuts in state K-12 budget and higher ed to meet COVID-related shortfalls. “We’ve had to face the reality of the situation and make some extremely difficult decisions.”
No. Wants tighter oversight of charter schools. “Using tax $ to fund charter schools” weakens public schools. Will “strengthen the state’s commitment to public schools.”
Yes. Declared week of Jan. 26 “Missouri School Choice Week” as a “nonpartisan” effort to shine a “positive spotlight on effective education options for students.”
No position found.
Loosen. Signed law barring localities from issuing environmental rules on large farms to “keep … agriculture production in our state.”
Some. For “common sense gun safety reforms” including universal background checks and closing loopholes on private sale of firearms.
Yes. Thanks to Supreme Court, “more than 5,500 DREAMers [in state can] live, learn, and work … without … fear of deportation.”
No position found. Voted to prohibit state benefits or ability to receive driver’s licenses for illegal aliens.
No. By rejecting “right-to-work” legislation at the ballot box, Missouri has proved labor “is a force to be reckoned with.” “I’ll always have the back of” working people.
Yes. As governor, backed “right-to-work” ballot measure. When it failed, had his staff explore feasibility of similar county-level laws.
Legal. Missouri families need to know they have access to the constitutional rights granted under Roe v. Wade. “I trust women to make their own health care decisions.”
Ban. Wants to make Missouri the “most pro-life state in the country.” Signed bill to ban abortion at eight weeks with only exception to prevent death of the mother, but not for rape or incest.
Yes. “All marriages … deserve to be respected.” Called Supreme Court decision to protect LGBTQ Americans “an enormous win for equality and fairness.”
Mixed. Has said “I’m old school. I know what’s going to happen to these people.” Clarified since that “I don’t believe in discrimination.” “Anyone [who] … chooses to live that, that’s their choice.”
Yes. Supports legalization that includes expunging criminal records.
No. Does not favor recreational legalization. OK with medical use. Criticism about clients of a close ally being favored in securing medical licenses.
Yes. Supported Proposition B, which will raise state minimum wage to $12 an hour by 2023. “Every worker deserves a living wage.”
No. Did not support Proposition B and says he does not support raising minimum wage “at this time.”
Yes. Supports ban on choke holds and no-knock warrants. “The disparities in our criminal justice system are real.” Must make Missouri accountable to all citizens.
No. “Now is the time to ‘stand up and support’ law enforcement.” Officers need to have the “tools” to fight violent criminals.
No. As auditor, said, “Years of tax cuts and giveaways” have put state in situation where “downturn will lead to big cuts in education, transportation and other services.”
Yes. Cut income taxes in 2018 on top of significant 2014 tax cuts.
Yes. As state senator voted for constitutional amendment to require photo ID and prove citizenship. Signed bill allowing voting by mail only if ballots are notarized, except if the voter is susceptible to COVID.