But missing from Holden's plan was support from Republicans who control the state Senate and the Senate's Transportation Committee. That's a worthy goal. But the lack of Republican support led one key Democrat to suggest Holden's plan was in trouble. The Democratic Speaker of the House, Rep. Jim Kreider, from Nixa, said Holden's plan would ultimately need Republican support before it could pass the legislature. It could likely pass the House without Republicans, but it would need bipartisan support in the Senate.
Some members are very opposed to it.
Holden's plan also drew rural opposition from the Missouri Farm Bureau, which said it will not support a tax increase until the transportation department becomes more accountable. The plan would put the Transportation Department under a secretary appointed by the governor. Currently, the head of the department is selected by a constitutionally independent commission.