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Gov. Parson considers ways to address trucker shortage

Posted at 8:44 PM, Sep 20, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-20 21:44:57-04

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Gov. Mike Parson is considering changes to Missouri regulations to help address a shortage of long-haul truck drivers.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports one possibility is changing a law that takes away driver's licenses or occupational licenses from people who haven't paid child support for three months.

Parson said with an increasing shortage of truckers, the state should find another way to punish those who don't pay child support, although he offered no specific alternatives.

Parson also said he would like to give state prison inmates a chance to learn truck driving so they could help fill the driver shortage when they leave prison.

The governor said Missouri Department of Transportation trucks could supplement current programs that use simulators to teach inmates about long-haul trucking.