Missouri voters have rejected Amendment 1, which aimed to give lawmakers the ability to exempt child care facilities from property taxes, with about 55% voting against it. This decision comes amid a significant child care shortage in the state, where nearly half of children under five live in areas classified as 'child care deserts,' often facing severe limitations in available services. Supporters of the amendment argued that the exemption would help alleviate costs for providers and increase access for families. Despite bipartisan support for the measure, concerns about fiscal impacts on local governments played a role in the outcome. In contrast, other states like Texas have successfully implemented similar tax exemptions to support child care facilities. The failure of this amendment reflects ongoing challenges in addressing the child care crisis in Missouri, as advocates call for comprehensive solutions beyond just tax relief.