SPRINGFIELD -- A new Missouri law has paved the way for more non-profit groups to run the state's license fee offices.

It's lead to one Springfield community group now running 10 offices.  But the changes in the bid process are not without their critics.

Alternative Opportunities is a community group that helps people with disabilities and troubled youth. It now also runs the South Fremont license office, based on reforms put in place by Governor Jay Nixon and the Republican-controlled legislature.

Previously, the offices were often handed out to campaign contributors. Now it's a point system.

Step inside the South Fremont office to renew your license or update your plates, and you may just be served by 17-year-old Kristina Beller. 

Earlier this year, she was out of a job.

"I put in applications to at least 30 places, and I couldn't find work anywhere," said Beller.

But after contacting Alternative Opportunities, they placed her in their temp work program to boost her customer service skills. And when the state awarded the office contract to Alternative Opportunities this summer, they hired Beller as a full-time license agent.

"This job has basically helped me prepare for my future," said Beller.

Under the new license office reforms signed into law by Gov. Nixon in July, non-profits get extra points in the bidding process for offices.

But despite bipartisan support for the changes, the Missouri Republican Party has raised questions about the lobbyists the group has employed and the thousands of dollars Alternative executives have given to Nixon in campaign contributions.

"It begs the question, what are they trying to get from the Nixon administration?  More importantly, how much of an influence have their donations and high-powered lobbyists had on Nixon,?" asked MOGOP executive director Lloyd Smith.

"This is a really strict process, where they grade you and score you.  Everybody that puts in for this is graded.  It's an arm's length type thing," explained Gary McMurtrey of Alternative.

Alternative points out that under the old system, revenues from the offices went to individuals -- usually the politically connected.

"The way we use our profits is to put back 100% of our money back into the services we offer," said McMurtrey.

What Alternative has also done is given employees health benefits, 401Ks, paid time off and even raises.

"Everybody's happy," said Kelsey Kruzel, who has been employed under the old and new management.

She said she likes Alternative's management better and added that none of her co-workers would want to go back

"They're happy with it now. It's improved. It's gotten better. And we definitely enjoy that," she said.

GOP director Smith was unavailable for an interview.  Republican State Rep. Shane Schoeller, who voted for the reform package, said he was uncomfortable with commenting on Alternative because his wife runs a fee office in Nixa.

Rep. Bob Dixon, a candidate for State Senate, did not return a call seeking comment.

For more, head to the Ky3 Political Notebook.

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