Dear Neighbor,
The House of Representatives reconvened this week to vote on the state budget for FY 2021.
The following is a breakdown of how I voted on the 13 appropriation bills for the $29.7 billion FY 2021 budget.
I voted YES on HCS HB 2001 (pays the state's debts). because we need to protect the state of Missouri's AAA credit rating.
I voted NO on HCS HB 2002 (Elementary and Secondary Education) because the foundation formula is not truly fully funded. Our children deserve better.
I voted NO on HCS HB 2003 (Higher Education). because there was a budget cut of $61.3 million from four-year higher education institutions and $11.6 million from community colleges due to the Coronovirus emergency. I am concerned at the amount of money cut from the budget because of the compounding effects from the budget cuts last year to higher education. It is difficult to attract employers tour state if we do not have a well educated workforce.
I voted YES on HCS HB 2004 (Transportation) This is a continuation of a previous appropriation.
I voted YES on HCS HB 2005 (Employee Benefits) because this budget does not make cuts to employee benefits and maintains affordable healthcare for our state employees. Missouri state employees are the lowest paid state workers in the country.
I voted YES on HCS HB 2006 (Agriculture, Natural Resources and Conservation) because the bill provides economic development initiatives for urban agriculture.
I voted YES on HCS HB 2007 (Economic Development, Insurance, Labor and Industrial relations) because it provides supplemental funding for the Bannister/Three Trails Office.This area continues to be in need of redevelopment in south Kansas City.
I voted YES on HCS HB 2008 (Public Safety) because it largely contains federal funds to fight COVID-19, in particular, it provides money to purchase personal protection equipment. It provides funds for Missouri's emergency readiness.
I voted YES for HCS HB 2009 (Corrections) because it provides funding for hazard pay for corrections officers. Currently, corrections officers are grossly underpaid and we must have a pay system to retain these much needed employees in our correctional institutes.
I voted YES on HCS HB 2010 (Mental Health and Health). because it mainly uses federal funds to provide COVID-19 response services in the Department of Mental Health. This bill also provides $5 million for substance abuse treatment. There were no cuts for the Department of Developmental Disabilities for residential services for non-medicaid eligible patients.
I voted NO on HCS HB 2011 (Social Services) because there was not enough funding in the bill. In particular, there was nothing to expand Medicaid in Missouri to ensure and protect the welfare of the people. We have a moral obligation to take care of people when they are sick.
I vote YES on HCS HB 2012.(Elected Officials, Judiciary, Public Defender and General Assembly). This bill provides $100,000 in funding for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Education Center.
Finally, I voted YES on HCS HB 2013 (pays the leases of state offices and related services).
The bills now move to the Senate. To read the bills click here
Yours in Service,
Rich
|
|
|
Are you still waiting to receive your stimulus payment but have not received it?: You can click on the photo below to track your stimulus check. If you owed money to the federal government, you may need to input your bank information even though you may have used direct deposit to pay your owed taxes. I had a couple of constituents who fell into that category. Once they provided the IRS with their information, they received a notice of when to expect their stimulus payment.
|
|
Still waiting on your IRS coronavirus check?
A couple things could be delaying it.
Click here to read more.
|
|
|
|
|
GOVERNOR PARSON ANNOUNCES FIRST PHASE OF “SHOW ME STRONG RECOVERY” PLAN TO BEGIN MAY 4
April 27, 2020
JEFFERSON CITY During today’s COVID-19 briefing, Governor Mike Parson announced the first phase of the “Show Me Strong Recovery” Plan outlining how Missouri will gradually begin to reopen economic and social activity on Monday, May 4, 2020.
Governor Parson was joined by Missouri Hospital Association President and CEO Herb Kuhn, MO HealthNet Director Todd Richardson, Missouri Department of Economic Development Director Rob Dixon, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) Director Dr. Randall Williams, and Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Sandy Karsten.
“With favorable data and approval from state health officials, we are ready to take another step forward in the recovery of Missouri,” Governor Parson said. “Today, I am announcing phase one of our ‘Show Me Strong Recovery’ Plan, which will begin Monday, May 4 and extend through Sunday, May 31.”
Resting on four essential pillars, the “Show Me Strong Recovery” Plan is intended to protect those most at risk of exposure to COVID-19 while returning Missouri to a new normal:
- Expand testing capacity and volume in the state
- Expand reserves of PPE by opening public and private supply chains
- Continue to monitor and, if necessary, expand hospital and health care system capacity, including isolation and alternate care facilities for those that cannot self-quarantine at home
- Improve ability to predict potential outbreaks using Missouri's public health data
This framework will allow the state to work through a gradual reopening, leading to broader economic recovery.
During phase one of the plan, citizens may begin returning to economic and social activities but must adhere to social distancing requirements, including maintaining six feet of space between individuals in most cases. There are currently no limitations on social gatherings as long as necessary precautions are taken and six feet of distance can be maintained between individuals and/or families.
Additionally, all businesses can be open provided that the social distancing guidelines set forth in the new health order are followed. Some businesses will be required to take additional precautions to protect their employees and the public, such as occupancy limits at retail locations.
“All of Missouri’s businesses, employers, and employees are vital to our state’s economy and well-being,” Governor Parson said. “Opening these businesses is going to look very different for awhile, but I’m confident Missourians will abide by the guidelines as we move forward.”
This will be a deliberate and data-driven process that allows for flexibility based on changing situations.
Some communities may be able to reopen at a faster rate than others. Local officials will have the authority to put further rules, regulations, or ordinances in place so long as they are not inconsistent with the statewide order.
Even as Missouri gradually reopens, citizens are encouraged to continue taking precautions to protect themselves and others:
- Stay home if sick
- Wash hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching your face
- Sneeze or cough into a tissue or the inside of elbow
- Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces
- Avoid socializing in groups that do not readily allow for appropriate social distancing
- Minimize travel to the extent possible
Additionally, all businesses are encouraged to do the following:
- Implement basic infection prevention measures informed by industry best practices
- Modify physical workspaces to maximize social distancing
- Minimize business travel
- Develop an infectious disease preparedness and response plan
- Do not allow symptomatic people to physically return to work until cleared by a medical provider
- Encourage telework whenever possible and feasible with business operations
- Return to work in phases and/or split shifts
- Limit access to common areas where personnel are likely to congregate and interact
- Ensure that sick leave policies are flexible and consistent with public health guidance
“As we begin to reopen, we will be prepared, but the virus is still here. Protect yourself and the people you love. Take care of each other,” Governor Parson said. “Together, we will defeat COVID-19. Together, the state of Missouri will come back stronger than ever before.”
For more information on the “Show Me Strong Recovery” Plan, please visit ShowMeStrong.Mo.Gov.
To view the full public health order as well as additional guidelines for businesses, communities, and citizens, please click here. These documents will also be available on the DHSS website, and the Show Me Strong Recovery website.
|
|
|
|
Excerpt from Gov. Parson's
April 29 Press Conference:
As many Missouri businesses prepare to re-open on Monday and are asking furloughed workers to return, Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Director Anna Hui warned that fear of contracting COVID-19 is not a valid reason for refusing employment and would result in termination of unemployment benefits.
Hui made her comments at Gov. Mike Parson’s daily press briefing today. Parson later reiterated Hui’s position.
“My understanding is if your boss calls you and says you got to come back to work, you’ve got to fulfill that requirement,” Parson said.
Hui added that if an employee returns to work but at diminished hours, he or she could still be eligible for partial unemployment benefits, depending on what their weekly earnings are.
The governor’s limited stay-at-home order will expire on May 4, and he has stated that any business that wants to reopen at that time can. However, concerns remain in some circles that
Parson is moving too quickly, which could cause COVID-19 cases to continue to increase in Missouri.
If a spike in cases does occur after the state reopens, Parson was asked if he would take responsibility. He didn’t directly answer but did say the state would take appropriate action in that event.
“If we see a trend where all of a sudden we’re escalating back up, we’re going to re-evaluate the situation; it’s that simple,” Parson said. “But right now I think we have the tools in place, and I’m confident that we’re on a downward spiral for the majority of the state.”
Missouri Division of Parks Director Carol Comer said lodging and marina facilities at state parks will begin reopening from May 4-11. However, campgrounds will remain closed until at least May 18, when parks officials will reassess the situation.
Four parks that had been closed as of April 2 due to overcrowding are set to reopen May 11, Comer said. Those parks are Castlewood in St. Louis County, Elephant Rocks in Iron County, Watkins Woolen Mill in Clay County and Weston Bend in Platte County.
When asked about the state operating budget the House of Representatives had approved earlier in the day, Parson said lawmakers need to remain cautious given the uncertainties about state revenue estimates and other factors. Parson previously had advocated for pushing the budget process to June, when budget officials are expected to have better information.
“The real unknown between now and June 1 is what are the feds going to do?” Parson said. “Are they going to help and how much are they going to help? I think we have to prepare to make sure we are not in a position in July that all of a sudden I’m in a situation where I’ve got to withhold 600 or 700 million dollars. We don’t want to be in that situation.”
The budget process now moves to the Senate. Lawmakers are hoping to grant final passage to the budget bills by the constitutional deadline of May 8. However, there are no consequences if they don’t.
Today’s Numbers (from DHSS as of 2 p.m.)
April 29 (Today) 7,425 confirmed cases, 318 deaths
April 28 7,303 confirmed cases, 314 deaths
April 27 7,171 confirmed cases, 288 deaths
April 26 6,997 confirmed cases, 274 deaths
April 25 6,826 confirmed cases, 273 deaths
April 24 6,625 confirmed cases, 262 deaths
April 23 6,321 confirmed cases, 218 deaths
April 22(One Week Ago) 6,137 confirmed cases, 208 deaths
April 21 5,941 confirmed cases, 189 deaths
April 20 5,807 confirmed cases, 177 deaths
April 19 5,667 confirmed cases, 176 deaths
April 18 5,517 confirmed cases, 175 deaths
April 17 5,283 confirmed cases, 165 deaths
April 16 5,111 confirmed cases, 152 deaths
April 15 (Two Weeks Ago) 4,895 confirmed cases, 147 deaths
In the last week, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Missouri have increased 21 percent, while deaths have increased 52.9 percent.
In the past two weeks, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Missouri have increased 51.7 percent, while deaths have increased 116.3 percent.
|
|
|
Missouri could pay a steep price for
Gov. Mike Parson’s rush to reopen businesses
BY THE KANSAS CITY STAR EDITORIAL BOARD
APRIL 27, 2020 04:51 PM,
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson on Monday released what he called a “phased approach” to relaxing coronavirus restrictions in the state.
The order is dangerous at best.
Parson said thousands of Missourians can return to working and playing on May 4, although with some restrictions.
“All businesses can be open provided that the social distancing guidelines set forth in the new health order are followed,” the governor said.
The plan will be welcomed in some parts of the state and criticized in others. But there can be no mistake: Parson is gambling with the health and safety of all Missourians.
While the illness curve has flattened, the coronavirus has not gone away. Missourians are still getting sick and dying from the disease — the state has recorded 7,171 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 288 deaths. Starting next Monday, the risk of illness will increase again because of the state’s order.
Missourians will have to look out for their own health and safety when the governor will not.
The 6-foot social distancing requirements, for example, do not apply to individuals such as barbers and manicurists whose job requires close contact with other people.
Restaurants can reopen as long as seats and tables are at least 6 feet apart. Small retail stores, including grocery stores, must limit occupancy to 25%. Bigger stores must limit occupancy to 10% of capacity.
Dentists and doctors’ offices can open without social distancing requirements. Child care facilities can open. Swimming pools, gyms, community centers, fitness centers, libraries, group sports and camps can open for business, with precautions.
The ban on gatherings of 10 people or more will also be lifted.
Parson doesn’t see the order as risky. He is depending on residents to exercise their own judgment — to stay home if sick, to wash hands regularly, to work from home if allowed.
He also says testing and tracing should improve, enabling the state to identify hotspots and respond quickly.
But how can he ask individuals to be cautious when he is not? It’s clear some Missourians will take the governor’s order as an “all-clear” signal that life can return to normal. That’s a risky gambit.
If Missourians think the crisis is over, coronavirus cases will explode and the sacrifices made to date will have been wasted.
There are some redeeming features of the order. Cities and counties will be able to retain stricter rules for businesses, which means Kansas City’s stay-at-home order can remain in effect, as can Jackson County’s. Both expire May 15.
The different rules will undoubtedly cause confusion and resentment in some quarters. And the patchwork of deadlines will scramble the coronavirus calculus: Kansas Citians will be at greater risk because their neighbors in other counties are opening so soon.
Still, the later deadline in Kansas City and Jackson County makes more sense than Parson’s rush to reopen May 4.
The state’s response to COVID-19 has been guided by Mayor Quinton Lucas, and Mayor Lyda Krewson in St. Louis. They reacted quickly, when Parson would not — closing the state’s two major urban areas was smart and necessary.
Now, the governor is acting too quickly to lift most restrictions in the state. We hope he has made the right decision. We’re very afraid he has not.
|
|
|
|
HOUSE CUTS $700 MILLION
FROM STATE BUDGET PLAN
The House of Representatives on April 29 approved a state operating budget for the 2021 fiscal year that cuts general revenue spending by $700 million from what lawmakers had planned in March before the COVID-19 pandemic closed down much of the state and forced a sharp downward revision in estimated revenue collections. The budget process now moves to the Senate.
The bulk of the general revenue cuts – approximately $400 million – comes from eliminating most planned spending increases over FY 2020 appropriations, including cancelling 2 percent pay raises for state employee, who rank dead last in average pay among state workers nationwide.
Another $229 million is saved by making permanent the spending cuts for FY 2020 that Republican Gov. Mike Parson unilaterally imposed in recent weeks. Most of those cuts targeted education, with nearly $82 million from higher education plus another $23.6 million from K-12 education. Most of the remaining FY 2021 savings come from eliminating transfers of general revenue into various special state funds.
Despite the deep cuts, on paper it looks like the overall budget ballooned by $4.2 billion dollars, going from the $30.7 billion planned in March to $34.9 billion in the final House version. This results from massively over-appropriating billions in expected economic stimulus funding from the federal government in order to give the Parson administration more flexibility over how that money should be allocated within broad federal parameters. The amount of money the state actually will receive from the federal government remains unclear.
After being largely on hiatus since mid-March, which put the budget process weeks behind schedule, the General Assembly reconvened on April 27 in hopes of hitting the May 8 constitutional deadline for finishing the budget. With the budget process out of the House, just days remain for the Senate to craft its versions of the various appropriations bills before entering into negotiations with the House over a final spending plan to send to final votes in both chambers.
|
|
|
Practice Social Distancing
|
|
|
|
RETIRED JUDGE MAKES CASE FOR BROAD ABSENTEE VOTING
The risk of contracting COVID-19 by entering a crowded polling place to cast a ballot is sufficient reason under existing Missouri law to vote absentee, according an April 23 legal memorandum written by retired Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Wolff and signed by 80 other attorneys, including several former judges.
Unlike laws in most states that allow unfettered absentee voting, Missouri law requires a voter to cite from a list of legally approved reasons to obtain an absentee ballot. One of those reasons is “incapacity or confinement due to illness.”
While the Missouri Association of County Clerks & Election Authorities supports expanded absentee voting under the circumstances, Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft argues the law requires someone be actually ill to vote absentee and says fear of getting sick due a global pandemic doesn’t qualify.
In his detailed memorandum, Wolf, a former dean of the St. Louis University School Law, says Ashcroft’s interpretation runs counter to both the plain language and purpose of the statute and ignores state Supreme Court precedent holding that voting is a fundamental right that the state can’t infringe without clearly stating a compelling governmental interest for doing so.
“Interpreting the absentee statute in a way that requires voters to jeopardize their health and lives would certainly constitute a severe burden on their right to vote,” Wolff wrote. “By contrast, interpreting the statute by its plain meaning to include ‘confinement’ due to illness to include a stay at home regimen (confinement) due to a nationwide (health) emergency would preserve the fundamental right of Missouri citizens to vote.”
Officials in several jurisdictions, including St. Louis County, plan to allow voters to cite COVID-19 as a valid excuse for getting an absentee ballot. However, the lack of a uniform statewide standard could lead to different results in different jurisdictions, with some excepting this reason and some not. The American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri recently filed a lawsuit seeking a clear judicial ruling that absentee voting is allowed during the pandemic.
|
|
|
|
When we went back to the capitol this week, I did not sit in my usual seat on the House Floor with the other Representatives.
I maintained my Social Distance and sat in the side gallery
and listened to the debates from my office.
|
|
As of the time I have sent this mailing, there have been
70 homicides in the Kansas City metro area in 2020.
In Kansas City, Missouri, 48 people have been killed.
Click here for the Homicide Tracker.
|
|
|
COMMUNITY NEWS AND HAPPENINGS
|
|
|
In Memory of
Mr. Roland "Rip" Young
He was my friend and neighbor for 48 years and I will miss him dearly.
|
|
The reward has been raised to
$30,000 for Dominic
|
|
GREATER KANSAS CITY CRIME STOPPERS
816-474-TIPS HOTLINE
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FROM: Det. Kevin Boehm, Crime Stoppers Coordinator
SUBJECT: Reward Increase – 9 Year Old Dominic Young Homicide
KANSAS CITY, MO --- The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department and the Greater KC Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline continue to seek information in the January 20, 2018 homicide of 9 year old Dominic Young Jr. at 71 Highway and Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd.
Dominic Young Jr. was apparently hit by a stray gunshot while occupying a vehicle driven by his father and died as a result of his injuries. Dominic, his father and brother were en route to Grandview at the time. The vehicle driven by Dominic’s father was hit by gunshots from other vehicles apparently engaged in a gunfight according to statements.
KCPD found a possible crime scene near the intersection where the father said the shooting happened. When the father arrived home in Grandview, Dominic was not responsive. Grandview police initially responded to the father’s home and found the boy in critical condition. He was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
A number of community leaders and organizations including State Representative Richard Brown, Mayor Pro Tem Kevin McManus, former City Councilmen Scott Taylor, Scott Wagner, John Sharp; the City of KCMO and Concord Fortress of Hope Church (Pastor Ron Lindsay) have come forward to increase the existing reward in the case up to $30,000.00. Those leaders are available for comment in regard to the case.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers Greater Kansas City TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477), TIPS may also be submitted electronically at www.KCcrimestoppers.com, or by downloading our NEW mobile app, P3TIPS, on Google Play or the Apple iOS stores for FREE. Information leading to an arrest and/or filing of charges could be eligible for up to $30,000.00 in reward money. ALL INFORMATION IS ANONYMOUS.
|
|
|
* A program of the KC Metropolitan Crime Commission
|
|
|
My office in Jefferson City is available to assist you with questions you may have about state government or legislative issues. Please call, email or write anytime. If you are unable to reach me, my assistant, Donna Gentzsch is ready to help you. If you are in Jefferson City, come by my Capitol office in room 109-G, and introduce yourself. The door is always open and I encourage you to visit.
|
|
Please forward this email to your friends and family who want to know how what is happening in Jefferson City will impact them here at home.
|
|
|
|
