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Dear Neighbor,
It has been a busy week in Jefferson City. As evidence, you typically receive my Capitol Report on Thursday, however, you are receiving it on Friday because I have been busy working for you and needed the extra time to compose the newsletter.
I fought this week to protect your rights as voters to oppose Voter ID requirements in our state. Last month, the Missouri Supreme Court struck down two Missouri Voter ID laws as unconstitutional stating the laws infringed on voting rights. These measures are unnecessary as there has never been a case of voter impersonation fraud in Missouri. A vote on the measure is forthcoming and I plan to vote NO.
On the issue of repealing parts of the Minimum Wage that you the voter overwhelmingly approved in 2018, the majority party wants to exempt private schools from following Proposition B and allow them to go back to paying the previous statewide minimum wage of $7.85 an hour. Since private schools are required to pay the $9.45-an-hour wage currently in effect, those schools could cut employee wages if HB 1559 becomes law. The House of Representatives voted 94-53 in favor of the bill. Democrats unanimously opposed the bill, while all but a few Republicans supported it.
For the first time ever, Hermann, Missouri will celebrate Black History Month this Saturday, February 29. I am honored that I will be a part of this first celebration. The town will celebrate its story with lectures, jazz performances, and lots of conversations that share the history of Hermann’s German immigrant and African American ancestors. Tammy Bruckerhoff, Hermann native and director of tourism, had a discussion with me at a Missouri Division of Tourism Conference last year and my comments helped to influence this event. I am always working for the people I represent in District 27 and I am honored that I can also work for all the citizens of Missouri.
And finally, I filed for re-election as your State Representative with the Missouri Secretary of State's office on Tuesday. I am honored that you have supported me and put your trust in me over the past four years. Thank you for the opportunity and I look forward to continue serving you with the highest integrity.
Yours in Service,
Rich
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I had many committee hearings this week.
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Click here to read all bills that have had actions in the House so far this legislative session
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REPUBLICANS TAKE ANOTHER SHOT AT PHOTO VOTER ID
The House of Representatives on Feb. 26 granted preliminary approval to legislation that takes a third shot at trying to require voters to possess government-issued photo identification in order to cast a ballot. The Missouri Supreme Court struck down the first two laws Republicans enacted to impose a photo voter-ID requirement, ruling they unconstitutionally infringed on voting rights. The most recent ruling came in January.
Republican supporters claim a photo voter ID requirement is needed to stop voter fraud. However, as the Supreme Court noted, voter impersonation at the polls is the only type of fraud a photo ID could prevent, but there has never been a documented case of voter impersonation in Missouri. Democrats contend the true purpose is to disenfranchise racial minorities and certain other demographic groups that are most likely to lack a government-issued photo ID and, not coincidentally, tend to support Democrats.
The House approved the measure, House Bill 1600, on a voice vote. A second, recorded vote is required to send the bill to the Senate. If HB 1600 clears both chambers and is signed into law, another lawsuit challenging the bill as unconstitutional is expected.
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HOUSE VOTES TO PARTIALLY REPEAL MINIMUM WAGE HIKE
The House of Representatives voted 94-53 to send Republican-sponsored legislation to the Senate that would partially repeal a minimum wage increase Missouri voters overwhelmingly approved in 2018. Democrats unanimously opposed the bill, while all but a few Republicans supported it.
Missouri voters approved the wage-hike measure, Proposition B, with 62.3 percent support in November 2018. It gradually increases the standard statewide minimum wage to $12 an hour over several years, ending in 2023. So far, two of five annual incremental increases have taken effect to put the state wage floor at $9.45 an hour. The minimum wage is set to increase to $10.30 an hour on Jan. 1, 2021.
House Bill 1559 would exempt private schools from following Proposition B and allow them to go back to paying the previous statewide minimum wage of $7.85 an hour. Since private schools are required to pay the $9.45-an-hour wage currently in effect, those schools could cut employee wages if HB 1559 becomes law. A similar bill died last year for lack of action in the Senate.
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My Next 2020 Census Job Fair will be
Saturday, March 7
Noon to 2 PM
Location:
Memorial Church International
11424 Hickman Mills Drive
Kansas City, MO 64134
Pastor: Apostle Larry B. Aiken
Earn $21 per hour plus 58 cents per mile driven.
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THE CENSUS IS COMING - IT MATTERS!
Every ten years the federal government conducts the decennial census which collects basic information from every household in the United States.
You will start receiving census forms in the mail as early as March 12. Responding via mail or online is the most efficient way to have your household members counted. There are 9 total questions for you, and 7 additional questions per family member. You will not be asked to disclose anyone's social security number.
Your Census Information is PROTECTED By Law! Read the Law from the U.S. Census Bureau here.
With an accurate count of Missouri residents, we receive money back from the federal government in the amount of about $16 billion annually! That's correct, $16 billion per year for the next ten years to support our roads, our hospitals, our schools, transportation and more!
When you, your family members or neighbors do not reply to the census, we lose $1,300 per person per year! That adds up. Everyone needs to be counted: children, seniors, citizens, residents, students, documented and undocumented immigrants, homeowners and renters. Every single person in our state who gets counted helps us receive the resources we need to make Missouri's infrastructure stronger.
This is the first year the U.S. Census Bureau is accepting responses online, and you can still respond by phone or mail if you prefer. In May, the U.S. Census Bureau will begin following up in-person with households that have not yet responded. You can learn more about the 2020 Census by visiting 2020census.gov. To get additional information about the census in your specific community, please view this interactive map.
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Representatives for the American Federation of The Blind met with me at my office. I support their efforts to expand accessibility for our visually impaired citizens in our state.
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Tuesday was Go Red for
Women/American Heart Association Day.
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Wednesday was Johnny Cash Day at the Capitol.
We wore black in honor of "The Man in Black."
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I always look forward to visiting with the members of
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority on AKA Day at the Capitol.
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Chat with a representative from the Department of Revenue concerning Real ID here
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With the October 1, 2020 deadline getting closer, I am receiving more and more calls to my office with questions concerning Real ID and Missouri driver licenses .
In 2005, Congress passed the REAL ID Act to further anti-terrorism and fraud protection efforts. The act prevents federal agencies from accepting drivers licenses and identification that does not meet security requirements. Beginning on October 1, 2020, anyone boarding a domestic flight or wanting to visit a military base must present a REAL ID.
Under Missouri law, you are not required to have a REAL ID, but not having one will limit your activity. You are now able to apply for a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or non-driving identification. You will need this information. Your current license is valid for all the same needs for which REAL ID is required through October 1, 2020. Make plans to get this new ID so you do not run into problems.
You can go to the DMV and request a replacement for your current license with the Real ID for a $12 processing fee. If you renew your license at the time of the request you will be charged the renewal fee. (you can renew your license up to six months early).
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MO Tax Filing Now Open
The Department of Revenue is now accepting electronically filed state tax returns for tax year 2019. The filing deadline for both state and federal income tax returns is April 15th.
Free Electronic Filing
Many Missourians qualify for free e-filing services through the Free File Alliance, a system which allows taxpayers to file both federal and state taxes for no cost. For more information on how to file online for free, visit the IRS Free File website or the Department of Revenue's Online Filing resource page.
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Important KCMO tax updates and deadlines
Tax season is just around the corner, and the City of Kansas City, Missouri, is reminding businesses and residents about a few important 2019 tax-year updates and deadlines.
New Tax Forms are available online
The current 2019 tax information on City tax requirements is available online .
File Online
You can file and pay all required City taxes anytime using our Quick Tax system. If you use Quick Tax, you can ensure timely and accurate processing of tax returns and payments. With Quick Tax, you can also view all tax-related activity on your account including filings, payments and tax notifications.
Mark the Calendar
Feb. 29, 2020 – Deadline for business license applications and payments
April 15, 2020
2019 Wage Earner Earnings Tax and Extensions Deadline
2019 Calendar Year Profits Earnings Tax and Extensions Deadline
Media inquiries may be directed to Commissioner of Revenue Mari Ruck, 816-513-4990.
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Roger Best, President of the University of Central Missouri
(my alma mater), visits the Capitol.
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Members of LINC (Local Investment Commission)
visited the Capitol. I appreciate the work they do with our kids in our public schools.
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As of the time I have sent this mailing, there have been
30 homicides in the Kansas City metro area in 2020.
In Kansas City, Missouri, 23 people have been killed.
Click here for the Homicide Tracker.
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This week I filed for re-election as State Representative
for District 27 in the August 4th Primary Election.
Thank you for your trust and continued support.
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COMMUNITY NEWS AND HAPPENINGS
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VOLUNTEER AT HMC-1'S FAMILY SUMMIT
Last year, we had more than 80 people sign up to volunteer for our Family Summit event. We are proud to say that with their help, we put on an award-winning event that had a positive impact on HMC-1 families.
Our next Family Summit is March 7, 2020. More than 60 local organizations will come together to help HMC-1 parents find resources for their family, home, and career.
Highlights for Family Summit 2020 include:
• Resource fair with 60+ organizations
• English Language Development resources
• Job fair with businesses looking to hire
• Dental clinic, courtesy Hope Dental
• Mammograms, courtesy Diagnostic Imaging
• Health clinic, courtesy Swope Health
• LOTS of great giveaways
• Childcare featuring MAD Science and entertainment, all provided by LINC
• And more
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We are in need of volunteers to ensure Family Summit is once again a success. If you or your organization would like to assist during this major event, please sign up. Click below or call Amanda Fischer-Penner at (816) 316-7040.
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I had the good fortune to influence the town of Hermann, MO to embrace it's Black History.
For the first time ever, Hermann will celebrate Black History Month. Its story of black and German allyship, however, dates to before the Civil War
BY LAURA MISEREZ St. Louis Magazine
FEBRUARY 14, 2020
The town will celebrate its story on February 29 with lectures, jazz performances, and lots of conversations that will explore the shared history of Hermann’s German immigrant and African American ancestors.
Nestled between the Missouri River and Highway 100, the town of Hermann is home to a little more than 2,000 people and is today mostly known for its bed-and-breakfasts and award-winning wineries. However, a largely untold history of cross-cultural compassion sets the town apart, and Hermann residents are only beginning to learn that history for themselves. The town will celebrate its story on February 29 with its first ever Black History Month celebration—a symposium complete with lectures, jazz performances, and lots of conversations that will explore the shared history of Hermann’s German immigrant and African American ancestors.
Read the full story here.
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In Memory
Leroy Christopher Huff
September 25, 1947 — February 22, 2020
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The reward has been raised to
$30,000 for Dominic
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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.
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* A program of the KC Metropolitan Crime Commission
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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.
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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.
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