Dear Neighbor,
It has been a tough week in Jefferson City. Two Bills in particular are of concern to me.
The first is The Voter ID Bill that passed 109-45 in the House. This bill is a direct response to a January ruling from the Missouri Supreme Court that blocked a key provision of the state's voter ID law. It restores a 2016 law that requires photo ID for voters but leaves out a provision the court blocked, which allowed voters to use other documents to confirm their identity. This bill is now headed to the Senate.
The law required a photo ID to vote but allowed people who didn't have one to use something like a bank statement or utility bill to confirm their name and address if they signed an affidavit confirming their identity.
The Missouri Supreme Court ruled the state can't use the affidavits because they force voters to say they don't have a valid ID for voting, while also requiring them to show a form of identification in order to vote.
The second bill lifts the residency requirements for police officers across Missouri including Kansas City. The original bill was intended to lift the residency requirement for St. Louis police officers and did not include Kansas City.
Sworn officers in Kansas City must live in the city for one year before beginning employment, and civilian workers have nine months to move into the city. They must reside within the Kansas City limits for as long as they work in the department. The bill will be third read in the near future and I plan to vote NO.
Yours in Service,
Rich
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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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Missouri House passes revamped voter photo ID plan
By Associated Press
Updated Mar 2, 2020 at 7:32 PM
JEFFERSON CITY — The Republican-led Missouri House on Monday passed a revamped version of a Missouri voter photo identification law that was gutted by the state Supreme Court.
The court in January permanently blocked a central provision of the 2016 law that required voters who lacked a photo ID to make a sworn statement in order to cast a regular, non-provisional ballot. In response, Republicans are trying to pass a new voter ID bill that is similar to the 2016 law but doesn’t include the sworn statement provision that the judges found objectionable.
House members voted 109-45 to pass the measure, which would give voters only two options, instead of three: either show a photo ID to cast a regular ballot or else cast a provisional ballot.
Provisional ballots would be counted if voters return to their polling places on the same day with a valid photo ID or if their signatures match the ones on file with election authorities.
To cast provisional ballots, voters would need to sign sworn affidavits that include their birth dates, addresses and the last four digits of their Social Security numbers, and that swear the information is correct.
The measure now moves to the state Senate.
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Over objections, Missouri House votes to lift police residency rule in Kansas City
BY JASON HANCOCK Kansas City Star
MARCH 04, 2020 05:14 PM
JEFFERSON CITY
Missouri lawmakers gave initial approval Wednesday afternoon to a bill lifting residency requirements for police officers across the state, including Kansas City.
The bill originally focused on the City of St. Louis. But an amendment carried by Republican state Rep. Nick Schroer of St. Charles County expanded the legislation’s provisions statewide — over the objections of Kansas City lawmakers.
The change is also opposed by Kansas City Police Chief Rick Smith, whose spokesman said Wednesday that Smith “is in support of the residency requirement the way it is currently.”
Local officials in St. Louis pushed for lawmakers to pass legislation lifting the requirement, but didn’t expect it to include Kansas City.
Sworn officers in Kansas City must reside in the city for one year before beginning employment, and civilian workers have nine months to move into the city. They must reside within the Kansas City limits for as long as they work in the department.
Supporters of the requirement say Kansas City officers have many more options to comply than police in St. Louis because Kansas City is much larger: 319 square miles compared to only 62 square miles.
Schroer said Wednesday that the department has had trouble recruiting officers at a time when it is “plagued with crime.”
He offered his amendment while the bill was in committee, but opposition from Kansas City helped get it removed. He said he heard from Kansas City officers who asked him to continue his work to include the city in the bill.
“This is needed to combat crime, and for the liberty of these individuals to live where they want to live in this state,” Schroer said, later adding: “This will help in the recruitment process and bring the best and the brightest into the community.”
Democratic Rep. Peter Merideth of St. Louis said his preference would be for the legislature to leave decisions like these up to the cities, especially when voters in St. Louis have expressed opposition to lifting the residency requirement.
But if it is going to set a policy, Merideth said, it should apply to everyone and not “target my city.”
Rep. Ingrid Burnett, D-Kansas City, said she hasn’t heard from any constituents or police officers asking to lift the residency requirement.
“It makes me gravely nervous to be asked to support this when this is the first I’ve heard of it,” Burnett said. “And it’s a big issue. It’s not something that has light consequences.”
Democratic Rep. Barbara Washington of Kansas City said lawmakers should not foist this change on a local government that clearly opposes it.
“Our officers don’t want this,” she said. “Our citizens don’t want this.”
The House must approve the bill one more time in order to send it to the Senate, where it is expected to run into opposition from Kansas City-area lawmakers.
However, the two Senate seats covering most of Kansas City are vacant following the resignations of Democrats Jason Holsman and Kiki Curls to take jobs in Missouri Gov. Mike Parson’s administration.
The Star’s Glenn Rice contributed to this story.
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Missouri Ready For Expected Coronavirus Cases, Governor Says
Missouri is prepared for the coronavirus that is spreading across the U.S., health officials said Monday.
Gov. Mike Parson said state officials are working with federal and local health departments to track the disease. He expects the federal government will soon distribute money to help the state provide free tests and make other preparations.
“Right now, our main focus is on educating the public on the virus and the steps to prevent it,” Parson said. “We are very well prepared to handle this virus should the need arise.”
No cases have been reported in Missouri, but health officials say the virus likely will soon emerge in the state. Since the virus appeared in China late last year, it has spread to more than 50 countries.
The coronavirus spreads the COVID-19 disease, which first appeared in China. Symptoms include cough, fever and shortness of breath. The disease causes mild respiratory symptoms in the vast majority of patients. However, some cases are severe and lethal. Experts estimate the virus is many times more deadly than the flu and spreads more easily.
Those experiencing potential coronavirus symptoms should call their health provider, said Dr. Randall Williams, director of the state Department of Health and Senior Services.
However, those with symptoms may not be able to get a coronavirus test.
State health officials only are testing people who have had contact with someone who has tested positive, who have traveled to countries affected by the virus, or who have severe unexplained symptoms.
The state-run testing lab in Jefferson City is the only place allowed to administer tests for the disease, Williams said. But the state is limiting who can have a test.
“There’s a finite number of tests we can do,” Williams said. “The question is, 'Can anybody get a test?' The answer is, 'No, you still have to meet criteria,'” he said.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides the test kits for the state lab, Williams said. The first batch of those test kits were flawed and couldn’t provide accurate results.
That means until the state receives more kits, either from a private business or the CDC, the state health department has to be judicious in whom it tests.
The state has hundreds of CDC-provided tests it can use in the meantime, Williams said. The state should have sufficient tests for the number of cases Missouri will likely have in the next weeks, he said, adding the lab director expects more testing kits to arrive in the coming month.
Parson expects federal funding will help with the state response. That could include providing free coronavirus tests for state residents, he said.
“I think those supplies are going to build just because of the nature of everybody’s putting a priority on it,” he said.
The state’s top priority is preventing the virus from spreading, Parson said. The best way to do that is by using good hygiene, including frequent hand washing.
Follow Sarah on Twitter: @petit_smudge
Send questions and comments about this story to feedback@stlpublicradio.org
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'Moms' lobby for support of laws to disrupt domestic violence
Supporters of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America fanned out across the Missouri State Capitol on Tuesday to urge lawmakers to consider four bills intended to limit gun violence that occurs during domestic abuse cases.
by Joe Gamm Feb. 18 2020 @ 11:22pm
Clad in bright red shirts, supporters of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America fanned out across the Missouri Capitol on Tuesday to urge lawmakers to consider four bills this session.
The bills are intended to limit gun violence that occurs during domestic abuse cases.
More than 600 people from all parts of Missouri committed to attend the annual effort. Equipped with data, volunteers went office to office within the Capitol to ask the lawmakers to support legislation that would limit access to firearms for people accused of domestic violence.
Susan Randolph, a volunteer and Jefferson City resident, said the group is focusing on getting firearms out of the hands of abusers in Missouri.
"A domestic abuser who wants to get his hands on a gun will (be stopped) if he goes to a gun shop — because of federal regulations," Randolph said, adding that abuser will then seek alternative sources. "So they go to gun shows and (private) gun sales."
Moms Demand Action has been working with Republicans to fix loopholes in gun legislation, she continued.
The group wants Missouri law to reflect federal law.
It is against federal law for anyone who has been convicted of domestic violence to purchase or own a firearm.
House Bill 1260, sponsored by Rep. Richard Brown, D-Jackson County, and Senate Bill 697, sponsored by Rep. Scott Sifton, D-St. Louis County, would bring Missouri law in line with federal law.
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I had the good fortune to meet with the 2020 leadership class of the South Kansas City Chamber of Commerce as they took a tour of the capitol.
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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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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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As a Missouri Tourism Commissioner, I was proud to participate with the city of Hermann as they hosted their first city wide Black History Month Celebration.
Programs included special collaborations with Missouri State Parks and Showboat Community Theater. The event honored the history of African Americans and the role of German abolitionists from the area in the 1800's.
Pictured Right: I presented a resolution to the Deutschheim State Historic Site recognizing the event.
Left: Participants; Pat Bowers, Carl Bowers, Cynthia Turner, Rep. Brown and Hermann Director of Tourism Tammy Bruckerhoff.
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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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I had a chance to learn from our STEM students from around the state. I am getting a robotics demonstration from some high school students.
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Country music artist Porter Wagoner was honored Monday in the Capitol building with a small ceremony as his bronze bust was unveiled and was officially inducted into the Hall of Famous Missourians located on the third floor of the Capitol Rotunda.
Christina McCormick, Wagoner’s granddaughter, traveled about five hours from her home in Kentucky to attend the event. She said her family is “so thankful” for the inclusion of Wagoner in the Hall of Famous Missourians.
Pictured from the left are McCormick and my legislative assistant Donna.
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As of the time I have sent this mailing, there have been
38 homicides in the Kansas City metro area in 2020.
In Kansas City, Missouri, 27 people have been killed.
Click here for the Homicide Tracker.
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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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SKCA’s monthly meeting at
6 p.m. Monday, March 9,
in the front building of the
South Patrol Police Campus,
9701 Marion Park Dr., will feature:
Robbie Makinen, president & CEO of the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA), discussing plans to implement free bus fares in KCMO and to redesign KCMO bus routes.
Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM), discussing this year’s ongoing centennial celebration of the founding of the Negro Leagues right here in Kansas City by Andrew “Rube” Foster and other Midwestern team owners.
Ruskin High School students will give a brief presentation about some of the exciting things going on at their school.
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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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