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Cars and Coffee will return to Joe Shmoes on Sunday, May 14th from 8am - 11am at Joe Shmoes Coffee and Waffles.
All makes and models are welcome, including bikes. Everyone is welcome to come out to check out the cars and grab a drink or waffle at Joe Shmoes. The event runs until 11am at which point Captains Sports Lounge begins to serve brunch. For more information on the Cars and Coffee events, visit (1) Grain Valley Cars and Coffee | Facebook. by Michael Smith Before the season started the parents of sisters Lexi and Taylor Nicholson made their daughters a promise. If both Lexi and Taylor Nicholson could score a goal in the same game, their mother and father said they would buy them a dog. There were some games in which Taylor had a goal but Lexi had yet to put one in the back of the net in Grain Valley’s regular-season finale against Raytown at Moody Murray Memorial Field. Lexi finally got one in the 25th minute when she scored on a sliding kick. Taylor scored earlier in the game and they will now get the Golden Retriever they always wanted following a 9-0 mercy-rule victory against the Blue Jays. “We don’t know yet,” both said while laughing, when asked where they would go dog shopping. Lexi added: “I don’t remember (the goal). I just remember sliding and it went in.” That was the team’s plan going into the game, to try to get both of them to score. Mission accomplished. After Lexi’s score, the Eagles bench erupted with cheers. “Everyone wants to see them get their dog,” sophomore Isabel Lopez said. “Every time there were near the goal we were shouting ‘Do it for Cheddar!’ That’s what they want to name their dog.” In addition to the Nicholson sisters scoring, Emma Thiessen, Annabelle Totta, Radleigh Childers, Meghan Knust and Lopez scored one goal each. Junior Kylee Bragaw led the Eagles with two scores. The goal for the 18-4 Eagles was to work on some formations and plays that will help them in the Class 4 District 6 Tournament next week. They have the No. 1 seed and will take on Columbia Battle at 5 p.m. next Monday at Columbia Hickman High School. “We worked on chasing a goal if we need to get one,” Grain Valley head coach Brett Lewis said. “The game plan involves more offense and we tried to get more girls on the scoreboard, so that was fun to see.” The Eagles finished the season undefeated in Suburban White Conference action with an 8-0 league record. “That was our goal before the beginning of the season, to win conference and make sure we go undefeated,” Lewis said. “Now it’s all about being nice and polished going into the postseason. We’re finishing well and we are defending well.” So what does he think about the Eagles chances to win that district? “This district is tough,” Lewis said. “There are a lot of good teams that can all compete against each other. The teams are defensively disciplined. It’s going to be a tough test for us.” Grain Valley senior Lexi Nicholson, left Taylor Nicholson each scored a goal in Grain Valley's 9-0 win over Raytown Thursday at home. Their parents will fulfill a promise and buy a dog because both sisters scored a goal in the same game. Photo credit: Michael Smith
The Board of Aldermen met Monday, May 8th, approving the second reading of several ordinances related to amendments to municipal code, and approving the first reading of ordinances related to the construction of a trail along Eagles Parkway.
Under ordinances, the board approved the second reading of three ordinances related to amendments to municipal code including abuse of a child and endangering the welfare of a child. As previously reported, Police Chief Ed Turner explained the recent passage of recreational marijuana in Missouri necessitates changes, as they have encountered cases of children exposed to the point that they had to seek medical care due to exposure. The Board also approved the first reading of an ordinance to approve a grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation to construct a shared trail along Eagles Parkway from the Blue Branch Creek Trail east to Main Street/Buckner Tarsney Road. The Board approved the first reading of an ordinance to add two stop signs in the Rosewood Hills subdivision: the first at Rosewood Drive and Lindenwood Drive, and the second at Hedgewood Drive and Rosewood Drive. In other business, alderman Darren Mills was appointed Mayor Pro Tem. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be held at 7:00pm on Monday, May 22nd at City Hall. The Jackson County Legislature voted unanimously to approve the guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for building the new Jackson County Detention Center this week. Together with the GMP, the project design has also been approved allowing the project to move forward with construction. The financing of the project was authorized last week by the Legislature. The new detention center will be located at 7000 E US Hwy 40 in Kansas City, Missouri. The facility will consist of 449,744 square feet of space with 1,000 beds and space to serve support services. The estimated completion date is fall 2025. “This detention center project is not only a milestone for our justice system but also an engine of economic growth and job creation. We’ve made a commitment to prioritize local hiring and partnering with diverse and minority-owned businesses to bring our vision of a safe, secure and rehabilitative facility to life,” Jackson County Executive Frank White said. “I would like to express my gratitude to all of the stakeholders who have contributed to this thorough process which has resulted in a facility that is responsive to our current needs and reflective of the values and aspirations of our community.” “As with any significant infrastructure project, we have faced some challenges during this lengthy process. But within those challenges, we have engaged in thoughtful conversations from every perspective of the criminal justice system,” Jackson County Legislator Jeanie Lauer, 5th District said. “All of the work, time and collaboration has proven that building a jail of this size is justified and today we can confidently move forward knowing we’ve done our due diligence on behalf of the residents we serve.” The County’s $300 million investment is a significant economic investment into the Blue River Industrial Corridor. Spanning nearly 450,000 square feet, the facility will be built to accommodate 1,000 beds with support services for additional expansion as needed. A visual reflection of the county’s public safety system, the approval of the design and GMP is a key step into the project’s vision. Designed to meet both the immediate and future needs of Jackson County, the new detention center will include educational resources and social services programs geared toward reducing relapse into the system and encouraging those within to be productive members of society. Behavioral health and healthcare services will also be provided on-site. “Justice must be served, but it is our duty to ensure that those who have made mistakes are given the opportunity to rehabilitate, learn from their actions and turn their lives around. This new facility makes it possible for our staff to integrate whole-person care services, while ensuring safe and effective operations,” Jackson County Sheriff Darryl Forté said. “I’m honored to lead a group of corrections professionals who are dedicated to public safety and believe approval of this project is not only an investment in their growth, but the success of our justice system and well-being of our community.” With both the financing and the GMP in place for the project, construction will proceed immediately. The design builder, JE Dunn + Axiom Construction + DLR Group, expects the site development to begin next week. Jackson County leaders began the process of evaluating the need for a new detention center nearly eight years ago. Through a community-based task force and a series of studies, the County leadership concluded a new facility would not only improve the cost to the taxpayers to operate and maintain the facility but incorporate a guiding principle for the county within the design and operation for the facility, Justice with Dignity. Rendering of the new Jackson County Detention Center scheduled to open fall 2025.
Photo credit: Jackson County Crews will close the westbound lane at Interstate 70 at Lefholz bridge between Oak Grove and Grain Valley as part of pavement repair operations beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, until approximately 6 a.m. on Sunday, May 14. There could be delays in the area. All work is weather permitting.
Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention while driving in work zones. Not all work zones look alike. Work zones can be moving operations, such as striping, patching or mowing. They can also be short term, temporary lane closures to make quick repairs or remove debris from the roadway. The information on the back of this photograph reads “James A. Wood home, The Ladies Aid Society, January 12, 1921. If you look carefully, you might recognize the front steps of the stone house on the Northwest corner of Walnut and Capelle Street.
Growing up in the 1940s, 50s and 60s, most of us went to church and Sunday School each week. Some went on Sunday night and some went on Wednesday night. But it seems to me that the ladies of the community, at least in Grain Valley, were always “going to church.” Was that because they belonged to the Ladies Aid Society? I don’t recall the name of the group in other denominations, but we Methodist called it The Ladies Aid in the early years of the organization. It was later known as WSCS (Women’s Society of Christian Service), UMW (United Methodist Women) and currently UWF (United Women in Faith). In the 1920 U. S. Census, James A. Wood was a real estate agent which probably accounts for the fact that he and his wife (Amy Hudson) had a different residence in 1900, 1910 and 1930! According to his obituary he was born in Eastern Jackson County where he lived his entire life. He died on May 13, 1933 and his funeral services were held at The Methodist Episcopal Church South. Since the Wood home was only a short block from the church, they regularly held their Ladies Aid meeting there. In 1920 the church would have only been one room. As dressed up as the ladies are in the picture, I’m assuming that in addition to their mission work they might have had “tea and crumpets!” As I recall, church ladies in Grain Valley, be they Methodist, Christian or Baptist, were always known for their good work. They helped the needy, took turns caring for the sick, provided care packages to our military men and women and numerous other missions. Unfortunately, I cannot tell you the names of the ladies in the picture. Besides Mr. Wood, I can only name one. In fact, I look a bit like her. That’s my grandmother, Mittie (Sanders) Rumbo in the back row on the right. uice Jacking may sound like the latest bullying technique kids are using in the lunchroom to harass and steal juice and other beverages. However, Juice Jacking refers to the latest tactics used by criminals to install viruses and malicious software on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
Crooks can also steal your passwords, credit card information, addresses, names, and other data. Attackers can also install malware to track keystrokes, show ads, or add devices to a botnet. The scary part is these attacks can happen in any public place where portable wall chargers or USB charging stations are available. How can you keep safe? Check out these tips that can help you avoid Juice Jacking attacks. Juice jacking attacks can happen in any public place that offers USB charging stations. These places normally include airports, train stations, coffee shops, hotels, and other places where groups of people would normally gather with their devices. With Juice Jacking, criminals take advantage of one of the popular features of your smartphone and tablets which is to allow you to connect these devices to your desktop or laptop computer to transfer information between the two. When you plug your gadgets into public charging stations, your phone thinks you're connected to your computer and allows the charging station and the criminals to access everything on your device. Once your phone is connected and charging, the attacker can upload malware to your device, initiate data transfers, or monitor your keystrokes. Juice Jacking isn't limited to smartphones, criminals can access anything that needs a USB cable to charge. That means mobile phones and tablets, but also smartwatches, fitness bracelets, and even laptops (if they support USB charging – and many do). There are several things criminals want to achieve with Juice Jacking. There are as follows: The Installation of ransomware. For criminals, installing ransomware is a good way to gain access to your files and data because it's a great way for criminals to scare you into giving up your information. If you were to receive an alert on your device saying that you need to call a number to get access to your files, you're probably going to do whatever it takes to remove the infection, including calling a number that's clearly from a bogus company. Malware attacks. Malware attacks can be as simple as tracking your keyboard movement on your device and as complex as making a clone of all of the information on your device to be transferred to another phone in their possession. Once they have your information, they can commit identity theft. They want to attack many devices. Criminals can install bots on your devices that are designed to get your user data, but these bots lurk on your smartphone until you hook into another charging port. Once you do, they can seek out other devices and install bots on other devices so they can take control of these devices as well. Beware, that other device could be your personal desktop or laptop computer. Criminals can disable your devices. Cyber crooks can be downright malicious and disable your devices in a juice jacking attack the most prominent way to do this is to commit SIM Card fraud where a criminal gets your SIM card information along with other personal details. They can then call up your cellular provider and ask them to transfer your phone information to your phone. Doing so allows criminals to make phishing and other malicious calls from your cell phone to unsuspecting victims. How to avoid Juice Jacking. If you want to avoid a juice jacking attack, the best solution is to avoid public charging stations. While it's convenient when you're running low on battery for your devices, it can become a lot more of a headache if you're unlucky enough to become a victim of this cyber attack. Things that you can do instead of using charging ports is to always carry a wall plug to use when you are traveling. Another good tool to have is a battery charging pack that will allow you to charge your devices when getting low on power. Finally, if you depend on public charging stations, you could purchase a 'USB condom' that will block the USB connections that are used for transferring data, and allow the connections that are used for charging. You can find battery packs and USB condoms on Amazon or any place that sells computer accessories. I hope you can use these tips to prevent your smartphones and other devices from being hacked by cyber crooks. hackers. Juice Jacking isn't a widespread problem yet, but cybercriminals are always looking for ways to get access to your gadgets and information, so beware. If you need further assistance, please reach out to me with any questions you might have. I am always happy to help! Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@callintegralnow.com. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I'm serious about making technology fun and easy to use for everyone. Asparagus grew abundantly along the ditch behind my childhood home. I am not sure why the previous owners chose to plant it there, but I remember my mother’s delight when it popped up out of the ground in the early spring. Unfortunately, I did not share her delight…then. But oh, how I wish my adult efforts to grow this lovely vegetable could result in as prolific a harvest!
While green asparagus is by far the most common, you might also find it in purple or even a combination of the two, due to hybridization. White asparagus is also available due to a process called ‘earthing up’, which repeatedly covers the shoots as they emerge from the soil. Without exposure to the sun, no photosynthesis occurs, so the shoots remain white. Many people find white asparagus to be less bitter and more tender. With prime growing season from February through June, asparagus will be an early morning find at the farmers market and also more prevalent in the produce section this time of year. When shopping for asparagus, opt for spears that are crisp and round. Ideally, tips should be pointed and tightly closed. Avoid extra-large spears, as they will be more ‘woody’ and tough. Asparagus keeps for 2-4 days in the refrigerator. Wrapping the bottom ends of the stalks in a wet paper towel and storing in a plastic bag will maximize storage time. Asparagus is rich in Vitamins A and C, antioxidants that may reduce your risk of developing chronic disease. Vitamin C also aids in absorption of iron. Asparagus is a good source of vitamin K, potassium, and folate. Asparagus is also a good source of fiber, an important nutrient for controlling cholesterol and keeping your digestive system healthy. To prepare, clean asparagus under cool running water. Rinse tips well, dipping in and out of water to ensure removal of dirt inside tips. Cut off any white or tough ends on the spears. Spears may be left in longer lengths or cut into one-inch pieces. To grill, broil, sauté or stir-fry, drizzle with olive oil and fresh herbs. Cook until desired tenderness, about 5 minutes. To roast, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Follow the steps as if grilling/broiling, roast for 5-8 minutes. If asparagus can be pierced easily with a fork but is not yet flimsy, the asparagus is done. Asparagus can also be microwaved or steamed with small amount of water, low-sodium seasoning, and garlic. Microwave for 3-4 minutes in microwave safe container or steam over medium heat for 6-8minutes. To serve cold on a relish plate, plunge the asparagus into cold water to stop cooking. The main point to remember is do not overcook it to retain a tender-crisp texture and bright green color. For longer-term storage, asparagus is best frozen, as the desired color and texture is lost in the canning process. Asparagus can however pickled, like green beans or okra, and still have be a desirable tender-crisp texture. The pasta recipe below makes a tasty summer meal when served with a tossed green salad. Asparagus with Pesto Pasta (makes 6-8 servings) 2 cups whole grain penne pasta ½-pound asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 cups fresh green peas 4 tablespoons basil pesto ½ cup fresh grated parmesan
Nutrition information (based on 6 servings): Calories: 292, Total Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 3.5g, Sodium: 240mg, Carbohydrates: 37g, Fiber: 5g, Protein: 15g Recipe adapted from Seasonal and Simple, analyzed by verywellfit.com Members of the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce gathered Friday, May 5th to celebrate the opening of two businesses in downtown Grain Valley with ribbon cuttings. The Patel Group, 513 C Gregg ST, is a full-service real estate agency led by Nilesh Patel. Iron Courtyard, 517 Gregg ST, is an indoor/outdoor cornhole venue addition to Iron Kettle Brewing. The Chamber will welcome Culver's of Grain Valley with a ribbon cutting on Saturday, June 3rd at 9:00am. The restaurant will open to the public on Monday, June 5th at 10:00am. Photo credit: Sara Unrein
This is an editorial: An editorial, like news reporting, is based on objective facts, but shares an opinion. The conclusions and opinions here have been derived by the guest contributor and are not associated with the news staff.
House and Senate Give Final Approval to the State Operating Budget (HBs 1-13) The House and Senate have reached final agreement on a fiscally responsible state spending plan that provides record funding for K-12 education, makes major investments in the state’s infrastructure, provides strong support for law enforcement and public safety, and boosts funding for state programs that serve the state’s most vulnerable citizens. Ahead of the constitutional deadline, lawmakers gave bipartisan support to the various budget bills that make up the Fiscal Year 2024 state operating budget. The budget as it left the House in March appropriated approximately $45.6 billion. The Senate then added several additional spending items to bring the total price tag of the plan to roughly $49.9 billion. The final version approved by the two chambers cuts the Senate total by more than $1 billion to bring the total funding allocated in the budget to nearly $48.8 billion. Record Funding for K-12 Schools Included in the budget is more than $9.8 billion in funding for K-12 public schools in Missouri. That total includes $3.6 billion to provide full funding for the school foundation formula, which determines funding levels for public schools across the state. The funding for public education also includes an additional $233 million to provide a total of $347 million to fully fund school transportation for the second time in as many years. The House and Senate also agreed to provide an additional $29 million to raise the minimum public school teacher salary to $38,000 annually. Additionally, the two chambers agreed to allocate $50 million in funding for Close the Gap grants that will help Missouri families address the learning loss that occurred as a result of the pandemic. Increased Support for Higher Education Lawmakers also expressed their ongoing support for higher education with their funding decisions in the budget. The finalized version of the spending plan allocates more than $1.4 billion for higher education and workforce development. Included in that figure is a 7% funding increase for the state’s public colleges and universities. The FY 2024 budget also includes full funding for the state’s scholarship programs such as Bright Flight, Access Missouri, and the A+ Scholarship Program. Legislators also approved $38.3 million for MoExcels workforce development projects on college campuses. Funding Increases for I-70 Expansion and Infrastructure Improvements The House and Senate also addressed one of the major spending items requested by Governor Mike Parson, who had originally called for the legislature to spend $859 million to expand Interstate 70 to six lanes in several areas between Kansas City and St. Louis. The final version of the budget expands that proposal to provide sufficient funding to widen Interstate-70 to at least three lanes in both directions from Blue Springs near Kansas City to Wentzville near St. Louis. The budget plan checks in with $2.8 billion in funding for the project, which includes $1.4 billion in general revenue and $1.4 billion from bonds. The House Budget Committee Chairman said, “This represents the single greatest investment into our transportation network in the state’s history.” Lawmakers also included $25 million for environmental studies for Interstate 44 and U.S. Route 63, and $50 million for safety improvements at railroad crossings. Strong Support for Law Enforcement and Public Safety Another point of emphasis in the spending plan is support for law enforcement and public safety. The budget provides a 20% pay increase for the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Capitol Police. It also includes $50 million for school safety grants for Missouri schools to make physical security investments on their campuses, develop safety plans, establish school resource officer programs, and increase active threat trainings. Additionally, the budget provides $2 million to the Missouri National Guard to assist with recruitment. Improved Care for Missouri’s Vulnerable Population House and Senate members also approved several spending items that will improve health care outcomes and improve services for some of the state’s most vulnerable citizens. The budget includes $300 million to build a new mental health hospital in Kansas City. Lawmakers also approved $171 million to boost pay for workers who provide residential and other support services to Missourians with developmental disabilities. The funding increase will bring their base pay to approximately $16 an hour. The budget also provides a $33.3 million funding increase for the state’s Children’s Division, which manages the state’s foster care system and investigates allegations of child abuse and neglect. The additional dollars will boost staffing levels by 134 employees. The bills that make up the budget now head to the governor’s desk for his consideration. Gov. Parson has the option to sign the bills into law or to use his authority to issue line item vetoes to reject certain spending items in the budget. Items of note in the budget:
Missouri House Approves Bills to Support Working Missourians and New Mothers (SB 106) This week the members of the Missouri House and Senate gave final approval to a Senate Bill containing proposals that would assist Missourians with disabilities, as well as individuals with low income and new mothers on state assistance. One of the provisions included in SB 106 is a transitional program meant to help people get off of state assistance gradually as their income increases. House members say the state’s assistance programs for low-income Missourians trap people in poverty because if they accept a raise that puts them above a program’s limits, they could lose more in state benefits than they gain from a raise. The sponsor of the measure said it would let people incrementally transition off of state assistance. He told his colleagues, “Trying to create this transitional system that encouraged people to work, that encouraged people to take those raises and to start to work their way up the income ladder and to hopefully, once this goes into effect, actually reduce the number of people receiving benefits in the state.” One of the supporters of the provision said it is the result of years of work and that it has “been a bipartisan effort to essentially wean folks off of assistance, whether it’s TANF or SNAP, and make it easier for Missourians to get what they need to be successful working citizens while at the same time making sure that all of their needs are being met.” The House also voted to add language to SB 106 that could allow individuals with disabilities to finally be able to advance in their careers without worry of losing state assistance. The changes to the state’s Ticket to Work health insurance program within MO HealthNet would increase the limit to how much a person can earn before they lose benefits, and would not count up to $50,000 of a spouse’s income toward that limit. It would also direct state agencies to have policies to recruit and keep employees with disabilities and create competitive ways to integrate them into workforces. “These are people who are actually begging us to work, who want to work, who want to get promotions, who want to seek new jobs,” said one of the measure’s supporters. She went on to say the provision addresses “the fiscal cliff, making sure that you don’t have to do quite as much of a tap dance that too many people in our state are doing, where you’re allowed to make so much money but only to a certain point.” The same supporter said the benefits that individuals stand to lose often enable them to have a job in the first place. She noted, “A personal care attendant, your health insurance, your additional services and equipment that you receive through the state that allow you to work. This would address and allow you to make more money, put that money back into the economy because if you make more money you’re going to spend more money.” Also included in the bill is a bipartisan plan to extend post-partum coverage under MO HealthNet or Show-Me Healthy Babies from 60 days to a year. The sponsor of the provision said, “In 2019, 75-percent of pregnancy-related deaths in Missouri were determined to be preventable; those deaths that were attributed to things like embolism, hemorrhage, infections, concerns with cardiovascular health, chronic health conditions, and there’s one common denominator that can save these women’s lives, and that’s healthcare access.” Supporters of the measure said it is an important pro-life provision. One supporter said, “We who talk about being pro-life, I don’t know how we do that and then cut off the most vulnerable of our society after 60 days.” He added, “I believe if we’re ever going to spend money [on benefits programs] it ought to be for those most vulnerable among us. Those very ones that we fought for them to be able to be born. We have to take care of them.” SB 106 now moves to the governor’s desk for his consideration. House Once Again Supports Tax Relief Package (SB 247) As the Missouri General Assembly heads into the final week of the legislative session, House members have once again given their approval to a legislative package that would reduce the tax burden on Missouri families and businesses. The House approved SB 247 with several changes that would reduce personal income tax, phase out corporate income tax, exempt social security benefits from taxation, and protect vehicle owners from excessive property tax assessments. The House had previously approved similar measures in the form of House Bills that were sent to the Senate. However, the other chamber has failed to take substantive action on the tax relief measures sent to it by the House. With the final day to approve legislation rapidly approaching, the members of the House expanded SB 247 in the hope of giving the Senate another opportunity to approve a tax relief package. The bill, as modified by the House, would reduce the state income tax burden on Missouri taxpayers. Under the bill, the state’s top personal income tax rate of 4.95% would drop to 4.5% on January 1 of next year. The bill preserves triggers put into place when the General Assembly approved a tax relief package last year. If revenues grow at a healthy rate and all triggers are met, the top tax rate would be reduced to 4.05%. The bill also includes a reduction for the corporate income tax that currently stands at 4%. The bill would drop the rate to 2% beginning January 1, 2024. The plan includes additional triggers that could eventually phase out the corporate income tax entirely if state revenues grow at a robust rate. Another provision in the bill would exempt social security benefits from state tax. The House also added a provision that would change current state law that requires assessors to determine vehicle values by using the National Automobile Dealers’ Association Official Used Car Guide. The bill would repeal that requirement and instead have assessors use the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for all vehicles for the original value of all motor vehicle assessment valuations. The bill establishes a 10-year depreciation schedule that would be applied to the MSRP to develop the annual and historical valuation guide for all motor vehicles. The House handler of the legislation told his colleagues, “It’s a great tax cut bill of the people’s money we’re giving back to them.” The bill is now in conference where members from both sides will work to iron out any differences and reach a final agreement. The legislature has until Friday, May 12 to give the bill final approval. Show MO Act Approved to Attract Economic Activity to Missouri (SB 94) Legislation is now on its way to the governor’s desk that would help attract revenue-generating film and entertainment projects to the state. The House handler said that because Missouri currently lacks incentives to attract film and television projects, “there is great business leaving this state.” He said that by passing the bill, “We’re going to be an economic driver. There’s going to be a bunch of money coming into this state, and I believe [this bill] is a long time coming and we’re going to join the club of growth and economic opportunity.” Missouri last had a tax incentive program for film and entertainment projects in 2013. In the years since, Missouri has seen major motion picture and television productions bypass the Show-Me State for states with better incentive packages – even productions that are set in Missouri. SB 94 would establish tax credits for film projects starting at 20 percent of specified costs, with opportunities for additional credits as other criteria are met. Dubbed the “Show MO Act,” the House handler of the bill said the program is well thought out. He told his colleagues, “Investments have to be made inside the state before the credits are handed out. The Department of Economic Development will kind of have the final say in whether or not the credit goes out if it meets the program.” Improved film tax credits have been considered by Missouri legislators for years. Supporters have noted that when the 2014 movie Gone Girl was filmed in Missouri it brought $7.8 million to the state while providing employment for more than 110 Missourians and more than one thousand more who appeared as extras. However, other states have frequently won out on productions of stories that take place in Missouri because they have better incentive packages. The Netflix series Ozark, even though it unfolded around the Lake of the Ozarks, was filmed in Georgia. Even scenes taking place in the Missouri State Capitol Building were filmed in Georgia’s Capitol building. The House handler said, “When film producers call the State of Missouri, call the state film office to say ‘We want to film this movie here,’ and they ask the next question, ‘What’s the incentive program in Missouri look like?’ and when our film office has to then say, ‘We’ve got really great locations,’ because they can’t answer the question on whether or not there’s incentives in Missouri, there’s great business leaving this state.” One supporter said the bill is long overdue. He said, “This would be a fantastic economic driver for our state, and I don’t know about everyone else in here, but I’m tired of watching a television show and at the end seeing that Georgia peach emblem knowing that could have been shot in Missouri.” SB 94 would allow film productions additional credits when at least half of filming is done in Missouri; at least 15% takes place in rural or blighted areas; at least three of a project’s departments hire a Missourian ready to advance in their field; or the project positively portrays the state or something in it. The bill also aims to bring more music industry dollars to the state by authorizing credits for rehearsal and tour expenses for live tours and associated rehearsals. Legislators laid out limits for these credits as well. The House handler explained, “There must be at least $1 million spent with Missouri music vendors, they’ve got to rehearse in a qualified facility for a minimum of ten days, they also have to then do two concerts within the State of Missouri.” Those credits would be for 30% of tour or rehearsal expenses, capped at $1 million if expenses are less than $4 million. No taxpayer could get a credit greater than $2 million for expenses between $4 and $8 million; nor greater than $3 million for expenses exceeding $8 million. Combined credits are limited to $8 million per fiscal year. The film tax incentives would expire at the end of 2029 unless the legislature votes to extend them. The tour and rehearsal credits would expire at the end of 2030 unless extended. The bill now moves to the governor’s desk to be signed into law. Other Legislation Given Final Approval HB 131 allows the salaries of state employees to be paid in biweekly installments, as designated by the Commissioner of the Office of Administration. Supporters say the bill allows for flexibility in pay structure by state agencies which will be an incentive for workforce attraction. The bill is common sense and promotes fiscal responsibility, helping struggling state agencies and employees. SCR 7 creates the America 250 Missouri Commission. The Commission's principal purpose shall be to plan, promote, and implement public celebrations and commemorations of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America. SCR 8 designates Campbell, Missouri, as the Peach Capital of Missouri. HB 402 modifies several provisions relating to health care, including: (1) Rare Kidney Disease Awareness Month; (2) do-not-resuscitate orders; (3) patient examinations; (4) health care advisory committees; (5) health professional loans and grants; (6) the Missouri Parkinson's Disease Registry Act; (7) voluntary non-opioid directive forms; (8) licensing of certain health care professionals; (9) prescription labeling requirements; (10) pharmacy settlements; (11) rural emergency hospitals; (12) at-risk behavioral health patients; (13) surgical smoke plume; (14) county or township-owned nursing homes; (15) supplemental welfare assistance; (16) fentanyl testing; (17) mental health services for vulnerable persons; (18) notarization requirements for certain mental health detentions; and (19) lead poisoning. SB 24 creates the "Missouri First Responder Mental Health Initiative Act." The bill expands the voluntary caner benefits pool to allow other first responders, specifically emergency medical technician-basic, emergency medical technician-paramedic, and telecommunicators, to have access to benefits through the pool for exposure to a diagnosable trauma stress event, or diagnosable cumulative post-traumatic stress injury over the course of a career. The act creates new provisions relating to communications during peer support counseling programs for certain first responders. With certain exceptions, detailed in the act, a communication made by a first responder or peer support advisor in a peer support counseling session, as well as any oral or written information conveyed in the peer support counseling session, shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed by any person participating in the peer support counseling session or released to any person or entity. HB 15 is a supplemental appropriations bill that authorizes more than $2 billion spending for the Fiscal Year 2023 state operating budget. HB 17 re-appropriates nearly $431 million in funding for state parks around Missouri. HB 18 appropriates nearly $778 million for maintenance and repair of state property. HB 19 allocates approximately $606.3 million for capital improvement projects. HB 20 appropriates nearly $3.3 billion in funding from the American Recovery Plan Act. Closing Remarks In closing I would like to encourage my readers to continue to be involved in the affairs of government. Thomas Jefferson once stated that liberty is best preserved by the people themselves stating that they are the “only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty”. I whole heartedly agree with Thomas Jefferson on this issue. It is always my intent to keep my constituents informed and to retain open transparency. If you have any questions or concerns please contact my office at any time. You can reach my office by calling 573-751-1487 or via email at jeff.coleman@house.mo.gov |
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