|
Jackson County has decided to close its Assessment, Collection and Recorder of Deeds offices for the remainder of this week due to a ransomware attack. The county, in conjunction with federal law enforcement authorities and contracted cybersecurity specialists, continues its investigation into the origin of a ransomware attack that disrupted multiple county services early Tuesday morning.
According to a release from the County, measures are actively in place to prevent further compromise to the county’s network, as the incident response team implements a thorough yet cautious approach to restoring systems to full operational capacity within a secure environment. “There is an urgent need to reinstate the county's core functions to minimize inconvenience for residents,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. "We are actively exploring every avenue to ensure our residents are not negatively impacted by the closures.” Jackson County stated the impact does not include taxpayers’ personal and sensitive financial information. Such data is hosted completely outside of the county’s network and is securely managed and stored by our trusted partner, PayIt. In a release, the County stated that due to the sensitivity of this security breach, the County's capacity to disclose information is limited. However, updates will be provided as they become available and deemed appropriate.
0 Comments
Healthy eating can sometimes feel confusing and time-consuming – but it doesn’t have to. As a registered dietitian, I am all for incorporating super simple ways to instantly boost flavor and nutrition in your daily routine. Here are three healthy hacks to help make reaching your health goal even easier! First, if you struggle with those mid-day lulls or frequent cravings, it’s likely that you are not getting enough protein! Let’s add more protein to your diet with PB2 Powdered Nut Butters. Protein is essential to helping curb hunger, sustaining energy and reducing cravings. PB2 Powdered Nut Butters are a great, plant-based option to boost your protein. A single serving provides six grams of protein and is lower in fat when compared to traditional nut butters. To use this hack at home, mix PB2 with Chobani® with Zero Sugar Greek yogurt for a creamy, lower-sugar fruit dip; or blend it in your favorite smoothie, or even mix it into your morning oatmeal. Next, ask yourself: Am I staying hydrated throughout the day? Being properly hydrated is important to help with your energy levels and concentration. Signs of dehydration include frequent fatigue, poor digestion and brain fog. About 75% of Americans report feeling dehydrated frequently. This is where Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free can make a huge splash. Liquid I.V. is more hydrating than water alone and contains essential vitamins and minerals to support immunity and energy production. Plus, it is a great, sugar-free way to hydrate if you find plain water just too boring. Use Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free with your favorite sparkling water or mix it with water and add frozen fruit for some exciting (and hydrating) mocktails! Finally, rethink how you can use Greek yogurt. I recommend sticking to lower-sugar varieties, like Chobani® with Zero Sugar. Chobani® with Zero Sugar is a one-of-a-kind dairy product with zero sugar, 60 calories, lots of protein and no lactose. One cup of Greek yogurt gives you a whopping 17 grams of protein. Greek yogurt can also be extremely versatile and is more than just granola’s best friend. Try swapping Greek yogurt where a recipe traditionally calls for sour cream or mayo. You can also try this hack by mixing plain Chobani® Greek yogurt with ranch seasoning for a veggie dip or blending Chobani® with Zero Sugar with your favorite fruit and freeze for a creamy sweet treat. If you’re looking for a fun, new way to use Chobani® with Zero Sugar, try this Frozen Yogurt Bark recipe. Also be sure to grab Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free, PB2 and Chobani® yogurt during your next Hy-Vee run to help make healthy eating a snap. Frozen Yogurt Bark Serves 12 All you need: 1 (32-oz) Chobani® with Zero Sugar, vanilla flavor ½ cup Hy-Vee oats and honey granola ½ cup fresh blueberries 3 fresh kiwi, peeled and sliced ¼ cup Hy-Vee unsweetened coconut flakes, toasted All you do:
Recipe adapted from: https://www.hy-vee.com/recipes-ideas/recipes/frozen-yogurt-bark If you want more individualized guidance on reaching your health and wellness goals, reach out to a Hy-Vee dietitian today by visiting https://www.hy-vee.com/healthnew/dietitians. The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice. Frozen Yogurt Bark. Photo credit: Hy-Vee
With 100% of precincts reporting, Mayor Michael Todd won re-election, defeating Dale Arnold with 58.92% of the vote. Reached for comment, Mayor Todd said, "I want to thank all the residents who have placed their faith in me for another two years. We have some great things coming with expansions of sidewalks, trails, road improvements, and improvements to our parks that I’m excited to continue to work with city staff on." In the only contested alderman race, first-time candidate Kyle Sole defeated former mayor Chuck Johnston in Ward I with 55.81% of the vote. Rick Knox in Ward 2 and Ryan Skinner in Ward 3 won their uncontested seats. Voters also overwhelmingly passed the proposed school board levy (Question 1) which will be used to increase teacher and staff pay in the district. The measure passed with 58.86% of the vote. Reached for comment, Grain Valley Schools Superintendent Brad Welle shared the following statement: "We wish to thank our school community for supporting our schools, teachers, and staff with the passage of the levy ballot measure. Our people tell us they love working here and this vote reinforces why - because this community is willing to do hard things to keep our schools the best they can be. We see the challenges many in our community face to keep up with increased costs and we do not take your support for granted. We will continue to be good stewards of our financial resources. I wish to thank our school board for setting the tone for our district. Under the Board’s leadership, our focus is on attracting and retaining a high-quality workforce. We also appreciate the efforts of parents and other community volunteers who stepped forward to get the word out about the importance of this ballot measure. Improved pay for our teachers and staff will take effect with the start of the new budget year on July 1." Incumbent Jared English was re-elected to another term on the Grain Valley school board, while first-time candidate Aaron Scully won the second open seat, defeating incumbent candidate Eddie Saffell and first-time candidate Paul Trusler. Unofficial results: Jackson County Election Board (9:50pm 4/2/2024)
by Michael Smith Grain Valley baseball coach Brian Driskell said he was hoping to get starting pitcher Aaron Barr through all seven innings. Barr went up against Smithville at home and he had good command of his pitches. However, his pitch count elevated as his defense committed a season-high four errors. Because of that, the junior ended up having to throw more pitches, but he still got through six innings as he only gave up three unearned runs to help his team capture a 4-3 win Wednesday at home. “I wish I could have thrown him out there in the seventh,” Driskell said of Barr, who tossed 93 pitches. We probably could have and been OK. We didn’t do a good enough job defensively. We made him pitch another 25-30 pitches that he shouldn’t have had to.” “Both teams didn’t play great. There’s some things we have to clean up.” Not only did Barr have a quality start, but he also allowed only four hits, walked one and struck out six in a stellar effort. The key for him was keeping his slurve pitch under control and he did just that as he pounded the strike zone with it and got hitters to chase it out of the zone, too. “We all make mistakes, so I am not going to hold that against anyone,” Barr said of the errors. “You just have to go out there and pitch your game and trust the guys behind you." “The slurve along with the changeup was on today. I was able to mess up their timing with those two pitches while mixing in the fastball.” Added Driskell: “The depth on his breaking pitchers were great. Where he started them and where they ended up is where the difference was.” The right hander’s first unearned run came in the top of the first. An error in the infield on a ground ball from third baseman Brady Speer allowed Ben Murawski to score from second base to put the Warriors up 1-0. The Eagles immediately responded in the bottom half of the inning. First baseman Logan Bennett crushed a fastball over the right-field fence with junior Brek Sloan on first base for his first varsity home run, giving his team a 2-1 edge. “I was looking to get a pitch that I could hit well,” Bennett said. “I got a hold of it.” Errors plagued the Eagles once again during the third as Smithville’s Max McKenzie and Muraawski reached base both reached base on infield errors by Grain Valley (5-5). McKenzie scored on Speer’s line drive double to center field, but Muraski was thrown out at home, which helped keep the game tied at 2 as Barr struck out Drake Odneal to end the inning. A dropped pop fly by the Eagles in the fourth set the table for another Smithville run in the fourth. That error allowed Mason Jones to reach first and two batters later, he scored on a two out single from Roman Roske to give the Warriors a 3-2 lead. Grain Valley (5-5) battled back in the bottom half of the inning and got an assist from Smithville starting pitcher Jake Kruse. The Smithville right hander lost his command and allowed the Eagles to score two runs without them getting a single hit. After getting two outs, he walked Max Snyder and John Malicoat and hit Ian Kamstra to load the bases. Kruse was pulled from the game after he hit Luke Arndorfer with a pitch, which knotted the game at 3. Warriors’ right hander Kade Thurston came in to relieve Kruse but had the task of getting out of a bases loaded jam. However, he hit Carter Harmsen with a pitch. That allowed Kamstra to score what ended up being the winning run. Barr only allowed one base runner in his final two innings and Malicoat came in get the save as he worked around a leadoff walk. Sloan, the catcher, ended the game after throwing a dart to Bennett, who tagged out Roske on the pick off. Grain Valley junior pitcher Aaron Barr allowed three unearned runs on four hits, walked one and struck out six to help Grain Valley pick up a 4-3 win over Smithville Wednesday at home. Photo credit: Michael Smith Grain Valley senior Ian Kamstra takes a pitch high and out of the strike zone. Photo credit: Michael Smith
As the April 2nd municipal election draws close, Valley News reached out to the candidates running for the Grain Valley School Board to answer a series of questions to learn more about their background and priorities.
Four candidates have filed for two open seats on the Grain Valley Board of Education. Current board members Jared English and Eddie Saffell have filed for re-election. Aaron Scully and Paul Trusler have also filed. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order, and other than minor spelling or grammatical corrections, the candidates' responses are provided as written. Jared English Please tell us about yourself (work background, volunteer service, elected positions held, etc.). I’ve been a resident of Grain Valley for roughly 20 years. My wife and I have two elementary-age children in the district. My work background is risk management. I was on Grain Valley Park Board for roughly 9 years. I also served as the treasurer for the Pathways of Honor, which is a Veterans group in Grain Valley. I’ve been on the School Board in Grain Valley for 12 years. Why do you want to serve on the Grain Valley School Board? I think that we have a great district, focused on the education of our children. As an experienced board member with strong ties to the community, I think I’m well-suited to partner with leaders in our district to ensure we continue to keep education our focus. The levy proposal on the April ballot seeks to address teacher and staff pay in the district. Teacher pay is often cited as a reason why districts struggle to attract and retain teachers. What other factors, besides teacher pay, do you feel are critical to address in the district to retain quality teachers and staff? In a word: Culture. Employees, regardless of industry, typically stay with an employer because the culture of the organization aligns with their values. I think the administration in Grain Valley has done an excellent job creating a culture that our staff value. We may never pay more than some of our neighbors, even with the levy. I think the key to successfully retaining employees (teachers, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, facilities workers, etc.) is to maintain a culture of respect that employees value. How would you assess the levels at which students are achieving academically in the district? What are areas of concern? The district has several methods of gauging success of our students. MAP tests are a good indicator of how the district performs compared to other Missouri schools. As I reviewed the data provided to the board, one area that jumped out at me was the “Class of 2027 Math” results. While there are several reasons for why the scores look low, this is area I’m concerned with and watching closely. Other tests provide additional insight as to how our overall school population is performing academically. I think its also important to identify those who are falling behind. Our board motto is, “every student, every day.” We mean that. We have a small percentage of students who struggle every day. We need to make sure we’re doing everything we can to support those kids and give them the education they deserve. What are the top issues the board should focus on in the next 3-5 years? Education should remain our number one priority over the next 3-5 years. The board approves a comprehensive plan every year. That plan also includes other key initiatives, such as facilities, security and communications with our patrons. I think all of these issues are important. The board receives regular updates from the administration on progress in these key areas. Another big issue is the continued growth of our community. Grain Valley continues to expand. This puts a great deal of stress on our district. Continuing to monitor growth and ensure we’re allocating resources to accommodate growth across the district is key to a good education. Eddie Saffell Please tell us about yourself (work background, volunteer service, elected positions held, etc.). I spent 40 years in the fire service, 10 as a volunteer in Harrisonville and the last 30 with the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District (CJC), retiring as a deputy chief. During that time, I have served as the president of the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce and a Grain Valley / Blue Springs advisory board member to Truman Heartland Community Foundation. I have also served on numerous community project committees such as the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast (Blue Springs) and the Truman Heartland Scholarship Committee. I am completing my 12th year as a member of the Grain Valley Board of Education. Why do you want to serve on the Grain Valley School Board? My commitment to the school board comes from two points: my belief that education is critical to our community's success. A strong school system brings families, which in turn brings business which strengthens our community and allows for better resources and programs for our families and business owners. I received my graduate degree later in life, so my belief that education is key doesn't stop at high school, but continues throughout life. To instill that mindset in our children, we have to give them the best education we can from the beginning and I believe I have, and will continue to help Grain Valley Schools to build that success. Second is my dedication to public service. I have been in some form of public service my entire adult life and I have been interested in local government special districts (school, fire, library) the entire time. I currently work for the City of Grain Valley so, even in retirement, I remained in community service in a different form. The levy proposal on the April ballot seeks to address teacher and staff pay in the district. Teacher pay is often cited as a reason why districts struggle to attract and retain teachers. What other factors, besides teacher pay, do you feel are critical to address in the district to retain quality teachers and staff? Finances are always the easiest to blame and sometimes the hardest to fix. The levy will allow us to make a large impact on the teacher salary and benefit issue, but we also have to think out of the box and find ways to entice teachers to come to Grain Valley and then stay. Ensuring a positive culture of respect and trust has little financial impact in comparison to other components, but can keep a teacher, or any other staff member, in our system. Wanting to go to work and enjoying where you work are critical to our success. If we give our staff members the support and resources they need daily, such as monitoring and maintaining class sizes, it can make their work less stressful. Open and honest 360 degree communication can improve morale. This starts at the top and moves through all levels of the organization. How would you assess the levels at which students are achieving academically in the district? What are areas of concern? In general, our students perform well at all levels. When we look at high school graduations, scholarships, college applications and so on, Grain Valley continues to perform at a very high level. In all elementary and middle school grades, Grain Valley continues to perform above others, especially across the state. My main concerns will always be in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) components because these are the keys to today's business world. We have identified, through standardized testing, some areas we could improve on and are always working on programming and instruction to address those areas. What are the top issues the board should focus on in the next 3-5 years? As always finances will be a topic of concern. As Grain Valley grows and our student population increases, we will need additional, or expanded, facilities and staff to continue to offer programs to continue to provide our students and families the best educational experience we can. School safety and security is a priority. The world we live in dictates we continually adjust our security for buildings and events to ensure everyone's safety. This has many levels and requires open-minded and forward thinking to accomplish. Staff recruitment and retention is key. As mentioned, finding ways to not only compensate our staff, but also give them a work environment they can be happy to be a part of and proud of. Aaron Scully Please tell us about yourself (work background, volunteer service, elected positions held, etc.). I am an RN and work full time at the Kansas City VA. I am also a member of the Missouri Air National Guard as a critical care air transport team nurse. I have not held any elected positions. My wife and I volunteer within our church in a variety of areas: medical team, security team, and membership class. We also have 5 children, and currently have foster children in our home. We have been foster parents for almost 4 years. Why do you want to serve on the Grain Valley School Board? I want to serve on the school board, because I have a vested interest in the education of my children. I desire to see the overall success of children, to see them succeed in whatever path they choose, and to see them become productive members of this community and our society. The levy proposal on the April ballot seeks to address teacher and staff pay in the district. Teacher pay is often cited as a reason why districts struggle to attract and retain teachers. What other factors, besides teacher pay, do you feel are critical to address in the district to retain quality teachers and staff? I got an opportunity to hear a presentation at a board meeting from a couple of teachers, and during their presentation, another point was mentioned which was their days off (sick days, personal days). They would like to see a PTO (paid time off) time of leave system in place, and I could see the benefit of moving to that type of system, if it were to be a desired benefit of the educators and staff. How would you assess the levels at which students are achieving academically in the district? What are areas of concern? I believe the district is tracking the academic success levels to a degree, and I recall seeing some of the results at a board meeting several months ago. I would reiterate that the goal of the district should be to see each child succeed in whatever chosen path, and become productive members of our community. An upcoming concern that I have will be the use of AI (artificial intelligence), and how it will impact education. What are the top issues the board should focus on in the next 3-5 years? Top issues for the next 3-5 years: continued improvement of safety for staff and students; budget deficits and finding a way to eliminate them; that the district continues to maintain the priority of school is, an education; and that teachers will want to stay in the district. Paul Trusler Please tell us about yourself (work background, volunteer service, elected positions held, etc.). I'm a devoted husband to I believe the most beautiful, loving and intelligent women I know. I'm a father of 7 kids (4 boys, 3 girls.) Grandfather to one boy. All of which are either currently in or have graduated from GVSD. I've been a member of the ironworker local union 10 for over 25 yrs. I'm a member of First Baptist Church of Grain Valley where I've served in many aspects of the church and have served as property chair for over 5 yrs. Why do you want to serve on the Grain Valley School Board? To be more active in my community. To better serve in the school system in which my children and grandchild attend. To be a voice for teachers and students. The levy proposal on the April ballot seeks to address teacher and staff pay in the district. Teacher pay is often cited as a reason why districts struggle to attract and retain teachers. What other factors, besides teacher pay, do you feel are critical to address in the district to retain quality teachers and staff? Pay may be one of the leading factors for teachers leaving, but they are also one of the highest stressed professions. One way to help this would be for the schools to be consistent in the rules and punishment they have. Another way is to recognize teachers constant struggles. Teachers are the backbone of the school system. We should empower them to do their job to the best of their abilities. I've found most teachers are self-driven individuals. We need more people like them. How would you assess the levels at which students are achieving academically in the district? What are areas of concern? For the most part I believe the district to be doing well academically. I would like to explore better ways of instructing kids who learn with their hands (kinesthetic learners) or who are visual learners. What are the top issues the board should focus on in the next 3-5 years? The board should focus on safety and success of the children and teachers. In honor of World Autism Awareness Day on Tuesday, April 2nd, local Greater Kansas City Metro Area McDonald's restaurants will hold a fundraiser where a portion of digital proceeds will benefit Autism Speaks. Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.
10% of all proceeds from digital orders on April 2nd from local Greater Kansas City Metro McDonald's restaurants will benefit Autism Speaks. Over 130 participating McDonald's restaurants in the Greater Kansas City Metro Area including: Overland Park, Olathe, Shawnee, Lee's Summit, Lawrence, St. Joe, Independence and Blue Springs. by Cole Arndorfer
The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met for its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 25. With no public comments, previous business, new business, presentations, or public hearings, the board moved directly into resolutions. The first resolution passed by the board was introduced by Alderman Cleaver. This allows the city to renew its’ agreement with Civic Review. This is just a renewal of the agreement the city currently has with Civic Plus, which allows citizens to apply for permits online rather than waiting in line in person. The next resolution the board passed was introduced by Alderman Knox, allowing the city to install two new streetlights on Duncan Road at the new fire station. Third, the board passed a resolution introduced by Alderman Mills. This will allow the city to install one new streetlight in the cul-de-sac of NW Crestwood Drive in the Rosewood Hills subdivision. The final resolution the board passed was introduced by Alderman Skinner. This will allow designated city property to be used as a permissible location for 2024 Food Truck Friday events. The only change in the Food Truck Friday process for this year, as opposed to years past, is the city will begin closing Main Street from Walnut to the train tracks in an attempt to make the event safer for pedestrians as well as driving more customers to the downtown businesses. Following resolutions, the board moved into city staff and board reports. Parks and Recreation Director Shannon Davies provided the board with an update on the all-inclusive playground construction at Armstrong Park. Davies said installation off all the playground components has been completed and the concrete border around the perimeter of the playground has been poured. The next step will be to pour the rubber surfacing in the playground area. Currently, Davies said, the Parks and Recreation department is looking at the middle of May for a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony. In Alderman Skinner’s report, he made a motion to cancel the Board of Aldermen meeting in the month of May that falls on Memorial Day and keep just one meeting for the month. The motion was passed. The next Board of Aldermen meeting will take place on Monday, April 8, at 6:30pm inside City Hall. by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society A few weeks ago I wrote about a house on Walnut Street in the Davis Place Addition. If you recall, Davis Place included 250 feet along the northern edge (walnut Street), 597 feet along the eastern edge (adjoining the Finnell addition), 267.5 feet along the southern edge adjacent to the railroad, and 670.5 feet along the western edge (farm land). Again, early tax records show the home on lot 10, Davis Place, was owned by Dennis & Martha Costigan from at least as early as 1920 until 1935. In 1936 and the succeeding year, the taxes were paid by Robert Costigan. In 1938 the taxes were paid by Oscar Heidelberger and in 1940 the taxes were paid by Ruth (Heidelberger) and Roy Brown. It was in this home that the Brown children were raised; next door to their Aunt Hazel (Kiff) and Tom Heidelberger and across the street from the grandmother, Margret (McAlexander) Heidelberger. The first photograph below is labeled “Feb. 1928.” It was later changed to “Jan.” Pictured are Dennis Costigan with his step-granddaughter, Nadine O’Connell with the caption, “Ready for Ireland.” Following her graduation from Grain Valley High School, Nadine did indeed travel to Ireland. The final photo below was taken recently; another home in Grain Valley to live on for over 100 years. It is good to know that these old homes have survived for over a century. It is also nice to drive around town and see that they are being well maintained and many are being remodeled and rehabilitated for the next hundred years! Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society
Area adults interested in a new career or job advancement now have the opportunity to obtain a variety of services related to workforce development and training at a recently opened satellite office at the University of Central Missouri’s Lee’s Summit campus. Representatives from the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) as well as the Full Employment Council (FEC) will operate out of UCM’s Missouri Innovation Campus from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Services available to both adults and students through these organizations include daily workshops on how to successfully create a resume, job interviewing skill sessions and quarterly hiring fairs, all at the Lee’s Summit location. In addition, the satellite office offers monthly testing through WorkKeys, an assessment designed to help people determine their best choices for career success. “MDHEWD is very excited about the opportunity to be part of the Missouri Innovation Campus,” said Julie Carter, director of the Office of Workforce Development. “This satellite office provides an opportunity to serve all students on campus and offer the community access to invaluable free job center services.” FEC representatives will also work with individuals to help them learn if they are eligible for scholarship funding for the University of Central Missouri’s industry-recognized certificate programs. Previously, those interested in scholarships had to travel to the organization’s Kansas City location for assistance. The new satellite office is designed to provide a one-stop, more convenient location for residents of Eastern Jackson County, Cass County and other areas outside the metropolitan area. All services are offered free of charge. For more information about the new satellite office, please email workforce@ucmo.edu Photo credit: UCM
Missouri House again votes to cut corporate income taxesby Rudi Keller, Missouri Independent The Missouri House sent a bill repealing the corporate income tax to the Senate on a party-line vote Wednesday, with Republicans saying it will boost economic growth and Democrats calling it a business giveaway. The bill sponsored by state Rep. Travis Smith of Dora would cut the tax rate, currently 4%, to 3% on Jan. 1 and make another one percentage point cut each year until the tax is eliminated in 2028. “When you reduce the corporate income tax you are helping workers more than anything else because the corporation is not going to be paying those taxes,” Smith said. “They’re putting it back in improving their facilities and paying wages.” The corporate income tax is paid by larger companies with many stockholders. A fiscal note for the bill estimates it would reduce state revenues by at least $884 million when fully implemented. The state collected $13.2 billion in general revenue in the fiscal year that ended June 30. The bill passed on a 100-50 vote with Republicans voting for it and Democrats opposed. “We are one of the lowest corporate income tax states in the nation,” said state Rep. Joe Adams, a University City Democrat. Legally, Adams noted, corporations are people with many of the same rights as humans. “As people they should pay part of the freight for the operation of the government of this state,” Adams said. Missouri’s corporate income tax for decades was 5%. In 1993, in a bill that increased revenue to pay for education needs, the tax was boosted to 6.25%. The rate was cut to 4% in 2018. This is the second year in a row that the House has voted to cut the corporate tax. Last year, the House voted to cut the rate in half but the Senate did not go along. A similar bill is awaiting debate on the Senate. Lawmakers in the past 18 months have cut the top rate on income taxes and excluded Social Security and other retirement income from the state income tax. Those cuts, when fully in effect, will reduce annual revenue by more than $1 billion. The state is sitting on one of its biggest surpluses in history, with about $6.4 billion on hand on Feb. 29. Revenues for the year, however, are lagging 1.45% behind collections for the previous fiscal year. To soften the impact of repealing the tax, the bill also bars corporations holding state tax credits from claiming them against corporate tax liability in years after the rate is cut to zero. Smith said he received information from the Department of Revenue that there are $600 million to $700 million in outstanding tax credits that could be claimed by corporations. “It just means no new tax credits will be given out and they will not renew the existing tax credits,” Smith said. The fiscal note for the bill, however, reports that tax credit redemptions applied to corporate income taxes totaled $89.7 million in the most recent fiscal year and that redemptions would shift to other taxes if the corporate tax is repealed. “Many of the state tax credits are allowed to be sold, transferred and assigned and it is assumed corporations would continue that practice,” the fiscal note states. The corporate tax rate isn’t a priority for businesses, said Rep. Kemp Strickler, a Democrat from Lee’s Summit. Corporations want well-educated workers and access to materials and services, Strickler said. “Is this a good return on investment?” Strickler asked. “Is that really helping or is this just a giveaway?” GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
SUBSCRIBE
Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Missouri Independent maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jason Hancock for questions: info@missouriindependent.com. Follow Missouri Independent on Facebook and Twitter. |
Categories
All
Archives
March 2024
|
Grain Valley NewsGrain Valley News is a free community news source published weekly online. |
Contact Us |