BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/natanyafriedheim/">NATANYA FRIEDHEIM</a>

A bill to create three new child care tax credits received initial approval by the Missouri House on Tuesday. A similar measure received bipartisan support last year but fell victim to Republican infighting in the Senate.

The measure would help employers foot the bill for their employees’ child care costs and encourage existing providers to grow their capacity. Shields said three-fourths of Missouri’s 114 counties are considered “child care deserts.” It needs to be approved one more time in the House before heading to the Senate.

“We have a child care crisis in our state. We’re all familiar with it,” state Rep. Brenda Shields, a Republican from St. Joseph, who sponsored the bill, said during House debate Tuesday. “We hear from our business leaders across the state that they have trouble recruiting and retaining employees because the lack of child care.”

The bill creates three tax credits. Under the first, people or businesses who donate to child care centers would receive a tax credit worth 75% of their donation. The donor cannot personally benefit from the contribution; for example, a parent cannot make a donation and expect lower tuition.

The second is for businesses that help pay for their employees’ child care costs or create child care programs for their employee’s children.

The third allows child care providers to claim a tax credit worth up to 30% of expenses related to construction projects. The credit also grants tax relief equal to the provider’s employer withholding tax, which applies to providers with at least three employees who work at least 10 hours per week and have been employed for at least three months.

A number of business groups have voiced support for the measure, including the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“Without child care, Missouri’s economy cannot grow,” Shields said.

The credits cannot be transferred to another person or entity and cannot reduce a citizen’s tax burden below zero, meaning the credits cannot be used to add to a tax refund. The measures proposed this year would expire in 2026 without reapproval by the legislature due to a “sunset” provision included in the bill. Parents would not be able to claim tax credits for child care tuition under any of the proposed credits.

State Rep. Sherri Gallick, a Republican from Belton, spoke about her own experience as a single parent while voicing her support for the bill.

“My career took a backseat because I didn’t have adequate child care,” she said.

Earlier, the bill passed unanimously out of the House Economic Development Committee. Three of 10 members of the rules committee, all Republicans, voted against its passage, and it faced additional Republican opposition on the floor.

State Rep. Jamie Gragg, an Ozark Republican, said the credits would pit the school system in competition with day cares. This is the third year Shields has introduced tax credits for child care costs. The package has stalled in the Senate the previous two years.

“Right now,” Shields said, “child care costs more than your freshman year at university.”

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/house-approves-child-care-tax-credit-bill/article_73656f0e-f3a1-11ef-a627-17762959b98c.html" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

This article has been edited since first published to correct an error and clarify language.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740531451776.png" alt=" Rep. Brenda Shields, seen presenting on her child care tax credit legislation in January 2024 (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption> Rep. Brenda Shields, seen presenting on her child care tax credit legislation in January 2024 (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/natanyafriedheim/">NATANYA FRIEDHEIM</a>A bill to create three new child care tax credits received initial approval by the Missouri House on Tuesday. A similar measure received bipartisan support last year but fell victim to Republican infighting in the Senate.The measure would help employers foot the bill for their employees’ child care costs and encourage existing providers to grow their capacity. Shields said three-fourths of Missouri’s 114 counties are considered “child care deserts.” It needs to be approved one more time in the House before heading to the Senate.“We have a child care crisis in our state. We’re all familiar with it,” state Rep. Brenda Shields, a Republican from St. Joseph, who sponsored the bill, said during House debate Tuesday. “We hear from our business leaders across the state that they have trouble recruiting and retaining employees because the lack of child care.”The bill creates three tax credits. Under the first, people or businesses who donate to child care centers would receive a tax credit worth 75% of their donation. The donor cannot personally benefit from the contribution; for example, a parent cannot make a donation and expect lower tuition.The second is for businesses that help pay for their employees’ child care costs or create child care programs for their employee’s children.The third allows child care providers to claim a tax credit worth up to 30% of expenses related to construction projects. The credit also grants tax relief equal to the provider’s employer withholding tax, which applies to providers with at least three employees who work at least 10 hours per week and have been employed for at least three months.A number of business groups have voiced support for the measure, including the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry.“Without child care, Missouri’s economy cannot grow,” Shields said.The credits cannot be transferred to another person or entity and cannot reduce a citizen’s tax burden below zero, meaning the credits cannot be used to add to a tax refund. The measures proposed this year would expire in 2026 without reapproval by the legislature due to a “sunset” provision included in the bill. Parents would not be able to claim tax credits for child care tuition under any of the proposed credits.State Rep. Sherri Gallick, a Republican from Belton, spoke about her own experience as a single parent while voicing her support for the bill.“My career took a backseat because I didn’t have adequate child care,” she said.Earlier, the bill passed unanimously out of the House Economic Development Committee. Three of 10 members of the rules committee, all Republicans, voted against its passage, and it faced additional Republican opposition on the floor.State Rep. Jamie Gragg, an Ozark Republican, said the credits would pit the school system in competition with day cares. This is the third year Shields has introduced tax credits for child care costs. The package has stalled in the Senate the previous two years.“Right now,” Shields said, “child care costs more than your freshman year at university.”This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/house-approves-child-care-tax-credit-bill/article_73656f0e-f3a1-11ef-a627-17762959b98c.html" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;This article has been edited since first published to correct an error and clarify language.

Rep. Shields' child care tax credit package advances in Missouri House

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

The first bill passed by the Missouri House that is headed to the Senate floor for debate would&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/13/missouri-house-votes-on-party-lines-to-eliminate-income-tax-on-capital-gains/">exempt long-term capital gains</a>&nbsp;from the state income tax.

On a 3-2 party-line vote, the Senate General Laws committee approved&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB594&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">the bill</a>&nbsp;to create the new tax deduction. The bill passed the House on Feb. 13, also on a party-line vote, with Republicans supporting the measure and Democrats opposed.

If passed into law, the proposal sponsored by House Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins, a Republican from Bowling Green, would&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills251/fiscal/fispdf/1683H.02P.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">reduce state revenue</a>&nbsp;by about $335 million in the year starting July 1 and permanently reduce revenue by about $234 million per year.

The committee took quick action, Chairman Curtis Trent of Springfield said, because it had already voted to&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=149" target="_blank">approve identical legislation</a>&nbsp;filed in the Senate. That bill is on the Senate calendar awaiting debate.

“This has been a priority in both chambers, and there’s no reason to delay, you know, passage of it through the process,” Trent said after the vote.

The bill would allow Missourians to deduct any income reported on their federal returns as long-term capital gains from the income subject to the state income tax.&nbsp;

Federal law taxes long-term capital gains, defined as assets held for more than one year, at lower rates than income from wages. Current Missouri law does not make a distinction between the two sources of income.

State Rep. George Hruza, a Republican from St. Louis County, said during Tuesday’s hearing that eliminating the state taxes on capital gains will boost the Missouri economy by encouraging investment, both from the sale of existing assets and from newcomers to the state.

“This frees up capital because right now, people don’t sell their property because of capital gains tax,” Hruza said.

While it may become the first tax-cut bill debated in both chambers, it is by no means the largest being considered. Last week, the Senate Economic and Workforce Development Committee approved a pair of bills that would, if approved by voters,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/19/plan-to-shift-from-income-tax-to-sales-tax-advances-to-missouri-senate/">eliminate the state income</a>&nbsp;tax in 2027.

The debate on taxes comes as Missouri is in a period of sluggish revenue growth. Through Monday, general revenue receipts are down nearly 2% from the fiscal year that ended June 30.

Revenue increased 1.5% in the most recent fiscal year and it is projected to grow by 1.6% in the coming fiscal year.

The revenue reduction from a cut in the capital gains tax would be greater than the anticipated growth in the coming fiscal year.

Eliminating the tax on capital gains could cost more than the estimate and would mainly benefit wealthy taxpayers, Brian Colby, vice president of the Missouri Budget Project told the committee.

“We just want to go on the record with heartburn about the fiscal note,” Colby said, “and the concern about the distribution of the tax break that skews way up higher in the income scale.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740531588475.png" alt=" Sen. Curtis Trent, a Republican from Springfield, introduces a bill on the Senate floor on Feb. 12, 2024 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Sen. Curtis Trent, a Republican from Springfield, introduces a bill on the Senate floor on Feb. 12, 2024 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>The first bill passed by the Missouri House that is headed to the Senate floor for debate would&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/13/missouri-house-votes-on-party-lines-to-eliminate-income-tax-on-capital-gains/">exempt long-term capital gains</a>&nbsp;from the state income tax.On a 3-2 party-line vote, the Senate General Laws committee approved&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB594&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">the bill</a>&nbsp;to create the new tax deduction. The bill passed the House on Feb. 13, also on a party-line vote, with Republicans supporting the measure and Democrats opposed.If passed into law, the proposal sponsored by House Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins, a Republican from Bowling Green, would&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills251/fiscal/fispdf/1683H.02P.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">reduce state revenue</a>&nbsp;by about $335 million in the year starting July 1 and permanently reduce revenue by about $234 million per year.The committee took quick action, Chairman Curtis Trent of Springfield said, because it had already voted to&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=149" target="_blank">approve identical legislation</a>&nbsp;filed in the Senate. That bill is on the Senate calendar awaiting debate.“This has been a priority in both chambers, and there’s no reason to delay, you know, passage of it through the process,” Trent said after the vote.The bill would allow Missourians to deduct any income reported on their federal returns as long-term capital gains from the income subject to the state income tax.&nbsp;Federal law taxes long-term capital gains, defined as assets held for more than one year, at lower rates than income from wages. Current Missouri law does not make a distinction between the two sources of income.State Rep. George Hruza, a Republican from St. Louis County, said during Tuesday’s hearing that eliminating the state taxes on capital gains will boost the Missouri economy by encouraging investment, both from the sale of existing assets and from newcomers to the state.“This frees up capital because right now, people don’t sell their property because of capital gains tax,” Hruza said.While it may become the first tax-cut bill debated in both chambers, it is by no means the largest being considered. Last week, the Senate Economic and Workforce Development Committee approved a pair of bills that would, if approved by voters,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/19/plan-to-shift-from-income-tax-to-sales-tax-advances-to-missouri-senate/">eliminate the state income</a>&nbsp;tax in 2027.The debate on taxes comes as Missouri is in a period of sluggish revenue growth. Through Monday, general revenue receipts are down nearly 2% from the fiscal year that ended June 30.Revenue increased 1.5% in the most recent fiscal year and it is projected to grow by 1.6% in the coming fiscal year.The revenue reduction from a cut in the capital gains tax would be greater than the anticipated growth in the coming fiscal year.Eliminating the tax on capital gains could cost more than the estimate and would mainly benefit wealthy taxpayers, Brian Colby, vice president of the Missouri Budget Project told the committee.“We just want to go on the record with heartburn about the fiscal note,” Colby said, “and the concern about the distribution of the tax break that skews way up higher in the income scale.”

Missouri Senate committee moves quickly on capital gains tax cut

The emergency rules would have allowed gamblers to place bets sometime this summer. Now the Missouri Gaming Commission will be racing against the Dec. 1 deadline to issue licenses

A dispute over whether the Missouri Gaming Commission can issue emergency rules to implement sports wagering will delay the licensing of casinos and online operators until fall, the executive director of the Missouri Gaming Commission said Monday.

Last week, Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected the gaming commission emergency rules intended to allow it to accept license applications. The notice to the gaming commission did not specify why the rule was rejected.

“The only answer we were given is that it didn’t meet the requirements under the statute,” Executive Director Mike Leara said.

In an email to The Independent, a spokeswoman for Hoskins wrote that the “emergency rules have been rejected due to lack of emergency.”

Hoskins further clarified his position in a Monday afternoon statement, saying the constitutional deadline for the start of sports betting, Dec. 1, can be achieved without emergency rules.

“The standard rulemaking process is more than capable of achieving the desired outcome within the necessary time frame,” Hoskins said. “In fact, under the proper procedure, the proposed rules could be effective by Sept. 30, 2025—well ahead of the December 1 deadline. This confirms that there is no legitimate justification for bypassing the standard rulemaking process, which is designed to give the public the chance to weigh in on decisions that affect them.”

Amendment 2,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/27/passage-of-missouri-sports-wagering-seems-assured-despite-narrow-margin/">narrowly approved by voters</a>&nbsp;in November, legalizes betting on sporting events through online platforms, at the state’s 13 casinos and in special districts near major pro sports stadiums.

Following Hoskins action, Leara said the deadline will be met, but it will be difficult.

“We’re going to make it one way or another, but we will make it,” Leara said.

Missouri agencies write rules to implement state laws and submit them to the Secretary of State’s office for publication in the Missouri Register. Emergency rules take effect immediately upon publication, while other rules must go through a comment and revision process.

Under the&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=536.025&amp;bid=47746&amp;hl=" target="_blank">law allowing emergency rules</a>, the new regulation must address something that is an “immediate danger to the public health, safety or welfare requires emergency action” or that it “is necessary to preserve a compelling governmental interest that requires an early effective date.”

The Secretary of State’s office told the gaming commission that the proposed rules “do not meet the requirements” of the statute.

Soon after the election, Leara said emergency rules would make it possible for companies to start offering sports betting by summer. The emergency is the “compelling governmental interest” of making the Dec. 1 deadline, he said.

“My primary motivation was that we would have these rules in place so that we could start the vetting process and not be rushed into making a decision,” Leara said.

Under the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mgc.dps.mo.gov/RulesNRegs/_CSR_proposed.html" target="_blank">rules being proposed</a>, every casino operating company, the six major league sports franchises and two internet-only companies could offer online wagering. Each of the 13 individual casinos and the major league franchises could have a retail location for in-person betting.

The interpretation of how many online licenses would be available has been changing. During the campaign, Caesars Entertainment spent $15 million on an opposition campaign because it would be allowed only one online platform to cover its three casinos in the state.

About a month before the election, Leara said, the attorney general’s office said Amendment 2 allowed an online platform linked to each casino. Now, the interpretation has changed again, he said.

“It is now their opinion that each parent company gets a mobile license,” Leara said.

The licensing process will be complex because the online bookmakers, the casino companies and the major sports franchises all have to undergo licensing investigations, Leara said. So do all the vendors that supply the bookmakers and all the employees who work at the retail sports wager sites.

“Some of these licenses will be easy, because the casinos will all have the opportunity for one and they’re already licensed,” Leara said. “But some of the other operators, for the mobile platforms, will not be. They may have been licensed with us on your fantasy sports, but this is a different animal to consider.”

The proposed rules will be published March 18 in the Missouri Register, opening a 30-day comment period.&nbsp; A public hearing on the rules is scheduled for 10 a.m. April 17 in the Missouri Gaming Commission’s hearing room in Jefferson City.

After the comment period closes, the proposed rules and the public’s statements are forwarded to the legislature’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, which has 30 days to request changes or hold a hearing. The rules become effective when that process is completed and they are published.

That process is important to protect the public from burdensome rules, Hoskins said.

“The public deserves to have its voice heard, and it’s crucial that we ensure that this rulemaking process is transparent, thorough, and open,” he said. “By following the standard rulemaking process, Missouri can ensure that the decisions being made are not only legally sound but also informed by the people who will be impacted the most. We cannot afford to rush through this process for the sake of a deadline that can easily be met through standard procedures.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740506502281.png" alt=" Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected emergency rules for sports wagering. He is shown speaking as a state senator during the 2021 legislative session (Missouri Senate Communications)." />
 <figcaption> Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected emergency rules for sports wagering. He is shown speaking as a state senator during the 2021 legislative session (Missouri Senate Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The emergency rules would have allowed gamblers to place bets sometime this summer. Now the Missouri Gaming Commission will be racing against the Dec. 1 deadline to issue licenses</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>A dispute over whether the Missouri Gaming Commission can issue emergency rules to implement sports wagering will delay the licensing of casinos and online operators until fall, the executive director of the Missouri Gaming Commission said Monday.Last week, Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected the gaming commission emergency rules intended to allow it to accept license applications. The notice to the gaming commission did not specify why the rule was rejected.“The only answer we were given is that it didn’t meet the requirements under the statute,” Executive Director Mike Leara said.In an email to The Independent, a spokeswoman for Hoskins wrote that the “emergency rules have been rejected due to lack of emergency.”Hoskins further clarified his position in a Monday afternoon statement, saying the constitutional deadline for the start of sports betting, Dec. 1, can be achieved without emergency rules.“The standard rulemaking process is more than capable of achieving the desired outcome within the necessary time frame,” Hoskins said. “In fact, under the proper procedure, the proposed rules could be effective by Sept. 30, 2025—well ahead of the December 1 deadline. This confirms that there is no legitimate justification for bypassing the standard rulemaking process, which is designed to give the public the chance to weigh in on decisions that affect them.”Amendment 2,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/27/passage-of-missouri-sports-wagering-seems-assured-despite-narrow-margin/">narrowly approved by voters</a>&nbsp;in November, legalizes betting on sporting events through online platforms, at the state’s 13 casinos and in special districts near major pro sports stadiums.Following Hoskins action, Leara said the deadline will be met, but it will be difficult.“We’re going to make it one way or another, but we will make it,” Leara said.Missouri agencies write rules to implement state laws and submit them to the Secretary of State’s office for publication in the Missouri Register. Emergency rules take effect immediately upon publication, while other rules must go through a comment and revision process.Under the&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=536.025&amp;bid=47746&amp;hl=" target="_blank">law allowing emergency rules</a>, the new regulation must address something that is an “immediate danger to the public health, safety or welfare requires emergency action” or that it “is necessary to preserve a compelling governmental interest that requires an early effective date.”The Secretary of State’s office told the gaming commission that the proposed rules “do not meet the requirements” of the statute.Soon after the election, Leara said emergency rules would make it possible for companies to start offering sports betting by summer. The emergency is the “compelling governmental interest” of making the Dec. 1 deadline, he said.“My primary motivation was that we would have these rules in place so that we could start the vetting process and not be rushed into making a decision,” Leara said.Under the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mgc.dps.mo.gov/RulesNRegs/_CSR_proposed.html" target="_blank">rules being proposed</a>, every casino operating company, the six major league sports franchises and two internet-only companies could offer online wagering. Each of the 13 individual casinos and the major league franchises could have a retail location for in-person betting.The interpretation of how many online licenses would be available has been changing. During the campaign, Caesars Entertainment spent $15 million on an opposition campaign because it would be allowed only one online platform to cover its three casinos in the state.About a month before the election, Leara said, the attorney general’s office said Amendment 2 allowed an online platform linked to each casino. Now, the interpretation has changed again, he said.“It is now their opinion that each parent company gets a mobile license,” Leara said.The licensing process will be complex because the online bookmakers, the casino companies and the major sports franchises all have to undergo licensing investigations, Leara said. So do all the vendors that supply the bookmakers and all the employees who work at the retail sports wager sites.“Some of these licenses will be easy, because the casinos will all have the opportunity for one and they’re already licensed,” Leara said. “But some of the other operators, for the mobile platforms, will not be. They may have been licensed with us on your fantasy sports, but this is a different animal to consider.”The proposed rules will be published March 18 in the Missouri Register, opening a 30-day comment period.&nbsp; A public hearing on the rules is scheduled for 10 a.m. April 17 in the Missouri Gaming Commission’s hearing room in Jefferson City.After the comment period closes, the proposed rules and the public’s statements are forwarded to the legislature’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, which has 30 days to request changes or hold a hearing. The rules become effective when that process is completed and they are published.That process is important to protect the public from burdensome rules, Hoskins said.“The public deserves to have its voice heard, and it’s crucial that we ensure that this rulemaking process is transparent, thorough, and open,” he said. “By following the standard rulemaking process, Missouri can ensure that the decisions being made are not only legally sound but also informed by the people who will be impacted the most. We cannot afford to rush through this process for the sake of a deadline that can easily be met through standard procedures.”

Launch of Missouri sports betting delayed until fall after emergency rules were rejected

A fatal house fire
in Maryville very early Monday morning is under investigation.

The Maryville Fire
Department says a woman told firefighters her husband was trapped inside the house.
Rescue crews located the victim and removed him from the burning structure.
Emergency medical personnel treated him at the scene and then got him to the
hospital, but he died of his injuries.

The fire
department says it received a call shortly before four o’clock Monday morning.
By the time firefighters arrived, the house was engulfed.

The Missouri Fire
Marshal’s Office is on the scene, helping with the investigation.

The public is
encouraged to contact the Maryville Fire Chief if they have any information that
would help in the investigation.

You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA fatal house fire
in Maryville very early Monday morning is under investigation.The Maryville Fire
Department says a woman told firefighters her husband was trapped inside the house.
Rescue crews located the victim and removed him from the burning structure.
Emergency medical personnel treated him at the scene and then got him to the
hospital, but he died of his injuries.The fire
department says it received a call shortly before four o’clock Monday morning.
By the time firefighters arrived, the house was engulfed.The Missouri Fire
Marshal’s Office is on the scene, helping with the investigation.The public is
encouraged to contact the Maryville Fire Chief if they have any information that
would help in the investigation.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Fatal fire in Maryville under investigation

Significant updates to the Missouri Pesticide Use Act take effect on January 1, 2025, bringing changes that affect Private Pesticide Applicators who use Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs). The Missouri Department of Agriculture has introduced new certification requirements and licensing regulations to ensure proper handling and application of pesticides.

Private Pesticide Certification is now classified under Category 20, with additional categories introduced:

For example, growers who apply grain fumigants will need Category 20 certification but must also obtain certification in Category 22 to purchase and apply grain fumigants legally.

Previously, Private Applicators could supervise employees using RUPs. Under the new regulations, this is no longer permitted. If a grower has employees mixing, loading, spraying, cleaning equipment, storing, or disposing of pesticide containers involving RUPs, those employees must now obtain a Category 20 Private Pesticide Certified License to continue those activities legally.

Certified Provisional Private Applicator License

A new Certified Provisional Private Applicator License has been introduced for individuals 16 or 17 years old who are immediate family members of a certified Private Applicator. Upon turning 18, these individuals will automatically become Private Pesticide Certified Applicators.

If a Private Pesticide License has not yet expired, the holder may continue using Restricted Use Pesticides until the expiration date. However, recertification under the new laws will be required upon expiration. Licenses will continue to be valid for five years.

Significant updates to the Missouri Pesticide Use Act take effect on January 1, 2025, bringing changes that affect Private Pesticide Applicators who use Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs). The Missouri Department of Agriculture has introduced new certification requirements and licensing regulations to ensure proper handling and application of pesticides.New Certification CategoriesPrivate Pesticide Certification is now classified under Category 20, with additional categories introduced:<ul>
 <li>Category 21 – Soil Fumigation</li><li>Category 22 – Non-soil Fumigation</li><li>Category 23 – Aerial Application</li>
 </ul>For example, growers who apply grain fumigants will need Category 20 certification but must also obtain certification in Category 22 to purchase and apply grain fumigants legally.Supervision Rules Have ChangedPreviously, Private Applicators could supervise employees using RUPs. Under the new regulations, this is no longer permitted. If a grower has employees mixing, loading, spraying, cleaning equipment, storing, or disposing of pesticide containers involving RUPs, those employees must now obtain a Category 20 Private Pesticide Certified License to continue those activities legally.Certified Provisional Private Applicator LicenseA new Certified Provisional Private Applicator License has been introduced for individuals 16 or 17 years old who are immediate family members of a certified Private Applicator. Upon turning 18, these individuals will automatically become Private Pesticide Certified Applicators.License Expiration and RenewalIf a Private Pesticide License has not yet expired, the holder may continue using Restricted Use Pesticides until the expiration date. However, recertification under the new laws will be required upon expiration. Licenses will continue to be valid for five years.

Changes to the Missouri Pesticide Use Act (Impact Private Pesticide Applicators)

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Small-scale food and farm entrepreneurs looking to strengthen their business and marketing strategies can participate in the University of Missouri Extension’s upcoming webinar series, “Growing Success: Marketing and Business Development for Small Farms.” Running throughout March, this evening series is designed to provide participants with practical tools and resources to enhance their businesses.

Supporting Entrepreneurs with Actionable Insights

“Farmers are experts in what they grow, but many struggle with the business side of their operations,” said Denice Ferguson, MU Extension Ag Business Specialist for Northwest Missouri. “These entrepreneurs are innovative, passionate, and eager to learn. They’re just short on time and need reliable, actionable information that they can immediately apply to their businesses.”

The series will feature four interactive sessions, each addressing critical aspects of farm business development:

Valuable USDA Support for Farm Entrepreneurs

Throughout the series, participants will also learn about resources available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), which provides programs to support farm and food entrepreneurs at all stages of business development.

“The FSA offers a range of programs and resources to assist farm and food entrepreneurs as they start or grow their businesses,” said Ferguson. “We want participants to know how FSA can support their journey.”

For more details and to register, visit <a href="http://muext.us/growingsuccesswebinars">http://muext.us/growingsuccesswebinars</a>.

This webinar series is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency through project award number FSA23CPT0012862.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Small-scale food and farm entrepreneurs looking to strengthen their business and marketing strategies can participate in the University of Missouri Extension’s upcoming webinar series, “Growing Success: Marketing and Business Development for Small Farms.” Running throughout March, this evening series is designed to provide participants with practical tools and resources to enhance their businesses.Supporting Entrepreneurs with Actionable Insights“Farmers are experts in what they grow, but many struggle with the business side of their operations,” said Denice Ferguson, MU Extension Ag Business Specialist for Northwest Missouri. “These entrepreneurs are innovative, passionate, and eager to learn. They’re just short on time and need reliable, actionable information that they can immediately apply to their businesses.”The series will feature four interactive sessions, each addressing critical aspects of farm business development:<ul>
 <li>March 4 – "Cultivating Connections: Strategically Market Your Food and Farm Products"
Led by TaylorAnn Washburn, MU Extension Communications Strategist, this session will help participants craft targeted customer profiles, communicate their unique value, and utilize digital platforms to strengthen their marketing strategies.
</li><li>March 11 – "Will It Work? Assessing New Farm Products"
MU Extension Ag Business Specialist Katie Neuner will introduce online tools like AgSite and Intel for Ag to help attendees evaluate the viability of new products such as elderberries or pasture-raised pork.
</li><li>March 18 – "What Does It Cost My Farm to Sell in Different Markets?"
Dr. Mallory Rahe, MU Extension Ag Business Program Director, will guide participants through the Market Channel Cost Assessment Tool, helping them estimate marketing costs and determine the most profitable sales channels, including farmers markets, CSAs, and wholesale.
</li><li>March 25 – "Five Key Considerations as You Scale Your Business"
Denice Ferguson will lead an interactive session focused on assessing readiness for business growth, covering goal setting, financial capacity, labor needs, and operational efficiencies.
</li>
 </ul>Valuable USDA Support for Farm EntrepreneursThroughout the series, participants will also learn about resources available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), which provides programs to support farm and food entrepreneurs at all stages of business development.“The FSA offers a range of programs and resources to assist farm and food entrepreneurs as they start or grow their businesses,” said Ferguson. “We want participants to know how FSA can support their journey.”For more details and to register, visit <a href="http://muext.us/growingsuccesswebinars">http://muext.us/growingsuccesswebinars</a>.This webinar series is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency through project award number FSA23CPT0012862.

Interactive Sessions to Enhance Marketing and Business Strategies for Small-Scale Producers

Road crews kept
busy pushing snow as two snow storms dumped more than five inches of snow on
the area.

Buchanan County
Western District Commissioner, Ron Hook, says there has to be at least three
inches of snow on the ground for him to send the snow plows out.

“But getting the
big trucks out with just a small amount of snow like that really damages our
roads and, really, it damages our plows. It’s just not good on it,” Hook
explains to host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “The heavier the snow, the
more snow, is better for it.”

Western District
snow plow drivers went out Monday, then resumed plowing Tuesday morning as did
crews for the City of St. Joseph and the Missouri Department of Transportation.
There could be some more snow fall, but little accumulation is expected,
according to the National Weather Service, which has forecast only flurries for
today.

As for the county,
Hook says his crews approach snow removal with a strategy to hit the most
populated areas first.

“The town of
Faucet, DeKalb, Rushville, Lewis and Clark Village. Obviously, the Air Guard is
one of our, the Western District’s, priorities, along with Maxwell Heights,”
Hook says. “We try to hit the heavily populated areas that we know people are
going to be in and out a lot more and more active.” 

Hook says he hears
praise and complaints from residents during snow storms.

“We hear from
both. We hear people calling in and thanking us for getting it done so early,”
Hooks says. “We hear complaints, too. That’s okay. That’s all part of the job
and we try to address those complaints as quick as possible.”

It will be a while
before we are done with all this.

The National
Weather Service has issued no less than three separate advisories. A Cold
Weather Advisory remains in effect until midnight when it changes into an
Extreme Cold Weather Advisory. An Extreme Cold Weather Advisory is issued by
NWS when wind chills could approach 30-below. Tonight could see the harshest
temperature with a low of -13 expected.

The Weather
Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for northwest, north-central and
west-central Missouri as well as extreme eastern Kansas.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostRoad crews kept
busy pushing snow as two snow storms dumped more than five inches of snow on
the area.Buchanan County
Western District Commissioner, Ron Hook, says there has to be at least three
inches of snow on the ground for him to send the snow plows out.“But getting the
big trucks out with just a small amount of snow like that really damages our
roads and, really, it damages our plows. It’s just not good on it,” Hook
explains to host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “The heavier the snow, the
more snow, is better for it.”Western District
snow plow drivers went out Monday, then resumed plowing Tuesday morning as did
crews for the City of St. Joseph and the Missouri Department of Transportation.
There could be some more snow fall, but little accumulation is expected,
according to the National Weather Service, which has forecast only flurries for
today.As for the county,
Hook says his crews approach snow removal with a strategy to hit the most
populated areas first.“The town of
Faucet, DeKalb, Rushville, Lewis and Clark Village. Obviously, the Air Guard is
one of our, the Western District’s, priorities, along with Maxwell Heights,”
Hook says. “We try to hit the heavily populated areas that we know people are
going to be in and out a lot more and more active.” Hook says he hears
praise and complaints from residents during snow storms.“We hear from
both. We hear people calling in and thanking us for getting it done so early,”
Hooks says. “We hear complaints, too. That’s okay. That’s all part of the job
and we try to address those complaints as quick as possible.”It will be a while
before we are done with all this.The National
Weather Service has issued no less than three separate advisories. A Cold
Weather Advisory remains in effect until midnight when it changes into an
Extreme Cold Weather Advisory. An Extreme Cold Weather Advisory is issued by
NWS when wind chills could approach 30-below. Tonight could see the harshest
temperature with a low of -13 expected.The Weather
Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for northwest, north-central and
west-central Missouri as well as extreme eastern Kansas.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Road crews attempting to keep area traffic moving

(Radio Iowa) - Governor Kim Reynolds hasn't made an official announcement about a campaign in 2026, but she sounds like a candidate for reelection. 

During a news conference on Tuesday, Reynolds was asked about fellow Republican Brad Sherman, the Williamsburg pastor who announced on Monday that he'd challenge Reynolds in 2026. Reynolds told reporters she's proud of what she's been able to do as governor and she'll be running on her conserative record. 

Reynolds referred to Sherman as her opponent and added that he probably voted for the proposals she submitted to legislators over the past couple of years. Sherman served in the Iowa House in 2023 and 2024.

(Radio Iowa) - Governor Kim Reynolds hasn't made an official announcement about a campaign in 2026, but she sounds like a candidate for reelection. During a news conference on Tuesday, Reynolds was asked about fellow Republican Brad Sherman, the Williamsburg pastor who announced on Monday that he'd challenge Reynolds in 2026. Reynolds told reporters she's proud of what she's been able to do as governor and she'll be running on her conserative record. Reynolds referred to Sherman as her opponent and added that he probably voted for the proposals she submitted to legislators over the past couple of years. Sherman served in the Iowa House in 2023 and 2024.

Asked about GOP challenger, Iowa's governor says she'll run on her record in 2026

(Radio Iowa) - Flu cases across Iowa are still rising and it's prompting some hospitals to reinstate a policy from the pandemic era. 

The medical director for UnityPoint's emergency departments in Des Moines, Clint Hawthorne, says they've started requiring staff members to wear masks. Even if a patient doesn't have respiratory symptoms, Hawthorne says the staff is wearing masks. Iowa hospitals reported more than ten-percent of emergency room visits were for the flu in recent days, which is significantly higher than at this time last year. 

Officials say you should take care to wash your hands and stay home if you are sick. Dozens of Iowa schools are still reporting absence rates of at least ten percent due to illness.

(Radio Iowa) - Flu cases across Iowa are still rising and it's prompting some hospitals to reinstate a policy from the pandemic era. The medical director for UnityPoint's emergency departments in Des Moines, Clint Hawthorne, says they've started requiring staff members to wear masks. Even if a patient doesn't have respiratory symptoms, Hawthorne says the staff is wearing masks. Iowa hospitals reported more than ten-percent of emergency room visits were for the flu in recent days, which is significantly higher than at this time last year. Officials say you should take care to wash your hands and stay home if you are sick. Dozens of Iowa schools are still reporting absence rates of at least ten percent due to illness.

Some Iowa hospitals resort to mask mandates as flu cases increase

Eagle Radio will once again carry both of Missouri's Major League Baseball teams, as the St. Louis Cardinals join the lineup alongside the Kansas City Royals.

Cardinals baseball is back on the airwaves in St. Joseph. KYSJ (KY 102.5)  has announced they will broadcast live coverage of St. Louis Cardinals games throughout the 2025 season, bringing every pitch, home run, and key moment to local listeners.

The Cardinals open the regular season at home against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Busch Stadium. Fans can tune in to 102.5 FM to follow the action as St. Louis looks to make another strong push this season. Broadcasts will feature live play-by-play commentary, analysis, and exclusive team coverage, keeping listeners connected whether they’re at home, on the road, or at work.

“I couldn't be more thrilled to bring Cardinals Baseball radio back to St. Joseph,” said Liby Waltemath, General Manager of Eagle Media in a news release. “With the energy surrounding this season, it’s going to be an exciting year for both Missouri teams, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostEagle Radio will once again carry both of Missouri's Major League Baseball teams, as the St. Louis Cardinals join the lineup alongside the Kansas City Royals.Cardinals baseball is back on the airwaves in St. Joseph. KYSJ (KY 102.5) has announced they will broadcast live coverage of St. Louis Cardinals games throughout the 2025 season, bringing every pitch, home run, and key moment to local listeners.The Cardinals open the regular season at home against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Busch Stadium. Fans can tune in to 102.5 FM to follow the action as St. Louis looks to make another strong push this season. Broadcasts will feature live play-by-play commentary, analysis, and exclusive team coverage, keeping listeners connected whether they’re at home, on the road, or at work.“I couldn't be more thrilled to bring Cardinals Baseball radio back to St. Joseph,” said Liby Waltemath, General Manager of Eagle Media in a news release. “With the energy surrounding this season, it’s going to be an exciting year for both Missouri teams, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”

KYSJ bringing Cardinals baseball to St. Joseph this season

Another major snowstorm late Monday night into Tuesday morning made for hazardous driving conditions, leaving several drivers stranded. 

Seargent Shane Hux with Missouri Highway Patrol Troop H says many drivers leaving the roadways, or getting into accidents, were due to drivers going too fast for the conditions

"Unfortunately we have this converstation everytime we have a storm like that, but yes driving too fast for the condition and just following people to closely," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers in northwest Missouri’s Troop H responded to 36 calls for service Monday afternoon into Tuesday morning and another 22 later in the day Tuesday.

The patrol reports some injury accidents due to the conditions with no fatalities reported.

Troopers came to the aid of 40 stranded motorists of the first two days of this week.

After northwest Missouri was hit with another major snowstorm Monday evening into Tuesday morning, extreme cold conditions are hitting the area. 

Hux says the best way to avoid ending up stranded in these cold conditions, is to make sure your car is prepared

"Have good tires on your vehicles, that you have windshield washer fluid, good wiper blades, a good battery," Hux explains.  "So that's the first and foremost important thing to before you ever try to travel in these types of weather conditions."

Hux also advises to make sure you also have the inside of your car ready

"Blankets, extra warm clothing, coats, hats, gloves, scarves,  cell phone, make sure your cell phone is fully charged and that you have your cell phone with you," Hux says.  "If you're on any type of medication and you're going for an extended trip, make sure you take that medication with you."

The National Weather Service reports bitter cold temperatures will keep their grip on the area through Thursday, at least. Tonight is expected to be the coldest with the low forecast to drop to -14.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostAnother major snowstorm late Monday night into Tuesday morning made for hazardous driving conditions, leaving several drivers stranded. Seargent Shane Hux with Missouri Highway Patrol Troop H says many drivers leaving the roadways, or getting into accidents, were due to drivers going too fast for the conditions"Unfortunately we have this converstation everytime we have a storm like that, but yes driving too fast for the condition and just following people to closely," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers in northwest Missouri’s Troop H responded to 36 calls for service Monday afternoon into Tuesday morning and another 22 later in the day Tuesday.The patrol reports some injury accidents due to the conditions with no fatalities reported.Troopers came to the aid of 40 stranded motorists of the first two days of this week.After northwest Missouri was hit with another major snowstorm Monday evening into Tuesday morning, extreme cold conditions are hitting the area. Hux says the best way to avoid ending up stranded in these cold conditions, is to make sure your car is prepared"Have good tires on your vehicles, that you have windshield washer fluid, good wiper blades, a good battery," Hux explains. "So that's the first and foremost important thing to before you ever try to travel in these types of weather conditions."Hux also advises to make sure you also have the inside of your car ready"Blankets, extra warm clothing, coats, hats, gloves, scarves, cell phone, make sure your cell phone is fully charged and that you have your cell phone with you," Hux says. "If you're on any type of medication and you're going for an extended trip, make sure you take that medication with you."The National Weather Service reports bitter cold temperatures will keep their grip on the area through Thursday, at least. Tonight is expected to be the coldest with the low forecast to drop to -14.

Winter weather disrupts traffic MSHP urges caution

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

Kansas one of 10 states refusing to embrace wider Medicaid eligibility

TOPEKA — Kansas Senate Democrats attempted Tuesday to insert Medicaid expansion into a bill increasing legislative oversight over public assistance programs.

The outcome was the same in the Kansas House when a Democrat sought to drop a Medicaid reform package into a state government budget bill.

Sen. Renee Erickson, a Wichita Republican, brought forth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb161/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 161</a>, which would require legislative approval for any changes to public assistance programs in Kansas if they seek to expand eligibility, increase costs to the state, request federal waivers or modify intellectual or developmental disability services.

A Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas, Sen. Pat Pettey, took the opportunity during floor debate on the bill to introduce an amendment that would adopt the Healthcare Access for Working Kansans, or HAWK, Act.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and a handful of Democrats in the House and Senate announced in early February&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/06/kansas-governor-takes-another-swing-at-joining-41-states-that-have-expanded-medicaid/">the HAWK Act’s introduction</a>&nbsp;into both chambers. It was the governor’s seventh time trying for Medicaid expansion.

The proposal drew support from Democrats and health advocacy groups, but that support was tinged with criticism for a work requirement baked into the act.&nbsp;

It did not receive a hearing this session, Pettey pointed out Tuesday.

“Medicaid expansion is not political,” she said, referencing survey data that shows most Kansans support expansion or widespread access to affordable health care.&nbsp;

Kansas is one of 10 holdout states that have not expanded Medicaid.

“It saves lives,” Pettey said. “It saves Kansans money. It stabilizes rural hospitals. It brings taxpayers’ money back to Kansas.”

Pettey said the state has passed up on more than $8 billion by refusing to expand KanCare, as Medicaid is known in Kansas.

Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, pushed back.

“I agree that it is not partisan,” he said, “but there is a whole host of reasons not to do it.”&nbsp;

He acknowledged the lack of discussion on Medicaid expansion this session and encouraged it to take place, rather than block consideration of Pettey’s amendment.

“It’s not like Kansas isn’t getting its money back,” Masterson said. “Kansas is doing the right thing and putting the right people at the front of the line.”

Democrats’ efforts were unsuccessful without the support of a majority of Republicans. Pettey’s amendment&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/vote_view/je_20250218133629_925711/" target="_blank">failed</a>&nbsp;with 12 in favor — three Republicans and nine Democrats — and 28 Republicans opposed. Republicans who voted in favor were freshman Sen. Mike Argabright of Olpe, Sen. Rick Billinger of Goodland and Sen. Brenda Dietrich of Topeka.

Members of the Kansas House deflected an attempt to insert Medicaid expansion into next year’s state budget bill. The maneuver failed by a wide margin following lengthy debate. It was stopped with a roll call vote of 34-82. Republicans hold an 88-37 majority over Democrats in the House.

Rep. Suzanne Wikle, D-Lawrence, proposed a plan that would extend health coverage to about 150,000 lower-income workers across the state without costing the state treasury.

Under the Affordable Care Act, the federal government must cover 90% of a state’s increased expenditures for Medicaid expansion. Congress adopted a supplemental incentive aimed at Kansas and other holdout states. The additional federal support would mean Kansas could save $78 million on Medicaid in the upcoming fiscal year by approving expansion.

“Budgets are a reflection of your priorities,” Wikle said. “Show me a budget and I’ll show you what you care about.”

Rep. Troy Waymaster, the Bunker Hill Republican who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, acknowledged the financial reality of Wikle’s proposal but urged lawmakers to reject her amendment.

“I recognize there might be some savings, but we need to vote this down,” Waymaster said. “If this were to pass, we’d have Medicaid expansion for one year. That’s it. Unless there is legislation that would pass in subsequent years.”

Rep. Nikki McDonald, D-Olathe, said it was frustrating House GOP leaders had again sought to stifle regular debate on fiscally responsible Medicaid expansion proposals in House committees and on the House floor. She urged rank-and-file Republicans to pressure their GOP leaders to bring about meaningful debate on Medicaid expansion rather than suppress an approach for improving access to affordable health care embraced by 40 states.

House members who didn’t believe it important to extend preventive health care to thousands of Kansans with modest incomes should take a different approach to Medicaid expansion, said Rep. Stephanie Sawyer Clayton, D-Overland Park.

“If you’re not going to vote for this out of a moral reason, you should at least vote for this out of a cold-hearted business decision to make sure that our workforce is as healthy as possible so we can make sure we are working them as much as possible to help our economy,” Sawyer Clayton said.

In the Senate, the underlying bill on government efficiency was passed despite criticism from Democrats.

Sen. Cindy Holscher, an Overland Park Democrat, called the bill “inefficient” and said it added “layers of bureaucracy for even the simplest program changes.”

“That red tape could result in thousands of Kansans being unable to get time-sensitive help,” she said.&nbsp;

When the Legislature is not in session, oversight of public assistance program changes would shift to the Legislative Coordinating Council, which consists of the governor and House and Senate leadership.&nbsp;

More than half a dozen advocacy organizations indicated their opposition to the bill at a hearing before the GOP-led Senate Committee on Government Efficiency, which was created in response to and modeled after the federal initiative under billionaire Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency, which is not actually a federal department. However, Shawnee Republican Sen. Mike Thompson indicated at the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/17/kansas-senates-efficiency-committee-embraces-trio-of-bills-aimed-at-state-spending/">hearing</a>&nbsp;the bill could be a solution to complaints over the Kelly administration’s pursuit of changes to intellectual and developmental disabilities programs.

During the hearing and again on the Senate floor, Holscher said the bill could put at risk Kansas’ existing share of Medicaid funds, more than $3 billion for fiscal year 2025. That could be the case if certain federal deadlines, such as those associated with payment rate adjustments, are not met.&nbsp;

Legislators pushed bills through the Senate at a rapid clip Tuesday ahead of a self-imposed deadline Thursday to pass all bills that originated within the chamber. Senators on Tuesday gave first-round approval to more than 40 bills.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739971301681.jpeg" alt=" Sen. Pat Pettey, a Kansas City Democrat, in March 2023 at the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Sen. Pat Pettey, a Kansas City Democrat, in March 2023 at the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a><h2>Kansas one of 10 states refusing to embrace wider Medicaid eligibility</h2>TOPEKA — Kansas Senate Democrats attempted Tuesday to insert Medicaid expansion into a bill increasing legislative oversight over public assistance programs.The outcome was the same in the Kansas House when a Democrat sought to drop a Medicaid reform package into a state government budget bill.Sen. Renee Erickson, a Wichita Republican, brought forth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb161/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 161</a>, which would require legislative approval for any changes to public assistance programs in Kansas if they seek to expand eligibility, increase costs to the state, request federal waivers or modify intellectual or developmental disability services.A Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas, Sen. Pat Pettey, took the opportunity during floor debate on the bill to introduce an amendment that would adopt the Healthcare Access for Working Kansans, or HAWK, Act.Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and a handful of Democrats in the House and Senate announced in early February&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/06/kansas-governor-takes-another-swing-at-joining-41-states-that-have-expanded-medicaid/">the HAWK Act’s introduction</a>&nbsp;into both chambers. It was the governor’s seventh time trying for Medicaid expansion.The proposal drew support from Democrats and health advocacy groups, but that support was tinged with criticism for a work requirement baked into the act.&nbsp;It did not receive a hearing this session, Pettey pointed out Tuesday.“Medicaid expansion is not political,” she said, referencing survey data that shows most Kansans support expansion or widespread access to affordable health care.&nbsp;Kansas is one of 10 holdout states that have not expanded Medicaid.“It saves lives,” Pettey said. “It saves Kansans money. It stabilizes rural hospitals. It brings taxpayers’ money back to Kansas.”Pettey said the state has passed up on more than $8 billion by refusing to expand KanCare, as Medicaid is known in Kansas.Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, pushed back.“I agree that it is not partisan,” he said, “but there is a whole host of reasons not to do it.”&nbsp;He acknowledged the lack of discussion on Medicaid expansion this session and encouraged it to take place, rather than block consideration of Pettey’s amendment.“It’s not like Kansas isn’t getting its money back,” Masterson said. “Kansas is doing the right thing and putting the right people at the front of the line.”Democrats’ efforts were unsuccessful without the support of a majority of Republicans. Pettey’s amendment&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/vote_view/je_20250218133629_925711/" target="_blank">failed</a>&nbsp;with 12 in favor — three Republicans and nine Democrats — and 28 Republicans opposed. Republicans who voted in favor were freshman Sen. Mike Argabright of Olpe, Sen. Rick Billinger of Goodland and Sen. Brenda Dietrich of Topeka.<h2>Over in the House</h2>Members of the Kansas House deflected an attempt to insert Medicaid expansion into next year’s state budget bill. The maneuver failed by a wide margin following lengthy debate. It was stopped with a roll call vote of 34-82. Republicans hold an 88-37 majority over Democrats in the House.Rep. Suzanne Wikle, D-Lawrence, proposed a plan that would extend health coverage to about 150,000 lower-income workers across the state without costing the state treasury.Under the Affordable Care Act, the federal government must cover 90% of a state’s increased expenditures for Medicaid expansion. Congress adopted a supplemental incentive aimed at Kansas and other holdout states. The additional federal support would mean Kansas could save $78 million on Medicaid in the upcoming fiscal year by approving expansion.“Budgets are a reflection of your priorities,” Wikle said. “Show me a budget and I’ll show you what you care about.”Rep. Troy Waymaster, the Bunker Hill Republican who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, acknowledged the financial reality of Wikle’s proposal but urged lawmakers to reject her amendment.“I recognize there might be some savings, but we need to vote this down,” Waymaster said. “If this were to pass, we’d have Medicaid expansion for one year. That’s it. Unless there is legislation that would pass in subsequent years.”Rep. Nikki McDonald, D-Olathe, said it was frustrating House GOP leaders had again sought to stifle regular debate on fiscally responsible Medicaid expansion proposals in House committees and on the House floor. She urged rank-and-file Republicans to pressure their GOP leaders to bring about meaningful debate on Medicaid expansion rather than suppress an approach for improving access to affordable health care embraced by 40 states.House members who didn’t believe it important to extend preventive health care to thousands of Kansans with modest incomes should take a different approach to Medicaid expansion, said Rep. Stephanie Sawyer Clayton, D-Overland Park.“If you’re not going to vote for this out of a moral reason, you should at least vote for this out of a cold-hearted business decision to make sure that our workforce is as healthy as possible so we can make sure we are working them as much as possible to help our economy,” Sawyer Clayton said.<h2>Senate’s efficiency bill</h2>In the Senate, the underlying bill on government efficiency was passed despite criticism from Democrats.Sen. Cindy Holscher, an Overland Park Democrat, called the bill “inefficient” and said it added “layers of bureaucracy for even the simplest program changes.”“That red tape could result in thousands of Kansans being unable to get time-sensitive help,” she said.&nbsp;When the Legislature is not in session, oversight of public assistance program changes would shift to the Legislative Coordinating Council, which consists of the governor and House and Senate leadership.&nbsp;More than half a dozen advocacy organizations indicated their opposition to the bill at a hearing before the GOP-led Senate Committee on Government Efficiency, which was created in response to and modeled after the federal initiative under billionaire Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency, which is not actually a federal department. However, Shawnee Republican Sen. Mike Thompson indicated at the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/17/kansas-senates-efficiency-committee-embraces-trio-of-bills-aimed-at-state-spending/">hearing</a>&nbsp;the bill could be a solution to complaints over the Kelly administration’s pursuit of changes to intellectual and developmental disabilities programs.During the hearing and again on the Senate floor, Holscher said the bill could put at risk Kansas’ existing share of Medicaid funds, more than $3 billion for fiscal year 2025. That could be the case if certain federal deadlines, such as those associated with payment rate adjustments, are not met.&nbsp;Legislators pushed bills through the Senate at a rapid clip Tuesday ahead of a self-imposed deadline Thursday to pass all bills that originated within the chamber. Senators on Tuesday gave first-round approval to more than 40 bills.

Medicaid expansion amendments offered by Democrats fail in Kansas Senate, House

KANSAS CITY —The Kansas Highway Patrol shared two examples of how seat belts save lives.

Just after midnight Tuesday morning, Master Trooper Zeller,&nbsp;Kansas Turnpike Authority, arrived at the scene of a crash on Interstate 70 just before 38th Street in the Kansas City area, according to a social media report from the patrol.

The the driver of a pickup lost control of the vehicle. It struck a guardrail, and rolled multiple times landing on its roof in a ditch. The driver&nbsp; walked away to look for help. He had his seatbelt on and it saved his life.

The Patrol also reported a driver on Tuesday was traveling southbound on Interstate 435 near Midland Drive. The driver lost control of the vehicle. It rolled and the driver was kept safe inside the vehicle due to wearing their seatbelt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739902427601.png" alt="Photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The Kansas Highway Patrol shared two examples of how seat belts save lives.Just after midnight Tuesday morning, Master Trooper Zeller,&nbsp;Kansas Turnpike Authority, arrived at the scene of a crash on Interstate 70 just before 38th Street in the Kansas City area, according to a social media report from the patrol.The the driver of a pickup lost control of the vehicle. It struck a guardrail, and rolled multiple times landing on its roof in a ditch. The driver&nbsp; walked away to look for help. He had his seatbelt on and it saved his life.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739904867718.png" alt="Photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>The Patrol also reported a driver on Tuesday was traveling southbound on Interstate 435 near Midland Drive. The driver lost control of the vehicle. It rolled and the driver was kept safe inside the vehicle due to wearing their seatbelt.

KHP reminder: Seat belts save lives

BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>

Opponents of the tax credit include homeschooling families and public educators

Missouri’s homeschool families and those enrolled in private schools could receive a tax credit for their educational expenses under legislation debated Tuesday by the Senate Education Committee.

The credit would be capped at the annual&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/18/rudi-splains-it-the-state-adequacy-target/">state adequacy target</a>, a number determined by the per-pupil expenditure of the highest performing school districts in the state.&nbsp;

The credit would be administered by the Missouri Department of Revenue. There is currently a tax-credit scholarship program overseen by the State Treasurer’s Office, called MOScholars, which provides a credit for donations to certain nonprofits that then disperse the money to families enrolling in private schools.&nbsp;

The proposals debated on Tuesday, in contrast, would allow families to directly get a refund for expenses related to educating their children.

State Sen. Rick Brattin, a Republican from Harrisonville and one of the bill’s sponsors, compared the structure to the&nbsp;<a href="https://dor.mo.gov/faq/taxation/business/motor-fuel.html" target="_blank">gas tax refund</a>, in which drivers can submit gas receipts to the state for reimbursement.

The tax credit program would be a path for families to escape underperforming schools, said state Sen. Nick Schroer, a Republican from Defiance sponsoring a similar bill.

“For decades, Missouri dramatically increased education spending, yet student outcomes continue to decline,” he said. “More money has not solved the problem in the state of Missouri, and it’s clear that a one-size-fits-all system for educating our youth is failing to educate many of our children.”

While the state education budget is due for an increase in the hundreds of millions this year, the formula that funds public schools&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/29/missouri-school-boards-request-commission-to-adjust-school-funding-formula-for-inflation/">has been relatively stagnant for over a decade</a>&nbsp;with inflation outpacing any increases.

Gov. Mike Kehoe, lawmakers and the State Board of Education have all called for an examination of the formula.

Schroer began considering a homeschool tax credit when he was a state representative after hearing from homeschooling families about other states’ policies.

“There are many individuals, whether it’s private school, homeschool or hybrid, who’ve indicated that they would like to at least recoup some of those expenses since they’re not utilizing the public school system,” he said.

Brattin said his office received “an influx of opposition,” referring to homeschooling families worried about alterations to the state’s homeschool protections. Home educators have opposed tax credits and other public programs in recent years, saying they are worried about governmental oversight.

Brattin said the idea that it would impose restrictions on homeschooling families is a “myth.”

“Nothing in this bill is a requirement. Nothing in this bill is a database. Nothing in this bill is a list to take away rights, freedoms and liberties of individuals,” he said. “In fact, this only bolsters that and gives the full capability and freedom and liberty for families that want different options.”

Despite his reassurance, the first person in opposition represented home educators.

David Klarich, a lobbyist for the homeschooling group Family Covenant Ministries, said Missouri has “the best home education statute in the United States.” He asked for the bill to only apply to a separate category of home educators created last year in a large education package.

“Those parents who want to participate in public schools or take public dollars may then do so, and there would be no concern about governmental intrusion because then those parents and students go wide-eyed into the governmental system and they can still participate,” Klarich said.

He feared there would be “strings attached,” leading to curriculum oversight.

State Sen. David Gregory, a Republican from Chesterfield, said he is “not seeing where the strings are attached.”

Public education groups also had concerns.

Otto Fajen, lobbyist for teachers’ union Missouri National Education Association, told committee members that the legislation could further restrict the amount of the state’s general revenue available for public education.

“(This bill) is on its own, without connecting with what’s going on with the (public school funding) formula, what’s going on with minimum salaries, and kicks in quickly to offer this tax benefit for supporting educational expenditures and significantly affects state general revenues,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739911159776.png" alt="State Sen. Rick Brattin, R-Harrisonville, mingles ahead of Gov. Mike Kehoe’s inauguration ceremony (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Rick Brattin, R-Harrisonville, mingles ahead of Gov. Mike Kehoe’s inauguration ceremony (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a><h2>Opponents of the tax credit include homeschooling families and public educators</h2>Missouri’s homeschool families and those enrolled in private schools could receive a tax credit for their educational expenses under legislation debated Tuesday by the Senate Education Committee.The credit would be capped at the annual&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/18/rudi-splains-it-the-state-adequacy-target/">state adequacy target</a>, a number determined by the per-pupil expenditure of the highest performing school districts in the state.&nbsp;Currently, that amount is $7,145.The credit would be administered by the Missouri Department of Revenue. There is currently a tax-credit scholarship program overseen by the State Treasurer’s Office, called MOScholars, which provides a credit for donations to certain nonprofits that then disperse the money to families enrolling in private schools.&nbsp;The proposals debated on Tuesday, in contrast, would allow families to directly get a refund for expenses related to educating their children.State Sen. Rick Brattin, a Republican from Harrisonville and one of the bill’s sponsors, compared the structure to the&nbsp;<a href="https://dor.mo.gov/faq/taxation/business/motor-fuel.html" target="_blank">gas tax refund</a>, in which drivers can submit gas receipts to the state for reimbursement.The tax credit program would be a path for families to escape underperforming schools, said state Sen. Nick Schroer, a Republican from Defiance sponsoring a similar bill.“For decades, Missouri dramatically increased education spending, yet student outcomes continue to decline,” he said. “More money has not solved the problem in the state of Missouri, and it’s clear that a one-size-fits-all system for educating our youth is failing to educate many of our children.”While the state education budget is due for an increase in the hundreds of millions this year, the formula that funds public schools&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/29/missouri-school-boards-request-commission-to-adjust-school-funding-formula-for-inflation/">has been relatively stagnant for over a decade</a>&nbsp;with inflation outpacing any increases.Gov. Mike Kehoe, lawmakers and the State Board of Education have all called for an examination of the formula.Schroer began considering a homeschool tax credit when he was a state representative after hearing from homeschooling families about other states’ policies.“There are many individuals, whether it’s private school, homeschool or hybrid, who’ve indicated that they would like to at least recoup some of those expenses since they’re not utilizing the public school system,” he said.Brattin said his office received “an influx of opposition,” referring to homeschooling families worried about alterations to the state’s homeschool protections. Home educators have opposed tax credits and other public programs in recent years, saying they are worried about governmental oversight.Brattin said the idea that it would impose restrictions on homeschooling families is a “myth.”“Nothing in this bill is a requirement. Nothing in this bill is a database. Nothing in this bill is a list to take away rights, freedoms and liberties of individuals,” he said. “In fact, this only bolsters that and gives the full capability and freedom and liberty for families that want different options.”Despite his reassurance, the first person in opposition represented home educators.David Klarich, a lobbyist for the homeschooling group Family Covenant Ministries, said Missouri has “the best home education statute in the United States.” He asked for the bill to only apply to a separate category of home educators created last year in a large education package.“Those parents who want to participate in public schools or take public dollars may then do so, and there would be no concern about governmental intrusion because then those parents and students go wide-eyed into the governmental system and they can still participate,” Klarich said.He feared there would be “strings attached,” leading to curriculum oversight.State Sen. David Gregory, a Republican from Chesterfield, said he is “not seeing where the strings are attached.”Public education groups also had concerns.Otto Fajen, lobbyist for teachers’ union Missouri National Education Association, told committee members that the legislation could further restrict the amount of the state’s general revenue available for public education.“(This bill) is on its own, without connecting with what’s going on with the (public school funding) formula, what’s going on with minimum salaries, and kicks in quickly to offer this tax benefit for supporting educational expenditures and significantly affects state general revenues,” he said.A large education package passed a year ago has raised teacher salaries statewide with the help of general revenue and created a funding obligation of $200 million this year with all its provisions.Kehoe has also indicated he will push to eliminate the state’s income tax. If the governor’s plan succeeds, Fajen said, there will be no money available for the rebate.“It creates a lot of problems that you all will have to deal with through the budgeting process,” he said, “and that schools will have to deal with going forward.”&nbsp;The committee, which is chaired by Brattin, did not take action on the legislation Tuesday.

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