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 Attorney General’s Office did not violate the Missouri Sunshine Law when it refused to turn over records showing how it fulfilled a request, the Western District Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday.

In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=216937" target="_blank">split decision</a>, a three-judge panel ruled that the office reasonably concluded the records being sought by St. Louis attorney Elad Gross were exempt from disclosure because of his threatened litigation.

Gross was seeking records about then-Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s participation in a U.S. Supreme Court case seeking to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2020/12/11/supreme-court-rejects-lawsuit-backed-by-missouri-ag-schmitt-trying-to-overturn-presidential-election/">overturn the 2020 presidential election</a>&nbsp;and the Republican Attorneys General Association’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/01/09/eric-schmitt-denies-involvement-in-call-for-trump-supporters-to-march-on-u-s-capitol/">robocall efforts</a>&nbsp;encouraging “patriots” to participate in a march that ended on Jan. 6, 2021, with a violent attack on the U.S. Capitol.

“This case presents a unique question for which we have found no direct precedent – application of (Sunshine Law exemptions) to records created by a public governmental body in responding to a previous Sunshine Request where the threatened litigation concerns the public governmental body’s handling of that previous records request,” Judge Edward Ardini wrote in the 2-1 decision.

The Sunshine Law allows government agencies&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=610.021&amp;bid=54667&amp;hl=" target="_blank">to close records</a>&nbsp;about “legal actions, causes of action or litigation.” That exception doesn’t allow a record that should be open to be closed just because it might become evidence in a court case, Ardini wrote, but it does allow records created in contemplation of possible litigation to be closed.

“The nature of these records rendered them not merely discoverable or admissible in an enforcement action over the AGO’s compliance with the Sunshine Law concerning its response to Gross’s first request but go to the very core of such an action by disclosing the precise means utilized by the AGO to comply with its legal responsibilities,” Ardini wrote.

In a dissenting opinion, Judge Alok Ahuja wrote that there was no prospective or actual litigation when the records were created, so they must be open.&nbsp;

An “open ended application” of the litigation exemption which “authorizes the closure of any records which may ‘go to the very core of’ litigation threatened after the records’ creation, would result in precisely the sort of ‘extreme’ consequences of which (an earlier precedent) warned,” Ahuja wrote.

Since the lawsuit was filed in 2021, Schmitt has been elected to the U.S. Senate and replaced by Andrew Bailey,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/andrew-bailey-wins-full-term-as-missouri-attorney-general/">who defeated Gross</a>, the&nbsp;Democratic nominee for attorney general, last year.

In an email to The Independent, Gross said he would appeal the decision.

“Attorney General Bailey is wrong to prevent taxpayers from seeing what our government is doing with our money,” Gross said. “We need transparency in our government.”

Gross has sued over Sunshine Law questions in the past, losing at the trial court level before gaining a win on appeal.&nbsp;

In 2021, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled, in a case brought by Gross, that government agencies&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/06/29/missouri-supreme-court-state-cant-charge-attorney-fees-for-sunshine-law-requests/">cannot charge for time</a>&nbsp;attorneys spend reviewing public records are requested under the Sunshine Law.

In the case decided Tuesday, Gross lost a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Judgment_FINAL.pdf?courtCode=19&amp;di=3043133" target="_blank">summary judgment decision</a>&nbsp;in Cole County. He raised 12 points in the appeal.

Along with arguing the trial court made a mistake by allowing the attorney general’s office to close some records, Gross sought to overturn the decision by claiming Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green made other errors.

Gross argued Green wrongly terminated the discovery process, limited his ability to question staff witnesses in person, and allowed the attorney general’s office to move the date promised for the delivery of records.

The decision was unanimous except for Ahuja’s dissent related to the question of whether the documents were related to litigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738168444470.png" alt="Democratic candidate for Missouri Attorney General Elad Gross after filing in February 2024. (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Democratic candidate for Missouri Attorney General Elad Gross after filing in February 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 Attorney General’s Office did not violate the Missouri Sunshine Law when it refused to turn over records showing how it fulfilled a request, the Western District Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday.In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=216937" target="_blank">split decision</a>, a three-judge panel ruled that the office reasonably concluded the records being sought by St. Louis attorney Elad Gross were exempt from disclosure because of his threatened litigation.Gross was seeking records about then-Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s participation in a U.S. Supreme Court case seeking to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2020/12/11/supreme-court-rejects-lawsuit-backed-by-missouri-ag-schmitt-trying-to-overturn-presidential-election/">overturn the 2020 presidential election</a>&nbsp;and the Republican Attorneys General Association’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/01/09/eric-schmitt-denies-involvement-in-call-for-trump-supporters-to-march-on-u-s-capitol/">robocall efforts</a>&nbsp;encouraging “patriots” to participate in a march that ended on Jan. 6, 2021, with a violent attack on the U.S. Capitol.“This case presents a unique question for which we have found no direct precedent – application of (Sunshine Law exemptions) to records created by a public governmental body in responding to a previous Sunshine Request where the threatened litigation concerns the public governmental body’s handling of that previous records request,” Judge Edward Ardini wrote in the 2-1 decision.The Sunshine Law allows government agencies&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=610.021&amp;bid=54667&amp;hl=" target="_blank">to close records</a>&nbsp;about “legal actions, causes of action or litigation.” That exception doesn’t allow a record that should be open to be closed just because it might become evidence in a court case, Ardini wrote, but it does allow records created in contemplation of possible litigation to be closed.“The nature of these records rendered them not merely discoverable or admissible in an enforcement action over the AGO’s compliance with the Sunshine Law concerning its response to Gross’s first request but go to the very core of such an action by disclosing the precise means utilized by the AGO to comply with its legal responsibilities,” Ardini wrote.In a dissenting opinion, Judge Alok Ahuja wrote that there was no prospective or actual litigation when the records were created, so they must be open.&nbsp;An “open ended application” of the litigation exemption which “authorizes the closure of any records which may ‘go to the very core of’ litigation threatened after the records’ creation, would result in precisely the sort of ‘extreme’ consequences of which (an earlier precedent) warned,” Ahuja wrote.Since the lawsuit was filed in 2021, Schmitt has been elected to the U.S. Senate and replaced by Andrew Bailey,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/andrew-bailey-wins-full-term-as-missouri-attorney-general/">who defeated Gross</a>, the&nbsp;Democratic nominee for attorney general, last year.In an email to The Independent, Gross said he would appeal the decision.“Attorney General Bailey is wrong to prevent taxpayers from seeing what our government is doing with our money,” Gross said. “We need transparency in our government.”Gross has sued over Sunshine Law questions in the past, losing at the trial court level before gaining a win on appeal.&nbsp;In 2021, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled, in a case brought by Gross, that government agencies&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/06/29/missouri-supreme-court-state-cant-charge-attorney-fees-for-sunshine-law-requests/">cannot charge for time</a>&nbsp;attorneys spend reviewing public records are requested under the Sunshine Law.In the case decided Tuesday, Gross lost a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Judgment_FINAL.pdf?courtCode=19&amp;di=3043133" target="_blank">summary judgment decision</a>&nbsp;in Cole County. He raised 12 points in the appeal.Along with arguing the trial court made a mistake by allowing the attorney general’s office to close some records, Gross sought to overturn the decision by claiming Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green made other errors.Gross argued Green wrongly terminated the discovery process, limited his ability to question staff witnesses in person, and allowed the attorney general’s office to move the date promised for the delivery of records.The decision was unanimous except for Ahuja’s dissent related to the question of whether the documents were related to litigation.

Appeals court rules Missouri attorney general did not violate Sunshine Law 

(Radio Iowa) - The unseasonably warm weather we're having is likely going to put an end to the ice fishing season in most of Iowa. D-N-R spokesman Mick Klemesrud says it hasn't been a great season up to this point with open water in a lot of places, including on the Iowa Great Lakes. 

He says high winds have chewed up a lot of the existing ice and he says continued days of above freezing temperatures make more and more ice disappear. 

There are a few areas in north Iowa where the ice is still nice for fishing, including Clear Lake and parts of Spirit Lake. Klemesrud says remember the safety guidelines wherever you go to ice fish.

(Radio Iowa) - The unseasonably warm weather we're having is likely going to put an end to the ice fishing season in most of Iowa. D-N-R spokesman Mick Klemesrud says it hasn't been a great season up to this point with open water in a lot of places, including on the Iowa Great Lakes. He says high winds have chewed up a lot of the existing ice and he says continued days of above freezing temperatures make more and more ice disappear. There are a few areas in north Iowa where the ice is still nice for fishing, including Clear Lake and parts of Spirit Lake. Klemesrud says remember the safety guidelines wherever you go to ice fish.

Ice Fishing Coming To Early End In Some Places

(Radio Iowa) - An Iowa lawmaker who's also a state trooper is proposing a bill to better define when motorists are guilty of tailgating in the highway. 

Current law says drivers are to follow other vehicles at a prudent and reasonable distance. Representative Zach Dieken of Granville has been a state trooper for 13 years and he's the bill's author. Drivers today can be ticketed for following another vehicle too closely, but Dieken says Iowa law doesn't properly define tailgating. 

Dieken's bill says under clear conditions on an Iowa highway, motorists are to drive at least 25 feet behind another vehicle when the speed limit is 35 miles per hour and at least 150 feet when the posted speed limit is between 55 and 65 miles an hour. For the interstates, where the speed limit goes up to 70, the bill indicates at least 200 feet is the prudent distance between vehicles.

(Radio Iowa) - An Iowa lawmaker who's also a state trooper is proposing a bill to better define when motorists are guilty of tailgating in the highway. Current law says drivers are to follow other vehicles at a prudent and reasonable distance. Representative Zach Dieken of Granville has been a state trooper for 13 years and he's the bill's author. Drivers today can be ticketed for following another vehicle too closely, but Dieken says Iowa law doesn't properly define tailgating. Dieken's bill says under clear conditions on an Iowa highway, motorists are to drive at least 25 feet behind another vehicle when the speed limit is 35 miles per hour and at least 150 feet when the posted speed limit is between 55 and 65 miles an hour. For the interstates, where the speed limit goes up to 70, the bill indicates at least 200 feet is the prudent distance between vehicles.

Bill to better define tailgating on Iowa highways

Sen. Jerry Moran says VA programs exempt from president’s federal funding freeze

BY:&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>

TOPEKA — U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, a Kansas Democrat, said President Donald Trump’s sudden pause of federal grants, loans and other financial assistance programs was causing unnecessary disruption and anxiety for Kansans.

A federal judge in Washington, D.C., temporarily blocked the spending freeze until Monday when a hearing on the issue was scheduled.

The Trump administration’s standstill in allocation of federal tax dollars was devised to create a window for an administrative review intended to root out initiatives opposed by the president.

“Families shouldn’t have to worry about feeding their kids, keeping a roof over their heads or affording health care,” Davids said. “This reckless and deliberately vague order cuts vital investments in our economy that hardworking Kansans rely on to stay safe and healthy.”

Davids said the Trump administration should be working to address “real needs of our communities” that included lowering the cost of living for families rather than prioritizing interests of “big corporations and special interests.”

The president’s order put public safety as risk by jeopardizing funding to law enforcement, homeland security and disaster response programs, Davids said. Questions were raised about implications for federally funded road, bridge and transit infrastructure projects, she said.

Davids said the president’s directive could interfere with operation of Head Start, mental health services, the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline as well as funding for tribal communities, small business loans and energy programs.

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, said Trump’s directive wouldn’t disrupt services and benefits offered through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Moran, chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said he was assured no VA programs, including those provided through grant recipients, would be undercut by directives issued by Trump through the Office of Management and Budget.

“Veterans and their families, as well as the organizations that serve them, will continue to have access to the benefits, services and resources provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs,” Moran said. “I appreciate the VA quickly providing answers to my questions and continuing the important programs that serve our veterans and their families.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738170282573.png" alt="File photo Rep. Davids a the Panasonic manufacturing plant in De Soto&nbsp; earlier this month" />
 <figcaption>File photo Rep. Davids a the Panasonic manufacturing plant in De Soto&nbsp; earlier this month</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Sen. Jerry Moran says VA programs exempt from president’s federal funding freeze</h2>BY:&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>TOPEKA — U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, a Kansas Democrat, said President Donald Trump’s sudden pause of federal grants, loans and other financial assistance programs was causing unnecessary disruption and anxiety for Kansans.A federal judge in Washington, D.C., temporarily blocked the spending freeze until Monday when a hearing on the issue was scheduled.The Trump administration’s standstill in allocation of federal tax dollars was devised to create a window for an administrative review intended to root out initiatives opposed by the president.“Families shouldn’t have to worry about feeding their kids, keeping a roof over their heads or affording health care,” Davids said. “This reckless and deliberately vague order cuts vital investments in our economy that hardworking Kansans rely on to stay safe and healthy.”Davids said the Trump administration should be working to address “real needs of our communities” that included lowering the cost of living for families rather than prioritizing interests of “big corporations and special interests.”The president’s order put public safety as risk by jeopardizing funding to law enforcement, homeland security and disaster response programs, Davids said. Questions were raised about implications for federally funded road, bridge and transit infrastructure projects, she said.Davids said the president’s directive could interfere with operation of Head Start, mental health services, the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline as well as funding for tribal communities, small business loans and energy programs.U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, said Trump’s directive wouldn’t disrupt services and benefits offered through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.Moran, chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said he was assured no VA programs, including those provided through grant recipients, would be undercut by directives issued by Trump through the Office of Management and Budget.“Veterans and their families, as well as the organizations that serve them, will continue to have access to the benefits, services and resources provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs,” Moran said. “I appreciate the VA quickly providing answers to my questions and continuing the important programs that serve our veterans and their families.”

U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids blasts Trump’s ‘reckless and deliberately vague’ halt to spending

The governor asks for a $200 million increase to public school funding, calls on lawmakers to revise formula to ‘solve this problem for future generations’

A boost Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe touts as the largest increase in public school funding in two decades will fall about $300 million short of meeting the targets set in state law for public education.

He also suggests shifting $50 million into a program that helps pay for students to attend private and religious schools.

Kehoe, elected in November, presented his first budget Tuesday. Overall, he is asking lawmakers to use about $2.5 billion of accumulated surplus cash to balance a $53.7 billion budget in the coming year, an increase of about $450 million from the amounts allocated for the current fiscal year.

The budget proposes spending $4 billion on the foundation formula, the basic state aid program, in fiscal 2026. Lawmakers put $3.8 billion into the formula in the current year, and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requested an increase of $500 million.

In remarks prepared for his State of the State speech, Kehoe said he was recommending enough to cover changes to the formula included in a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-governor-signs-468m-education-bill-that-boosts-teacher-pay-expands-charters/">major education bill</a>&nbsp;passed last year.

But he’s not providing the $300 million needed to match an increase in the state “adequacy target” triggered by the results of the Missouri School Improvement Program and included in the State Board of Education’s budget request.

“While we are committed to making good on the funding commitments passed by the legislature last year, this budget does not include the additional $300 million liability that was imposed by an administrative body,” Kehoe said.

The adequacy target is the key to the formula, which last went through a complete revision in 2005. It is the amount deemed necessary to provide an education that will allow students to meet state performance standards.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Lincoln Hough, a Springfield Republican, said he’s still learning the details of Kehoe’s budget. But he said lawmakers should fund schools at the level the laws direct.

“I have an issue with passing legislation and then not funding it,” Hough said. “If we’re going to pass things that cost money, we have to fund it.”

Democrats said Kehoe’s budget plan shortchanges public schools.

“The governor’s budget plans regarding public education are, quite frankly, incompatible with this economic agenda,” said House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Kansas City Democrat.

Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck of Affton said Kehoe’s failure to put the $300 million formula increase into the budget undermines last year’s work on education.

“The constituents in my community send a lot of tax dollars to Jefferson City,” Beck said. “Meanwhile, you’re trying to take $50 million of taxpayer money from those same taxpayers and give it to rich people for vouchers to send their kids to private schools. I have a problem with both.”

Kehoe said he was holding back the $300 million because he wants to overhaul the foundation formula.

“We must find a solution that does a better job of incentivizing performance and managing unrealistic annual adjustments,” Kehoe said.

Last year’s education bill altered some of the factors that determine individual district funding, such as shifting from a pure attendance-based formula to one that also factors in total enrollment.&nbsp;

“It’s about looking decades ahead, and not just the current needs of school districts,” Kehoe said. “I urge those involved to keep that in mind so we can solve this problem for future generations of children.”

The budget also includes $50 million to expand a scholarship program for private schools, funding not required by last year’s education bill. That program, which provides aid to families with incomes less than 300% of the free-and-reduced-lunch eligibility amount, was to be primarily funded with donations and tax credits.

“By adding state funding to the tax credit program we will be able to serve substantially more children than the program has in the past year,” Kehoe said.

The spending is of questionable legality, Aune said.

“My understanding is that the reason that we have made these tax credits is because it is unconstitutional to directly give money to private school institutions,” she said.

Other boosts to education include $33.4 million to fund increased base salaries for teachers, $16.8 million to increase support for higher education and $15 million to continue fully funding public school transportation needs.

“The transportation is fully funded, which, for my rural district, that’s huge,” said state Sen. Kurtis Gregory, a Republican from Marshall.

Kehoe’s budget proposes spending $16 billion from the general revenue fund, which will require him to use about $2.5 billion from accumulated surpluses.

On Dec. 31, the general revenue fund held $4.1 billion, a balance built up when state revenues&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/11/28/missouri-state-budget-is-bulging-with-6-billion-in-surplus-cash/">grew at unprecedented rates</a>&nbsp;in 2021 and 2022. Other funds that can be spent like general revenue hold another $1.5 billion, and there is $2.6 billion in funding dedicated to major projects that could be redirected if needed.

State revenues are no longer growing — collections for the fiscal year so far are down 1.7% through Monday — but the budget expects that trend to reverse, with growth of about 1.6% in the coming year.

Along with tapping the surplus to support spending, Kehoe told lawmakers he wants tax cuts that will phase-in a reduced top income tax rate. The current rate, 4.7%, will be cut to 4.6% for 2026 if revenues increase by $200 million in the current fiscal year.

One more cut, to 4.5%, is already in state law. Kehoe wants additional cuts tied to rising revenue.

“It will take time, but I have directed the Missouri Department of Revenue to work with my staff on a sustainable and comprehensive plan to eliminate the individual income tax once and for all,” Kehoe said.

In a briefing for reporters, budget staff said fund balances would remain healthy when the next fiscal year ends on June 30, 2026. Budget documents project the&nbsp;<a href="https://oa.mo.gov/sites/default/files/Budget_Summary_FY_2026_Executive_Budget_UPDATED.pdf" target="_blank">remaining general revenue</a>&nbsp;balance will be about $1.4 billion on that date.

Other significant new spending proposed by Kehoe includes:

The pay plan follows three years where the state implemented a $15 base wage for all state jobs and boosted pay for all workers at least 21% while increasing the differential for night work to $2 an hour. The longevity-based pay plan was implemented last year at state institutions where workers must be present 24 hours a day, such as veterans nursing homes and prisons.

About 10% of state jobs have been vacant in each of the two most recent fiscal years.

“It’s extremely difficult for our agencies to operate efficiently with an average turnover rate of 20% in our state workforce,” Kehoe said.

Hough said he’s inclined to support Kehoe’s pay proposal.

“We’ve done a lot to try to get those numbers up to where they need to be,” Hough said, “and now it sounds to me like the new governor would like to incentivize people to stick around, so that’s probably a good idea, instead of retraining everybody all the time.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738152364528.png" alt="Gov. Mike Kehoe begins his State of the State address by celebrating firsts in state leadership, such as the Senate’s first female president pro tem (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Mike Kehoe begins his State of the State address by celebrating firsts in state leadership, such as the Senate’s first female president pro tem (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The governor asks for a $200 million increase to public school funding, calls on lawmakers to revise formula to ‘solve this problem for future generations’</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 boost Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe touts as the largest increase in public school funding in two decades will fall about $300 million short of meeting the targets set in state law for public education.He also suggests shifting $50 million into a program that helps pay for students to attend private and religious schools.Kehoe, elected in November, presented his first budget Tuesday. Overall, he is asking lawmakers to use about $2.5 billion of accumulated surplus cash to balance a $53.7 billion budget in the coming year, an increase of about $450 million from the amounts allocated for the current fiscal year.The budget proposes spending $4 billion on the foundation formula, the basic state aid program, in fiscal 2026. Lawmakers put $3.8 billion into the formula in the current year, and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requested an increase of $500 million.In remarks prepared for his State of the State speech, Kehoe said he was recommending enough to cover changes to the formula included in a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-governor-signs-468m-education-bill-that-boosts-teacher-pay-expands-charters/">major education bill</a>&nbsp;passed last year.But he’s not providing the $300 million needed to match an increase in the state “adequacy target” triggered by the results of the Missouri School Improvement Program and included in the State Board of Education’s budget request.“While we are committed to making good on the funding commitments passed by the legislature last year, this budget does not include the additional $300 million liability that was imposed by an administrative body,” Kehoe said.The adequacy target is the key to the formula, which last went through a complete revision in 2005. It is the amount deemed necessary to provide an education that will allow students to meet state performance standards.Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Lincoln Hough, a Springfield Republican, said he’s still learning the details of Kehoe’s budget. But he said lawmakers should fund schools at the level the laws direct.“I have an issue with passing legislation and then not funding it,” Hough said. “If we’re going to pass things that cost money, we have to fund it.”Democrats said Kehoe’s budget plan shortchanges public schools.“The governor’s budget plans regarding public education are, quite frankly, incompatible with this economic agenda,” said House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Kansas City Democrat.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738152330045.png" alt=" House Minority Leader Ashley Aune of Kansas City, surrounded by members of the Democratic caucus, speaks last week at news conference after the 2025 legislative session opened (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> House Minority Leader Ashley Aune of Kansas City, surrounded by members of the Democratic caucus, speaks last week at news conference after the 2025 legislative session opened (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck of Affton said Kehoe’s failure to put the $300 million formula increase into the budget undermines last year’s work on education.“The constituents in my community send a lot of tax dollars to Jefferson City,” Beck said. “Meanwhile, you’re trying to take $50 million of taxpayer money from those same taxpayers and give it to rich people for vouchers to send their kids to private schools. I have a problem with both.”Kehoe said he was holding back the $300 million because he wants to overhaul the foundation formula.“We must find a solution that does a better job of incentivizing performance and managing unrealistic annual adjustments,” Kehoe said.Last year’s education bill altered some of the factors that determine individual district funding, such as shifting from a pure attendance-based formula to one that also factors in total enrollment.&nbsp;Kehoe is proposing a complete rewrite.“It’s about looking decades ahead, and not just the current needs of school districts,” Kehoe said. “I urge those involved to keep that in mind so we can solve this problem for future generations of children.”The budget also includes $50 million to expand a scholarship program for private schools, funding not required by last year’s education bill. That program, which provides aid to families with incomes less than 300% of the free-and-reduced-lunch eligibility amount, was to be primarily funded with donations and tax credits.“By adding state funding to the tax credit program we will be able to serve substantially more children than the program has in the past year,” Kehoe said.The spending is of questionable legality, Aune said.“My understanding is that the reason that we have made these tax credits is because it is unconstitutional to directly give money to private school institutions,” she said.Other boosts to education include $33.4 million to fund increased base salaries for teachers, $16.8 million to increase support for higher education and $15 million to continue fully funding public school transportation needs.“The transportation is fully funded, which, for my rural district, that’s huge,” said state Sen. Kurtis Gregory, a Republican from Marshall.Kehoe’s budget proposes spending $16 billion from the general revenue fund, which will require him to use about $2.5 billion from accumulated surpluses.On Dec. 31, the general revenue fund held $4.1 billion, a balance built up when state revenues&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/11/28/missouri-state-budget-is-bulging-with-6-billion-in-surplus-cash/">grew at unprecedented rates</a>&nbsp;in 2021 and 2022. Other funds that can be spent like general revenue hold another $1.5 billion, and there is $2.6 billion in funding dedicated to major projects that could be redirected if needed.State revenues are no longer growing — collections for the fiscal year so far are down 1.7% through Monday — but the budget expects that trend to reverse, with growth of about 1.6% in the coming year.Along with tapping the surplus to support spending, Kehoe told lawmakers he wants tax cuts that will phase-in a reduced top income tax rate. The current rate, 4.7%, will be cut to 4.6% for 2026 if revenues increase by $200 million in the current fiscal year.One more cut, to 4.5%, is already in state law. Kehoe wants additional cuts tied to rising revenue.“It will take time, but I have directed the Missouri Department of Revenue to work with my staff on a sustainable and comprehensive plan to eliminate the individual income tax once and for all,” Kehoe said.In a briefing for reporters, budget staff said fund balances would remain healthy when the next fiscal year ends on June 30, 2026. Budget documents project the&nbsp;<a href="https://oa.mo.gov/sites/default/files/Budget_Summary_FY_2026_Executive_Budget_UPDATED.pdf" target="_blank">remaining general revenue</a>&nbsp;balance will be about $1.4 billion on that date.Other significant new spending proposed by Kehoe includes:<ul>
 <li>A pay raise for state workers that rewards longevity. Workers will receive a 1% increase for every two years on the job, capped at 10%, with a projected cost of $130 million.</li><li>$149 million to eliminate wait lists and improve in-home services for people with developmental disabilities.</li><li>$71.6 million to provide Medicaid-paid behavioral health services for an additional 2,100 adults and 6,700 children.</li><li>$161.5 million to increase child care funding, an amount that will allow the state to make payments based on enrollment, rather than on attendance. Payments would be made in advance and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/28/missouri-legislative-leaders-call-for-hearings-over-child-care-subsidy-crisis/">backlogs in payments</a>&nbsp;plaguing the system would be eliminated.</li>
 </ul>The pay plan follows three years where the state implemented a $15 base wage for all state jobs and boosted pay for all workers at least 21% while increasing the differential for night work to $2 an hour. The longevity-based pay plan was implemented last year at state institutions where workers must be present 24 hours a day, such as veterans nursing homes and prisons.About 10% of state jobs have been vacant in each of the two most recent fiscal years.“It’s extremely difficult for our agencies to operate efficiently with an average turnover rate of 20% in our state workforce,” Kehoe said.Hough said he’s inclined to support Kehoe’s pay proposal.“We’ve done a lot to try to get those numbers up to where they need to be,” Hough said, “and now it sounds to me like the new governor would like to incentivize people to stick around, so that’s probably a good idea, instead of retraining everybody all the time.”

Gov. Mike Kehoe dips deeply into surplus as Missouri budget grows to nearly $54 billion

WASHINGTON&nbsp;–&nbsp;U.S. Senator Jerry Moran – chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs – on Tuesday issued the following statement after receiving confirmation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that there are no VA programs impacted by the federal funding pause:

“After my inquiry today, VA has confirmed that no direct benefits or assistance provided through grant partners is impacted by OMB's pause on federal funding. Veterans and their families, as well as the organizations that serve them, will continue to have access to the benefits, services and resources provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs. I appreciate the VA quickly providing answers to my questions and continuing the important programs that serve our veterans and their families.”

WASHINGTON&nbsp;–&nbsp;U.S. Senator Jerry Moran – chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs – on Tuesday issued the following statement after receiving confirmation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that there are no VA programs impacted by the federal funding pause:“After my inquiry today, VA has confirmed that no direct benefits or assistance provided through grant partners is impacted by OMB's pause on federal funding. Veterans and their families, as well as the organizations that serve them, will continue to have access to the benefits, services and resources provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs. I appreciate the VA quickly providing answers to my questions and continuing the important programs that serve our veterans and their families.”

Moran: VA will not be impacted by federal funding pause

(Radio Iowa0 - The Iowa D-O-T is warning drivers the up and down temperature changes are making conditions right for potholes to grow on roadways. 

D-O-T district engineer Bob Ellis says potholes usually appear in spring with the warm days and cool nights, but we've gone from below zero temperatures to the 40s this week . Moisture that is okay when its warm, freezes when it gets cold and expands to widen out small holes. Ellis serves District 1 in central Iowa and says it doesn't matter if a road is asphalt or cement, they can still develop potholes. 

Ellis says they can put a temporary patch in the potholes with a "cold mix" of oil and rock binder. Ellis says if you see a pothole forming on a state highway, you can go online and report it to the district office where the highway runs.

(Radio Iowa0 - The Iowa D-O-T is warning drivers the up and down temperature changes are making conditions right for potholes to grow on roadways. D-O-T district engineer Bob Ellis says potholes usually appear in spring with the warm days and cool nights, but we've gone from below zero temperatures to the 40s this week . Moisture that is okay when its warm, freezes when it gets cold and expands to widen out small holes. Ellis serves District 1 in central Iowa and says it doesn't matter if a road is asphalt or cement, they can still develop potholes. Ellis says they can put a temporary patch in the potholes with a "cold mix" of oil and rock binder. Ellis says if you see a pothole forming on a state highway, you can go online and report it to the district office where the highway runs.

Temperature Fluctuations Lead To Potholes

(Radio Iowa) - President Trump concluded his first week in office by firing 17 inspectors general from a long list of federal agencies last Friday night, which drew the attention of Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley. 

It's within the president's power to take such action, but Grassley says Congress was supposed to have been given 30 days notice. Grassley says he wants to know why each of those inspectors was fired and why the notice wasn't given, as required by law, and says he's working on a bipartisan letter to the president to get an explanation. 

Inspectors general are considered the government's watchdogs, those who are to guard against waste, fraud and abuse.

(Radio Iowa) - President Trump concluded his first week in office by firing 17 inspectors general from a long list of federal agencies last Friday night, which drew the attention of Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley. It's within the president's power to take such action, but Grassley says Congress was supposed to have been given 30 days notice. Grassley says he wants to know why each of those inspectors was fired and why the notice wasn't given, as required by law, and says he's working on a bipartisan letter to the president to get an explanation. Inspectors general are considered the government's watchdogs, those who are to guard against waste, fraud and abuse.

Grassley seeks explanation of why Trump fired 17 federal watchdogs

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus reacted to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to lift the injunction that temporarily halted enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act’s reporting requirements. “Cattle producers across the country are disappointed in the Supreme Court ruling, which will allow the federal government to blanket family-owned farms and ranches in fresh red tape while subjecting millions of law-abiding small business owners to potential legal jeopardy,” Bacus said. 

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus reacted to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to lift the injunction that temporarily halted enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act’s reporting requirements. “Cattle producers across the country are disappointed in the Supreme Court ruling, which will allow the federal government to blanket family-owned farms and ranches in fresh red tape while subjecting millions of law-abiding small business owners to potential legal jeopardy,” Bacus said.

Supreme Court lifts Corporate Transparency Act injunction

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the U.S. for feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.8 million head on January 1, 2025. The inventory was one percent below January 1, 2024. The inventory includes 7.25 million steers and steer calves, up one percent from the previous year. This group accounted for 61 percent of the total inventory. Heifers and heifer calves accounted for 4.6 million head, down three percent from 2024. 

Livestock Analyst ShayLe Stewart says, “This report was about as bullish of a report that cattlemen could have hoped for,” and “It’s a relief to see more marketings taking place, which, in combination with lighter placements, helped decrease the total number of cattle on feed.” Marketings of fed cattle during December totaled 1.74 million head, one percent higher than last year. Other disappearances totaled 59,000 head during December, two percent below 2023.

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the U.S. for feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.8 million head on January 1, 2025. The inventory was one percent below January 1, 2024. The inventory includes 7.25 million steers and steer calves, up one percent from the previous year. This group accounted for 61 percent of the total inventory. Heifers and heifer calves accounted for 4.6 million head, down three percent from 2024. Livestock Analyst ShayLe Stewart says, “This report was about as bullish of a report that cattlemen could have hoped for,” and “It’s a relief to see more marketings taking place, which, in combination with lighter placements, helped decrease the total number of cattle on feed.” Marketings of fed cattle during December totaled 1.74 million head, one percent higher than last year. Other disappearances totaled 59,000 head during December, two percent below 2023.

Cattle on feed down one percent 

The way veterans sign in online to check on benefits, prescriptions, and appointments is changing this year.  

Communications Chief for the VA Eastern Kansas Healthcare system Brian Stephens says previously veterans were able to sign in through various websites, some less secure than others 

"All the VA is requiring veterans to go in and make accounts through either of the two options, and from there they're guaranteed a more secure connection to their information, either the login.gov option or the id.me option," Stephens tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. 

Stephens says to file, veterans must go online and fill out forms, and take a picture of the front and back of their photo ID.  

However, Stephens says with the photos of the ID is where some veterans run into a problem 

"What we're seeing is a lot of veterans are having problems, if you have a Kansas ID for example, there's a hologram that's designed to deter criminals from taking a picture and stealing your identity," Stephens explains. "Well, that same safety feature causes problems for veterans who are trying to verify their identity through this process." 

Stephens says this change is solely for security, and isn't impacting veterans receiving benefits 

"This is just access to electronic health records or communication methods or to check on their benefits or apply for benefits they would need this sign in, but it does not change their ability to receive those benefits," Stephens says. 

Stephens says if you run into a problem setting up your accounts you can go in person to the VA offices in Leavenworth.  You can also attend in person workshops around the region.  

The next closest workshop is on February 21st in Platte City.   

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738091933362.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The way veterans sign in online to check on benefits, prescriptions, and appointments is changing this year. Communications Chief for the VA Eastern Kansas Healthcare system Brian Stephens says previously veterans were able to sign in through various websites, some less secure than others "All the VA is requiring veterans to go in and make accounts through either of the two options, and from there they're guaranteed a more secure connection to their information, either the login.gov option or the id.me option," Stephens tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. Stephens says to file, veterans must go online and fill out forms, and take a picture of the front and back of their photo ID. However, Stephens says with the photos of the ID is where some veterans run into a problem "What we're seeing is a lot of veterans are having problems, if you have a Kansas ID for example, there's a hologram that's designed to deter criminals from taking a picture and stealing your identity," Stephens explains. "Well, that same safety feature causes problems for veterans who are trying to verify their identity through this process." Stephens says this change is solely for security, and isn't impacting veterans receiving benefits "This is just access to electronic health records or communication methods or to check on their benefits or apply for benefits they would need this sign in, but it does not change their ability to receive those benefits," Stephens says. Stephens says if you run into a problem setting up your accounts you can go in person to the VA offices in Leavenworth. You can also attend in person workshops around the region. The next closest workshop is on February 21st in Platte City. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

VA advises about online changes for benefits

The American Red Cross of Greater Kansas City and Northwest Missouri is assisting families that were left homeless following a St. Joseph building collapse. 

Six families were left without homes after a building at the corner of 10th and Patee Streets collapsed.   

Red Cross executive director JoAnn Woody says a team of volunteers from the St. Joseph area worked to provide immediate assistance to those families 

"We have a record where we document what some of those needs might be," Woody tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "Questions that they might ask are, do you have a safe place to stay tonight? Are you ok? Did you lose any medications? Is there someone you need to call? Just kind of wrapping our arms around them on the scene." 

For major damage like this, Woody points out the Red Cross also focuses on helping families with financial assistance. 

Woody says when it comes to a long-term solution for these families, one of the biggest challenges is finding long term housing 

"Just as many communities, St. Joseph is also facing affordable housing shortages and readily accessible, or readily available housing for these folks who have been displaced on a very immediate term," Woody explains.  "So, that is typically the largest gap we see, is just getting people into a more permanent longer-term housing." 

Woody says every volunteer that assisted with the families was from St. Joseph 

"Every single day we're responding to events like last night in St. Joseph, or apartment fires like we had in Independence, but every single day there is a way for someone to plug into their community through one of the Red Cross programs," Woody says.  "And it's an amazing way to connect on a very local level."

The St. Joseph Fire Department reports it has not uncovered any suspicious activity that might have caused the collapse. An inspector with the department suggests it likely occurred due to the age of the building.

This article has been updated since first published.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738086498757.jpeg" alt="A St. Joseph building at the corner of 10th and Patee collapsed late Monday afternoon, volunteers from the Red Cross responded to assist victims/ Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>A St. Joseph building at the corner of 10th and Patee collapsed late Monday afternoon, volunteers from the Red Cross responded to assist victims/ Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The American Red Cross of Greater Kansas City and Northwest Missouri is assisting families that were left homeless following a St. Joseph building collapse. Six families were left without homes after a building at the corner of 10th and Patee Streets collapsed. Red Cross executive director JoAnn Woody says a team of volunteers from the St. Joseph area worked to provide immediate assistance to those families "We have a record where we document what some of those needs might be," Woody tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Questions that they might ask are, do you have a safe place to stay tonight? Are you ok? Did you lose any medications? Is there someone you need to call? Just kind of wrapping our arms around them on the scene." For major damage like this, Woody points out the Red Cross also focuses on helping families with financial assistance. Woody says when it comes to a long-term solution for these families, one of the biggest challenges is finding long term housing "Just as many communities, St. Joseph is also facing affordable housing shortages and readily accessible, or readily available housing for these folks who have been displaced on a very immediate term," Woody explains. "So, that is typically the largest gap we see, is just getting people into a more permanent longer-term housing." Woody says every volunteer that assisted with the families was from St. Joseph "Every single day we're responding to events like last night in St. Joseph, or apartment fires like we had in Independence, but every single day there is a way for someone to plug into their community through one of the Red Cross programs," Woody says. "And it's an amazing way to connect on a very local level."The St. Joseph Fire Department reports it has not uncovered any suspicious activity that might have caused the collapse. An inspector with the department suggests it likely occurred due to the age of the building.This article has been updated since first published.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Red Cross responds to St. Joseph families left homeless after building collapse

Missouri Chamber
of Commerce officials have outlined five priorities for this year’s legislative
session in Jefferson City.

Chair of the
Chamber, Stet Schanze with Gray Manufacturing in St. Joseph, says the top
priority of the chamber is passing legislation to ease the state child care
shortage, something the legislature hasn’t been able to do the past two years.

“I think there’s
an enthusiasm that we’re going to get legislation through this year,” Schanze
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “It’s not going to be bogged down where nothing’s
coming out and, hopefully, most importantly, meaningful legislation that comes
out.”

Schanze says a
lack of child care has prevented some Missourians from re-entering the
workforce.

Schanze says
violent crime is another issue that concerns the Chamber.

“Eighty percent of
businesses believe that crime, the high rate of crime in our state, is
negatively impacting our economy,” according to Schanze, who referred to a
Chamber survey of its members.

Schanze says crime
is worse in some areas than others, but is always a concern of business
executives considering a move.

“They’re going to
Google the city they’re moving to and they’re going to see all the things that
pop up, whether it’s real or perceived, and in this case, I think it’s more real,”
Schanze says. “We’ve got to do a better job at addressing the crime in the
state of Missouri.”

Commerce officials
in a news release expressed frustration about productivity at the Capitol in
Jefferson City a year ago and hope that more could be done this year.

Little got done at
the state Capitol in 2023 or 2024. The Chamber points out the Missouri General
Assembly approved only 28 non-budget bills in the last legislative session.

Schanze says the Chamber
looks to the legislature to accomplish more this year.

“I think we’re going
to see some legislation approved this year, but they’ve got to do it,” Schanze
says. “But I can tell you in talking with our local delegation they’re ready to
go try to get some stuff done for us.”

Other priorities
outlined by the Chamber include enhancing energy generation, clarifying the
provisions of Proposition A approved by voters in November, and cutting
government red tape.

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

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri Chamber
of Commerce officials have outlined five priorities for this year’s legislative
session in Jefferson City.Chair of the
Chamber, Stet Schanze with Gray Manufacturing in St. Joseph, says the top
priority of the chamber is passing legislation to ease the state child care
shortage, something the legislature hasn’t been able to do the past two years.“I think there’s
an enthusiasm that we’re going to get legislation through this year,” Schanze
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “It’s not going to be bogged down where nothing’s
coming out and, hopefully, most importantly, meaningful legislation that comes
out.”Schanze says a
lack of child care has prevented some Missourians from re-entering the
workforce.Schanze says
violent crime is another issue that concerns the Chamber.“Eighty percent of
businesses believe that crime, the high rate of crime in our state, is
negatively impacting our economy,” according to Schanze, who referred to a
Chamber survey of its members.Schanze says crime
is worse in some areas than others, but is always a concern of business
executives considering a move.“They’re going to
Google the city they’re moving to and they’re going to see all the things that
pop up, whether it’s real or perceived, and in this case, I think it’s more real,”
Schanze says. “We’ve got to do a better job at addressing the crime in the
state of Missouri.”Commerce officials
in a news release expressed frustration about productivity at the Capitol in
Jefferson City a year ago and hope that more could be done this year.Little got done at
the state Capitol in 2023 or 2024. The Chamber points out the Missouri General
Assembly approved only 28 non-budget bills in the last legislative session.Schanze says the Chamber
looks to the legislature to accomplish more this year.“I think we’re going
to see some legislation approved this year, but they’ve got to do it,” Schanze
says. “But I can tell you in talking with our local delegation they’re ready to
go try to get some stuff done for us.”Other priorities
outlined by the Chamber include enhancing energy generation, clarifying the
provisions of Proposition A approved by voters in November, and cutting
government red tape.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MO Chamber outlines 5 legislative priorities; hopes for better session

(Radio Iowa) - A bill eligible for debate in the House Education Committee would loosen restrictions on homeschooling and raises the state tuition and textbook tax credit. 

Under current law, children in a homeschool setting may be taught by someone who is not a relative, but that person must be a licensed teacher. The bill repeals that requirement and gets rid of the current limit that no more than four children may be homeschooled by a non-relative. 

The bill also repeals requirements that parents provide records showing that children being taught at home or in a charter school have certain vaccinations and have had their blood tested for unsafe lead levels.

(Radio Iowa) - A bill eligible for debate in the House Education Committee would loosen restrictions on homeschooling and raises the state tuition and textbook tax credit. Under current law, children in a homeschool setting may be taught by someone who is not a relative, but that person must be a licensed teacher. The bill repeals that requirement and gets rid of the current limit that no more than four children may be homeschooled by a non-relative. The bill also repeals requirements that parents provide records showing that children being taught at home or in a charter school have certain vaccinations and have had their blood tested for unsafe lead levels.

Bill loosens regs for Iowans who homeschool their children

‘It is inhumane to say people should be hunted like a sport,’ said Aura Velasquez, who has been a U.S. citizen for five years.

A confrontational legislative hearing Monday — with a witness calling a state senator a fascist and lawmakers battling over whether the state should put a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/pdf-bill/intro/SB72.pdf" target="_blank">bounty on undocumented immigrants</a>&nbsp;— set the tone for this year’s debate on immigration and the state’s role in border security.

The most aggressive approach, in a bill filed by state Sen. David Gregory, would award a $1,000 bounty for tips that result in the arrest of a person present in the United States without authorization. Gregory, a Republican from Chesterfield, wants to authorize bounty hunters, usually employed by bail bond businesses to catch absconders, to track down people identified in tips.

And if the tip proves accurate, the person arrested would be charged with “trespass by an illegal alien,” and subject to life in prison without parole if federal immigration authorities declined to take custody.

“This bill seeks to create an ICE program at the state level,” Gregory told the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee. “That’s essentially all it does. This is an ICE program inside the state of Missouri.”

State Sen. Barbara Washington, a Kansas City Democrat, said it encourages people to make reports based on skin color or English proficiency.&nbsp;

“Don’t tell me it is not going to happen because it is happening now,” Washington said.

Gregory’s bill — and another heard Monday from state Sen. Jill Carter, a Joplin Republican — are among several introduced by Republicans this session seeking to make it more difficult for undocumented immigrants to remain in the state.

<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=355" target="_blank">Carter’s bill</a>&nbsp;would also create new crimes based on immigration status. For simply being undocumented, a person could be charged with “improper entry” and could be punished by a fine of up to $10,000 and removal to a U.S. port of entry for deportation

The crime of “aggravated illegal presence” would be a felony applying to undocumented people who violated any other Missouri law. The penalty would be increased if the violation was a felony law.

Immigration and border security have been a major issue for the GOP nationally, helping get President Donald Trump elected to a new term. Trump promised mass deportations, and roundups began almost immediately after he took office.

There were&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd6434dq7p1o" target="_blank">956 arrests on Sunday</a>, the BBC reported. Colombia, which initially refused to accept incoming flights of people being deported, relented after Trump threatened to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/colombia-deportation-flights-trump-retaliation/" target="_blank">impose a tariff of 25%</a>&nbsp;on all imports from the South American country.

Federal courts have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-law-iowa-texas-oklahoma-5685f877f4516f3f18d2fc2c6858f696" target="_blank">blocked attempts in Iowa</a>, Texas and Georgia to make it a crime to be in those states if a person is in the U.S. illegally.

During Monday’s hearing, immigrants — with legal status and without — said the bills filed this year represent an escalation of oppression.

“It is inhumane to say people should be hunted like a sport,” said Aura Velasquez, who has been a citizen for five years. “It would turn neighbors against neighbors and friends against each other.”

Immigration advocates argued that a community already fearful about having documentation to remain in the U.S. revoked would become more fearful.

“This bill fosters a climate of fear, where people feel unsafe engaging in even the most basic activities beyond going to work or school,” said Gabriella Cepeda, representing the Hispanic Law Students Association at St. Louis University. “They are terrified of being profiled or targeted life in prison for simply existing in the state without documentation. It is not just extreme, it’s cruel and unusual punishment.”

The handful of supporters, representing law enforcement and a conservative Jewish group, said the state must protect itself from human trafficking and drug trafficking associated with lax border security.

“This legislation would simply give law enforcement another tool in the tool box to assist our federal partners,” Lewis County Sheriff David Parish said.

Last summer, a Missouri House interim committee studied the issue of crime associated with illegal immigration. The report, published Jan. 7, drew no conclusions and reported that many of the witnesses said they feared problems associated with border communities reaching Missouri.

The report did not estimate the number of undocumented immigrants in Missouri but said studies show a substantial economic impact.&nbsp;

Undocumented immigrants paid approximately $113 million in state taxes in 2022 but cannot use the public benefits those taxes support like Medicaid. Their economic activity supports 160,000 jobs and $19 billion in total economic activity, providing “real economic stability that benefits all Missourians,” the committee report stated.

Washington peppered Gregory and Carter with questions about whether the state should trade that economic support for a state free of undocumented immigrants.

“We have 77,000 illegal immigrants that we have here in Missouri,” Gregory said.

“So they should all be subject to this, because you’re saying that we should arrest them just because they’re here?” Washington asked.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738065953752.png" alt=" State Sen. David Gregory reviews his notes before presenting a bill Monday that would criminalize undocumented immigrants to a Senate committee (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> State Sen. David Gregory reviews his notes before presenting a bill Monday that would criminalize undocumented immigrants to a Senate committee (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>‘It is inhumane to say people should be hunted like a sport,’ said Aura Velasquez, who has been a U.S. citizen for five years.</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 confrontational legislative hearing Monday — with a witness calling a state senator a fascist and lawmakers battling over whether the state should put a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/pdf-bill/intro/SB72.pdf" target="_blank">bounty on undocumented immigrants</a>&nbsp;— set the tone for this year’s debate on immigration and the state’s role in border security.The most aggressive approach, in a bill filed by state Sen. David Gregory, would award a $1,000 bounty for tips that result in the arrest of a person present in the United States without authorization. Gregory, a Republican from Chesterfield, wants to authorize bounty hunters, usually employed by bail bond businesses to catch absconders, to track down people identified in tips.And if the tip proves accurate, the person arrested would be charged with “trespass by an illegal alien,” and subject to life in prison without parole if federal immigration authorities declined to take custody.“This bill seeks to create an ICE program at the state level,” Gregory told the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee. “That’s essentially all it does. This is an ICE program inside the state of Missouri.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738065919068.png" alt=" State Sen. Barbara Washington, a Kansas City Democrat, questions state Sen. Jill Carter on Monday about her bill that would create new crimes based on immigration status (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Barbara Washington, a Kansas City Democrat, questions state Sen. Jill Carter on Monday about her bill that would create new crimes based on immigration status (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>State Sen. Barbara Washington, a Kansas City Democrat, said it encourages people to make reports based on skin color or English proficiency.&nbsp;“Don’t tell me it is not going to happen because it is happening now,” Washington said.Gregory’s bill — and another heard Monday from state Sen. Jill Carter, a Joplin Republican — are among several introduced by Republicans this session seeking to make it more difficult for undocumented immigrants to remain in the state.<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=355" target="_blank">Carter’s bill</a>&nbsp;would also create new crimes based on immigration status. For simply being undocumented, a person could be charged with “improper entry” and could be punished by a fine of up to $10,000 and removal to a U.S. port of entry for deportationThe crime of “aggravated illegal presence” would be a felony applying to undocumented people who violated any other Missouri law. The penalty would be increased if the violation was a felony law.Immigration and border security have been a major issue for the GOP nationally, helping get President Donald Trump elected to a new term. Trump promised mass deportations, and roundups began almost immediately after he took office.There were&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd6434dq7p1o" target="_blank">956 arrests on Sunday</a>, the BBC reported. Colombia, which initially refused to accept incoming flights of people being deported, relented after Trump threatened to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/colombia-deportation-flights-trump-retaliation/" target="_blank">impose a tariff of 25%</a>&nbsp;on all imports from the South American country.Federal courts have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-law-iowa-texas-oklahoma-5685f877f4516f3f18d2fc2c6858f696" target="_blank">blocked attempts in Iowa</a>, Texas and Georgia to make it a crime to be in those states if a person is in the U.S. illegally.During Monday’s hearing, immigrants — with legal status and without — said the bills filed this year represent an escalation of oppression.“It is inhumane to say people should be hunted like a sport,” said Aura Velasquez, who has been a citizen for five years. “It would turn neighbors against neighbors and friends against each other.”Immigration advocates argued that a community already fearful about having documentation to remain in the U.S. revoked would become more fearful.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738065880821.png" alt=" After hearing that posters and signs were not allowed in the committee room, Kansas City resident Katelin Nott wrote messages on her arm Monday (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> After hearing that posters and signs were not allowed in the committee room, Kansas City resident Katelin Nott wrote messages on her arm Monday (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>“This bill fosters a climate of fear, where people feel unsafe engaging in even the most basic activities beyond going to work or school,” said Gabriella Cepeda, representing the Hispanic Law Students Association at St. Louis University. “They are terrified of being profiled or targeted life in prison for simply existing in the state without documentation. It is not just extreme, it’s cruel and unusual punishment.”The handful of supporters, representing law enforcement and a conservative Jewish group, said the state must protect itself from human trafficking and drug trafficking associated with lax border security.“This legislation would simply give law enforcement another tool in the tool box to assist our federal partners,” Lewis County Sheriff David Parish said.Last summer, a Missouri House interim committee studied the issue of crime associated with illegal immigration. The report, published Jan. 7, drew no conclusions and reported that many of the witnesses said they feared problems associated with border communities reaching Missouri.The report did not estimate the number of undocumented immigrants in Missouri but said studies show a substantial economic impact.&nbsp;Undocumented immigrants paid approximately $113 million in state taxes in 2022 but cannot use the public benefits those taxes support like Medicaid. Their economic activity supports 160,000 jobs and $19 billion in total economic activity, providing “real economic stability that benefits all Missourians,” the committee report stated.Washington peppered Gregory and Carter with questions about whether the state should trade that economic support for a state free of undocumented immigrants.“We have 77,000 illegal immigrants that we have here in Missouri,” Gregory said.“So they should all be subject to this, because you’re saying that we should arrest them just because they’re here?” Washington asked.“Yes,” Gregory replied.

Missouri bill putting a bounty on undocumented immigrants faces fierce resistance

ATCHISON–&nbsp;Bryson McCray, 36, of St. Joseph, Missouri, the subject in the weekend officer-involved shooting in Atchison, died from his injuries in a local hospital early Monday, according to a statement from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. An autopsy is scheduled.

At around 5:45 p.m. Friday, the Atchison Police Department responded to a call about a person with a gun and a second call of a subject breaking into an apartment. As officers arrived at 508 N 9th&nbsp;St. in Atchison, an officer exited his vehicle and shots were fired at him, striking his police vehicle multiple times. The officer was not struck. The man,&nbsp;identified as Bryson McCray, 36, of St. Joseph, Mo., then fled back into a&nbsp;residence. Additional officers from the Atchison PD were called to the scene.

Officers learned that a woman known to McCray was being held inside of the residence. Atchison PD requested Kansas Highway Patrol’s (KHP) Special Response Team’s assistance. They also requested assistance from the&nbsp;KBI High Risk Warrant Team. Law enforcement attempted to peacefully negotiate throughout the night with McCray insisting he release the woman inside the residence. The subject did not cooperate with the negotiations and fired multiple shots at law enforcement officials throughout the incident.&nbsp;

Preliminary information indicates&nbsp;that at around 2:30 a.m., an attempt was made to rescue the female hostage. During the rescue attempt, McCray and the hostage were separated momentarily, and a KHP trooper fired at McCray striking him.&nbsp; At that time, the hostage was safely rescued. Life-saving measures were made on McCray at the scene and at an area hospital. McCray was subsequently transported to a Kansas City hospital where he died on Monday. No law enforcement officers were injured during the rescue attempt or during the interactions with McCray.

This independent investigation aims to discover all events leading up to the officer-involved shooting. In police use of force cases, the KBI releases details to the public as soon as possible. This information is preliminary in nature, and is based on evidence collected and early statements of the parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel and others. It does not represent final or thorough findings which take several weeks to complete.

When this investigation concludes, case findings will be presented to the Atchison County Attorney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666119705831.png" alt="McCray photo Buchanan County" />
 <figcaption>McCray photo Buchanan County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON–&nbsp;Bryson McCray, 36, of St. Joseph, Missouri, the subject in the weekend officer-involved shooting in Atchison, died from his injuries in a local hospital early Monday, according to a statement from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. An autopsy is scheduled.At around 5:45 p.m. Friday, the Atchison Police Department responded to a call about a person with a gun and a second call of a subject breaking into an apartment. As officers arrived at 508 N 9th&nbsp;St. in Atchison, an officer exited his vehicle and shots were fired at him, striking his police vehicle multiple times. The officer was not struck. The man,&nbsp;identified as Bryson McCray, 36, of St. Joseph, Mo., then fled back into a&nbsp;residence. Additional officers from the Atchison PD were called to the scene.Officers learned that a woman known to McCray was being held inside of the residence. Atchison PD requested Kansas Highway Patrol’s (KHP) Special Response Team’s assistance. They also requested assistance from the&nbsp;KBI High Risk Warrant Team. Law enforcement attempted to peacefully negotiate throughout the night with McCray insisting he release the woman inside the residence. The subject did not cooperate with the negotiations and fired multiple shots at law enforcement officials throughout the incident.&nbsp;Preliminary information indicates&nbsp;that at around 2:30 a.m., an attempt was made to rescue the female hostage. During the rescue attempt, McCray and the hostage were separated momentarily, and a KHP trooper fired at McCray striking him.&nbsp; At that time, the hostage was safely rescued. Life-saving measures were made on McCray at the scene and at an area hospital. McCray was subsequently transported to a Kansas City hospital where he died on Monday. No law enforcement officers were injured during the rescue attempt or during the interactions with McCray.This independent investigation aims to discover all events leading up to the officer-involved shooting. In police use of force cases, the KBI releases details to the public as soon as possible. This information is preliminary in nature, and is based on evidence collected and early statements of the parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel and others. It does not represent final or thorough findings which take several weeks to complete.When this investigation concludes, case findings will be presented to the Atchison County Attorney.

KBI: St. Joe man injured in gunfight with Kan. officers has died

(Radio Iowa) - Iowa is seeing a significant jump in the number of schools reporting high absence rates due to illness. 

Iowa Health and Human Services reports a boost statewide in respiratory virus infections like COVID-19, R-S-V, and the flu, as well as norovirus. Addie Olson, spokesperson for the Polk County Health Department, says at least 14 schools in the Des Moines metro area reported high absence rates this month, and some of them had sick absence rates greater than 10 percent for two or three consecutive days. 

State health officials reported last week 73 schools statewide had absence rates of at least 10 percent for the prior week, a big increase from 11 schools the week before.

(Radio Iowa) - Iowa is seeing a significant jump in the number of schools reporting high absence rates due to illness. Iowa Health and Human Services reports a boost statewide in respiratory virus infections like COVID-19, R-S-V, and the flu, as well as norovirus. Addie Olson, spokesperson for the Polk County Health Department, says at least 14 schools in the Des Moines metro area reported high absence rates this month, and some of them had sick absence rates greater than 10 percent for two or three consecutive days. State health officials reported last week 73 schools statewide had absence rates of at least 10 percent for the prior week, a big increase from 11 schools the week before.

Dozens of Iowa schools see high absence rates due to respiratory infections

Former 139th
Airlift Wing Commander, Col. John Cluck, is optimistic about the future of the
base at Rosecrans Memorial Airport in St. Joseph.

Still, Cluck says
he has concerns, because the military is constantly downsizing in an attempt to
save money.

“We had about twice
as many aircraft back in ’03 when we deployed that we have now,” Cluck tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in a phone interview. “Things get more expensive. It gets
harder to remain relevant. I know that it’s going to be a tremendous challenge
until we get these new aircraft here at the 139th to make sure that
we’re still in a good position. I think that we are. I’ve worked very hard to
make sure that we are.”

The glaring need
for the 139th remains, though. It has yet to land the new mode
C-130J planes to replace the aging C-130H models it currently flies.

Cluck says
improvements made to Rosecrans with state, county, and city money has improved
the chances the base lands the new aircraft.

“We may not get
them as quickly as we want them, but as long as we get across the finish line
at the end that’ll be just fine,” Cluck says. “I know the mission we have here,
not only with the flying squadron, but also the Advance Airlift Tactics Training
Center is too critically important to the Air Force as a whole to let it go aside.
I feel very confident we’re going to get them. I don’t know if we’ll get the
next round or not, but I’m very confident we are going to win.”

Money has poured
into Rosecrans, building a new main runway, a new terminal, and a new tower. It
is undergoing a complete renovation even as the Air Guard constructs new
buildings for the 139th on ground that didn’t flood during the
devasting 1993 Missouri River flood.

Cluck handed over
commanded of the base to his Deputy Commander, Col. Barrett Golden, during a
Change of Command ceremony at Rosecrans Saturday afternoon.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostFormer 139th
Airlift Wing Commander, Col. John Cluck, is optimistic about the future of the
base at Rosecrans Memorial Airport in St. Joseph.Still, Cluck says
he has concerns, because the military is constantly downsizing in an attempt to
save money.“We had about twice
as many aircraft back in ’03 when we deployed that we have now,” Cluck tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in a phone interview. “Things get more expensive. It gets
harder to remain relevant. I know that it’s going to be a tremendous challenge
until we get these new aircraft here at the 139th to make sure that
we’re still in a good position. I think that we are. I’ve worked very hard to
make sure that we are.”The glaring need
for the 139th remains, though. It has yet to land the new mode
C-130J planes to replace the aging C-130H models it currently flies.Cluck says
improvements made to Rosecrans with state, county, and city money has improved
the chances the base lands the new aircraft.“We may not get
them as quickly as we want them, but as long as we get across the finish line
at the end that’ll be just fine,” Cluck says. “I know the mission we have here,
not only with the flying squadron, but also the Advance Airlift Tactics Training
Center is too critically important to the Air Force as a whole to let it go aside.
I feel very confident we’re going to get them. I don’t know if we’ll get the
next round or not, but I’m very confident we are going to win.”Money has poured
into Rosecrans, building a new main runway, a new terminal, and a new tower. It
is undergoing a complete renovation even as the Air Guard constructs new
buildings for the 139th on ground that didn’t flood during the
devasting 1993 Missouri River flood.Cluck handed over
commanded of the base to his Deputy Commander, Col. Barrett Golden, during a
Change of Command ceremony at Rosecrans Saturday afternoon.Cluck says the
primary challenge the Air Guard faces is recruitment.“Our numbers are
coming up. It doesn’t take very long to go down, but it takes a long way to
climb back up out of that hole,” Cluck says. “We’ve made some really, really
good strides coming up. We’ve increased our percentage overall manning by about
5 or 6%, which is huge. And I think we’ll come back out of that.”Cluck feels
optimistic about the future of the Air Guard base in St. Joseph.“I’m very
optimistic about it,” Cluck says. “I’ll tell you, that was the one thing I said
during my tenure as the wing commander is I want to make sure that not only is
the wing is moving, but it’s also there for generations to come.”You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

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