BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/janaroseschleis/">JANA ROSE SCHLEIS</a>&nbsp;-

In a packed hearing room a few blocks from the Missouri Capitol on Thursday, Ameren electric customers asked utility reps why they should be asked to pay another $17.45 per month, on average, for power.

At times they were emotional when addressing members of the Missouri Public Service Commission, which oversees utilities, including Ameren.

Lindsey Phoenix is a Jefferson City public attorney who told commissioners at the hours-long meeting that she is angry, and she feels there’s no need for a rate increase.

“Here I am spending my lunch hour, and now my vacation pay, begging a company to set their greed aside so that I can afford to keep my children warm in their beds at night,” she said.

Ameren Missouri wants to increase electricity rates by 15.77%, earning the company an additional $446 million per year.

In a flyer handed out to attendees Thursday, the company claims electric rates are approximately 27% lower than the Midwest average, and if this increase is granted they would be 15% lower than the average.

Bill Abbott traveled to Jefferson City from Eldon with a group of friends to attend the hearing.

“How much profit is enough?” he told KBIA before the hearing. “At the expense of poor people and the elderly that are on fixed incomes.”

Johnnie Briggs-Taylor is from Olean, a town about 30 miles from Jefferson City. She is also concerned about what higher electric bills mean for the people in her community.

“Olean … it’s a very small town. People there are low income and this rate increase will hurt them even more,” Briggs-Taylor said.

Warren Wood, Ameren Missouri’s vice president of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, said the company is proposing the higher rates to recoup costs of maintaining current infrastructure — such as poles, wires, and transformers — in addition to building new solar power plants.

“We’re hardening the grid, replacing old power lines, strengthening poles, upgrading substations, and now serving customers with some new energy resources,” he said.

Wood said the cost of maintaining infrastructure is rising.

“We’re seeing much higher prices of the infrastructure we need to use to upgrade the system and sometimes the timeline it actually takes to get it,” Wood said.

The hearings are part of the electric utility’s rate case — a process where companies come before the Public Service Commission with a proposal to adjust prices they charge customers.

Utilities are what’s called “regulated” or “natural” monopolies — in exchange for being the sole provider of utility service in a specified area, the companies are subject to state oversight. Customers are not able to switch utility providers.

Ameren filed the rate case in June 2024, which started an 11-month regulatory process.

The company’s request is audited by both the Public Service Commission staff and the Office of Public Counsel — the state agency that aims to represent the people of Missouri in rate cases and advocates for “safe and reliable utility service at just and reasonable rates.”

The Public Service Commission staff are recommending that the commissioners grant Ameren the rate increase, but by slightly less than the company proposed.

Commission staff recommend the regulators approve a 14.18% increase on customer’s bills, earning Ameren $406.9 million annually — approximately $40 million less than the company proposed.

A virtual public hearing will be held Friday at 12 p.m. Information on how to join the meeting by WebEx can be found at the PSC website.

The five commissioners, who are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Missouri Senate, are expected to make a final decision on the case in May.

Public Service Commission Chair Kayla Hahn thanked those who showed up Thursday.

“Undoubtedly your comments and feedback will help inform our decision and help us make a better decision because of it,” Hahn said.

Ameren offers alternate payment plans for customers struggling with their utility costs. Customers are encouraged to call 800-552-7583 or visit amerenmissouri.com/energyassistance for help.

Ameren provides electricity for approximately 1.2 million customers across Missouri. The company also provides gas to a few communities in mid-Missouri, but this case only affects electricity prices.

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/missourians-speak-out-against-proposed-ameren-electric-rate-increase-in-public-hearing/article_39189840-d9e2-11ef-a7d1-4fedc7697ac8.html" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737729933205.png" alt=" Bryan Struebig, an Ameren stakeholder and customer, testifies against the company’s rising rates on Thursday at the Governor Office Building in Jefferson City. “When my community does better and the costs are lower, I do better,” Struebig said (Nam Nguyen/Missourian)." />
 <figcaption> Bryan Struebig, an Ameren stakeholder and customer, testifies against the company’s rising rates on Thursday at the Governor Office Building in Jefferson City. “When my community does better and the costs are lower, I do better,” Struebig said (Nam Nguyen/Missourian).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/janaroseschleis/">JANA ROSE SCHLEIS</a>&nbsp;-In a packed hearing room a few blocks from the Missouri Capitol on Thursday, Ameren electric customers asked utility reps why they should be asked to pay another $17.45 per month, on average, for power.At times they were emotional when addressing members of the Missouri Public Service Commission, which oversees utilities, including Ameren.Lindsey Phoenix is a Jefferson City public attorney who told commissioners at the hours-long meeting that she is angry, and she feels there’s no need for a rate increase.“Here I am spending my lunch hour, and now my vacation pay, begging a company to set their greed aside so that I can afford to keep my children warm in their beds at night,” she said.Ameren Missouri wants to increase electricity rates by 15.77%, earning the company an additional $446 million per year.In a flyer handed out to attendees Thursday, the company claims electric rates are approximately 27% lower than the Midwest average, and if this increase is granted they would be 15% lower than the average.Bill Abbott traveled to Jefferson City from Eldon with a group of friends to attend the hearing.“How much profit is enough?” he told KBIA before the hearing. “At the expense of poor people and the elderly that are on fixed incomes.”Johnnie Briggs-Taylor is from Olean, a town about 30 miles from Jefferson City. She is also concerned about what higher electric bills mean for the people in her community.“Olean … it’s a very small town. People there are low income and this rate increase will hurt them even more,” Briggs-Taylor said.Warren Wood, Ameren Missouri’s vice president of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, said the company is proposing the higher rates to recoup costs of maintaining current infrastructure — such as poles, wires, and transformers — in addition to building new solar power plants.“We’re hardening the grid, replacing old power lines, strengthening poles, upgrading substations, and now serving customers with some new energy resources,” he said.Wood said the cost of maintaining infrastructure is rising.“We’re seeing much higher prices of the infrastructure we need to use to upgrade the system and sometimes the timeline it actually takes to get it,” Wood said.The hearings are part of the electric utility’s rate case — a process where companies come before the Public Service Commission with a proposal to adjust prices they charge customers.Utilities are what’s called “regulated” or “natural” monopolies — in exchange for being the sole provider of utility service in a specified area, the companies are subject to state oversight. Customers are not able to switch utility providers.Ameren filed the rate case in June 2024, which started an 11-month regulatory process.The company’s request is audited by both the Public Service Commission staff and the Office of Public Counsel — the state agency that aims to represent the people of Missouri in rate cases and advocates for “safe and reliable utility service at just and reasonable rates.”The Public Service Commission staff are recommending that the commissioners grant Ameren the rate increase, but by slightly less than the company proposed.Commission staff recommend the regulators approve a 14.18% increase on customer’s bills, earning Ameren $406.9 million annually — approximately $40 million less than the company proposed.A virtual public hearing will be held Friday at 12 p.m. Information on how to join the meeting by WebEx can be found at the PSC website.The five commissioners, who are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Missouri Senate, are expected to make a final decision on the case in May.Public Service Commission Chair Kayla Hahn thanked those who showed up Thursday.“Undoubtedly your comments and feedback will help inform our decision and help us make a better decision because of it,” Hahn said.Ameren offers alternate payment plans for customers struggling with their utility costs. Customers are encouraged to call 800-552-7583 or visit amerenmissouri.com/energyassistance for help.Ameren provides electricity for approximately 1.2 million customers across Missouri. The company also provides gas to a few communities in mid-Missouri, but this case only affects electricity prices.This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/missourians-speak-out-against-proposed-ameren-electric-rate-increase-in-public-hearing/article_39189840-d9e2-11ef-a7d1-4fedc7697ac8.html" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

Missourians speak out against proposed Ameren electric rate increase in public hearing

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/skyler-rossi">SKYLER ROSSI</a> Harvest Public Media

Bird flu has killed millions of hens in recent weeks, shrinking the supply of eggs and hiking up prices at grocery stores.

You can blame bird flu for high egg prices at the grocery store.

A dozen large, Grade A eggs cost an average of $4.15 in the U.S. last month – a nearly 37% increase from the year before – according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cpi.pdf" target="_blank">data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>. That’s a much larger jump than the 2.5% increase of overall food prices.

The last time that average price was above $4 was&nbsp;<a href="https://data.bls.gov/timeseries/APU0000708111" target="_blank">two years ago</a>, when the cost for a dozen eggs spiked to a record $4.82.

The egg industry has been impacted by a surge of bird flu cases in recent weeks. More than 13 million egg-laying hens died in December due to the virus – the most of any month last year –&nbsp;<a href="https://downloads.usda.library.cornell.edu/usda-esmis/files/g445cd121/6395z2696/sj13bz31x/LDP-M-367.pdf" target="_blank">according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture</a>. And another 3.3 million died in early January.

The losses are a big factor in higher egg prices, said Jada Thompson, a poultry economist at the University of Arkansas who researches how diseases impact markets.

“One of the hard parts is there's this regional concentration of production,” Thompson said. “And so when a disease is going through and hitting farms in that area, it's gonna affect multiple farms, and that's gonna affect the supply of eggs – and that supply then will affect our prices.”

There are also other factors that impact prices, such as the typical uptick in demand for eggs during the holiday season and costs for inputs like feed and labor, Thompson said.

“All of those things are going to be coupled together, and then you add this very strong reduction of egg supply, and it's going to drive prices up and down,” she said.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza has infected&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/data-map-commercial.html" target="_blank">more than 130 million birds</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. since it first emerged in 2022, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Bird flu appeared in dairy cattle for the first time last year, and has infected&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/mammals.html" target="_blank">more than 900 cows</a>&nbsp;since last spring. More than 60 humans have also contracted the virus, mostly from working directly with sick animals on poultry or dairy farms. Most of the symptoms have been mild, and the health risk for humans is currently low,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html" target="_blank">according to the CDC</a>.

The virus is spreading to flocks as migratory birds fly south for the winter, said Yuko Sato, a poultry extension veterinarian at the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. But the new strain in cows makes the situation different from previous years.

“Instead of just migratory birds being a potential source of the infection, now we also have to worry about potential interactions with infected dairy herds that could potentially transmit the virus to domestic poultry,” she said.

The virus has an extremely high fatality rate in birds, Sato said. Many birds die within a day or two — so when bird flu is confirmed on a farm, it affects the entire flock.

“Essentially, all of the birds that's on that site will be depopulated, meaning they'll all be put down, in order to control the virus and to make sure it's contained in one area to not spread to other premises,” Sato said.

Outbreaks are particularly hitting the middle of the U.S. hard, because there are a lot of large egg producers, Thompson said. Iowa, Ohio and Indiana produce the highest volume of eggs in the country,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nass.usda.gov/Charts_and_Maps/Poultry/eggmap.php" target="_blank">according to the USDA</a>.

“The disease specifically has stuck around in the Midwest,” Thompson said. “And part of that is a bit of climate, a bit where wild bird migratory patterns have gone through. And so they've been disproportionately affected.”

Producers will be hatching more chicks to make up for the losses, Thompson said. But it’s difficult to know for sure how bad the disease will be, and it’s expensive to keep too many birds.

“Everybody's trying to find the best solution to mitigate disease impacts and maintain profitability,” Thompson said. “Because if egg prices are high, we don't buy as many eggs ... they still need to sell their egg, so this is an issue for both producers and consumers.”

Thompson expects egg prices will fall again as there are fewer bird flu cases and the egg supply recovers. But more outbreaks of the virus could push prices back up.

“We'll have to keep an eye on how many outbreaks there are and where those are happening,” she said.

This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media,</a>&nbsp;a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737565489017.png" alt="A HyVee grocery store in Columbia, Missouri, is sharing information with shoppers about the impacts of recent bird flu cases on the egg supply. Egg prices across the country have soared in recent weeks because of losses caused by the virus. Photo by&nbsp; Skyler Rossi/Harvest Public Media&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>A HyVee grocery store in Columbia, Missouri, is sharing information with shoppers about the impacts of recent bird flu cases on the egg supply. Egg prices across the country have soared in recent weeks because of losses caused by the virus. Photo by&nbsp; Skyler Rossi/Harvest Public Media&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/skyler-rossi">SKYLER ROSSI</a> Harvest Public Media<h2>Bird flu has killed millions of hens in recent weeks, shrinking the supply of eggs and hiking up prices at grocery stores.</h2>You can blame bird flu for high egg prices at the grocery store.A dozen large, Grade A eggs cost an average of $4.15 in the U.S. last month – a nearly 37% increase from the year before – according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cpi.pdf" target="_blank">data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>. That’s a much larger jump than the 2.5% increase of overall food prices.The last time that average price was above $4 was&nbsp;<a href="https://data.bls.gov/timeseries/APU0000708111" target="_blank">two years ago</a>, when the cost for a dozen eggs spiked to a record $4.82.The egg industry has been impacted by a surge of bird flu cases in recent weeks. More than 13 million egg-laying hens died in December due to the virus – the most of any month last year –&nbsp;<a href="https://downloads.usda.library.cornell.edu/usda-esmis/files/g445cd121/6395z2696/sj13bz31x/LDP-M-367.pdf" target="_blank">according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture</a>. And another 3.3 million died in early January.The losses are a big factor in higher egg prices, said Jada Thompson, a poultry economist at the University of Arkansas who researches how diseases impact markets.“One of the hard parts is there's this regional concentration of production,” Thompson said. “And so when a disease is going through and hitting farms in that area, it's gonna affect multiple farms, and that's gonna affect the supply of eggs – and that supply then will affect our prices.”There are also other factors that impact prices, such as the typical uptick in demand for eggs during the holiday season and costs for inputs like feed and labor, Thompson said.“All of those things are going to be coupled together, and then you add this very strong reduction of egg supply, and it's going to drive prices up and down,” she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737565779992.png" alt="&nbsp; Chart:&nbsp;Skyler Rossi/Harvest Public MediaSource:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://data.bls.gov/dataViewer/view/timeseries/APU0200708111;jsessionid=885E1E8D976CC87DAEF37097559DF675">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>Created with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/cI5I6" target="_blank">Datawrapper</a>" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; Chart:&nbsp;Skyler Rossi/Harvest Public MediaSource:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://data.bls.gov/dataViewer/view/timeseries/APU0200708111;jsessionid=885E1E8D976CC87DAEF37097559DF675">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>Created with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/cI5I6" target="_blank">Datawrapper</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Highly pathogenic avian influenza has infected&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/data-map-commercial.html" target="_blank">more than 130 million birds</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. since it first emerged in 2022, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.Bird flu appeared in dairy cattle for the first time last year, and has infected&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/mammals.html" target="_blank">more than 900 cows</a>&nbsp;since last spring. More than 60 humans have also contracted the virus, mostly from working directly with sick animals on poultry or dairy farms. Most of the symptoms have been mild, and the health risk for humans is currently low,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html" target="_blank">according to the CDC</a>.The virus is spreading to flocks as migratory birds fly south for the winter, said Yuko Sato, a poultry extension veterinarian at the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. But the new strain in cows makes the situation different from previous years.“Instead of just migratory birds being a potential source of the infection, now we also have to worry about potential interactions with infected dairy herds that could potentially transmit the virus to domestic poultry,” she said.The virus has an extremely high fatality rate in birds, Sato said. Many birds die within a day or two — so when bird flu is confirmed on a farm, it affects the entire flock.“Essentially, all of the birds that's on that site will be depopulated, meaning they'll all be put down, in order to control the virus and to make sure it's contained in one area to not spread to other premises,” Sato said.Outbreaks are particularly hitting the middle of the U.S. hard, because there are a lot of large egg producers, Thompson said. Iowa, Ohio and Indiana produce the highest volume of eggs in the country,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nass.usda.gov/Charts_and_Maps/Poultry/eggmap.php" target="_blank">according to the USDA</a>.“The disease specifically has stuck around in the Midwest,” Thompson said. “And part of that is a bit of climate, a bit where wild bird migratory patterns have gone through. And so they've been disproportionately affected.”Producers will be hatching more chicks to make up for the losses, Thompson said. But it’s difficult to know for sure how bad the disease will be, and it’s expensive to keep too many birds.“Everybody's trying to find the best solution to mitigate disease impacts and maintain profitability,” Thompson said. “Because if egg prices are high, we don't buy as many eggs ... they still need to sell their egg, so this is an issue for both producers and consumers.”Thompson expects egg prices will fall again as there are fewer bird flu cases and the egg supply recovers. But more outbreaks of the virus could push prices back up.“We'll have to keep an eye on how many outbreaks there are and where those are happening,” she said.This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media,</a>&nbsp;a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.&nbsp;

Egg prices soaring again; here’s why, what to expect

(Radio Iowa) - A bill under consideration in the Iowa House would ban margarine and two food additives from the lunches and breakfasts served at Iowa schools. 

The bill mentions Red Dye number 40, which is made from petroleum and has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in food for 50 years. It's one of a half dozen food dyes that will be banned from California school lunches starting in 2028. 

Representative Jeff Shipley, a Republican from Fairfield, says it's an interesting concept to discuss and see what the public might have an appetite for here in Iowa. Robert F. Kennedy, Junior -- President Trump's nominee to lead a key federal agency -- has raised questions about the country's food supply and the eating habits of Americans.

(Radio Iowa) - A bill under consideration in the Iowa House would ban margarine and two food additives from the lunches and breakfasts served at Iowa schools. The bill mentions Red Dye number 40, which is made from petroleum and has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in food for 50 years. It's one of a half dozen food dyes that will be banned from California school lunches starting in 2028. Representative Jeff Shipley, a Republican from Fairfield, says it's an interesting concept to discuss and see what the public might have an appetite for here in Iowa. Robert F. Kennedy, Junior -- President Trump's nominee to lead a key federal agency -- has raised questions about the country's food supply and the eating habits of Americans.

Ban proposed on margarine, Red Dye 40 in food served in Iowa schools

KANSAS CITY—One person was critically injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Wednesday in Kansas City.

According to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino,&nbsp;a Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation Ford F350 pickup truck was parked on the northbound curb of Grand, just north of 5th Street.

The driver of the City Vehicle put the pickup in drive and began traveling northbound and struck a pedestrian who was in front of the vehicle. The pedestrian went completely under the vehicle, according to DiMartino.

A KC Fire Department ambulance transported the pedestrian to a local hospital with serious injuries. The driver was not impaired.

KANSAS CITY—One person was critically injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Wednesday in Kansas City.According to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino,&nbsp;a Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation Ford F350 pickup truck was parked on the northbound curb of Grand, just north of 5th Street.The driver of the City Vehicle put the pickup in drive and began traveling northbound and struck a pedestrian who was in front of the vehicle. The pedestrian went completely under the vehicle, according to DiMartino.A KC Fire Department ambulance transported the pedestrian to a local hospital with serious injuries. The driver was not impaired.

Police: KC Parks and Rec pickup ran over pedestrian

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>

Two bills heard in a state Senate committee are designed to lower prices, provide fair competition for independent pharmacies, backers say

With billions of dollars at stake, a legislative battle in Missouri over payments for prescription drugs kicked off again Wednesday between pharmacies, health care providers and insurance companies.

For those unfamiliar with the conflict, terms like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mmitnetwork.com/what-is-white-bagging/" target="_blank">white bagging</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.valuebasedcancer.com/issues/2013/september-2013-vol-4-no-8/1341-brown-bagging-versus-white-bagging#:~:text=%E2%80%9CBrown%20bagging%E2%80%9D%20is%20when%20a,the%20physician's%20office%20for%20administration." target="_blank">brown bagging</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hrsa.gov/opa" target="_blank">340B</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/therapeutic-biologics-applications-bla/biosimilars" target="_blank">biosimilarity</a>&nbsp;can make the debate impossible to fathom. But each of those phrases, and others equally baffling, play a part in how much patients and insurers pay and whether they can get their prescriptions from their favorite pharmacy.

A bill passed last year attempted to decide&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/13/billions-at-stake-as-national-battle-over-drug-pricing-plays-out-in-missouri/">one issue in favor of hospitals</a>, not-for-profit clinics and other selected providers by mandating that pharmaceutical manufacturers offer discounted drugs under the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hrsa.gov/opa" target="_blank">340B program</a>&nbsp;to any pharmacy with a contract to supply the provider’s patients.&nbsp;

That law is being&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/27/drugmakers-sue-to-block-missouri-law-on-federal-prescription-discounts/">challenged in federal court</a>, but no trial has been held.

Two bills discussed Wednesday by the Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee would expand on that legislation and take on one of the other major features of prescription sales — pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs.

State Sen. Travis Fitzwater, a Republican from Holt’s Summit, wants to protect independent pharmacies from practices that favor large chain operations.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=209" target="_blank">His bill</a>&nbsp;would require reimbursements to all pharmacies to be the same as reimbursements for pharmacies affiliated with PBMs.

That will help the independent pharmacies stay in business, he said.

“They take care of our communities, they are leaders in our communities, they invest in our communities, and they are going away,” Fitzwater said.

Fitzwater’s bill would also require insurance providers to include amounts paid on behalf of a patient for prescription drugs to be counted against the maximum out-of-pocket costs allowed in a policy. Those payments can include rebates or outlays by a relative, Fitzwater said.

Currently, many plans only recognize payments made by the patient only.

The provisions are especially important when a high-cost specialty drug is involved, he said.

“They’ll say you can only get this drug in an approved pharmacy that will fulfill the requirements we have,” Fitzwater said. “So they will reimburse themselves at a much larger margin than they’ll reimburse the independent pharmacy.”

Supporters of the bill said PBMs get in the consumer choice.&nbsp;

Erica Crane, founder of NextRx Pharmacy in Columbia, said PBMs force people to use large chains and reap the benefits of negotiated discounts.

“PBMs do not lower the cost of medications,” Crane said. “They don’t increase the availability. What they are doing is closing our independent pharmacies.”

Opponents argue that the bill will shift costs and hurt self-insured plans.

Laurel Pickering, president and CEO of the St Louis Area Business Health Coalition, said her organization purchases health care on behalf of 500,000 people, employees and families of employees at Anheuser-Busch, Panera, Boeing and several other large companies.

“The provisions in this bill are being used to capture money from employers and their workers, and they’re going to increase those costs,” Pickering said.

State Sen. Mike Moon, an Ash Grove Republican, pushed back against Pickering’s argument. More choice in the marketplace should mean reduced prices, he said.

“What I’m hearing you say is that you are for centralization of power and concentrating that in just a few hands, as opposed to competition, because you said that allowing choice increases prices, and that’s usually not the way the free market works,” Moon said.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=311" target="_blank">other legislation</a>&nbsp;considered Wednesday, sponsored by state Sen. Justin Brown of Rolla, would limit how PBMs reimburse pharmacies for physician-administered drugs, as well make them pay the same amounts for biosimilar drugs. PBMs would also be barred from paying a pharmacy less for a drug obtained under the 340B discount program than it pays for the same drug when it is not covered by the manufacturer’s discount.

Karen White, CEO of the not-for-profit Missouri Highlands Health Care, headquartered in Ellington, said the 340B program provides essential revenue for her clinics.

“Without these savings that we rely on, we will have to take a hard look at what services we can continue to provide,” White said.&nbsp;

Many of the provisions in his bill were in the legislation he filed last year on the 340B program, Brown said. They were removed as lawmakers worked through one of the most difficult years in recent history, passing a record low number of bills, he noted.

“​​While we made some progress with last year’s 340B legislation, it’s clear that we still have much to do,” Brown said.

A biologic medication is made from a living organism or its products and a biosimilar medication is one that has the same effect but is derived from a different source and is often administered by physicians by infusion or injection.

Brown’s bill would require the same reimbursements whether the originally prescribed biologic or a biosimilar drug is used.

When a patient visits a pharmacy to obtain a medication that is then administered in a physician’s office, it is called brown bagging. When the pharmacy delivers the same drug to a physician’s office so it can be administered to a patient, it is called white bagging. The bill would require the insurance companies and PBMs to treat the transaction the same either way.

Daniel Good, vice president for pharmacy at Mercy Health, said the provisions will help providers keep their focus on patient needs.

“This bill is going to ensure that the health systems and the pharmacy and therapeutic communities make a choice in the best interest of the patients,” Good said.

Representatives of the insurance industry, who oppose the bills, said that the well-intentioned legislation will actually drive up costs for many.

“At the end of the day, it’s about that dollar,” said Shannon Cooper, lobbyist for the America’s Health Insurance Plan, the national trade organization of health insurance companies.

Employers work to control costs for themselves and employees and the bills interfere with those relationships, he said.

“When you meddle with legislation like this, when you break contract law, when you break agreements,” Cooper said, “that drives the cost of those services up for the ultimate consumer.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737638738385.png" alt="State Sen. Travis Fitzwater, a Republican from Holts Summit, presents legislation to a Senate committee on Wednesday (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Travis Fitzwater, a Republican from Holts Summit, presents legislation to a Senate committee on Wednesday (Rudi Keller/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><h2>Two bills heard in a state Senate committee are designed to lower prices, provide fair competition for independent pharmacies, backers say</h2>With billions of dollars at stake, a legislative battle in Missouri over payments for prescription drugs kicked off again Wednesday between pharmacies, health care providers and insurance companies.For those unfamiliar with the conflict, terms like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mmitnetwork.com/what-is-white-bagging/" target="_blank">white bagging</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.valuebasedcancer.com/issues/2013/september-2013-vol-4-no-8/1341-brown-bagging-versus-white-bagging#:~:text=%E2%80%9CBrown%20bagging%E2%80%9D%20is%20when%20a,the%20physician's%20office%20for%20administration." target="_blank">brown bagging</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hrsa.gov/opa" target="_blank">340B</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/therapeutic-biologics-applications-bla/biosimilars" target="_blank">biosimilarity</a>&nbsp;can make the debate impossible to fathom. But each of those phrases, and others equally baffling, play a part in how much patients and insurers pay and whether they can get their prescriptions from their favorite pharmacy.A bill passed last year attempted to decide&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/13/billions-at-stake-as-national-battle-over-drug-pricing-plays-out-in-missouri/">one issue in favor of hospitals</a>, not-for-profit clinics and other selected providers by mandating that pharmaceutical manufacturers offer discounted drugs under the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hrsa.gov/opa" target="_blank">340B program</a>&nbsp;to any pharmacy with a contract to supply the provider’s patients.&nbsp;That law is being&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/27/drugmakers-sue-to-block-missouri-law-on-federal-prescription-discounts/">challenged in federal court</a>, but no trial has been held.Two bills discussed Wednesday by the Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee would expand on that legislation and take on one of the other major features of prescription sales — pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs.State Sen. Travis Fitzwater, a Republican from Holt’s Summit, wants to protect independent pharmacies from practices that favor large chain operations.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=209" target="_blank">His bill</a>&nbsp;would require reimbursements to all pharmacies to be the same as reimbursements for pharmacies affiliated with PBMs.That will help the independent pharmacies stay in business, he said.“They take care of our communities, they are leaders in our communities, they invest in our communities, and they are going away,” Fitzwater said.Fitzwater’s bill would also require insurance providers to include amounts paid on behalf of a patient for prescription drugs to be counted against the maximum out-of-pocket costs allowed in a policy. Those payments can include rebates or outlays by a relative, Fitzwater said.Currently, many plans only recognize payments made by the patient only.The provisions are especially important when a high-cost specialty drug is involved, he said.“They’ll say you can only get this drug in an approved pharmacy that will fulfill the requirements we have,” Fitzwater said. “So they will reimburse themselves at a much larger margin than they’ll reimburse the independent pharmacy.”Supporters of the bill said PBMs get in the consumer choice.&nbsp;Erica Crane, founder of NextRx Pharmacy in Columbia, said PBMs force people to use large chains and reap the benefits of negotiated discounts.“PBMs do not lower the cost of medications,” Crane said. “They don’t increase the availability. What they are doing is closing our independent pharmacies.”Opponents argue that the bill will shift costs and hurt self-insured plans.Laurel Pickering, president and CEO of the St Louis Area Business Health Coalition, said her organization purchases health care on behalf of 500,000 people, employees and families of employees at Anheuser-Busch, Panera, Boeing and several other large companies.“The provisions in this bill are being used to capture money from employers and their workers, and they’re going to increase those costs,” Pickering said.State Sen. Mike Moon, an Ash Grove Republican, pushed back against Pickering’s argument. More choice in the marketplace should mean reduced prices, he said.“What I’m hearing you say is that you are for centralization of power and concentrating that in just a few hands, as opposed to competition, because you said that allowing choice increases prices, and that’s usually not the way the free market works,” Moon said.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737638699454.png" alt=" Karen White, left, CEO of Missouri Highlands Health Care in Ellington, testifies Tuesday in favor of legislation from state Sen. Justin Brown, R-Rolla, right, that would require drug manufacturers to allow access to drugs discounted under the federal 340B program (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Karen White, left, CEO of Missouri Highlands Health Care in Ellington, testifies Tuesday in favor of legislation from state Sen. Justin Brown, R-Rolla, right, that would require drug manufacturers to allow access to drugs discounted under the federal 340B program (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=311" target="_blank">other legislation</a>&nbsp;considered Wednesday, sponsored by state Sen. Justin Brown of Rolla, would limit how PBMs reimburse pharmacies for physician-administered drugs, as well make them pay the same amounts for biosimilar drugs. PBMs would also be barred from paying a pharmacy less for a drug obtained under the 340B discount program than it pays for the same drug when it is not covered by the manufacturer’s discount.Karen White, CEO of the not-for-profit Missouri Highlands Health Care, headquartered in Ellington, said the 340B program provides essential revenue for her clinics.“Without these savings that we rely on, we will have to take a hard look at what services we can continue to provide,” White said.&nbsp;Many of the provisions in his bill were in the legislation he filed last year on the 340B program, Brown said. They were removed as lawmakers worked through one of the most difficult years in recent history, passing a record low number of bills, he noted.“​​While we made some progress with last year’s 340B legislation, it’s clear that we still have much to do,” Brown said.A biologic medication is made from a living organism or its products and a biosimilar medication is one that has the same effect but is derived from a different source and is often administered by physicians by infusion or injection.Brown’s bill would require the same reimbursements whether the originally prescribed biologic or a biosimilar drug is used.When a patient visits a pharmacy to obtain a medication that is then administered in a physician’s office, it is called brown bagging. When the pharmacy delivers the same drug to a physician’s office so it can be administered to a patient, it is called white bagging. The bill would require the insurance companies and PBMs to treat the transaction the same either way.Daniel Good, vice president for pharmacy at Mercy Health, said the provisions will help providers keep their focus on patient needs.“This bill is going to ensure that the health systems and the pharmacy and therapeutic communities make a choice in the best interest of the patients,” Good said.Representatives of the insurance industry, who oppose the bills, said that the well-intentioned legislation will actually drive up costs for many.“At the end of the day, it’s about that dollar,” said Shannon Cooper, lobbyist for the America’s Health Insurance Plan, the national trade organization of health insurance companies.Employers work to control costs for themselves and employees and the bills interfere with those relationships, he said.“When you meddle with legislation like this, when you break contract law, when you break agreements,” Cooper said, “that drives the cost of those services up for the ultimate consumer.”

Missouri bills target pharmacy costs, insurance rules on drug pricing

A carve-out for hemp beverages in proposed regulations falls flat for Missouri Hemp Trade Association

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Arguably the biggest opponent of unregulated intoxicating hemp products said it’s willing to concede to allowing hemp-THC drinks to continue to be sold in grocery and liquor stores.

“We are working through and very excited about the possibility of developing a carve out for low-THC hemp drinks,” said Tom Robbins, a lobbyist for the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association during a Senate committee hearing Wednesday.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/16/missouri-lawmakers-file-bills-enacting-new-regulations-on-intoxicating-hemp-products/">legislative battle</a>&nbsp;to regulate intoxicating hemp products kicked off Wednesday with a hearing on Republican state Sen. Nick Schroer’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/BillText.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=292" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;to treat hemp-derived THC edibles, vapes and beverages the same as marijuana — meaning under the Division of Cannabis Regulation’s rules and exclusively sold in dispensaries.&nbsp;

Robbins announced MoCann’s proposed amendment to cap the amount of THC at five milligrams per can and exclude drinks made with “synthetic” THC, or THC that has been converted from CBD using a chemical process.

Schroer confirmed a plan is in the works to include this language in a committee substitute that may come up to vote within the next few weeks.&nbsp;

“We will more than likely have some sort of compromise language to use that existing framework within the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control on some of these low-dose products,” Schroer said.&nbsp;

However, Brooklyn Hill, president of the Missouri Hemp Trade Association, said MoCann’s carve out is “not a solution to the problem.”

“This bill will still, even with the hemp beverage carve out, shut down hundreds of Missouri businesses and cost hundreds of Missourians their jobs,” Hill said.

Schroer’s legislation is among several to regulate products made with hemp-derived THC.

Currently, Delta-8 THC products — including a large variety of drinks that are popular at bars and available at gas stations throughout the state — can be sold in Missouri stores because the intoxicating ingredient is derived from hemp, not marijuana.

Hemp is&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/11/farm-bill-debate-includes-hemp-regulation-as-issue-takes-center-stage-in-missouri-recall/">federally legal</a>.

There’s no state or federal law saying teenagers or children can’t buy them or stores can’t sell them to minors — though some stores and vendors have taken it upon themselves to impose age restrictions of 21 and up.&nbsp;

“What the products contain really we do not know because it’s not regulated,” Julie Weber, director of the Missouri Poison Center, told the Senate committee “and that’s where we’ve come into some very serious exposures where children have ended up unresponsive and on ventilators.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

All proposed bills include age restrictions.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=860121" target="_blank">proposal backed by the hemp association</a>&nbsp;would limit beverages and edibles to 100 mg of THC per serving, saying that some people who use the products medicinally require a higher dose.&nbsp;It directs the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control to regulate hemp licensees.

Among the other proposals is the beer wholesalers’&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills251/hlrbillspdf/0718H.01I.pdf" target="_blank">legislation</a>, sponsored by Republican state Rep. Barry Hovis of Whitewater, which lays out regulations only for hemp beverages. It would also establish the same three-tier distribution system that the alcohol industry has long abided by.

The Missouri Hemp Trade Association believes vehemently opposes establishing the three-tier system, saying it would create a monopoly on behalf of the distributors.

On Wednesday, Hill spoke about her father’s business, Dave’s Doobies, in Bunker, a town of about 300 people. His manufacturing and distributing company produces vapes and gummies, among other products.

“It’s incredible to see my dad, hero of my childhood, build a legacy from the ground up,” she said, “one in a small town that can help employ what’s normally poverty.”

Hill said Schroer’s bill would devastate her father’s business, as long with hundreds of others.&nbsp;

Rick McGavock, owner of Popcorn Dispensary in Hermann, said it would destroy his business as well — and he has nothing to do with the cannabis industry.&nbsp;

A line in Schroer’s bill states that “no person or entity” other than licensed marijuana facilities can conduct business under a name that contains the word “dispensary” or any word similar.

McGavock and his partner, Nicole Woods, just opened in June, after settling on the name and finding a location.

“We poured our blood, sweat and literal tears into building this business,” McGavock said. “Our name has become an integral part of our brand. This bill puts our business and the livelihoods of our 10 employees at risk. These are real people with families so rebranding is not an option.”

McGavock was scheduled to meet with Schroer after the hearing.

The hearing room was packed with people waiting to testify on the bill, most of whom did not get to speak when the hearing was limited to one hour.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737631269367.png" alt=" Julie Weber, right, director of the Missouri Poison Center, testifying Wednesday about the increase in children ingesting THC-laced products alongside state Sen. Nick Schroer, R-Defiance. Schroer wants to restrict the sale of hemp-derived THC products (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Julie Weber, right, director of the Missouri Poison Center, testifying Wednesday about the increase in children ingesting THC-laced products alongside state Sen. Nick Schroer, R-Defiance. Schroer wants to restrict the sale of hemp-derived THC products (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A carve-out for hemp beverages in proposed regulations falls flat for Missouri Hemp Trade Association</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Arguably the biggest opponent of unregulated intoxicating hemp products said it’s willing to concede to allowing hemp-THC drinks to continue to be sold in grocery and liquor stores.“We are working through and very excited about the possibility of developing a carve out for low-THC hemp drinks,” said Tom Robbins, a lobbyist for the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association during a Senate committee hearing Wednesday.The&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/16/missouri-lawmakers-file-bills-enacting-new-regulations-on-intoxicating-hemp-products/">legislative battle</a>&nbsp;to regulate intoxicating hemp products kicked off Wednesday with a hearing on Republican state Sen. Nick Schroer’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/BillText.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=292" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;to treat hemp-derived THC edibles, vapes and beverages the same as marijuana — meaning under the Division of Cannabis Regulation’s rules and exclusively sold in dispensaries.&nbsp;Robbins announced MoCann’s proposed amendment to cap the amount of THC at five milligrams per can and exclude drinks made with “synthetic” THC, or THC that has been converted from CBD using a chemical process.Schroer confirmed a plan is in the works to include this language in a committee substitute that may come up to vote within the next few weeks.&nbsp;“We will more than likely have some sort of compromise language to use that existing framework within the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control on some of these low-dose products,” Schroer said.&nbsp;However, Brooklyn Hill, president of the Missouri Hemp Trade Association, said MoCann’s carve out is “not a solution to the problem.”“This bill will still, even with the hemp beverage carve out, shut down hundreds of Missouri businesses and cost hundreds of Missourians their jobs,” Hill said.Schroer’s legislation is among several to regulate products made with hemp-derived THC.Currently, Delta-8 THC products — including a large variety of drinks that are popular at bars and available at gas stations throughout the state — can be sold in Missouri stores because the intoxicating ingredient is derived from hemp, not marijuana.Hemp is&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/11/farm-bill-debate-includes-hemp-regulation-as-issue-takes-center-stage-in-missouri-recall/">federally legal</a>.There’s no state or federal law saying teenagers or children can’t buy them or stores can’t sell them to minors — though some stores and vendors have taken it upon themselves to impose age restrictions of 21 and up.&nbsp;“What the products contain really we do not know because it’s not regulated,” Julie Weber, director of the Missouri Poison Center, told the Senate committee “and that’s where we’ve come into some very serious exposures where children have ended up unresponsive and on ventilators.”&nbsp;&nbsp;All proposed bills include age restrictions.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=860121" target="_blank">proposal backed by the hemp association</a>&nbsp;would limit beverages and edibles to 100 mg of THC per serving, saying that some people who use the products medicinally require a higher dose.&nbsp;It directs the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control to regulate hemp licensees.Among the other proposals is the beer wholesalers’&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills251/hlrbillspdf/0718H.01I.pdf" target="_blank">legislation</a>, sponsored by Republican state Rep. Barry Hovis of Whitewater, which lays out regulations only for hemp beverages. It would also establish the same three-tier distribution system that the alcohol industry has long abided by.The Missouri Hemp Trade Association believes vehemently opposes establishing the three-tier system, saying it would create a monopoly on behalf of the distributors.On Wednesday, Hill spoke about her father’s business, Dave’s Doobies, in Bunker, a town of about 300 people. His manufacturing and distributing company produces vapes and gummies, among other products.“It’s incredible to see my dad, hero of my childhood, build a legacy from the ground up,” she said, “one in a small town that can help employ what’s normally poverty.”Hill said Schroer’s bill would devastate her father’s business, as long with hundreds of others.&nbsp;Rick McGavock, owner of Popcorn Dispensary in Hermann, said it would destroy his business as well — and he has nothing to do with the cannabis industry.&nbsp;A line in Schroer’s bill states that “no person or entity” other than licensed marijuana facilities can conduct business under a name that contains the word “dispensary” or any word similar.McGavock and his partner, Nicole Woods, just opened in June, after settling on the name and finding a location.“We poured our blood, sweat and literal tears into building this business,” McGavock said. “Our name has become an integral part of our brand. This bill puts our business and the livelihoods of our 10 employees at risk. These are real people with families so rebranding is not an option.”McGavock was scheduled to meet with Schroer after the hearing.The hearing room was packed with people waiting to testify on the bill, most of whom did not get to speak when the hearing was limited to one hour.

Missouri cannabis trade group offers compromise in fight over regulating intoxicating hemp

(Radio Iowa) - One of the ten Iowans who was pardoned by President Trump this week for actions during the January 6th, 2021 attack on the U-S Capitol says he plans to join a massive lawsuit in response to his arrest. 

Kenny Rader of Sioux City says it will be a 50-billion dollar class-action case against the U-S Department of Justice. Rader says he won't settle for anything under seven digits, saying he deserves compensation as he "went through some hell." 

Rader says he’s not surprised he and more than 15-hundred other January 6th defendants were cleared of their crimes. He was sentenced to 90 days in prison, plus three years probation, after pleading guilty to illegally entering the Capitol.

(Radio Iowa) - One of the ten Iowans who was pardoned by President Trump this week for actions during the January 6th, 2021 attack on the U-S Capitol says he plans to join a massive lawsuit in response to his arrest. Kenny Rader of Sioux City says it will be a 50-billion dollar class-action case against the U-S Department of Justice. Rader says he won't settle for anything under seven digits, saying he deserves compensation as he "went through some hell." Rader says he’s not surprised he and more than 15-hundred other January 6th defendants were cleared of their crimes. He was sentenced to 90 days in prison, plus three years probation, after pleading guilty to illegally entering the Capitol.

Iowan plans to join lawsuit following pardon in January 6th attacks

St. Joseph Restaurant Week is coming up next month.  

St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce spokeswoman Kristi Bailey says the annual event is a time for residents to get out and support local restaurants 

"It's a time for the restaurants to try out some new recipes, some new menu items, and it's just really a time that's slow for restaurants, so it's a time for residents to come out and show them some support in a time that can be kind of slow for them," Bailey tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  

Bailey says last year 30 area restaurants participated in the event, and she expects around the same amount this year.  

St. Joseph Restaurant Week will run February 17th through the 23rd.  Bailey says during a month when it's cold and with events like the Super Bowl and Valentines Day can keep people in, Restaurant Week encourages residents to get out 

"Because it's something fun, there might be something new to try, maybe it's a restaurant you've never been to before," Bailey explains.  "So, the Chamber and Joe Town Fun, we've been doing this for a few years now, and it's a way for us to encourage people to get out and have some fun themselves but also support our local restaurants." 

Bailey says participating restaurants also see a number of new residents coming in during the program 

"Every year people talk about oh my gosh I've never been to this restaurant before, or I didn't know this place existed, or oh I went there last night it was so good," Bailey says.  "So, part of the program really is just encouraging people to try new places but then after they've been there to share the word, talk about their experiences." 

A list of participating restaurants will be available on <a href="https://www.stjrestaurantweek.com/">STJRestaurantWeek.com</a> sometime next month.

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/2022/4/1650644341636.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post St. Joseph Restaurant Week is coming up next month. St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce spokeswoman Kristi Bailey says the annual event is a time for residents to get out and support local restaurants "It's a time for the restaurants to try out some new recipes, some new menu items, and it's just really a time that's slow for restaurants, so it's a time for residents to come out and show them some support in a time that can be kind of slow for them," Bailey tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. Bailey says last year 30 area restaurants participated in the event, and she expects around the same amount this year. St. Joseph Restaurant Week will run February 17th through the 23rd. Bailey says during a month when it's cold and with events like the Super Bowl and Valentines Day can keep people in, Restaurant Week encourages residents to get out "Because it's something fun, there might be something new to try, maybe it's a restaurant you've never been to before," Bailey explains. "So, the Chamber and Joe Town Fun, we've been doing this for a few years now, and it's a way for us to encourage people to get out and have some fun themselves but also support our local restaurants." Bailey says participating restaurants also see a number of new residents coming in during the program "Every year people talk about oh my gosh I've never been to this restaurant before, or I didn't know this place existed, or oh I went there last night it was so good," Bailey says. "So, part of the program really is just encouraging people to try new places but then after they've been there to share the word, talk about their experiences." A list of participating restaurants will be available on <a href="https://www.stjrestaurantweek.com/">STJRestaurantWeek.com</a> sometime next month. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Restaurant Week invites residents to get out in February

The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition’s Executive Director Alison Graab applauded the reintroduction of the Farm to Fly Act. “The Farm to Fly Act is a meaningful step forward in harnessing the full potential of American agriculture to advance sustainable aviation fuel,” she says. “By creating new markets for U.S. farmers, this legislation not only strengthens our nation’s energy dominance but also uplifts rural communities across the country.” 

The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition’s Executive Director Alison Graab applauded the reintroduction of the Farm to Fly Act. “The Farm to Fly Act is a meaningful step forward in harnessing the full potential of American agriculture to advance sustainable aviation fuel,” she says. “By creating new markets for U.S. farmers, this legislation not only strengthens our nation’s energy dominance but also uplifts rural communities across the country.”

SAF coalition reintroducing the Farm to Fly Act

Long-time USDA Chief Information Officer Gary Washington was named the Acting Secretary of the USDA. While the newly inaugurated Trump administration is waiting for Senate confirmation of its initial nominations for Cabinet and Cabinet-level officials, one of the first actions by the White House on Monday was appointing temporary leaders in several departments. Washington has been the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s CIO for almost seven years and a government employee since 1997. 

Long-time USDA Chief Information Officer Gary Washington was named the Acting Secretary of the USDA. While the newly inaugurated Trump administration is waiting for Senate confirmation of its initial nominations for Cabinet and Cabinet-level officials, one of the first actions by the White House on Monday was appointing temporary leaders in several departments. Washington has been the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s CIO for almost seven years and a government employee since 1997.

Gary Washington named acting ag secretary

(Radio Iowa) - While many Iowans huddle inside when it's this cold, others set off for their ice fishing shacks, which is the reason dozens of firefighters from multiple departments in southwest Iowa took part in an iIowce rescue training session last weekend. 

Red Oak Fire Chief John Bruce says they do the on-ice training workshop every winter to brush up on deploying a rescue team and using the skills and equipment. Ice rescues are only needed a few months out of the year, so Bruce says this refresher is vital so they can properly respond to someone falling through the ice -- particularly given the popularity of ice fishing in the region.

 It's imperative, he says, to get anyone who falls into the frigid water out as quickly as possible.

(Radio Iowa) - While many Iowans huddle inside when it's this cold, others set off for their ice fishing shacks, which is the reason dozens of firefighters from multiple departments in southwest Iowa took part in an iIowce rescue training session last weekend. Red Oak Fire Chief John Bruce says they do the on-ice training workshop every winter to brush up on deploying a rescue team and using the skills and equipment. Ice rescues are only needed a few months out of the year, so Bruce says this refresher is vital so they can properly respond to someone falling through the ice -- particularly given the popularity of ice fishing in the region. It's imperative, he says, to get anyone who falls into the frigid water out as quickly as possible.

Fire crews in Southwest Iowa take ice rescue refresher course

ATCHISON COUNTY —Wreckage from the Monday train derailment has been removed from the main tracks and trains are moving again in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

At 10p.m. Tuesday, the 4th Street crossing in Atchison was reopened.&nbsp;

The cause that derailed approximately seven Union Pacific rail cars and one locomotive is still under investigation. The train crew was taken to local emergency services for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; according to Union Pacific.&nbsp;

There was no fire and no other hazards, according to Wilson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737470837622.png" alt="Photo Atchison Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Atchison Police</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Wreckage from the Monday train derailment has been removed from the main tracks and trains are moving again in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.At 10p.m. Tuesday, the 4th Street crossing in Atchison was reopened.&nbsp;The cause that derailed approximately seven Union Pacific rail cars and one locomotive is still under investigation. The train crew was taken to local emergency services for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; according to Union Pacific.&nbsp;There was no fire and no other hazards, according to Wilson.

Wreckage from train derailment in Atchison cleaned up

The bill debated Tuesday in the Senate General Laws Committee is the first of several tax cut proposals expected to receive attention during this year’s session

Missouri Republicans took their first legislative steps toward a promised tax cut on Tuesday, with a Senate committee debating&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=149" target="_blank">a $300 million exemption</a>&nbsp;for&nbsp; profits from the sale of a farm, business or assets like cryptocurrency.

The proposal to exempt&nbsp;<a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/capital_gains_tax.asp#:~:text=Capital%20gains%20taxes%20are%20levied,is%20subject%20to%20different%20rates." target="_blank">long-term capital gains</a>&nbsp;from Missouri income tax would help bring investment and jobs to the state, said state Sen. Curtis Trent.

“The capital gains tax is a tax that punishes investment,” said Trent, a Republican from Springfield. “It makes it more difficult to attract dollars, and with the jobs and business growth into the state of Missouri, it disincentivizes savings and investment by individuals.”

Trent presented the bill to the Senate General Laws Committee, which he chairs. No vote was held.

The bill is the first of many&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/11/flat-tax-proposals-aim-to-put-missouri-on-path-to-eliminate-income-tax/">ideas for cutting taxes</a>&nbsp;expected to get traction this session. Gov. Mike Kehoe campaigned for office on a promise to reduce, and eventually eliminate the state income tax.

Kehoe has not discussed the details of his plan publicly, but is expected to include his ideas when he presents his budget and policy message on Jan. 28 to the General Assembly.

On Wednesday, the Missouri House will hold its first hearing on tax proposals, with bills to eliminate all tax brackets to&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB798&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">create a flat tax</a>, to repeal the&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB425&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">corporate income tax</a>&nbsp;and to create a fund to&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR35&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">finance future tax cuts</a>&nbsp;before the Special Committee on Tax Reform.

Missouri has healthy fund balances in the treasury — $4.1 billion in just the general revenue fund as of Dec. 31 — but tax receipts are&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-revenue-estimate-predicts-70-million-drop-in-state-tax-receipts-through-june/">expected to fall slightly</a>&nbsp;or remain flat for at least the coming 18 months.

The capital gains tax cut would reduce general revenue — about $13.4 billion in the year that ended June 30 — by about $300 million annually,&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2025-1/0131S.01I.COR.pdf" target="_blank">the fiscal note</a>&nbsp;for Trent’s bill states.

Repealing the corporate income tax would reduce revenue by&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills251/fiscal/fispdf/1414H.01I.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">about $900 million annually</a>.&nbsp;

No fiscal note has been prepared for the proposal to eliminate tax brackets and charge all taxpayers the current top rate, 4.7%, for all taxable income. The major impact of that change would be to increase, by about $70, the tax each individual pays on portions of taxable income below $9,000.

Trent’s bill heard Tuesday would eliminate the state income tax on capital gains by allowing taxpayers to deduct the portion of their income reported as long-term capital gains on their federal returns. For someone with about $50,000 in capital gains income, the savings would be more than $1,500, which is what someone who only had wage income of that amount would pay in state income tax.

Income from long-term capital gains is easily identifiable from federal returns because it is treated differently than income from wages. Under federal tax law, profits on assets held for more than a year are taxed at lower rates than wages or the gains from assets sold after a short period.

“It unfairly taxes inflation, and we have been in a high inflation environment for the last several years,” Trent said. “The increase in the value of an asset is not necessarily because of true gains in that asset’s value, but just in the devaluation of the currency.”

Only&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theentrustgroup.com/blog/state-capital-gains-tax" target="_blank">eight states</a>, including Tennessee, exempt all capital gains from income taxes. Two states that border on Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, have special treatment for some capital gains. For example, Oklahoma exempts capital gains on the sale of Oklahoma property owned for at least five consecutive years, or the sale of stock in an Oklahoma company or partnership held for at least two consecutive years.

Business and farm groups testified that eliminating the tax on capital gains would promote the transfer of agricultural land from retiring farmers to new owners, encourage small business owners to expand and preserve family fortunes.

“This would be very helpful for small businesses that have had a rough few years,” said Brad Jones, lobbyist for the National Federation of Independent Businesses.

The main opposition to major tax cuts this year is likely to come from groups concerned about possible future spending cuts.

Brian Colby, a lobbyist for the liberal Missouri Budget Project, testified in opposition, citing the “large fiscal note and no offset on revenue losses.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737549258629.png" alt=" Sen. Curtis Trent, a Republican from Springfield, is the sponsor of a bill to eliminate the Missouri income tax on long-term capital gains (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Sen. Curtis Trent, a Republican from Springfield, is the sponsor of a bill to eliminate the Missouri income tax on long-term capital gains (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The bill debated Tuesday in the Senate General Laws Committee is the first of several tax cut proposals expected to receive attention during this year’s session</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>Missouri Republicans took their first legislative steps toward a promised tax cut on Tuesday, with a Senate committee debating&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=149" target="_blank">a $300 million exemption</a>&nbsp;for&nbsp; profits from the sale of a farm, business or assets like cryptocurrency.The proposal to exempt&nbsp;<a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/capital_gains_tax.asp#:~:text=Capital%20gains%20taxes%20are%20levied,is%20subject%20to%20different%20rates." target="_blank">long-term capital gains</a>&nbsp;from Missouri income tax would help bring investment and jobs to the state, said state Sen. Curtis Trent.“The capital gains tax is a tax that punishes investment,” said Trent, a Republican from Springfield. “It makes it more difficult to attract dollars, and with the jobs and business growth into the state of Missouri, it disincentivizes savings and investment by individuals.”Trent presented the bill to the Senate General Laws Committee, which he chairs. No vote was held.The bill is the first of many&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/11/flat-tax-proposals-aim-to-put-missouri-on-path-to-eliminate-income-tax/">ideas for cutting taxes</a>&nbsp;expected to get traction this session. Gov. Mike Kehoe campaigned for office on a promise to reduce, and eventually eliminate the state income tax.Kehoe has not discussed the details of his plan publicly, but is expected to include his ideas when he presents his budget and policy message on Jan. 28 to the General Assembly.On Wednesday, the Missouri House will hold its first hearing on tax proposals, with bills to eliminate all tax brackets to&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB798&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">create a flat tax</a>, to repeal the&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB425&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">corporate income tax</a>&nbsp;and to create a fund to&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR35&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">finance future tax cuts</a>&nbsp;before the Special Committee on Tax Reform.Missouri has healthy fund balances in the treasury — $4.1 billion in just the general revenue fund as of Dec. 31 — but tax receipts are&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-revenue-estimate-predicts-70-million-drop-in-state-tax-receipts-through-june/">expected to fall slightly</a>&nbsp;or remain flat for at least the coming 18 months.The capital gains tax cut would reduce general revenue — about $13.4 billion in the year that ended June 30 — by about $300 million annually,&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2025-1/0131S.01I.COR.pdf" target="_blank">the fiscal note</a>&nbsp;for Trent’s bill states.Repealing the corporate income tax would reduce revenue by&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills251/fiscal/fispdf/1414H.01I.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">about $900 million annually</a>.&nbsp;No fiscal note has been prepared for the proposal to eliminate tax brackets and charge all taxpayers the current top rate, 4.7%, for all taxable income. The major impact of that change would be to increase, by about $70, the tax each individual pays on portions of taxable income below $9,000.Trent’s bill heard Tuesday would eliminate the state income tax on capital gains by allowing taxpayers to deduct the portion of their income reported as long-term capital gains on their federal returns. For someone with about $50,000 in capital gains income, the savings would be more than $1,500, which is what someone who only had wage income of that amount would pay in state income tax.Income from long-term capital gains is easily identifiable from federal returns because it is treated differently than income from wages. Under federal tax law, profits on assets held for more than a year are taxed at lower rates than wages or the gains from assets sold after a short period.“It unfairly taxes inflation, and we have been in a high inflation environment for the last several years,” Trent said. “The increase in the value of an asset is not necessarily because of true gains in that asset’s value, but just in the devaluation of the currency.”Only&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theentrustgroup.com/blog/state-capital-gains-tax" target="_blank">eight states</a>, including Tennessee, exempt all capital gains from income taxes. Two states that border on Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, have special treatment for some capital gains. For example, Oklahoma exempts capital gains on the sale of Oklahoma property owned for at least five consecutive years, or the sale of stock in an Oklahoma company or partnership held for at least two consecutive years.Business and farm groups testified that eliminating the tax on capital gains would promote the transfer of agricultural land from retiring farmers to new owners, encourage small business owners to expand and preserve family fortunes.“This would be very helpful for small businesses that have had a rough few years,” said Brad Jones, lobbyist for the National Federation of Independent Businesses.The main opposition to major tax cuts this year is likely to come from groups concerned about possible future spending cuts.Brian Colby, a lobbyist for the liberal Missouri Budget Project, testified in opposition, citing the “large fiscal note and no offset on revenue losses.”&nbsp;

Tax cut push by Missouri Republicans begins with $300M capital gains legislation

Missouri’s Josh Hawley, who can be seen on security video running for safety during the attack, said the pardons send a signal that Trump ‘keeps his campaign promises’

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>

WASHINGTON — Barring a few exceptions, Senate Republicans on Tuesday largely deflected or altogether avoided questions about President Donald Trump’s broad clemency for over 1,500 defendants who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 — including many who beat police officers, smashed windows and trashed offices as lawmakers hid in designated safe areas.

Just hours into his second term Monday, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-issues-pardons-1500-defendants-charged-jan-6-attack-us-capitol" target="_blank">commuted</a>&nbsp;the sentences of 14 felons, including leaders of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers.

The president granted a “full, complete and unconditional pardon to all other individuals convicted of offenses related to events that occurred at or near the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021.” He also dismissed any pending indictments.

The pardons did not come as a surprise. As Senate Republicans were cheering for Trump on his march to electoral victory, the former and now current president exalted the “hostages” and “patriots” who injured more than 140 law enforcement officers and caused north of $2.8 million in damage to the Capitol, according to the Department of Justice.

Oath Keepers founder and Jan. 6 ringleader Stewart Rhodes&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/oath-keepers-stewart-rhodes-released-prison-trump-clemency/3746604/" target="_blank">told</a>&nbsp;reporters Tuesday that it was “a good day for America.” Rhodes, who was released from federal prison in Cumberland, Maryland, faced an 18-year sentence for seditious conspiracy, among other crimes.

But Trump allies had earlier raised questions about releasing some defendants, including Vice President J.D. Vance, who&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/media/jd-vance-trump-process-rectify-unfair-jan-6-prosecutions" target="_blank">told</a>&nbsp;Fox News on Jan. 12 that “If you committed violence on that day, obviously you shouldn’t be pardoned.”

As of early January the government had&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/48-months-jan-6-attack-us-capitol" target="_blank">charged</a>&nbsp;just over 1,580 people for crimes related to the riot, 608 of whom were charged with assaulting, resisting or impeding law enforcement. Nearly a third of those charged with assaulting officers used a dangerous or deadly weapon,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/48-months-jan-6-attack-us-capitol" target="_blank">according</a>&nbsp;to the Justice Department.

Investigations uncovered that weapons brought onto Capitol grounds included&nbsp;firearms, tasers, chemical sprays; edged weapons, including a sword, axes, hatchets, and knives; and makeshift weapons, including broken office furniture, fencing, bike racks, stolen riot shields, baseball bats, hockey sticks, flagpoles, PVC piping and reinforced knuckle gloves.

States Newsroom asked over 20 Republican senators if they are comfortable with Trump’s clemency orders, and followed up with some of the lawmakers who were willing to speak.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737508898170.png" alt="U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley speaks to reporters at the governor’s ham breakfast at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia on Aug. 15 , 2024 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley speaks to reporters at the governor’s ham breakfast at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia on Aug. 15 , 2024 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Missouri’s Josh Hawley, who can be seen on security video running for safety during the attack, said the pardons send a signal that Trump ‘keeps his campaign promises’</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>WASHINGTON — Barring a few exceptions, Senate Republicans on Tuesday largely deflected or altogether avoided questions about President Donald Trump’s broad clemency for over 1,500 defendants who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 — including many who beat police officers, smashed windows and trashed offices as lawmakers hid in designated safe areas.Just hours into his second term Monday, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-issues-pardons-1500-defendants-charged-jan-6-attack-us-capitol" target="_blank">commuted</a>&nbsp;the sentences of 14 felons, including leaders of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers.The president granted a “full, complete and unconditional pardon to all other individuals convicted of offenses related to events that occurred at or near the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021.” He also dismissed any pending indictments.The pardons did not come as a surprise. As Senate Republicans were cheering for Trump on his march to electoral victory, the former and now current president exalted the “hostages” and “patriots” who injured more than 140 law enforcement officers and caused north of $2.8 million in damage to the Capitol, according to the Department of Justice.Oath Keepers founder and Jan. 6 ringleader Stewart Rhodes&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/oath-keepers-stewart-rhodes-released-prison-trump-clemency/3746604/" target="_blank">told</a>&nbsp;reporters Tuesday that it was “a good day for America.” Rhodes, who was released from federal prison in Cumberland, Maryland, faced an 18-year sentence for seditious conspiracy, among other crimes.But Trump allies had earlier raised questions about releasing some defendants, including Vice President J.D. Vance, who&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/media/jd-vance-trump-process-rectify-unfair-jan-6-prosecutions" target="_blank">told</a>&nbsp;Fox News on Jan. 12 that “If you committed violence on that day, obviously you shouldn’t be pardoned.”As of early January the government had&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/48-months-jan-6-attack-us-capitol" target="_blank">charged</a>&nbsp;just over 1,580 people for crimes related to the riot, 608 of whom were charged with assaulting, resisting or impeding law enforcement. Nearly a third of those charged with assaulting officers used a dangerous or deadly weapon,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/48-months-jan-6-attack-us-capitol" target="_blank">according</a>&nbsp;to the Justice Department.Investigations uncovered that weapons brought onto Capitol grounds included&nbsp;firearms, tasers, chemical sprays; edged weapons, including a sword, axes, hatchets, and knives; and makeshift weapons, including broken office furniture, fencing, bike racks, stolen riot shields, baseball bats, hockey sticks, flagpoles, PVC piping and reinforced knuckle gloves.States Newsroom asked over 20 Republican senators if they are comfortable with Trump’s clemency orders, and followed up with some of the lawmakers who were willing to speak.<h2>Trump ‘keeps his campaign promises’</h2>Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina said he wasn’t comfortable with “any that involved an assault on a police officer.”Sen. Lisa Murkowski told a group of journalists that she was “disappointed.”“I do fear the message that is sent to these great men and women that stood by us,” the Alaska Republican said as she gestured toward the Capitol Police officers posted outside the Senate Republicans’ weekly luncheon.Sen. Susan Collins of Maine said there’s a “distinction to be made between providing clemency for individuals who may have been caught up in the crowd that day and did not commit any violent act, versus those who assaulted police officers with their fists, with flag poles, with pepper spray, and destroyed property, broke into the Capitol by breaking windows.”“I do not believe those individuals warrant clemency,” she said. Collins also released a written&nbsp;<a href="https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-statement-on-presidential-pardons" target="_blank">statement</a>.Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, who was photographed raising his fist in solidarity with Trump supporters as he exited the Capitol on Jan. 6, said “If you’re asking me if it’s what I would have done, what I’ve said is, is that for folks who committed violence, I wouldn’t commute their sentence or pardon.”Hawley, who can be seen on security video&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/josh-hawley-seen-fleeing-trump-mob-riled-newly-released-jan-6-footage-rcna39490" target="_blank">running for safety</a>&nbsp;during the attack, said the pardons send a signal that Trump “keeps his campaign promises.”<h2>Biden pardons</h2>When States Newsroom asked Sen. Deb Fischer if she was comfortable with the broad pardons, the Nebraska Republican responded, “I’m looking forward to getting some great opportunities and getting good things done.”In response to a follow-up question on whether she condoned political violence, Fischer, who was on her way into Majority Whip John Barrasso’s office, said, “Ma’am, no one would ever condone political violence.”As Sen. Markwayne Mullin walked by an entrance to the Senate chamber he greeted and shook the hands of Capitol Police officers posted at the doors.The Oklahoma Republican refused to talk specifically about the Jan. 6 pardons, saying he didn’t get “near this many questions” about pardons issued by former President Joe Biden in his final hours in office.“Here’s my thing on pardons, I’m not any more comfortable with Biden releasing and pardoning his whole family too,” Mullin said. “When you all want to cover both, come talk to me.”States Newsroom reported Monday Biden preemptively&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-pardons-his-family-members-fauci-milley-and-jan-6-committee-members-and-staff" target="_blank">pardoned</a>&nbsp;lawmakers who served on the congressional committee to investigate the Capitol attack, as well as police officers who testified before the panel.He also preemptively pardoned former administration officials who’ve been the target of death threats, as well as five of his family members — roughly a month-and-a-half after he pardoned his son, Hunter.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/20/us/politics/biden-pardons-family.html" target="_blank">Major</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/20/politics/joe-biden-preemptive-pardons/index.html" target="_blank">news</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-fauci-milley-pardons-january-6-3cba287f89051513fb48d7ae700ae747" target="_blank">outlets</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-pardons-family-trump-white-hous-caee326c4723a4ba6d972f7daf750a0b" target="_blank">published</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/20/biden-pardons-family-members.html" target="_blank">numerous</a>&nbsp;articles covering Biden’s pardons.Mullin walked away from a follow-up question highlighting violent acts committed by those who received Trump’s clemency.Collins similarly said the press “ought to be paying attention” to Biden’s pardons as well, especially the commutation of indigenous activist&nbsp;<a href="https://northdakotamonitor.com/briefs/native-activist-leonard-peltier-to-serve-remainder-of-sentence-at-home-after-biden-order/" target="_blank">Leonard Peltier</a>.Iowa’s Sen. Chuck Grassley, the most senior member of the Senate and the body’s president pro tempore, said, “Hey, everybody’s asked me about J6. None of you guys are asking about the Biden pardons.”Sen. John Cornyn of Texas said “Congress doesn’t have a role to play in pardons” and walked away from further questions on the topic.<h2>No response at all</h2>Many GOP senators did not respond to clearly shouted, and many times repeated, questions from journalists Tuesday afternoon about the pardons.They included Mike Crapo of Idaho, Barrasso of Wyoming, Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, John Curtis of Utah, Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott of South Carolina, James Lankford of Oklahoma, Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi, Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, Tommy Tuberville of Alabama and Joni Ernst of Iowa.Blackburn and Curtis specifically said they don’t speak to reporters in the hallways of Congress.Some GOP senators said they hadn’t yet seen Trump’s Monday night order.“I haven’t looked at it yet,” said Sen. Rick Scott of Florida.When States Newsroom summarized the 334-word proclamation and underscored that it was highly publicized by major news outlets, Scott replied “I haven’t looked at the executive order yet.”Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana said: “I don’t have anything for you.”“You don’t have anything about people who came here with weapons and beat police officers?” States Newsroom pressed as Kennedy walked away.Murkowski’s fellow Alaska senator, Dan Sullivan, stopped to speak to reporters about the “grand slam home run” executive order from Trump that expands energy development in his state, but he would not comment on the president’s clemency for Jan. 6 defendants.“I need to read the order first,” he said.Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s office did not respond to requests for comment. The South Dakota Republican briefly&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/mkraju/status/1881807490901270531" target="_blank">told</a>&nbsp;reporters outside of a committee room, “We’re not looking backwards, we’re looking forward.”States Newsroom reached out to all members of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/senators/leadership.htm" target="_blank">Senate</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.house.gov/leadership" target="_blank">House</a>&nbsp;Republican leadership for comment, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, but did not receive any response.

Kbct