An important aspect of starting a new business is knowing how to market.  

Director of the Small Business Development Center Rebecca Lobina says at least eight out of ten new business owners she works with believes all they need to market is social media 

Lobina says a lot of that comes down to owner operators not wanting to spend money.  But Lobina says, doing marketing is a part of doing business.  

"It should be in your budget, just like if you have to pay rent and utilities and insurance, and you have to buy supplies, it's just part of the cost of doing business, right?" Lobina asks KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr.  "The cost of gaining a customer, because if no one knows you exist, no one can use your service or buy your product." 

Lobina says she thinks a big misunderstanding among business owners that once they have a website, potential new customers can find them, but there's so much more behind it.  

Lobina says a lot of times, new business owners might misunderstand the reach of their website or social media page.  

Lobina says it's not a 'build it they will come' scenario. 

"I think the misunderstanding really is about like "ok I have a website so now everybody can find me", but the reality is there's so much more to it," Lobina explains. "We'll use Google for example, for Google finding your website, crawling your website, reporting your website, and then that way it comes up in their algorithms, there's just so much more to it." 

Lobina says there's also what's called search engine optimization for example, making sure your website or reach is on page one of Google rather than page seven. 

Lobina says as owner operators form their marketing plan, they need to be smart about how they market their business.  

And how they market smartly, Lobina says, is by knowing what kinds of customers to market to. 

"And if you had to build an avatar of that ideal customer that really, really, really would want your service or your product, what do they look like, how much money do they make, what kinds of needs do they have?" Lobina says.  "And most importantly, based upon those types of demographic and psychographic information, where do you find them?" 

Lobina says once you've figured out the intricacies of what kind of consumer you are looking for, you can start to figure out where they shop to target them to bring to your business. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1725039344662.jpg" alt="Stock photo" />
 <figcaption>Stock photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post An important aspect of starting a new business is knowing how to market. Director of the Small Business Development Center Rebecca Lobina says at least eight out of ten new business owners she works with believes all they need to market is social media Lobina says a lot of that comes down to owner operators not wanting to spend money. But Lobina says, doing marketing is a part of doing business. "It should be in your budget, just like if you have to pay rent and utilities and insurance, and you have to buy supplies, it's just part of the cost of doing business, right?" Lobina asks KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "The cost of gaining a customer, because if no one knows you exist, no one can use your service or buy your product." Lobina says she thinks a big misunderstanding among business owners that once they have a website, potential new customers can find them, but there's so much more behind it. Lobina says a lot of times, new business owners might misunderstand the reach of their website or social media page. Lobina says it's not a 'build it they will come' scenario. "I think the misunderstanding really is about like "ok I have a website so now everybody can find me", but the reality is there's so much more to it," Lobina explains. "We'll use Google for example, for Google finding your website, crawling your website, reporting your website, and then that way it comes up in their algorithms, there's just so much more to it." Lobina says there's also what's called search engine optimization for example, making sure your website or reach is on page one of Google rather than page seven. Lobina says as owner operators form their marketing plan, they need to be smart about how they market their business. And how they market smartly, Lobina says, is by knowing what kinds of customers to market to. "And if you had to build an avatar of that ideal customer that really, really, really would want your service or your product, what do they look like, how much money do they make, what kinds of needs do they have?" Lobina says. "And most importantly, based upon those types of demographic and psychographic information, where do you find them?" Lobina says once you've figured out the intricacies of what kind of consumer you are looking for, you can start to figure out where they shop to target them to bring to your business.

Advisor says small businesses need to hone marketing skills

TOPEKA – Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has officially been approved to securing his place on the November ballot in Kansas, according to a statement on Friday from&nbsp;Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab 

According to Schwab, "Mr. Kennedy met the candidate filing deadline of Monday, August 5, by noon, submitting the necessary petition. To qualify as an independent candidate for President and appear on the state’s ballot, a minimum of 5,000 signatures from registered Kansas voters was required. “He has met these requirements.”

On August 23, Kennedy&nbsp; suspended his independent campaign for president and endorsed&nbsp;Donald Trump. He said his internal polls had shown that his presence in the race would hurt Trump and help Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.

However, Kennedy also made it clear that he wasn’t formally ending his bid for the White House and said his supporters could continue to back him in the majority of states where they are unlikely to sway the outcome. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719668235039.png" alt="Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. -courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. -courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has officially been approved to securing his place on the November ballot in Kansas, according to a statement on Friday from&nbsp;Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab According to Schwab, "Mr. Kennedy met the candidate filing deadline of Monday, August 5, by noon, submitting the necessary petition. To qualify as an independent candidate for President and appear on the state’s ballot, a minimum of 5,000 signatures from registered Kansas voters was required. “He has met these requirements.”On August 23, Kennedy&nbsp; suspended his independent campaign for president and endorsed&nbsp;Donald Trump. He said his internal polls had shown that his presence in the race would hurt Trump and help Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.However, Kennedy also made it clear that he wasn’t formally ending his bid for the White House and said his supporters could continue to back him in the majority of states where they are unlikely to sway the outcome.

RFK Jr. will officially be on the November ballot in Kansas

WASHINGTON —The Defense Department has approved a request by the Department of Homeland Security to provide assistance to the Secret Service for the presidential and vice-presidential candidates during the 2024 campaigns through Inauguration Day 2025, the deputy pentagon press secretary said Thursday.

"The secretary of defense approved the request and directed the commander of U.S. Northern Command to plan and provide and execute increased support to the United States Secret Service at various locations across the United States during the 2024 election campaigns," Sabrina Singh said during a briefing&nbsp; at the Pentagon.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720953321409.png" alt="File photo&nbsp; courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo&nbsp; courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —The Defense Department has approved a request by the Department of Homeland Security to provide assistance to the Secret Service for the presidential and vice-presidential candidates during the 2024 campaigns through Inauguration Day 2025, the deputy pentagon press secretary said Thursday."The secretary of defense approved the request and directed the commander of U.S. Northern Command to plan and provide and execute increased support to the United States Secret Service at various locations across the United States during the 2024 election campaigns," Sabrina Singh said during a briefing&nbsp; at the Pentagon.&nbsp;

Pentagon approves additional support to Secret Service

A veteran Trenton police officer has been honored by the
United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri.

The office awarded Sergeant Jeb Walker the 2024 Enoch B.
Morelock Award.

“Sgt. Walker is an invaluable asset not only to his
department, but to his community,” U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore said in a written
statement. “His long tenure in law enforcement, the breadth of his extensive
community involvement, and his exemplary military service truly exemplify the
ideals honored by the Enoch B. Morelock Award.”

The Enoch B. Morelock Award is an annual recognition of
outstanding moral character, service to law enforcement, and service to the
community.

The award is named in honor of Sullivan County Sheriff Enoch
B. Morelock, who was the first recorded line of duty death in the Western
District of Missouri on Dec. 19, 1847.

Walker has served the Trenton Police Department for 26 years, overseeing
all traffic-related incidents. He is also the designated firearms instructor,
OC Instructor, and field training officer. Walker is president of the
underwater rescue team that serves the area and is a trained volunteer
firefighter.

Walker is also actively involved in a number of volunteer
activities in his community.

In addition to his law enforcement and volunteer community
service, Walker served in the United States Marine Corp Reserves for 21 years
as a Gunnery Sergeant and in 2016 transitioned to the Missouri Army National
Guard, where he serves as a Staff Sergeant. 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1725042197492.jpeg" alt="Trenton Police Sgt. Jeb Walker receiving Enoch B. Morelock award/Photo courtesy of US Attorney's Office" />
 <figcaption>Trenton Police Sgt. Jeb Walker receiving Enoch B. Morelock award/Photo courtesy of US Attorney's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA veteran Trenton police officer has been honored by the
United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri.The office awarded Sergeant Jeb Walker the 2024 Enoch B.
Morelock Award.“Sgt. Walker is an invaluable asset not only to his
department, but to his community,” U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore said in a written
statement. “His long tenure in law enforcement, the breadth of his extensive
community involvement, and his exemplary military service truly exemplify the
ideals honored by the Enoch B. Morelock Award.”The Enoch B. Morelock Award is an annual recognition of
outstanding moral character, service to law enforcement, and service to the
community.The award is named in honor of Sullivan County Sheriff Enoch
B. Morelock, who was the first recorded line of duty death in the Western
District of Missouri on Dec. 19, 1847.Walker has served the Trenton Police Department for 26 years, overseeing
all traffic-related incidents. He is also the designated firearms instructor,
OC Instructor, and field training officer. Walker is president of the
underwater rescue team that serves the area and is a trained volunteer
firefighter.Walker is also actively involved in a number of volunteer
activities in his community.In addition to his law enforcement and volunteer community
service, Walker served in the United States Marine Corp Reserves for 21 years
as a Gunnery Sergeant and in 2016 transitioned to the Missouri Army National
Guard, where he serves as a Staff Sergeant. You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Veteran Trenton police officer given prestigious award

(Radio Iowa) - Hundreds of Iowa hunters will hit the fields this holiday weekend for the start of the rabbit and squirrel seasons. 

Nate Carr, an Iowa D-N-R conservation officer for Hamilton and Hardin counties, says the weather should be ideal. Carr says shooting hours are sunrise to sunset and you can take up to 10 rabbits per day, while the squirrel daily bag limit is six. 

Iowa's rabbit season runs through February 28th, while the squirrel season will end on January 25th. Carr says this Sunday will also kick off the hunting seasons for mourning doves, and for teal.

(Radio Iowa) - Hundreds of Iowa hunters will hit the fields this holiday weekend for the start of the rabbit and squirrel seasons. Nate Carr, an Iowa D-N-R conservation officer for Hamilton and Hardin counties, says the weather should be ideal. Carr says shooting hours are sunrise to sunset and you can take up to 10 rabbits per day, while the squirrel daily bag limit is six. Iowa's rabbit season runs through February 28th, while the squirrel season will end on January 25th. Carr says this Sunday will also kick off the hunting seasons for mourning doves, and for teal.

Several Iowa hunting seasons open over Labor Day weekend

(Radio Iowa) - Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack isn't ruling out another stint as U-S Agriculture Secretary if Kamala Harris wins and asks him to continue in the role. 

Vilsack says he's dedicated the last 40 years to trying to figure out ways to help farmers and small towns thrive and Vilsack told reporters at this week's Farm Progress Show that he hopes to continue doing that until he takes his last breath. Vilsack, who is 74, served eight years as U-S Ag Secretary during the Obama Adminsitration and has been President Biden's Secretary of Agriculture since 2021. 

The nation's longest serving Ag Secretary was from Iowa. "Tama Jim" Wilson, a farmer from Traer who served in the Iowa legislature and the U-S congress, was U-S Secretary of Agriculture for 16 years.

(Radio Iowa) - Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack isn't ruling out another stint as U-S Agriculture Secretary if Kamala Harris wins and asks him to continue in the role. Vilsack says he's dedicated the last 40 years to trying to figure out ways to help farmers and small towns thrive and Vilsack told reporters at this week's Farm Progress Show that he hopes to continue doing that until he takes his last breath. Vilsack, who is 74, served eight years as U-S Ag Secretary during the Obama Adminsitration and has been President Biden's Secretary of Agriculture since 2021. The nation's longest serving Ag Secretary was from Iowa. "Tama Jim" Wilson, a farmer from Traer who served in the Iowa legislature and the U-S congress, was U-S Secretary of Agriculture for 16 years.

U.S. Ag Secretary Vilsack, a former Iowa governor, responds to questions about his future

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Judge Tommy Webb.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/toeed9oN0ik?si=Pq2NXG8GGlbXhy_3" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Judge Tommy Webb.

🎤Forward Ever: Judge Tommy Webb

An ongoing, in-depth study of the Missouri River being
conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers seeks to learn from past floods
to prevent the massive, highly destructive floods such as seen in 1993, 2011,
and 2019.

Senior Program Manager Colleen Roberts of the Lower Missouri
River Study says the study is an outgrowth of the governors of Missouri,
Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa demanding changes in wake of the 2019 flood. 

Missouri officials have pressured the Corps of Engineers to
more closely examine the recurring flooding in Holt County.

“I mean, Holt County is an area of repeated damage, like they
have been hard hit multiple times,” Roberts tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post during an Army Corps of Engineers tour of the Missouri River. “The
levees up there (offer) varying levels of protection. So, it’s not consistent
there. There are pinch points or choke points where the water really constricts
that we need to be able to give the river again more room to breathe; just
being able to get the levels of performance a little more consistent there.”

A spin off study is focusing on Holt County as well as both
sides of the Missouri River a bit farther north in Atchison County, Missouri
and Nemaha County, Nebraska. That area has been hit hard by flooding in the
past as well.

“Very similar to Holt County,” according to Roberts. “It’s
just a hard-hit area. They did a levee setback there in L-536 (Levee Unit 536) after
2019. That was a really successful project. I think a lot of our study areas
want to be able to emulate what they did there where they had the community
behind it.”

Special attention will also be given to the Missouri River at
Jefferson City and Brunswick.

Missouri state officials have pointed to the so-called “pinch
points” or “choke points,” areas of the Missouri River that seem to not just be
more vulnerable to flooding, but practically invite flooding when the river is
high.

Roberts says the study is even reviewing how some flood
prevention efforts have proven counter-productive.

“As people have continued to build up levees, it’s constricted
the river more,” Roberts says. “And there are bridges and other things, it’s
not just the levees, but continuing to build the levees higher on the bank of
the river is just adding to some of those pinch points.”

The system-wide study began in wake of the 2019 flood. The
federal government authorized it in 2020. The four states of Missouri, Kansas,
Nebraska, and Iowa formed a working group to push for a complete review of the
Missouri River from Sioux City, Iowa to its mouth in St. Louis as well as how
the Army Corps of Engineers manages the river.

Roberts says the focus and cooperation among the four states
and the federal government is unprecedented. It is the first comprehensive
study of the Missouri River since the Pick-Sloan Act authorized building the
levees in the 1950s.

Roberts hopes to recommend both policy changes and structural
changes in the report. A draft report is expected next week with completion of
the study expected by 2026.

Click <a href="https://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Civil-Works-Program-And-Projects/Lower-Missouri-River-Basin/">HERE</a> for more on the Missouri River study.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1725027592631.jpeg" alt="Colleen Roberts, Snr. Program Manager, Lower Missouri River Study/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Colleen Roberts, Snr. Program Manager, Lower Missouri River Study/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn ongoing, in-depth study of the Missouri River being
conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers seeks to learn from past floods
to prevent the massive, highly destructive floods such as seen in 1993, 2011,
and 2019.Senior Program Manager Colleen Roberts of the Lower Missouri
River Study says the study is an outgrowth of the governors of Missouri,
Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa demanding changes in wake of the 2019 flood. Missouri officials have pressured the Corps of Engineers to
more closely examine the recurring flooding in Holt County.“I mean, Holt County is an area of repeated damage, like they
have been hard hit multiple times,” Roberts tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post during an Army Corps of Engineers tour of the Missouri River. “The
levees up there (offer) varying levels of protection. So, it’s not consistent
there. There are pinch points or choke points where the water really constricts
that we need to be able to give the river again more room to breathe; just
being able to get the levels of performance a little more consistent there.”A spin off study is focusing on Holt County as well as both
sides of the Missouri River a bit farther north in Atchison County, Missouri
and Nemaha County, Nebraska. That area has been hit hard by flooding in the
past as well.“Very similar to Holt County,” according to Roberts. “It’s
just a hard-hit area. They did a levee setback there in L-536 (Levee Unit 536) after
2019. That was a really successful project. I think a lot of our study areas
want to be able to emulate what they did there where they had the community
behind it.”Special attention will also be given to the Missouri River at
Jefferson City and Brunswick.Missouri state officials have pointed to the so-called “pinch
points” or “choke points,” areas of the Missouri River that seem to not just be
more vulnerable to flooding, but practically invite flooding when the river is
high.Roberts says the study is even reviewing how some flood
prevention efforts have proven counter-productive.“As people have continued to build up levees, it’s constricted
the river more,” Roberts says. “And there are bridges and other things, it’s
not just the levees, but continuing to build the levees higher on the bank of
the river is just adding to some of those pinch points.”The system-wide study began in wake of the 2019 flood. The
federal government authorized it in 2020. The four states of Missouri, Kansas,
Nebraska, and Iowa formed a working group to push for a complete review of the
Missouri River from Sioux City, Iowa to its mouth in St. Louis as well as how
the Army Corps of Engineers manages the river.Roberts says the focus and cooperation among the four states
and the federal government is unprecedented. It is the first comprehensive
study of the Missouri River since the Pick-Sloan Act authorized building the
levees in the 1950s.Roberts hopes to recommend both policy changes and structural
changes in the report. A draft report is expected next week with completion of
the study expected by 2026.Click <a href="https://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Civil-Works-Program-And-Projects/Lower-Missouri-River-Basin/">HERE</a> for more on the Missouri River study.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Missouri-River-Study-e2nqbd8" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1725027660993.jpeg" alt="The Missouri River/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>The Missouri River/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Massive study of Missouri River hopes to prevent massive future flooding

The University of Missouri’s Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute released its 2024 Baseline Update for U.S. agricultural markets. Increased supplies, a strong dollar, and several other factors have caused prices for multiple agricultural commodities to fall sharply from their 2022 peak levels. In the absence of new shocks to the weather, the macro-economy, or policy, projected prices will generally remain near current levels for the next five years. 

Some of the key results in the update include increased acreage and large yields that will mean a record 2024 U.S. soybean crop. Despite a significant jump in crush and a rebound in exports, end-of-year stocks will increase sharply. Record yield will result in the second consecutive 15 billion bushel corn crop this year. Given the projected reduction in prices for a broad range of crops and moderating production costs, there’s little incentive to sharply change crop acreage allocation in 2025.

The University of Missouri’s Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute released its 2024 Baseline Update for U.S. agricultural markets. Increased supplies, a strong dollar, and several other factors have caused prices for multiple agricultural commodities to fall sharply from their 2022 peak levels. In the absence of new shocks to the weather, the macro-economy, or policy, projected prices will generally remain near current levels for the next five years. Some of the key results in the update include increased acreage and large yields that will mean a record 2024 U.S. soybean crop. Despite a significant jump in crush and a rebound in exports, end-of-year stocks will increase sharply. Record yield will result in the second consecutive 15 billion bushel corn crop this year. Given the projected reduction in prices for a broad range of crops and moderating production costs, there’s little incentive to sharply change crop acreage allocation in 2025.-NAFB

FAPRI updates baseline for U.S. ag markets

DOUGLAS COUNTY —The FBI is offering a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the individual responsible for a bank robbery, which occurred at the Bank of America located at 900 Ohio St., Lawrence, KS, on July 2, 2024, at approximately 9:21 a.m.

The suspect is described as African American, athletic build and approximately 6-foot to 6-foot-5 and 190pounds. He is described as wearing a black zip-up hooded jacket with a dark colored undershirt, black pant with a white emblem on the left upper leg, multicolored shoes, light blue “HyFlex” gloves, large black squared sunglasses, and multicolored (black, red, yellow) face mask.

The suspect entered the bank carrying a black bag and approached a teller making a&nbsp;verbal demand for cash. The suspect fled the bank on foot in a southward direction with an undisclosed amount of currency

Anyone with information about this robbery is asked to call the FBI Kansas City at 816-512-8200, Crime Stoppers of Lawrence and Douglas County at 785-843-TIPS or tips.fbi.gov. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724954681155.png" alt="Photos Lawrence police" />
 <figcaption>Photos Lawrence police</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —The FBI is offering a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the individual responsible for a bank robbery, which occurred at the Bank of America located at 900 Ohio St., Lawrence, KS, on July 2, 2024, at approximately 9:21 a.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724954659018.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The suspect is described as African American, athletic build and approximately 6-foot to 6-foot-5 and 190pounds. He is described as wearing a black zip-up hooded jacket with a dark colored undershirt, black pant with a white emblem on the left upper leg, multicolored shoes, light blue “HyFlex” gloves, large black squared sunglasses, and multicolored (black, red, yellow) face mask.The suspect entered the bank carrying a black bag and approached a teller making a&nbsp;verbal demand for cash. The suspect fled the bank on foot in a southward direction with an undisclosed amount of currencyAnyone with information about this robbery is asked to call the FBI Kansas City at 816-512-8200, Crime Stoppers of Lawrence and Douglas County at 785-843-TIPS or tips.fbi.gov.

FBI offers reward for information on Kansas bank robbery

(Radio Iowa) - Thousands of people and at least 80 aircraft are expected at the Clarinda airport on Saturday for what's known as Fly Iowa 2024. 

It's the southwest Iowa community's first time hosting the event in nearly two decades. Co-chair Steve Mowery says the big air show has been two years in the making. Mowery says the climax will be a re-creation of a World War Two air battle, featuring some classic warbirds, including a B-25 bomber and two P-51 fighters. 

There will be what are described as high-energy aerobatic performers, and a micro-jet similar to one used in a James Bond movie. Admission to the air show is free, and spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

(Radio Iowa) - Thousands of people and at least 80 aircraft are expected at the Clarinda airport on Saturday for what's known as Fly Iowa 2024. It's the southwest Iowa community's first time hosting the event in nearly two decades. Co-chair Steve Mowery says the big air show has been two years in the making. Mowery says the climax will be a re-creation of a World War Two air battle, featuring some classic warbirds, including a B-25 bomber and two P-51 fighters. There will be what are described as high-energy aerobatic performers, and a micro-jet similar to one used in a James Bond movie. Admission to the air show is free, and spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

SW Iowa to host air show to kick off Labor Day weekend

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

A proposal to allow a new casino to be&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/backers-of-a-new-missouri-casino-near-the-lake-of-the-ozarks-submit-signatures-seeking-ballot-slot/">licensed on the Osage River</a>&nbsp;near the Lake of the Ozarks will be on the November ballot, a Cole County judge ruled Friday.

The initiative, which was initially found to be&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/13/sports-wagering-minimum-wage-hike-headed-for-november-vote-in-missouri/">2,031 signatures short</a>&nbsp;in the 2nd Congressional District, actually did have enough valid signatures, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s office conceded when a planned trial over the petition opened before Judge Daniel Green.

The proposed constitutional amendment initially failed to qualify for the ballot because of signatures disallowed by local election officials. An additional 2,230 valid signatures were found by the proponents, Osage River Gaming and Convention, by reviewing the rejections.

Signature verification is “a massive, messy process that does not always produce perfect results,” Chuck Hatfield, the attorney representing the campaign, told Green.

The proposal will be Amendment 5 on the Nov. 5 ballot and joins three other initiative proposals —&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/13/missouri-voters-will-decide-whether-to-legalize-abortion-in-november/">protecting reproductive rights</a>, listed as Amendment 3;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/01/group-turns-in-signatures-to-put-minimum-wage-hike-paid-sick-leave-on-missouri-ballot/">increasing the minimum wage</a>, listed as Proposition A; and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/pro-sports-teams-submit-petition-signatures-to-legalize-sports-gambling-in-missouri/">legalizing sports betting</a>, listed as Amendment 2.

There are pending court challenges to the reproductive rights and sports wagering proposals that could strike them from the ballot.

The Osage River casino is being pushed by a committee that wants to build a casino to compete with a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/10/29/osage-nation-plans-casino-hotel-for-missouris-lake-of-the-ozarks/">planned Osage Nation casino</a>&nbsp;in the same area.

“Today is a victory for the initiative petition process and for voters who will benefit from our proposed development at the Lake of the Ozarks,” the committee said in a statement issued after Green ruled.&nbsp;

The proposal would amend the Missouri Constitution to allow a casino along the Osage River between Bagnell Dam and the confluence with the Missouri River. The constitution currently authorizes casinos only along&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++39(e)&amp;bid=31794&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">the Missouri and Mississippi rivers</a>.

The proposal would also override a state law limiting the state&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=313.780&amp;bid=16856&amp;hl=" target="_blank">to 13 licensed casinos</a>, passed in 2008 as a result of an initiative sponsored by casino operators.

The Lake of the Ozarks is one of Missouri’s busiest tourism destinations. The casino proposal is being bankrolled by Bally’s, which currently operates a casino in Kansas City, and RIS Inc., a major regional developer.&nbsp;

Each has contributed about half of the $4.3 million raised for the petition drive.

The casino will support more than 700 new jobs in the lake area. The project, if approved, would generate admission and other fee revenue of $2.1 million annually, according to the language appearing on the ballot, and annual gaming tax revenue of $14.3 million.

There are also two constitutional amendments proposed by the General Assembly on the ballot.&nbsp; Amendment 6 would give the courts power to enforce payment of fees that support retirement benefits for sheriffs and prosecutors. Amendment 7 would ban the use of ranked-choice voting in Missouri elections and restate the current ban on voting by people who are not U.S. citizens.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646149812641.jpg" alt="The Osage River casino is being pushed by a committee that wants to build a casino to compete with a planned Osage Nation casino in the same area&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The Osage River casino is being pushed by a committee that wants to build a casino to compete with a planned Osage Nation casino in the same area&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By RUDI KELLER&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>A proposal to allow a new casino to be&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/backers-of-a-new-missouri-casino-near-the-lake-of-the-ozarks-submit-signatures-seeking-ballot-slot/">licensed on the Osage River</a>&nbsp;near the Lake of the Ozarks will be on the November ballot, a Cole County judge ruled Friday.The initiative, which was initially found to be&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/13/sports-wagering-minimum-wage-hike-headed-for-november-vote-in-missouri/">2,031 signatures short</a>&nbsp;in the 2nd Congressional District, actually did have enough valid signatures, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s office conceded when a planned trial over the petition opened before Judge Daniel Green.The proposed constitutional amendment initially failed to qualify for the ballot because of signatures disallowed by local election officials. An additional 2,230 valid signatures were found by the proponents, Osage River Gaming and Convention, by reviewing the rejections.Signature verification is “a massive, messy process that does not always produce perfect results,” Chuck Hatfield, the attorney representing the campaign, told Green.The proposal will be Amendment 5 on the Nov. 5 ballot and joins three other initiative proposals —&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/13/missouri-voters-will-decide-whether-to-legalize-abortion-in-november/">protecting reproductive rights</a>, listed as Amendment 3;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/01/group-turns-in-signatures-to-put-minimum-wage-hike-paid-sick-leave-on-missouri-ballot/">increasing the minimum wage</a>, listed as Proposition A; and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/pro-sports-teams-submit-petition-signatures-to-legalize-sports-gambling-in-missouri/">legalizing sports betting</a>, listed as Amendment 2.There are pending court challenges to the reproductive rights and sports wagering proposals that could strike them from the ballot.The Osage River casino is being pushed by a committee that wants to build a casino to compete with a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/10/29/osage-nation-plans-casino-hotel-for-missouris-lake-of-the-ozarks/">planned Osage Nation casino</a>&nbsp;in the same area.“Today is a victory for the initiative petition process and for voters who will benefit from our proposed development at the Lake of the Ozarks,” the committee said in a statement issued after Green ruled.&nbsp;The proposal would amend the Missouri Constitution to allow a casino along the Osage River between Bagnell Dam and the confluence with the Missouri River. The constitution currently authorizes casinos only along&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++39(e)&amp;bid=31794&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">the Missouri and Mississippi rivers</a>.The proposal would also override a state law limiting the state&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=313.780&amp;bid=16856&amp;hl=" target="_blank">to 13 licensed casinos</a>, passed in 2008 as a result of an initiative sponsored by casino operators.The Lake of the Ozarks is one of Missouri’s busiest tourism destinations. The casino proposal is being bankrolled by Bally’s, which currently operates a casino in Kansas City, and RIS Inc., a major regional developer.&nbsp;Each has contributed about half of the $4.3 million raised for the petition drive.The casino will support more than 700 new jobs in the lake area. The project, if approved, would generate admission and other fee revenue of $2.1 million annually, according to the language appearing on the ballot, and annual gaming tax revenue of $14.3 million.There are also two constitutional amendments proposed by the General Assembly on the ballot.&nbsp; Amendment 6 would give the courts power to enforce payment of fees that support retirement benefits for sheriffs and prosecutors. Amendment 7 would ban the use of ranked-choice voting in Missouri elections and restate the current ban on voting by people who are not U.S. citizens.

Missouri judge puts Lake of the Ozarks casino proposal on Nov. ballot

(Radio Iowa) - A health insurance company is investing millions of dollars in mental telehealth services in Iowa's K-12 public schools. 

The Cedar Rapids Community School District received one-and-a-half million dollars this week from Minnesota-based insurer UnitedHealth Group. Superintendent Tawana Grover says the money will help pay for an online telehealth portal that students can use to access mental health counselling. 

UnitedHealth says it aims to provide the resources to historically underserved and rural communities. The program goal is to impact 100-thousand students. As of Wednesday, it has funded the creation of two such programs in Des Moines and Council Bluffs. No rural programs have been announced.

(Radio Iowa) - A health insurance company is investing millions of dollars in mental telehealth services in Iowa's K-12 public schools. The Cedar Rapids Community School District received one-and-a-half million dollars this week from Minnesota-based insurer UnitedHealth Group. Superintendent Tawana Grover says the money will help pay for an online telehealth portal that students can use to access mental health counselling. UnitedHealth says it aims to provide the resources to historically underserved and rural communities. The program goal is to impact 100-thousand students. As of Wednesday, it has funded the creation of two such programs in Des Moines and Council Bluffs. No rural programs have been announced.

Mental telehealth program is being launched for rural, underserved Iowa schools

WASHINGTON —&nbsp;The U.S. economy added 818,000 fewer jobs from April 2023 through March this year than were originally reported, the government said last week. The revised total adds to evidence that the job market has been steadily slowing and likely reinforces the Federal Reserve’s plan to start cutting interest rates soon.&nbsp;

Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall wrote on social media, "Kamala Harris and Joe Biden are cooking the books for political power."

They have completely fabricated job growth in an attempt to make you believe the economy is stronger than it is. How insulting to American’s intelligence."

On Wednesday Marshall wrote,&nbsp;"We are days away from the 2024 election and this administration is cooking the books in a last-ditch attempt to rewrite history and manipulate the public's perception of Biden-Harris’ economic failures, and consistent mismanagement of government spending and the economy."

"We’re calling on the Dept. of Labor to provide answers to their misleading reporting and provide the American people with accurate info on the economic health of our nation"

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724879028891.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —&nbsp;The U.S. economy added 818,000 fewer jobs from April 2023 through March this year than were originally reported, the government said last week. The revised total adds to evidence that the job market has been steadily slowing and likely reinforces the Federal Reserve’s plan to start cutting interest rates soon.&nbsp;Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall wrote on social media, "Kamala Harris and Joe Biden are cooking the books for political power."They have completely fabricated job growth in an attempt to make you believe the economy is stronger than it is. How insulting to American’s intelligence."On Wednesday Marshall wrote,&nbsp;"We are days away from the 2024 election and this administration is cooking the books in a last-ditch attempt to rewrite history and manipulate the public's perception of Biden-Harris’ economic failures, and consistent mismanagement of government spending and the economy.""We’re calling on the Dept. of Labor to provide answers to their misleading reporting and provide the American people with accurate info on the economic health of our nation"<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724879077210.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Kan. U.S. Senator calls on Dept. of Labor to explain misleading job report

(Radio Iowa) - State Auditor Rob Sand, the only Iowa Democrat who holds a statewide office, says the state-funded Education Savings Accounts for private school students is a big worry for Iowans. 

During a town hall meeting in Delaware County this week, Sand told residents he's carefully following the program's progress, what Republican Governor Kim Reynolds calls one of her greatest achievements. Sand says the "vouchers program really is a very consistent concern for people," and he adds that people -should- be concerned. 

He says hundreds of millions of dollars are being sent to private schools with no audit obligation and no rules. Over 30-thousand private school students in Iowa have qualified for E-S-As this year.

(Radio Iowa) - State Auditor Rob Sand, the only Iowa Democrat who holds a statewide office, says the state-funded Education Savings Accounts for private school students is a big worry for Iowans. During a town hall meeting in Delaware County this week, Sand told residents he's carefully following the program's progress, what Republican Governor Kim Reynolds calls one of her greatest achievements. Sand says the "vouchers program really is a very consistent concern for people," and he adds that people -should- be concerned. He says hundreds of millions of dollars are being sent to private schools with no audit obligation and no rules. Over 30-thousand private school students in Iowa have qualified for E-S-As this year.

State auditor says governor's ESA program remains consistent concern

The auditor will no longer need consent from governing boards or a petition drive to launch an audit when an investigation shows improper activity by officials

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

On July 23, State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick released an audit detailing how a former mayor of Excelsior Estates improperly&nbsp;<a href="https://auditor.mo.gov/AuditReport/ViewReport?report=2024050" target="_blank">paid himself more than $37,000</a>&nbsp;and funneled more than $200,000 to a business he owned.

During the course of their work, auditors found that the records for the village of 209 people on the border of Ray and Clay counties were in “total disarray with missing financial records (and) other vital city records stored in a makeshift camper trailer made from the bed of a pickup truck…”

The audit was conducted at the invitation of the village Board of Aldermen after an investigation of a whistleblower complaint showed possible wrongdoing. Without the board’s consent, the auditor wouldn’t have had the authority to conduct the probe.

But not every local governing body is so cooperative. And as of Wednesday, when a new law took effect, Fitzpatrick’s office will have the&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2111&amp;year=2024&amp;code=R" target="_blank">power to initiate audits</a>&nbsp;of local agencies when an initial investigation shows “improper government activity” — including fraud, waste of resources or violations of law — or when a county prosecutor or law enforcement agency requests it.

Missouri lawmakers gave the auditor’s office power to&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=29.221&amp;bid=636&amp;hl=" target="_blank">investigate reports of improper actions</a>&nbsp;by local government officials in 2013 but withheld the authority to force those officials to open their accounts for a full-scale audit. The only way for the auditor to follow up on the investigation was to convince the governing body of the political subdivision to request an audit, like in Excelsior Estates, or for a resident to gather&nbsp;<a href="https://auditor.mo.gov/petition-audits" target="_blank">enough signatures on a petition</a>&nbsp;to force an audit.

The new law eliminates those restrictions.&nbsp;

“This is not designed to give us unfettered access to auditing any political subdivision for any reason,” Fitzpatrick said. “It was to make things easier for taxpayers. If they’ve made a credible whistleblower complaint to us that there’s a problem somewhere that we investigate, that we could then initiate the audit instead of forcing somebody to have to go gather a bunch of signatures.”

The bill, passed unanimously in the second year it was introduced, originated with&nbsp;<a href="https://fox2now.com/news/you-paid-for-it/state-to-audit-francis-howell-school-district-on-its-spending/" target="_blank">concerns about cost overruns</a>&nbsp;at the new Francis Howell School District high school in St. Charles County, said the sponsor, Republican state Rep. Phil Christofanelli of St. Peters.

A school district was the only local government entity that the state auditor had discretion to audit, he said. The auditor’s office is legally obligated to audit every county without a county auditor.

If the cost overruns had been at a municipal construction project, Christofanelli said, only the willingness of the governing board or the determination of citizens to complete a petition drive could bring the auditor in.

For a small community like Excelsior Estates, the petition would have to include signatures from 25% of the city’s registered voters. For a city the size of St. Peters, the requirement would be 10% of the votes cast for governor in the most recent election, with a minimum of 750 signatures.

“The idea of doing something like this in a city like St Peters, for instance, is completely impractical, and you’d have to have a remarkable campaign put together to do it properly,” Christofanelli said.

During work on the bill, he said, he was told that up to 90% of petition audit attempts are unsuccessful.

The state auditor’s office will be taking on the new powers at a time when Fitzpatrick is trying to rebuild his staff, which had shrunk to 89 full-time employees – out of 167 authorized in the budget – when he took office.&nbsp;

Fitzpatrick was elected auditor in 2022 after four years as state treasurer and six years in the Missouri House, where he was chairman of the House Budget Committee.&nbsp;

In recent years, the audit output of the office, especially detailed audits of state agencies and programs, has declined significantly.&nbsp;

During the first eight months of 2004, the office issued 27 audits and reviews of state agencies and programs ranging from elected official offices to tax credit programs and agency operations in determining Medicaid eligibility and the acquisition of highway right-of-way. In the same period of 2014, the number of state agency audits and reviews was 10.

This year, through Wednesday, the total was three – the operations of the attorney general and secretary of state’s offices and how the Missouri State Highway Patrol uses highway fund money.

The two factors limiting the number of individual agency and program audits are time devoted to the annual audits of the&nbsp;<a href="https://auditor.mo.gov/AuditReport/CitzSummary?id=997" target="_blank">state financial report</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://auditor.mo.gov/AuditReport/ViewReport?report=2023030" target="_blank">federal funding awards</a>. Work that once took 18,000 to 20,000 staff hours in a year is now approaching 50,000, Fitzpatrick said.

That workload, combined with the staffing shortages, has reduced the number of individual agency and program audits. There are&nbsp;<a href="https://auditor.mo.gov/AuditReport/AuditsInProgress" target="_blank">10 agency or program audits</a>&nbsp;in process, including the Department of Conservation, pandemic food programs and the cannabis programs within the Department of Health and Senior Services.

“It’s a huge report,” Fitzpatrick said of the cannabis program audit. “It’s going to be, in terms of the number of staff hours, what will probably be the largest performance audit that’s been done in the auditor’s office in recent history.”

The cannabis program audit should be released early next year, he said.

The routine work of the auditor’s office includes&nbsp;<a href="https://auditor.mo.gov/AuditReport/ViewReport?report=2024012" target="_blank">checking tens of thousands of local property tax rates</a>&nbsp;against the legal maximums, receiving and publishing reports of spending&nbsp;<a href="https://auditor.mo.gov/AuditReport/CitzSummary?id=1005" target="_blank">by local taxing agencies</a>&nbsp;and auditing counties that do not have an elected auditor.&nbsp;

To help rebuild staff, lawmakers have added $4.2 million to the auditor’s budget over the past two years, increasing it to $13.5 million. That increase, he said, recognizes that the pay raises given by his predecessor, Democrat Nicole Gallaway, to retain staff is the salary level needed to attract new talent as well.

“They were adjusting the salaries to try to be more competitive, which needed to happen,” he said.

The new authority should not interfere with the statutory responsibilities of the office, Christofanelli said.

“Just because we give the auditor the power to initiate new investigations does not necessarily mean that if there are other matters that are not discretionary, that he would have to pursue those audits,” he said. “It just provides him the authority to do it, should the need arise.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716233650939.png" alt="-&nbsp;&nbsp;Missouri Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick will have new powers to initiateaudits of local governments under a law taking effect Wednesday (Jason Hancock/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>-&nbsp;&nbsp;Missouri Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick will have new powers to initiateaudits of local governments under a law taking effect Wednesday (Jason Hancock/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The auditor will no longer need consent from governing boards or a petition drive to launch an audit when an investigation shows improper activity by officials</h2>By RUDI KELLER&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>On July 23, State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick released an audit detailing how a former mayor of Excelsior Estates improperly&nbsp;<a href="https://auditor.mo.gov/AuditReport/ViewReport?report=2024050" target="_blank">paid himself more than $37,000</a>&nbsp;and funneled more than $200,000 to a business he owned.During the course of their work, auditors found that the records for the village of 209 people on the border of Ray and Clay counties were in “total disarray with missing financial records (and) other vital city records stored in a makeshift camper trailer made from the bed of a pickup truck…”The audit was conducted at the invitation of the village Board of Aldermen after an investigation of a whistleblower complaint showed possible wrongdoing. Without the board’s consent, the auditor wouldn’t have had the authority to conduct the probe.But not every local governing body is so cooperative. And as of Wednesday, when a new law took effect, Fitzpatrick’s office will have the&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2111&amp;year=2024&amp;code=R" target="_blank">power to initiate audits</a>&nbsp;of local agencies when an initial investigation shows “improper government activity” — including fraud, waste of resources or violations of law — or when a county prosecutor or law enforcement agency requests it.Missouri lawmakers gave the auditor’s office power to&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=29.221&amp;bid=636&amp;hl=" target="_blank">investigate reports of improper actions</a>&nbsp;by local government officials in 2013 but withheld the authority to force those officials to open their accounts for a full-scale audit. The only way for the auditor to follow up on the investigation was to convince the governing body of the political subdivision to request an audit, like in Excelsior Estates, or for a resident to gather&nbsp;<a href="https://auditor.mo.gov/petition-audits" target="_blank">enough signatures on a petition</a>&nbsp;to force an audit.The new law eliminates those restrictions.&nbsp;“This is not designed to give us unfettered access to auditing any political subdivision for any reason,” Fitzpatrick said. “It was to make things easier for taxpayers. If they’ve made a credible whistleblower complaint to us that there’s a problem somewhere that we investigate, that we could then initiate the audit instead of forcing somebody to have to go gather a bunch of signatures.”The bill, passed unanimously in the second year it was introduced, originated with&nbsp;<a href="https://fox2now.com/news/you-paid-for-it/state-to-audit-francis-howell-school-district-on-its-spending/" target="_blank">concerns about cost overruns</a>&nbsp;at the new Francis Howell School District high school in St. Charles County, said the sponsor, Republican state Rep. Phil Christofanelli of St. Peters.A school district was the only local government entity that the state auditor had discretion to audit, he said. The auditor’s office is legally obligated to audit every county without a county auditor.If the cost overruns had been at a municipal construction project, Christofanelli said, only the willingness of the governing board or the determination of citizens to complete a petition drive could bring the auditor in.For a small community like Excelsior Estates, the petition would have to include signatures from 25% of the city’s registered voters. For a city the size of St. Peters, the requirement would be 10% of the votes cast for governor in the most recent election, with a minimum of 750 signatures.“The idea of doing something like this in a city like St Peters, for instance, is completely impractical, and you’d have to have a remarkable campaign put together to do it properly,” Christofanelli said.During work on the bill, he said, he was told that up to 90% of petition audit attempts are unsuccessful.The state auditor’s office will be taking on the new powers at a time when Fitzpatrick is trying to rebuild his staff, which had shrunk to 89 full-time employees – out of 167 authorized in the budget – when he took office.&nbsp;Fitzpatrick was elected auditor in 2022 after four years as state treasurer and six years in the Missouri House, where he was chairman of the House Budget Committee.&nbsp;In recent years, the audit output of the office, especially detailed audits of state agencies and programs, has declined significantly.&nbsp;During the first eight months of 2004, the office issued 27 audits and reviews of state agencies and programs ranging from elected official offices to tax credit programs and agency operations in determining Medicaid eligibility and the acquisition of highway right-of-way. In the same period of 2014, the number of state agency audits and reviews was 10.This year, through Wednesday, the total was three – the operations of the attorney general and secretary of state’s offices and how the Missouri State Highway Patrol uses highway fund money.The two factors limiting the number of individual agency and program audits are time devoted to the annual audits of the&nbsp;<a href="https://auditor.mo.gov/AuditReport/CitzSummary?id=997" target="_blank">state financial report</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://auditor.mo.gov/AuditReport/ViewReport?report=2023030" target="_blank">federal funding awards</a>. Work that once took 18,000 to 20,000 staff hours in a year is now approaching 50,000, Fitzpatrick said.That workload, combined with the staffing shortages, has reduced the number of individual agency and program audits. There are&nbsp;<a href="https://auditor.mo.gov/AuditReport/AuditsInProgress" target="_blank">10 agency or program audits</a>&nbsp;in process, including the Department of Conservation, pandemic food programs and the cannabis programs within the Department of Health and Senior Services.“It’s a huge report,” Fitzpatrick said of the cannabis program audit. “It’s going to be, in terms of the number of staff hours, what will probably be the largest performance audit that’s been done in the auditor’s office in recent history.”The cannabis program audit should be released early next year, he said.The routine work of the auditor’s office includes&nbsp;<a href="https://auditor.mo.gov/AuditReport/ViewReport?report=2024012" target="_blank">checking tens of thousands of local property tax rates</a>&nbsp;against the legal maximums, receiving and publishing reports of spending&nbsp;<a href="https://auditor.mo.gov/AuditReport/CitzSummary?id=1005" target="_blank">by local taxing agencies</a>&nbsp;and auditing counties that do not have an elected auditor.&nbsp;To help rebuild staff, lawmakers have added $4.2 million to the auditor’s budget over the past two years, increasing it to $13.5 million. That increase, he said, recognizes that the pay raises given by his predecessor, Democrat Nicole Gallaway, to retain staff is the salary level needed to attract new talent as well.“They were adjusting the salaries to try to be more competitive, which needed to happen,” he said.The new authority should not interfere with the statutory responsibilities of the office, Christofanelli said.“Just because we give the auditor the power to initiate new investigations does not necessarily mean that if there are other matters that are not discretionary, that he would have to pursue those audits,” he said. “It just provides him the authority to do it, should the need arise.”

New Missouri law expands state auditor’s powers to dig into local governments

More illnesses and deaths have been reported due to a massive contamination of deli meats. It is now the largest listeria outbreak in 13 years, according to a statement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Illnesses have been reported over the past several weeks in Missouri and 17 other states including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Death have occurred in six states including Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

 Listeria is a hardy germ that can remain on surfaces, like meat slicers, and foods, even at refrigerated temperatures. It can also take up to 10 weeks for some people to have symptoms of listeriosis. 

Do not eat recalled deli meats. Some of the products have sell by dates into October 2024.&nbsp; <a href="https://boarshead.com/pages/product-recall-full-product-list">&nbsp;Click here for a list</a> of items included in the recall.

Boar’s Head also recalled all deli products, including prepackaged deli products, in shelf life from this establishment. Look for “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels.

For people who are generally healthy and not at higher risk of serious infection:

Listeria&nbsp;is especially harmful if you are pregnant, are aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system due to certain medical conditions or treatments. Other people can be infected with&nbsp;Listeria,&nbsp;but they rarely become seriously ill.

If you are pregnant, are aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721435735887.png" alt="FILE - Microscopic image of Listeriabacterium, responsible for the food borne illness listeriosis. (Elizabeth White/CDC )" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Microscopic image of Listeriabacterium, responsible for the food borne illness listeriosis. (Elizabeth White/CDC )</figcaption>
 </figure>More illnesses and deaths have been reported due to a massive contamination of deli meats. It is now the largest listeria outbreak in 13 years, according to a statement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.&nbsp;&nbsp;Illnesses have been reported over the past several weeks in Missouri and 17 other states including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin.Death have occurred in six states including Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Listeria is a hardy germ that can remain on surfaces, like meat slicers, and foods, even at refrigerated temperatures. It can also take up to 10 weeks for some people to have symptoms of listeriosis. Do not eat recalled deli meats. Some of the products have sell by dates into October 2024.&nbsp; <a href="https://boarshead.com/pages/product-recall-full-product-list">&nbsp;Click here for a list</a> of items included in the recall.<ul>
 <li>Produced between June 11, 2024 and July 17, 2024, and have a 44-day shelf-life</li><li>"Boar's Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst made in Virginia"</li><li>3.5 pound loaves in plastic casing, or various weight packages sliced in retail delis</li><li>Sell by dates range from July 25, 2024, to August 30, 2024</li>
 </ul><h2>Other Boar's Head Deli Meat Products</h2>Boar’s Head also recalled all deli products, including prepackaged deli products, in shelf life from this establishment. Look for “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels.<h2>What you should do</h2>For people who are generally healthy and not at higher risk of serious infection:<ul>
 <li>Do not eat recalled meats.&nbsp;Throw them away or contact stores about returns.</li><li>Check your refrigerator for any recalled deli meats and throw them away or return them to the store.&nbsp;Listeria&nbsp;can grow on foods kept in the refrigerator.</li><li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/communication-resources/clean-refrigerator-steps.html">Clean</a>&nbsp;your refrigerator, containers and surfaces that may have touched recalled meats.</li>
 </ul><h2>What People at Higher Risk Should Do</h2>Listeria&nbsp;is especially harmful if you are pregnant, are aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system due to certain medical conditions or treatments. Other people can be infected with&nbsp;Listeria,&nbsp;but they rarely become seriously ill.If you are pregnant, are aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system:<ul>
 <li>Do not eat recalled deli meats.&nbsp;Throw them away or contact stores about returns.</li><li>In addition, do not eat any other deli meats you get sliced at deli counters, unless it is reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot.&nbsp;Let it cool before you eat it.Listeria&nbsp;can grow on foods kept in the refrigerator, but it is easily killed by heating food to a high enough temperature.</li><li>Listeria&nbsp;can grow on foods kept in the refrigerator, but it is easily killed by heating food to a high enough temperature.</li><li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/communication-resources/clean-refrigerator-steps.html">Clean</a>&nbsp;your refrigerator, containers, and surfaces that may have touched sliced deli meats.This is especially important if you purchased any of the recalled deli products.</li><li>This is especially important if you purchased any of the recalled deli products.</li><li>Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms:People who are not pregnant&nbsp;usually have fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. They may also get a headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures.Pregnant people&nbsp;usually have fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. However,&nbsp;Listeria&nbsp;can cause pregnancy loss or premature birth. It can also cause serious illness or death in newborns.</li><li>People who are not pregnant&nbsp;usually have fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. They may also get a headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures.</li><li>Pregnant people&nbsp;usually have fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. However,&nbsp;Listeria&nbsp;can cause pregnancy loss or premature birth. It can also cause serious illness or death in newborns.</li>
 </ul><h2>What Businesses Should Do</h2><ul>
 <li>For delis that received recalled meats:Thoroughly clean and sanitize all food and non-food surfaces, including deli slicers.Throw away any open meats and cheeses in the deli.USDA-FSIS is advising delis to not use any opened deli products because recalled products can cross-contaminate other deli meats and cheeses.</li><li>Thoroughly clean and sanitize all food and non-food surfaces, including deli slicers.</li><li>Throw away any open meats and cheeses in the deli.</li><li>USDA-FSIS is advising delis to not use any opened deli products because recalled products can cross-contaminate other deli meats and cheeses.</li><li>Always follow USDA-FSIS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/guidelines/2023-0004" target="_blank">best practices</a>&nbsp;for controlling&nbsp;Listeria&nbsp;contamination in deli areas.</li>
 </ul><h2>Symptoms of Listeria</h2><ul>
 <li>Listeria&nbsp;is especially harmful to people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or with weakened immune systems. This is because&nbsp;Listeria&nbsp;is more likely to spread beyond their gut to other parts of their body, resulting in a severe condition known as invasive listeriosis.For people who are pregnant,&nbsp;Listeria&nbsp;can cause pregnancy loss, premature birth, or a life-threatening infection in their newborn.For people who are 65 years or older&nbsp;or&nbsp;who have a weakened immune system,&nbsp;Listeria&nbsp;often results in hospitalization and sometimes death.</li><li>For people who are pregnant,&nbsp;Listeria&nbsp;can cause pregnancy loss, premature birth, or a life-threatening infection in their newborn.</li><li>For people who are 65 years or older&nbsp;or&nbsp;who have a weakened immune system,&nbsp;Listeria&nbsp;often results in hospitalization and sometimes death.</li><li>Symptoms usually start within 2 weeks after eating food contaminated with&nbsp;Listeria&nbsp;but may start as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks after.Pregnant people&nbsp;usually have fever, muscle aches, and tiredness.People who are not pregnant&nbsp;usually have fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. They may also get a headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures.</li><li>Pregnant people&nbsp;usually have fever, muscle aches, and tiredness.</li><li>People who are not pregnant&nbsp;usually have fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. They may also get a headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures.</li>
 </ul>

Death toll grows: Listeria outbreak tied to deli meat; illness reported in Missouri

Labor Day is almost upon us and the Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding everyone to stay safe when traveling this weekend.

Sergeant Shane Hux, with Troop H in St. Joseph, says Labor Day is one of the four major holidays throughout the year where there is an increase in traffic. "We want people to make safety their number one priority," Hux says.

Hux adds, "Allow extra time to get to and from your destination, obey all traffic laws, and avoid distractions."

A 'Hands Free' law is in place in Missouri, and Hux simply says, "Keep the phone down when driving."

In addition to increased travel, a lot of people will also be enjoying Labor Day weekend on Missouri's lakes and rivers. Hux says boating safety should be taken seriously, emphasizing the importance of life jackets.

"Life jackets are not only important for children, but adults as well. Especially if you on the Missouri River. It's so unpredictable with the current and debris in the water. Always wear a life jacket anytime you are on or near the water."

The Labor Day counting period begins at 6:00 pm Friday, August 30 and lasts until midnight Monday, September 2.

AAA estimates a 9% increase in travel over the same time last year.

Hux advises calling *55 or 1-800-525-5555 in the event of a roadway emergency. It will put you in contact with the nearest Troop headquarters.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594388258541.png" alt="MSHP" />
 <figcaption>MSHP</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHSt. Joseph PostLabor Day is almost upon us and the Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding everyone to stay safe when traveling this weekend.Sergeant Shane Hux, with Troop H in St. Joseph, says Labor Day is one of the four major holidays throughout the year where there is an increase in traffic. "We want people to make safety their number one priority," Hux says.Hux adds, "Allow extra time to get to and from your destination, obey all traffic laws, and avoid distractions."A 'Hands Free' law is in place in Missouri, and Hux simply says, "Keep the phone down when driving."In addition to increased travel, a lot of people will also be enjoying Labor Day weekend on Missouri's lakes and rivers. Hux says boating safety should be taken seriously, emphasizing the importance of life jackets."Life jackets are not only important for children, but adults as well. Especially if you on the Missouri River. It's so unpredictable with the current and debris in the water. Always wear a life jacket anytime you are on or near the water."The Labor Day counting period begins at 6:00 pm Friday, August 30 and lasts until midnight Monday, September 2.AAA estimates a 9% increase in travel over the same time last year.Hux advises calling *55 or 1-800-525-5555 in the event of a roadway emergency. It will put you in contact with the nearest Troop headquarters.

Travel safety tips to keep in mind for Labor Day weekend

Missouri Attorney General's office

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – On Wednesday, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced that the United States Supreme Court upheld the court order he obtained at the Eighth Circuit blocking the Biden-Harris Administration’s latest illegal student loan cancellation scheme. Not one of the justices dissented.

“This is the second time the Supreme Court has sided with my office against one of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ unlawful student loan cancellation schemes,”&nbsp;said Attorney General Bailey.&nbsp;“This court order is a stark reminder&nbsp;to the Biden-Harris Administration that Congress did not grant them the authority to saddle working Americans with $500 billion in someone else’s Ivy League debt. This is a huge win for every American who still believes in paying their own way.”

The Eighth Circuit upheld the Eastern District of Missouri’s original preliminary injunction and took it even further, holding that “The Government is, for any borrower whose loans are governed in whole or in part by the terms of the Improving Income Driven Repayment for the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program and the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program, 88 Fed. Reg. 43820, enjoined from any further forgiveness of principal or interest, from not charging borrowers accrued interest, and from further implementing SAVE’s payment-threshold provisions. This injunction will remain in effect until further order of this court or the Supreme Court of the United States.”&nbsp;Today, the Supreme Court left it in place.&nbsp;

In 2023, the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of Attorney General Bailey’s first&nbsp;challenge to the Biden Administration’s unilateral and unlawful wealth transfer of hundreds of billions of dollars in student loan debt. In a 6-3 decision, the Court struck down Biden’s repayment plan as unconstitutional, citing the massive $430 billion-plus impact on the federal budget without express authority from Congress. The Court held that Missouri’s student loan servicing company, MOHELA, was an arm of Missouri’s state government, and therefore, granted the states standing to challenge the student loan plan.

Joining General Bailey in filing suit the second time around were the attorneys general of Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, North Dakota, Ohio, and Oklahoma.

In the suit, the States asserted, “Just last year, the Supreme Court struck down an attempt by the President to force teachers, truckers, and farmers to pay for the student loan debt of other Americans—to the enormous tune of $430 billion. In striking down that attempt, the Court declared that the President cannot ‘unilaterally alter large sections of the American economy.’ Undeterred, the President is at it again, even bragging that ‘the Supreme Court blocked it. They blocked it. But that didn’t stop me.’”

The States noted,&nbsp;“Yet again, the President is unilaterally trying to impose an extraordinarily expensive and controversial policy that he could not get through Congress. This latest attempt to sidestep the Constitution is only the most recent instance in a long but troubling pattern of the President relying on innocuous language from decades-old statutes to impose drastic, costly policy changes on the American people without their consent.”

The Supreme Court’s order can be read&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/ago.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=55bd24fd8f5e7d3dc227d1072&amp;id=da4df09cee&amp;e=5061322ab3__;!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!Clp93Jrb7_OyQCbrZdlMgPoSTxoxC7mjMcz_EwiNtgQit7VefJ7GeqsPH2wMO9sABPggjF1Nd5NhKZ1zfledXfo$">here.</a>

The Eighth Circuit’s original order can be read&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/ago.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=55bd24fd8f5e7d3dc227d1072&amp;id=7605c9fc9d&amp;e=5061322ab3__;!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!Clp93Jrb7_OyQCbrZdlMgPoSTxoxC7mjMcz_EwiNtgQit7VefJ7GeqsPH2wMO9sABPggjF1Nd5NhKZ1zfl5VIzc$">here.</a>

The Eastern District of Missouri’s order can be read&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/ago.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=55bd24fd8f5e7d3dc227d1072&amp;id=e267cd52be&amp;e=5061322ab3__;!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!Clp93Jrb7_OyQCbrZdlMgPoSTxoxC7mjMcz_EwiNtgQit7VefJ7GeqsPH2wMO9sABPggjF1Nd5NhKZ1zwgADoQU$">here.</a>

The original lawsuit can be read&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/ago.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=55bd24fd8f5e7d3dc227d1072&amp;id=6218e34393&amp;e=5061322ab3__;!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!Clp93Jrb7_OyQCbrZdlMgPoSTxoxC7mjMcz_EwiNtgQit7VefJ7GeqsPH2wMO9sABPggjF1Nd5NhKZ1zvs0ScmE$">here.</a>

Missouri Attorney General's officeJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – On Wednesday, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced that the United States Supreme Court upheld the court order he obtained at the Eighth Circuit blocking the Biden-Harris Administration’s latest illegal student loan cancellation scheme. Not one of the justices dissented.“This is the second time the Supreme Court has sided with my office against one of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ unlawful student loan cancellation schemes,”&nbsp;said Attorney General Bailey.&nbsp;“This court order is a stark reminder&nbsp;to the Biden-Harris Administration that Congress did not grant them the authority to saddle working Americans with $500 billion in someone else’s Ivy League debt. This is a huge win for every American who still believes in paying their own way.”The Eighth Circuit upheld the Eastern District of Missouri’s original preliminary injunction and took it even further, holding that “The Government is, for any borrower whose loans are governed in whole or in part by the terms of the Improving Income Driven Repayment for the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program and the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program, 88 Fed. Reg. 43820, enjoined from any further forgiveness of principal or interest, from not charging borrowers accrued interest, and from further implementing SAVE’s payment-threshold provisions. This injunction will remain in effect until further order of this court or the Supreme Court of the United States.”&nbsp;Today, the Supreme Court left it in place.&nbsp;In 2023, the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of Attorney General Bailey’s first&nbsp;challenge to the Biden Administration’s unilateral and unlawful wealth transfer of hundreds of billions of dollars in student loan debt. In a 6-3 decision, the Court struck down Biden’s repayment plan as unconstitutional, citing the massive $430 billion-plus impact on the federal budget without express authority from Congress. The Court held that Missouri’s student loan servicing company, MOHELA, was an arm of Missouri’s state government, and therefore, granted the states standing to challenge the student loan plan.Joining General Bailey in filing suit the second time around were the attorneys general of Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, North Dakota, Ohio, and Oklahoma.In the suit, the States asserted, “Just last year, the Supreme Court struck down an attempt by the President to force teachers, truckers, and farmers to pay for the student loan debt of other Americans—to the enormous tune of $430 billion. In striking down that attempt, the Court declared that the President cannot ‘unilaterally alter large sections of the American economy.’ Undeterred, the President is at it again, even bragging that ‘the Supreme Court blocked it. They blocked it. But that didn’t stop me.’”The States noted,&nbsp;“Yet again, the President is unilaterally trying to impose an extraordinarily expensive and controversial policy that he could not get through Congress. This latest attempt to sidestep the Constitution is only the most recent instance in a long but troubling pattern of the President relying on innocuous language from decades-old statutes to impose drastic, costly policy changes on the American people without their consent.”The Supreme Court’s order can be read&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/ago.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=55bd24fd8f5e7d3dc227d1072&amp;id=da4df09cee&amp;e=5061322ab3__;!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!Clp93Jrb7_OyQCbrZdlMgPoSTxoxC7mjMcz_EwiNtgQit7VefJ7GeqsPH2wMO9sABPggjF1Nd5NhKZ1zfledXfo$">here.</a>The Eighth Circuit’s original order can be read&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/ago.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=55bd24fd8f5e7d3dc227d1072&amp;id=7605c9fc9d&amp;e=5061322ab3__;!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!Clp93Jrb7_OyQCbrZdlMgPoSTxoxC7mjMcz_EwiNtgQit7VefJ7GeqsPH2wMO9sABPggjF1Nd5NhKZ1zfl5VIzc$">here.</a>The Eastern District of Missouri’s order can be read&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/ago.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=55bd24fd8f5e7d3dc227d1072&amp;id=e267cd52be&amp;e=5061322ab3__;!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!Clp93Jrb7_OyQCbrZdlMgPoSTxoxC7mjMcz_EwiNtgQit7VefJ7GeqsPH2wMO9sABPggjF1Nd5NhKZ1zwgADoQU$">here.</a>The original lawsuit can be read&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/ago.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=55bd24fd8f5e7d3dc227d1072&amp;id=6218e34393&amp;e=5061322ab3__;!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!Clp93Jrb7_OyQCbrZdlMgPoSTxoxC7mjMcz_EwiNtgQit7VefJ7GeqsPH2wMO9sABPggjF1Nd5NhKZ1zvs0ScmE$">here.</a>

Supreme Court upholds Mo. AG's court order blocking Biden-Harris student loan scheme

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

Missouri legislative leaders are demanding answers from state education officials about a monthslong backlog in a child care subsidy program.

Two House committees — the budget committee and the education committee — have scheduled hearings into the matter next month, and a Republican Senate leader has called for her chamber to launch a similar inquiry.

“I think it is safe to say The Office of Childhood is a massive disaster,” Senate Majority Leader Cindy O’Laughlin, a Republican from Shelbina,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/1312548800/posts/pfbid0rzwkp3qSZikSAxDunLENbhXBzsx7jaSXFiezPcV9FTmjhPMkWmFiubpZv6VNgqX8l/?app=fbl" target="_blank">wrote</a>&nbsp;in a Facebook post Tuesday, referring to the office within the&nbsp;Department of Elementary and Secondary Education that&nbsp;is responsible for administration of the subsidy.

“… instead of creating more child care,” she wrote, “this office is running day cares out of business.”

Child care providers have been struggling to keep their doors open, and in some cases forced to shutter, due to technical issues with the education department’s disbursal of federal funds.

State education officials have largely blamed a contracted vendor for the monthslong backlogs. The system launched in December after the program shifted from the Department of Social Services to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The subsidy, part of a federal block grant program that is state-administered, helps cover the cost for day care owners serving low-income and foster children. Some day cares&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/07/05/missouri-child-care-subsidy-providers-day-care-children/">rely on the program</a>&nbsp;to pay their staff.

O’Laughlin said due to the “incompetence” of the office, she is requesting that Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden appoint an interim committee to look into the issues.&nbsp;

The technology vendor, along with leadership of the Office of Childhood, parents and child care providers would be asked to testify, she wrote.

The vendor contracted to develop and implement the new system for the subsidy program is World Wide Technology, a large technology services provider headquartered in St. Louis.

In addition to O’Laughlin, House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, a Springfield Democrat running for governor, demanded that her chamber’s leadership create an interim committee to look into the issues surrounding the subsidy.&nbsp;

The problems administering the program have “escalated to the point of crisis, with families losing access to care,” Quade&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25079422-8-22-interim-committee-request-1" target="_blank">wrote</a>&nbsp;in a letter last week to House Speaker Dean Plocher, “as some facilities have been forced to close, due in large part to the department’s failure to remit the payments owed in a timely manner.”

The education department has been “less than forthcoming” in communication, she wrote.&nbsp;

“Since members of the House Democratic Caucus are being inundated with pleas for help from desperate families and struggling providers,” Quade wrote, “I’m certain our Republican colleagues are as well.&nbsp;

“If the department is unable or unwilling to provide answers, it is our duty to demand them.”

Wednesday, Plocher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25079476-house-education-committee-to-hold-special-hearing-on-dese-childcare-payment-delays" target="_blank">announced</a>&nbsp;the House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee will hold a hearing Sept. 10 to “investigate the causes and impacts of delays” in the state issuing child care payments.

A House Budget Committee hearing was already scheduled for Sept. 11 to discuss child care with the education agency.

“At any hearing that is scheduled with lawmakers,” the education department’s spokesperson, Mallory McGowin, said in an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25079575-8-28-24-dese-comment" target="_blank">email</a>&nbsp;to The Independent, “DESE plans to be transparent about the challenges that exist, and the work being done to address the issues.”

McGowin said there are currently backlogs in family applications for subsidy assistance, provider contract applications, and in providers’ requests to resolve outstanding payment issues.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724869100628.png" alt=" Child care providers have been struggling to keep their doors open, and in some cases forced to shutter, due to technical issues with the education department’s disbursal of federal funds (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Child care providers have been struggling to keep their doors open, and in some cases forced to shutter, due to technical issues with the education department’s disbursal of federal funds (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri legislative leaders are demanding answers from state education officials about a monthslong backlog in a child care subsidy program.Two House committees — the budget committee and the education committee — have scheduled hearings into the matter next month, and a Republican Senate leader has called for her chamber to launch a similar inquiry.“I think it is safe to say The Office of Childhood is a massive disaster,” Senate Majority Leader Cindy O’Laughlin, a Republican from Shelbina,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/1312548800/posts/pfbid0rzwkp3qSZikSAxDunLENbhXBzsx7jaSXFiezPcV9FTmjhPMkWmFiubpZv6VNgqX8l/?app=fbl" target="_blank">wrote</a>&nbsp;in a Facebook post Tuesday, referring to the office within the&nbsp;Department of Elementary and Secondary Education that&nbsp;is responsible for administration of the subsidy.“… instead of creating more child care,” she wrote, “this office is running day cares out of business.”Child care providers have been struggling to keep their doors open, and in some cases forced to shutter, due to technical issues with the education department’s disbursal of federal funds.State education officials have largely blamed a contracted vendor for the monthslong backlogs. The system launched in December after the program shifted from the Department of Social Services to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.The subsidy, part of a federal block grant program that is state-administered, helps cover the cost for day care owners serving low-income and foster children. Some day cares&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/07/05/missouri-child-care-subsidy-providers-day-care-children/">rely on the program</a>&nbsp;to pay their staff.O’Laughlin said due to the “incompetence” of the office, she is requesting that Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden appoint an interim committee to look into the issues.&nbsp;The technology vendor, along with leadership of the Office of Childhood, parents and child care providers would be asked to testify, she wrote.The vendor contracted to develop and implement the new system for the subsidy program is World Wide Technology, a large technology services provider headquartered in St. Louis.In addition to O’Laughlin, House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, a Springfield Democrat running for governor, demanded that her chamber’s leadership create an interim committee to look into the issues surrounding the subsidy.&nbsp;The problems administering the program have “escalated to the point of crisis, with families losing access to care,” Quade&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25079422-8-22-interim-committee-request-1" target="_blank">wrote</a>&nbsp;in a letter last week to House Speaker Dean Plocher, “as some facilities have been forced to close, due in large part to the department’s failure to remit the payments owed in a timely manner.”The education department has been “less than forthcoming” in communication, she wrote.&nbsp;“Since members of the House Democratic Caucus are being inundated with pleas for help from desperate families and struggling providers,” Quade wrote, “I’m certain our Republican colleagues are as well.&nbsp;“If the department is unable or unwilling to provide answers, it is our duty to demand them.”Wednesday, Plocher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25079476-house-education-committee-to-hold-special-hearing-on-dese-childcare-payment-delays" target="_blank">announced</a>&nbsp;the House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee will hold a hearing Sept. 10 to “investigate the causes and impacts of delays” in the state issuing child care payments.A House Budget Committee hearing was already scheduled for Sept. 11 to discuss child care with the education agency.“At any hearing that is scheduled with lawmakers,” the education department’s spokesperson, Mallory McGowin, said in an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25079575-8-28-24-dese-comment" target="_blank">email</a>&nbsp;to The Independent, “DESE plans to be transparent about the challenges that exist, and the work being done to address the issues.”McGowin said there are currently backlogs in family applications for subsidy assistance, provider contract applications, and in providers’ requests to resolve outstanding payment issues.And there are ongoing issues getting providers their full payment: “Payments are being processed daily and providers are getting paid,” she said, “though some are not receiving full payment due to ongoing technical issues.”Regarding the backlog of family applications, McGowin said the department has contracted with a staffing agency and expects it to be cleared by “mid to late September.” The department has also cross-trained additional staff to clear the backlog of provider contract applications. That backlog is expected to be cleared “by early to mid-September.”Regarding outstanding payment issues, she said the current contractors have doubled their staff working on “issues preventing or delaying provider payments.” DESE has also contracted with an agency to clear the backlog of subsidy payment corrections and hired part-time workers to help process requests for missing payments. McGowin didn’t provide a timeline for the department overcoming the backlog of payment corrections.“DESE recognizes the importance of subsidy payments to the child care industry and the value the program provides to Missouri’s workforce, in particular for families who provide care to children in foster care,” McGowin said.McGowin encouraged parents and providers with questions to call the subsidy hotline at&nbsp;<a href="tel:5734158605" target="_blank">573-415-8605</a>.“DESE and its contractors, World Wide Technology and MTX, are working hard to address these issues and sincerely apologizes to the child care providers and families affected by this transition,” she said.

Kbct