Legislation would allow one organization to return to practices banned by the Affordable Care Act, including denying coverage to those with serious medical conditions

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

The Missouri Farm Bureau would be allowed to sell health insurance plans that skirt certain federal regulations under legislation critics worry could leave consumers without proper protections or adequate coverage.

The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB2082&amp;year=2024&amp;code=R">bill</a>, which has already cleared the Missouri House and is awaiting a committee hearing in the Senate, allows health plans that don’t follow the rules set by the the Affordable Care Act, also referred to as Obamacare.

The Farm Bureau would be permitted to deny people coverage due to pre-existing medical conditions, for example, or offer benefits that are more limited than what is allowed under federal law.

Those practices would allow also allow the organization to sell less-expensive plans.&nbsp;Many farmers and other members of the Farm Bureau, proponents say,&nbsp;are uninsured because they can’t afford to buy a federally-subsidized plan on the Affordable Care Act marketplace or make too much money to qualify.

“What we’re really trying to do here is get coverage options to these young farmers, potentially ranchers and members of this organization to better have care for their family and their loved ones,” state Rep. Kurtis Gregory, a Republican from Marshall and the bill’s sponsor, said in a committee hearing in January.

The Missouri Farm Bureau is a nonprofit agricultural membership organization which&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mofbinsurance.com/Main/AboutUs">partners with</a>&nbsp;for-profit companies to sell various kinds of insurance to its members. Anyone can join, though historically the group has been primarily made up of people in farming communities.

“This is about allowing people to make choices for themselves,” state Rep. Dean Van Schoiack, a Republican from Andrew, said during House debate on the bill in March.

Missouri would join&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-23-106034.pdf">six</a>&nbsp;other states that have passed similar carve outs for Farm Bureau insurance plans: Kansas, Tennessee, Iowa, Indiana,&nbsp; Texas and South Dakota.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://bullfallsradio.com/news/2024/01/25/wisconsin-farm-health-coverage-obamacare">Several</a>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/news/state-farm-bureaus-work-to-join-successful-health-care-coverage-program/">other</a>&nbsp;state legislatures are considering similar legislation this year.

The idea has faced opposition from some House Democrats, patient advocacy groups and other insurance companies who have raised concerns about inadequate consumer protections and coverage, as well as disrupting the market.

“I don’t want people to sign up for something that is unregulated health insurance and then fall through the cracks even further,” said state Rep. Emily Weber, a Democrat of Kansas City, during the House debate.

Emily Kalmer, a lobbyist for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, raised concern in a January committee hearing that Missourians could be “left without coverage, face large costs or denied coverage,” and lack any of the consumer protections in the law.&nbsp;

The Farm Bureau would revert to the pre-Obamacare practice of what’s called medical underwriting, carefully evaluating applicants’ medical history and risk, to determine whether to cover them and at what price.

“While we don’t have experience in Missouri with Farm Bureau plans, we do have experience in Missouri with medical underwriting,” Kalmer said. “And that was horrible for cancer patients in the past…those practices used to be allowed in the state of Missouri and they were horrible for cancer patients. So it’s not a ‘what if’? It’s a ‘what would be legally allowed here’?”&nbsp;

The Farm Bureau has argued that its members hold the organization accountable, even absent regulations, and that its enrollees in states with the program report high levels of satisfaction.

Benjamin Sanders, a lobbyist from Farm Bureau Health Plans of Tennessee, testified in committee in January that the organization’s acceptance rate for applicants is 90%.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.statnews.com/2017/11/13/health-insurance-tennessee-farm-bureau/">Tennessee</a>&nbsp;enacted a version of the law exempting the Farm Bureau from regulation in 1993.

“There are conditions that will cause someone to be denied coverage…The best way to look at it is if someone has an ongoing catastrophic health condition, they will likely be the non-covered,” Sanders said.&nbsp;

The organization uses a six month waiting period, upon enrollment, before those with certain conditions can use the benefits. It’s a “safeguard,” Sanders said, to ensure people don’t sign on for an expensive surgery then drop the plan, for instance.

Some of the Farm Bureau plans offer the 10 essential benefits the ACA requires and some do not. Sanders said 75% of members select a plan that does include all of those benefits.

Asked about whether pregnancy could be considered a pre-existing condition resulting in that six-month waiting period or denial, Sanders said it depends on the plan.

“Generally speaking, pregnancy would be considered a pre-existing condition…it depends on when they join and the length of the pregnancy,” he said, adding that someone trying to join at eight months pregnant wouldn’t be eligible but a few days pregnant, would likely be. Individual plans don’t cover maternity care but the family plans do.

State Rep. Danny Busick, a Republican of Sullivan, said opponents of the legislation were presenting a lot of “what-ifs.”

The Farm Bureau in other states doesn’t need to abide by data transparency requirements of regulated insurance companies. But the organization says internal numbers show a high retention rate.

“Why is there a 98% retention rate in the states where they have this? If they weren’t covering these things, people would be getting out of the system right and left,” Busick said.

“Just because they’re not required by law doesn’t mean they won’t do it,” Busick said. “And I think that premise is what I have a problem with.”

The plans wouldn’t be overseen by the state’s insurance department:&nbsp;Proponents have said because it’s a contract, those with grievances could go to court. Opponents argued that is not a viable option for many.

“The current system, it’s a regulated product,” said Kalmer, the American Cancer Society lobbyist, “you have appellate rights with the Department of Insurance, you can call their consumer protection hotline and go through the processes and they’ll help mediate the issues.”

There are still issues with the regulated market, Kalmer said, “but at least there is a process by which you can make sure that anything that the legislature here has required them to do, that they’re legally doing it.”&nbsp;

State Rep. Brad Pollitt, a Sedalia Republican, said the Farm Bureau “answers to their membership,” adding that if they started dropping people from their plans, for instance, “I believe their membership would hold them accountable for doing the right thing, because that’s how those folks have been raised.”&nbsp;

Other insurance companies oppose the legislation for allowing just one group to be exempt from federal rules, which they say gives the Farm Bureau an advantage over competitors.

Michael Henderson, lobbyist for the Missouri Insurance Coalition, called the proposal “unequal treatment in the marketplace.”

Henderson said insurers abide by pages of state health mandates.

“I have heard testimony that some of that coverage may be included in the plans,” Henderson said. “And Rep. Busick, I know you mentioned we’re talking a lot about what ifs. We’re also talking a lot about ‘trust us.’”

The Farm Bureau plans would be designed to help those who aren’t eligible for or can’t afford Affordable Care Act subsidies.&nbsp;

Tim McBride, a health policy analyst and professor at Washington University in St. Louis, said his concern would be that the Farm Bureau plans would attract healthier people and have a more limited benefit package.

“The purpose of the ACA was to make sure that there wasn’t cherry picking going on by the insurance companies,” McBride said, meaning some companies siphoning off healthy people and driving up the cost of coverage for others.

He said research shows people get “enticed by the low premium number,” but don’t always study the fine print, which is one reason the ACA has rules about what needs to be covered.&nbsp;

“I can certainly understand why people want to go to get low premium plans, especially farmers or their spouses or their children,” he said. “But that’s part of what the purpose of the subsidies are in the Affordable Care Act is to try to make the plans affordable.”

The federal government&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.healthinsurance.org/obamacare/beware-obamacares-subsidy-cliff/">expanded</a>&nbsp;subsidy eligibility in the Affordable Care Act marketplace through next year.

In Tennessee,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.statnews.com/2017/11/13/health-insurance-tennessee-farm-bureau/">Stat News</a>&nbsp;reported in 2017, some experts say the effect of pulling healthy people onto Farm Bureau plans has been that participants in the Affordable Care Act marketplace are sicker than in other states, which can cause market issues such as companies being less willing to participate and sell plans. The Farm Bureau has denied having any such effect.

Gregory estimated around 11,475 Missouri Farm Bureau members lack health insurance, and said they would be the target audience for enrolling in the Farm Bureau plans. Others could sign on, too, including members who are currently insured but switch over to the Farm Bureau plans, or people who join the Farm Bureau in order to access the insurance.&nbsp;

Sanders, with Farm Bureau Health Plans of Tennessee, said the volume wouldn’t be enough to make a difference in the market.&nbsp;

“But to the members that use these plans,” he said, “it makes a difference.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712586699980.png" alt=" State Rep. Kurtis Gregory, R-Marshall, speaks during House debate on April 27, 2022 (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption> State Rep. Kurtis Gregory, R-Marshall, speaks during House debate on April 27, 2022 (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Legislation would allow one organization to return to practices banned by the Affordable Care Act, including denying coverage to those with serious medical conditions</h2>By CLARA BATES&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>The Missouri Farm Bureau would be allowed to sell health insurance plans that skirt certain federal regulations under legislation critics worry could leave consumers without proper protections or adequate coverage.The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB2082&amp;year=2024&amp;code=R">bill</a>, which has already cleared the Missouri House and is awaiting a committee hearing in the Senate, allows health plans that don’t follow the rules set by the the Affordable Care Act, also referred to as Obamacare.The Farm Bureau would be permitted to deny people coverage due to pre-existing medical conditions, for example, or offer benefits that are more limited than what is allowed under federal law.Those practices would allow also allow the organization to sell less-expensive plans.&nbsp;Many farmers and other members of the Farm Bureau, proponents say,&nbsp;are uninsured because they can’t afford to buy a federally-subsidized plan on the Affordable Care Act marketplace or make too much money to qualify.“What we’re really trying to do here is get coverage options to these young farmers, potentially ranchers and members of this organization to better have care for their family and their loved ones,” state Rep. Kurtis Gregory, a Republican from Marshall and the bill’s sponsor, said in a committee hearing in January.The Missouri Farm Bureau is a nonprofit agricultural membership organization which&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mofbinsurance.com/Main/AboutUs">partners with</a>&nbsp;for-profit companies to sell various kinds of insurance to its members. Anyone can join, though historically the group has been primarily made up of people in farming communities.“This is about allowing people to make choices for themselves,” state Rep. Dean Van Schoiack, a Republican from Andrew, said during House debate on the bill in March.Missouri would join&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-23-106034.pdf">six</a>&nbsp;other states that have passed similar carve outs for Farm Bureau insurance plans: Kansas, Tennessee, Iowa, Indiana,&nbsp; Texas and South Dakota.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://bullfallsradio.com/news/2024/01/25/wisconsin-farm-health-coverage-obamacare">Several</a>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/news/state-farm-bureaus-work-to-join-successful-health-care-coverage-program/">other</a>&nbsp;state legislatures are considering similar legislation this year.The idea has faced opposition from some House Democrats, patient advocacy groups and other insurance companies who have raised concerns about inadequate consumer protections and coverage, as well as disrupting the market.“I don’t want people to sign up for something that is unregulated health insurance and then fall through the cracks even further,” said state Rep. Emily Weber, a Democrat of Kansas City, during the House debate.Emily Kalmer, a lobbyist for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, raised concern in a January committee hearing that Missourians could be “left without coverage, face large costs or denied coverage,” and lack any of the consumer protections in the law.&nbsp;The Farm Bureau would revert to the pre-Obamacare practice of what’s called medical underwriting, carefully evaluating applicants’ medical history and risk, to determine whether to cover them and at what price.“While we don’t have experience in Missouri with Farm Bureau plans, we do have experience in Missouri with medical underwriting,” Kalmer said. “And that was horrible for cancer patients in the past…those practices used to be allowed in the state of Missouri and they were horrible for cancer patients. So it’s not a ‘what if’? It’s a ‘what would be legally allowed here’?”&nbsp;<h2>Coverage concerns</h2>The Farm Bureau has argued that its members hold the organization accountable, even absent regulations, and that its enrollees in states with the program report high levels of satisfaction.Benjamin Sanders, a lobbyist from Farm Bureau Health Plans of Tennessee, testified in committee in January that the organization’s acceptance rate for applicants is 90%.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.statnews.com/2017/11/13/health-insurance-tennessee-farm-bureau/">Tennessee</a>&nbsp;enacted a version of the law exempting the Farm Bureau from regulation in 1993.“There are conditions that will cause someone to be denied coverage…The best way to look at it is if someone has an ongoing catastrophic health condition, they will likely be the non-covered,” Sanders said.&nbsp;The organization uses a six month waiting period, upon enrollment, before those with certain conditions can use the benefits. It’s a “safeguard,” Sanders said, to ensure people don’t sign on for an expensive surgery then drop the plan, for instance.Some of the Farm Bureau plans offer the 10 essential benefits the ACA requires and some do not. Sanders said 75% of members select a plan that does include all of those benefits.Asked about whether pregnancy could be considered a pre-existing condition resulting in that six-month waiting period or denial, Sanders said it depends on the plan.“Generally speaking, pregnancy would be considered a pre-existing condition…it depends on when they join and the length of the pregnancy,” he said, adding that someone trying to join at eight months pregnant wouldn’t be eligible but a few days pregnant, would likely be. Individual plans don’t cover maternity care but the family plans do.State Rep. Danny Busick, a Republican of Sullivan, said opponents of the legislation were presenting a lot of “what-ifs.”The Farm Bureau in other states doesn’t need to abide by data transparency requirements of regulated insurance companies. But the organization says internal numbers show a high retention rate.“Why is there a 98% retention rate in the states where they have this? If they weren’t covering these things, people would be getting out of the system right and left,” Busick said.“Just because they’re not required by law doesn’t mean they won’t do it,” Busick said. “And I think that premise is what I have a problem with.”The plans wouldn’t be overseen by the state’s insurance department:&nbsp;Proponents have said because it’s a contract, those with grievances could go to court. Opponents argued that is not a viable option for many.“The current system, it’s a regulated product,” said Kalmer, the American Cancer Society lobbyist, “you have appellate rights with the Department of Insurance, you can call their consumer protection hotline and go through the processes and they’ll help mediate the issues.”There are still issues with the regulated market, Kalmer said, “but at least there is a process by which you can make sure that anything that the legislature here has required them to do, that they’re legally doing it.”&nbsp;State Rep. Brad Pollitt, a Sedalia Republican, said the Farm Bureau “answers to their membership,” adding that if they started dropping people from their plans, for instance, “I believe their membership would hold them accountable for doing the right thing, because that’s how those folks have been raised.”&nbsp;<h2>Market dynamics</h2>Other insurance companies oppose the legislation for allowing just one group to be exempt from federal rules, which they say gives the Farm Bureau an advantage over competitors.Michael Henderson, lobbyist for the Missouri Insurance Coalition, called the proposal “unequal treatment in the marketplace.”Henderson said insurers abide by pages of state health mandates.“I have heard testimony that some of that coverage may be included in the plans,” Henderson said. “And Rep. Busick, I know you mentioned we’re talking a lot about what ifs. We’re also talking a lot about ‘trust us.’”The Farm Bureau plans would be designed to help those who aren’t eligible for or can’t afford Affordable Care Act subsidies.&nbsp;Tim McBride, a health policy analyst and professor at Washington University in St. Louis, said his concern would be that the Farm Bureau plans would attract healthier people and have a more limited benefit package.“The purpose of the ACA was to make sure that there wasn’t cherry picking going on by the insurance companies,” McBride said, meaning some companies siphoning off healthy people and driving up the cost of coverage for others.He said research shows people get “enticed by the low premium number,” but don’t always study the fine print, which is one reason the ACA has rules about what needs to be covered.&nbsp;“I can certainly understand why people want to go to get low premium plans, especially farmers or their spouses or their children,” he said. “But that’s part of what the purpose of the subsidies are in the Affordable Care Act is to try to make the plans affordable.”The federal government&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.healthinsurance.org/obamacare/beware-obamacares-subsidy-cliff/">expanded</a>&nbsp;subsidy eligibility in the Affordable Care Act marketplace through next year.In Tennessee,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.statnews.com/2017/11/13/health-insurance-tennessee-farm-bureau/">Stat News</a>&nbsp;reported in 2017, some experts say the effect of pulling healthy people onto Farm Bureau plans has been that participants in the Affordable Care Act marketplace are sicker than in other states, which can cause market issues such as companies being less willing to participate and sell plans. The Farm Bureau has denied having any such effect.Gregory estimated around 11,475 Missouri Farm Bureau members lack health insurance, and said they would be the target audience for enrolling in the Farm Bureau plans. Others could sign on, too, including members who are currently insured but switch over to the Farm Bureau plans, or people who join the Farm Bureau in order to access the insurance.&nbsp;Sanders, with Farm Bureau Health Plans of Tennessee, said the volume wouldn’t be enough to make a difference in the market.&nbsp;“But to the members that use these plans,” he said, “it makes a difference.”

Bill would exempt Missouri Farm Bureau health insurance plans from federal rules

The Missouri State Highway Patrol asks the public to be aware of and plan for the total solar eclipse on Monday. The viewing path in Missouri will cover more than 115 miles of the state.

Totality enters Missouri as it will follow a diagonal line crossing over Poplar Bluff, MO, and exit Missouri at Cape Girardeau, MO, as it crosses the Mississippi River at 2:04 p.m. Thousands of visitors are expected to arrive in the days leading up to the event. This influx of additional motorists will affect traffic patterns. Please plan your trip accordingly.

To avoid the heaviest traffic when traveling for the event, it will be helpful to leave early and plan to remain at your viewing location until a period after the eclipse to avoid any congestion afterwards. For the most up-to-date information on the roads, visit the Patrol's website,&nbsp;<a href="https://notes.mshp.dps.mo.gov/si01/si01p001.nsf/9300de8f24f618a68625729800536892/www.statepatrol.dps.mo.gov">www.statepatrol.dps.mo.gov</a>, to check road conditions on MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map or download the Traveler Information Map to your smart device.The Patrol reminds every driver to pay attention, obey all traffic laws, and wear a seat belt.

&nbsp;Don’t stop along the interstate or park on the shoulder.

· Find a safe location to view the event and get there early.

· Don’t take photographs while driving.·

 Turn your headlights on and do not rely on your automatic headlights.

· Prepare for extra congestion, especially on interstates, on the day before, day of and day after the eclipse.

· Watch out for increased pedestrian traffic along smaller roads. People may randomly park and walk alongside roads in the hour before the total eclipse to get the best viewing.

· Avoid travel during the eclipse or in the area of the path of totality if you can.

· Never wear eclipse glasses when driving a car or operating a boat.

· Make sure your vehicle is in good condition and has a full tank of gas.· Bring along water and snacks in your vehicle.

If you have planned a day on the water for April 8, make sure your boat has the proper lighting if you will be on the water during the eclipse. It will become quite dark. Be aware of your surroundings and what hazards exist near your boat leading up to the eclipse, so you're prepared when the eclipse occurs. Always keep a safe distance between yourself and other boaters. Swimmers will be hard to see as the eclipse occurs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712317899499.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Missouri State Highway Patrol asks the public to be aware of and plan for the total solar eclipse on Monday. The viewing path in Missouri will cover more than 115 miles of the state.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712085263547.png" alt="Image AP" />
 <figcaption>Image AP</figcaption>
 </figure>Totality enters Missouri as it will follow a diagonal line crossing over Poplar Bluff, MO, and exit Missouri at Cape Girardeau, MO, as it crosses the Mississippi River at 2:04 p.m. Thousands of visitors are expected to arrive in the days leading up to the event. This influx of additional motorists will affect traffic patterns. Please plan your trip accordingly.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711653160174.png" alt="You can wear eclipse glasses to safely view the Sun during the partial eclipse phases of a solar eclipse, before and after totality. NASA photo by Mamta Patel Nagaraja" />
 <figcaption>You can wear eclipse glasses to safely view the Sun during the partial eclipse phases of a solar eclipse, before and after totality. NASA photo by Mamta Patel Nagaraja</figcaption>
 </figure>To avoid the heaviest traffic when traveling for the event, it will be helpful to leave early and plan to remain at your viewing location until a period after the eclipse to avoid any congestion afterwards. For the most up-to-date information on the roads, visit the Patrol's website,&nbsp;<a href="https://notes.mshp.dps.mo.gov/si01/si01p001.nsf/9300de8f24f618a68625729800536892/www.statepatrol.dps.mo.gov">www.statepatrol.dps.mo.gov</a>, to check road conditions on MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map or download the Traveler Information Map to your smart device.The Patrol reminds every driver to pay attention, obey all traffic laws, and wear a seat belt.Additional safe driving tips include:&nbsp;Don’t stop along the interstate or park on the shoulder.· Find a safe location to view the event and get there early.· Don’t take photographs while driving.· Turn your headlights on and do not rely on your automatic headlights.· Prepare for extra congestion, especially on interstates, on the day before, day of and day after the eclipse.· Watch out for increased pedestrian traffic along smaller roads. People may randomly park and walk alongside roads in the hour before the total eclipse to get the best viewing.· Avoid travel during the eclipse or in the area of the path of totality if you can.· Never wear eclipse glasses when driving a car or operating a boat.· Make sure your vehicle is in good condition and has a full tank of gas.· Bring along water and snacks in your vehicle.If you have planned a day on the water for April 8, make sure your boat has the proper lighting if you will be on the water during the eclipse. It will become quite dark. Be aware of your surroundings and what hazards exist near your boat leading up to the eclipse, so you're prepared when the eclipse occurs. Always keep a safe distance between yourself and other boaters. Swimmers will be hard to see as the eclipse occurs.

MSHP: Total solar eclipse safety reminders

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/aidanpittman/">AIDAN PITTMAN</a>

Attempts to create tax credits for child care related causes continue to be at a roadblock because of challenges from Freedom Caucus members in the Missouri Senate.

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Lauren Arthur, a Kansas City Democrat, would create several provisions aiming to offer tax credits related to childcare services. The bill would offer the credits to individuals spending money for child care services, employers who provide child care services to their employees or reimburse them for some of those costs and to child care providers who pay employee payroll taxes and have certain construction expenses related to their services.

An identical House bill, sponsored by Republican state Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph, passed a Senate earlier this week on a 5-0 bipartisan vote. The effort to provide tax credits for child care was championed by Gov. Mike Parson during his January State of the State address.

“There are three different tax credits targeted in different areas,” Arthur said, “all with the intention of making child care more accessible and affordable.”

Despite bipartisan support, senators of the Freedom Caucus have stalled the Senate version.

“Generally, the tax credit programs benefit some in the population, but not everybody,” said Sen. Bill Eigel, a Weldon Spring Republican who is running for governor. “I think if we want to help everybody we can do so far more effectively.”

Arthur criticized this pushback as a political stunt for senators to get their own priorities through the legislature first.

“They see this as leverage as a way to get their legislation passed by trying to take this bigger priority of the Senate, of the House and of the governor and trying to derail it so that they can pass something they would rather see done,” Arthur said.

As far as a strategy goes for moving the bill forward, Arthur said she will “sit down with the senators, see if they have actual changes they would like to see made to the bill.”

Arthur added that this may involve a larger negotiation regarding the priorities those senators wish to pursue.

“I’m always open to ideas,” Eigel said. “I would suspect that if there’s gonna be a path forward on these tax cuts, we’re going to have to see the movement of a major tax cut bill make its way in the Senate chamber.”

Arthur added that the child care tax credit is a priority she wants to see completed this session.

“Depending on who the next governor is, this may or may not be a priority anymore,” Arthur said.

“The fact that we have a governor who is support of this legislation…gives us a strong footing,” she said, “and I think that’s all the more reason why it’s important to get it done this year.”

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/child-care-tax-credit-proposals-face-continued-freedom-caucus-opposition/article_fbda9550-f1d4-11ee-a8f4-6f05122c824c.html">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be reprinted in print or online.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712400555934.png" alt="The Downtown Children’s Center in St. Louis, Missouri, was able to stay open for working families during the pandemic by using federal grants (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>The Downtown Children’s Center in St. Louis, Missouri, was able to stay open for working families during the pandemic by using federal grants (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/aidanpittman/">AIDAN PITTMAN</a>Attempts to create tax credits for child care related causes continue to be at a roadblock because of challenges from Freedom Caucus members in the Missouri Senate.Legislation sponsored by Sen. Lauren Arthur, a Kansas City Democrat, would create several provisions aiming to offer tax credits related to childcare services. The bill would offer the credits to individuals spending money for child care services, employers who provide child care services to their employees or reimburse them for some of those costs and to child care providers who pay employee payroll taxes and have certain construction expenses related to their services.An identical House bill, sponsored by Republican state Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph, passed a Senate earlier this week on a 5-0 bipartisan vote. The effort to provide tax credits for child care was championed by Gov. Mike Parson during his January State of the State address.“There are three different tax credits targeted in different areas,” Arthur said, “all with the intention of making child care more accessible and affordable.”Despite bipartisan support, senators of the Freedom Caucus have stalled the Senate version.“Generally, the tax credit programs benefit some in the population, but not everybody,” said Sen. Bill Eigel, a Weldon Spring Republican who is running for governor. “I think if we want to help everybody we can do so far more effectively.”Arthur criticized this pushback as a political stunt for senators to get their own priorities through the legislature first.“They see this as leverage as a way to get their legislation passed by trying to take this bigger priority of the Senate, of the House and of the governor and trying to derail it so that they can pass something they would rather see done,” Arthur said.As far as a strategy goes for moving the bill forward, Arthur said she will “sit down with the senators, see if they have actual changes they would like to see made to the bill.”Arthur added that this may involve a larger negotiation regarding the priorities those senators wish to pursue.“I’m always open to ideas,” Eigel said. “I would suspect that if there’s gonna be a path forward on these tax cuts, we’re going to have to see the movement of a major tax cut bill make its way in the Senate chamber.”Arthur added that the child care tax credit is a priority she wants to see completed this session.“Depending on who the next governor is, this may or may not be a priority anymore,” Arthur said.“The fact that we have a governor who is support of this legislation…gives us a strong footing,” she said, “and I think that’s all the more reason why it’s important to get it done this year.”This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/child-care-tax-credit-proposals-face-continued-freedom-caucus-opposition/article_fbda9550-f1d4-11ee-a8f4-6f05122c824c.html">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be reprinted in print or online.&nbsp;

Child care tax credit bills face continued Freedom Caucus opposition in Missouri Senate

LINN COUNTY —A Northwest Missouri woman was injured in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Saturday in Linn County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Polaris Ranger driven by Derick D. McIntyre, 39, Chillicothe, was southbound on Dover Drive four miles northwest of Linneus.

The UTV traveled off the right side of the road, began to roll and struck a tree.&nbsp; Linn County Ambulance transported a passenger identified as Shelly M. Epperson, 41, Chillicothe, to Hedrick Medical Center. McIntyre was not injured.&nbsp;

LINN COUNTY —A Northwest Missouri woman was injured in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Saturday in Linn County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Polaris Ranger driven by Derick D. McIntyre, 39, Chillicothe, was southbound on Dover Drive four miles northwest of Linneus.The UTV traveled off the right side of the road, began to roll and struck a tree.&nbsp; Linn County Ambulance transported a passenger identified as Shelly M. Epperson, 41, Chillicothe, to Hedrick Medical Center. McIntyre was not injured.&nbsp;

NW Missouri woman hospitalized after UTV strikes a tree

The state of Missouri is working to tackle economic challenges in drawing more businesses to the state.  

St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President Natalie Hawn says one of those challenges identified, is the amount of land required for mega sites a company might demand 

"That could be because we have a lot of family farms, which agriculture is an important industry, but they've really looked at how can we more competitive so that we can attract some of these larger projects that have that deep economic influence on our community for years to come or on our state for years to come," Hawn tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. 

Hawn says these sites are much larger than most industrial sites 

"Thousand-acre site, so that's contiguous thousand-acre sites, or contiguous two-to-three-hundred-acre sites," Hawn explains. "So, they really identified that we as a state just don't have that land, those larger sites together, and those larger sites with infrastructure." 

Hawn says there is competition with other states that have spent money on this land and developed it for these kinds of projects.  

Hawn adds however St. Joseph has done a good job with these areas, with business parks such as Mitchell Woods and East Towne. 

The Missouri Partnership, the state’s business recruitment arm, has determined ten sites across the state that could be evaluated for these locations.  

Hawn says one of those sites is right here in St. Joseph.  

"So we're continuing to look at what that could look like, those are privately owned so it would involve purchasing the site, it would involve infrastructure on the site, so we're continuing to work with the state to look at what that premiere site could look like and how the state might help with some of the funding on that," Hawn says. 

Hawn says the state recognizes there is responsibility in developing those sites and helping communities in getting them ready for new businesses.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712334482798.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The state of Missouri is working to tackle economic challenges in drawing more businesses to the state. St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President Natalie Hawn says one of those challenges identified, is the amount of land required for mega sites a company might demand "That could be because we have a lot of family farms, which agriculture is an important industry, but they've really looked at how can we more competitive so that we can attract some of these larger projects that have that deep economic influence on our community for years to come or on our state for years to come," Hawn tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. Hawn says these sites are much larger than most industrial sites "Thousand-acre site, so that's contiguous thousand-acre sites, or contiguous two-to-three-hundred-acre sites," Hawn explains. "So, they really identified that we as a state just don't have that land, those larger sites together, and those larger sites with infrastructure." Hawn says there is competition with other states that have spent money on this land and developed it for these kinds of projects. Hawn adds however St. Joseph has done a good job with these areas, with business parks such as Mitchell Woods and East Towne. The Missouri Partnership, the state’s business recruitment arm, has determined ten sites across the state that could be evaluated for these locations. Hawn says one of those sites is right here in St. Joseph. "So we're continuing to look at what that could look like, those are privately owned so it would involve purchasing the site, it would involve infrastructure on the site, so we're continuing to work with the state to look at what that premiere site could look like and how the state might help with some of the funding on that," Hawn says. Hawn says the state recognizes there is responsibility in developing those sites and helping communities in getting them ready for new businesses.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/State-might-look-to-St--Joseph-for-mega-site-e2i16o0" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

State might look to St. Joseph for huge mega site for economic development

The St. Joseph City Council appointed Jason Eslinger to fill
the remainder of District II Councilmember Taylor Crouse’s term. Crouse
resigned from the city council, saying family matters forced a move out of the
district.

Six southside residents showed interest in the position at
first with five submitting a letter of intent and resume for the city council
to consider.

Councilmembers ranked those applying and voted on the top two.

Eslinger will be sworn in prior to a special council meeting
April 9th.

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

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph has a new city councilmember.The St. Joseph City Council appointed Jason Eslinger to fill
the remainder of District II Councilmember Taylor Crouse’s term. Crouse
resigned from the city council, saying family matters forced a move out of the
district.Six southside residents showed interest in the position at
first with five submitting a letter of intent and resume for the city council
to consider.Councilmembers ranked those applying and voted on the top two.Eslinger will be sworn in prior to a special council meeting
April 9th.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Jason Eslinger appointed to St. Joseph District II council seat

The Missouri House passed a $50.8 billion spending proposal, but looming debates on Planned Parenthood funding and renewal of medical provider taxes put cloud over passage by May 10 deadline

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

Missouri has plenty of money left in reserve as the state Senate prepares to work on the almost $51 billion budget passed Thursday in the House, but one looming issue could disrupt final passage and put the surplus in danger of disappearing.

Lawmakers must renew a set of medical provider taxes, known as the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/17/missouri-senate-gop-factions-on-full-display-during-debate-over-medicaid-provider-tax/">federal reimbursement allowance</a>, vital to funding Medicaid. The taxes, set to expire this year, were last renewed in a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/06/30/missouri-house-passes-medicaid-provider-tax-bill-preventing-major-budget-cuts/">2021 special session</a>&nbsp;called when factional fighting in the Missouri Senate prevented the bill from passing earlier.

Neither chamber has even debated a bill extending the taxes this year.&nbsp;

“Unless we pass the federal reimbursement allowance, this whole budget is a lie and it’s a complete joke,” House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, a Springfield Democrat, said during a news conference Thursday.

The budget approved Thursday in the Missouri House would provide a 3.2% pay raise for state workers and a 2% boost to higher education institutions as well as fund major upgrades on Interstate 44 and pay for sending National Guard troops to the border with Mexico.

It proposes spending $14.1 billion in general revenue for ongoing state operations, with another $800 million of general revenue for state building construction and maintenance. Spending at that level would consume about $1.6 billion of the accumulated state surplus, which currently stands at about $6.4 billion in general revenue and other unrestricted funds.

The provider taxes bring in about $1.4 billion annually and draw an additional federal match of nearly $3 billion. If lawmakers do not renew the taxes, the surplus would have to be tapped to maintain the Medicaid program without cuts.

The same issue that forced a special session in 2021 again faces lawmakers — whether Planned Parenthood, which operates family planning clinics in Missouri should be barred from providing services paid for by Medicaid.

Planned Parenthood was the last abortion provider in Missouri when the procedure became illegal in 2022 and its affiliates continue to provide abortions in other states.&nbsp;

The Missouri House has passed a bill to make it&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/03/28/missouri-looks-to-mirror-arkansas-law-that-forced-planned-parenthood-to-turn-away-patients/">illegal for any public funds</a>, including Medicaid reimbursements, to go to abortion facilities or their affiliates, targeting Planned Parenthood. The bill has been passed in a Senate committee and is awaiting floor debate.

A bill renewing the provider taxes is also awaiting Senate approval. The Senate will work on the Planned Parenthood bill next week, Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden said, followed by the provider tax bill.

The provider taxes must be passed before the budget can be debated, Rowden said.

“That’s the only responsible thing to do,” he said. “In the absence of that $4 billion, you have a much different equation in front of you.”

Democrats in the Senate will work to defeat the bill targeting Planned Parenthood and pass the provider taxes, Sen. Doug Beck of St. Louis said during a news conference. He said a proposal&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/08/initiative-petition-abortion-rights-rape-incest-missouri/">expected to be on the Nov. 5 ballot</a>&nbsp;restoring the right to abortion would also protect Planned Parenthood’s status as a Medicaid provider.

“Voters are going to get a chance in the fall to actually be able to fund these things and bring back women’s health care and things that have been defunded by the Republicans,” Beck said.

During the final votes on 17 spending bills Thursday, House Democrats complained that the spending plan shortchanges education and services for vulnerable people.

Democrats argued that the budget was inadequate because it cut Gov. Mike Parson’s proposal for higher education funding, reduced funding for teacher pay supplements and put caps on how much providers can pay personal care aides who help people with disabilities.

State Rep. Kevin Windham, a Hillsdale Democrat, said he would rate this year’s budget with “two out of five stars” because rank-and-file members were frozen out of big decisions.

“This year the process felt especially dominated by the budget chair,” Windham said.

Republicans defended the budget and Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith, a Republican from Carthage and a candidate for state Treasurer. .

“It is very difficult for me to hear that we are not doing everything we can,” said state Rep. Ed Lewis, a Republican from Moberly.

The budget approved Thursday is $1.9 billion less in total spending than the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/24/gov-mike-parson-proposes-record-52-7-billion-missouri-state-budget/">spending plan proposed in January</a>&nbsp;by Parson. Much of that reduction is in the Medicaid program and other services provided by the departments of Mental Health, Health and Senior Services and Social Services.

Smith cut nearly $200 million in general revenue and more than $1 billion in those departments.

The cuts were made, Smith said, because of lower demand for services because of declining Medicaid enrollment. Missouri is examining the eligibility of everyone on Medicaid for the first time in several years because the process was suspended during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

The number of people on Medicaid has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dss.mo.gov/mis/clcounter/history.htm">fallen by about 160,000</a>&nbsp;– or about 10% of those enrolled – since eligibility reviews began last year.&nbsp;

At their news conference and during Thursday’s debate, Democrats said some of Smith’s cuts, and language restricting how money can be spent, will mean fewer people get services.&nbsp;

“They’re not going to be able to hire, they’re still going to have vacancies and then he’s going to look at the leftover money that they weren’t able to spend and say, now I can cut you more because look, you’re not spending all the money we gave you,” said state Rep. Peter Merideth, ranking Democrat on the House Budget Committee.

Lawmakers now have five weeks remaining for the Senate to write its version of the budget, pass it and reconcile differences with the House. The constitutional deadline to pass spending bills is May 10.

Senate leaders expressed confidence the upper chamber can meet those deadlines while acknowledging that factional disputes could disrupt quick action.

“The time frame is going to be tough, honestly,” Rowden said.&nbsp;

The Freedom Caucus, a group of six Republican senators, is going to examine the House-passed budget to look for additional cuts, said state Sen. Bill Eigel of Weldon Spring. He doesn’t want to spend any more general revenue than the state anticipates in tax receipts.

Estimates released in December project the state will receive under $13.2 billion in general revenue in the fiscal year that begins July 1.&nbsp;

The budget proposed by Parson anticipates spending $15 billion in general revenue, including $14.1 billion on ongoing operations. The House-passed budget has a net cut of about $60 million in general revenue and about $136 million when building construction and maintenance spending is included.

“I can’t imagine that we would want to spend more than we took in,” said Eigel, who is a candidate for governor. “I don’t want to shy away from the idea that we need to make some significant cuts to the finances of the state.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712313405614.png" alt=" House Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith speaks Thursday as the Missouri House completed work on a $50.8 billion spending plan for fiscal 2025 (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption> House Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith speaks Thursday as the Missouri House completed work on a $50.8 billion spending plan for fiscal 2025 (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The Missouri House passed a $50.8 billion spending proposal, but looming debates on Planned Parenthood funding and renewal of medical provider taxes put cloud over passage by May 10 deadline</h2>By RUDI KELLER,&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri has plenty of money left in reserve as the state Senate prepares to work on the almost $51 billion budget passed Thursday in the House, but one looming issue could disrupt final passage and put the surplus in danger of disappearing.Lawmakers must renew a set of medical provider taxes, known as the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/17/missouri-senate-gop-factions-on-full-display-during-debate-over-medicaid-provider-tax/">federal reimbursement allowance</a>, vital to funding Medicaid. The taxes, set to expire this year, were last renewed in a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/06/30/missouri-house-passes-medicaid-provider-tax-bill-preventing-major-budget-cuts/">2021 special session</a>&nbsp;called when factional fighting in the Missouri Senate prevented the bill from passing earlier.Neither chamber has even debated a bill extending the taxes this year.&nbsp;“Unless we pass the federal reimbursement allowance, this whole budget is a lie and it’s a complete joke,” House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, a Springfield Democrat, said during a news conference Thursday.The budget approved Thursday in the Missouri House would provide a 3.2% pay raise for state workers and a 2% boost to higher education institutions as well as fund major upgrades on Interstate 44 and pay for sending National Guard troops to the border with Mexico.It proposes spending $14.1 billion in general revenue for ongoing state operations, with another $800 million of general revenue for state building construction and maintenance. Spending at that level would consume about $1.6 billion of the accumulated state surplus, which currently stands at about $6.4 billion in general revenue and other unrestricted funds.The provider taxes bring in about $1.4 billion annually and draw an additional federal match of nearly $3 billion. If lawmakers do not renew the taxes, the surplus would have to be tapped to maintain the Medicaid program without cuts.The same issue that forced a special session in 2021 again faces lawmakers — whether Planned Parenthood, which operates family planning clinics in Missouri should be barred from providing services paid for by Medicaid.Planned Parenthood was the last abortion provider in Missouri when the procedure became illegal in 2022 and its affiliates continue to provide abortions in other states.&nbsp;The Missouri House has passed a bill to make it&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/03/28/missouri-looks-to-mirror-arkansas-law-that-forced-planned-parenthood-to-turn-away-patients/">illegal for any public funds</a>, including Medicaid reimbursements, to go to abortion facilities or their affiliates, targeting Planned Parenthood. The bill has been passed in a Senate committee and is awaiting floor debate.A bill renewing the provider taxes is also awaiting Senate approval. The Senate will work on the Planned Parenthood bill next week, Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden said, followed by the provider tax bill.The provider taxes must be passed before the budget can be debated, Rowden said.“That’s the only responsible thing to do,” he said. “In the absence of that $4 billion, you have a much different equation in front of you.”Democrats in the Senate will work to defeat the bill targeting Planned Parenthood and pass the provider taxes, Sen. Doug Beck of St. Louis said during a news conference. He said a proposal&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/08/initiative-petition-abortion-rights-rape-incest-missouri/">expected to be on the Nov. 5 ballot</a>&nbsp;restoring the right to abortion would also protect Planned Parenthood’s status as a Medicaid provider.“Voters are going to get a chance in the fall to actually be able to fund these things and bring back women’s health care and things that have been defunded by the Republicans,” Beck said.During the final votes on 17 spending bills Thursday, House Democrats complained that the spending plan shortchanges education and services for vulnerable people.Democrats argued that the budget was inadequate because it cut Gov. Mike Parson’s proposal for higher education funding, reduced funding for teacher pay supplements and put caps on how much providers can pay personal care aides who help people with disabilities.State Rep. Kevin Windham, a Hillsdale Democrat, said he would rate this year’s budget with “two out of five stars” because rank-and-file members were frozen out of big decisions.“This year the process felt especially dominated by the budget chair,” Windham said.Republicans defended the budget and Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith, a Republican from Carthage and a candidate for state Treasurer. .“It is very difficult for me to hear that we are not doing everything we can,” said state Rep. Ed Lewis, a Republican from Moberly.The budget approved Thursday is $1.9 billion less in total spending than the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/24/gov-mike-parson-proposes-record-52-7-billion-missouri-state-budget/">spending plan proposed in January</a>&nbsp;by Parson. Much of that reduction is in the Medicaid program and other services provided by the departments of Mental Health, Health and Senior Services and Social Services.Smith cut nearly $200 million in general revenue and more than $1 billion in those departments.The cuts were made, Smith said, because of lower demand for services because of declining Medicaid enrollment. Missouri is examining the eligibility of everyone on Medicaid for the first time in several years because the process was suspended during the COVID-19 public health emergency.The number of people on Medicaid has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dss.mo.gov/mis/clcounter/history.htm">fallen by about 160,000</a>&nbsp;– or about 10% of those enrolled – since eligibility reviews began last year.&nbsp;At their news conference and during Thursday’s debate, Democrats said some of Smith’s cuts, and language restricting how money can be spent, will mean fewer people get services.&nbsp;“They’re not going to be able to hire, they’re still going to have vacancies and then he’s going to look at the leftover money that they weren’t able to spend and say, now I can cut you more because look, you’re not spending all the money we gave you,” said state Rep. Peter Merideth, ranking Democrat on the House Budget Committee.Lawmakers now have five weeks remaining for the Senate to write its version of the budget, pass it and reconcile differences with the House. The constitutional deadline to pass spending bills is May 10.Senate leaders expressed confidence the upper chamber can meet those deadlines while acknowledging that factional disputes could disrupt quick action.“The time frame is going to be tough, honestly,” Rowden said.&nbsp;The Freedom Caucus, a group of six Republican senators, is going to examine the House-passed budget to look for additional cuts, said state Sen. Bill Eigel of Weldon Spring. He doesn’t want to spend any more general revenue than the state anticipates in tax receipts.Estimates released in December project the state will receive under $13.2 billion in general revenue in the fiscal year that begins July 1.&nbsp;The budget proposed by Parson anticipates spending $15 billion in general revenue, including $14.1 billion on ongoing operations. The House-passed budget has a net cut of about $60 million in general revenue and about $136 million when building construction and maintenance spending is included.“I can’t imagine that we would want to spend more than we took in,” said Eigel, who is a candidate for governor. “I don’t want to shy away from the idea that we need to make some significant cuts to the finances of the state.”

Senate leader warns of ‘tough timeframe’ to complete work on Missouri state budget

SAVANNAH -&nbsp;A major expansion project is underway at Savannah High School - a project that will give the school new classrooms and improved athletic facilities.

The upgrades include turf for the football field, a new, eight-lane track and the addition of a video scoreboard.

Savannah Athletic Director and head football coach Anthony Hays says this $20 million project, however, spans well beyond athletics.

"That's going to a new performing arts center," Hays told KFEQ Radio. "The renovation of our game gym, the addition of a new auxiliary gym, which will be awesome on the athletics side of stuff where we can maybe play sub varsity games in one gym, high school games in another. Make our nights and tournaments go by a little quicker."

"Also new athletic locker rooms and P.E. locker rooms."

Savannah launched a $2 million fundraiser back in January to help pay for the track and turf field. Hays says about $1.2 million of that has already been raised.

The plan is to break ground on the field and track project this summer.&nbsp;Hays says the field project, classroom expansion and gym revamp is scheduled to be done by the start of the coming school year.

There'll also be new locker rooms and a new film room.

A new, two-story press box is slated to be done within a month or two. The new performing arts center may take until January.

Hays says the school district wants the very best for its students.

"We want all of our kids to have the very best we can offer them," he said. "To see it happening shows you the investment of our school district and community into the next generation, and that's pretty neat to see in our small town."

While the upgrades to the turf, press box and scoreboard will enhance the Friday night football atmosphere,&nbsp;Hays says the soccer teams stand to gain from an upgraded field as well.

"(Soccer) is in a facility right now that doesn't have lights, running water, a true grand stands or even bathrooms," he said, "so they're going to move their games to the stadium. So, I think that'll give them a pretty neat opportunity and venue for their games."

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712181286421.jpeg" alt="Savannah athletic director and head football coach Anthony Hays shows the progress being made on the high school's new, two-story press box, which will be completed in the next 4-8 weeks. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Savannah athletic director and head football coach Anthony Hays shows the progress being made on the high school's new, two-story press box, which will be completed in the next 4-8 weeks. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSAVANNAH -&nbsp;A major expansion project is underway at Savannah High School - a project that will give the school new classrooms and improved athletic facilities.The upgrades include turf for the football field, a new, eight-lane track and the addition of a video scoreboard.Savannah Athletic Director and head football coach Anthony Hays says this $20 million project, however, spans well beyond athletics."That's going to a new performing arts center," Hays told KFEQ Radio. "The renovation of our game gym, the addition of a new auxiliary gym, which will be awesome on the athletics side of stuff where we can maybe play sub varsity games in one gym, high school games in another. Make our nights and tournaments go by a little quicker.""Also new athletic locker rooms and P.E. locker rooms."Savannah launched a $2 million fundraiser back in January to help pay for the track and turf field. Hays says about $1.2 million of that has already been raised.The plan is to break ground on the field and track project this summer.&nbsp;Hays says the field project, classroom expansion and gym revamp is scheduled to be done by the start of the coming school year.There'll also be new locker rooms and a new film room.A new, two-story press box is slated to be done within a month or two. The new performing arts center may take until January.Hays says the school district wants the very best for its students."We want all of our kids to have the very best we can offer them," he said. "To see it happening shows you the investment of our school district and community into the next generation, and that's pretty neat to see in our small town."While the upgrades to the turf, press box and scoreboard will enhance the Friday night football atmosphere,&nbsp;Hays says the soccer teams stand to gain from an upgraded field as well."(Soccer) is in a facility right now that doesn't have lights, running water, a true grand stands or even bathrooms," he said, "so they're going to move their games to the stadium. So, I think that'll give them a pretty neat opportunity and venue for their games."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712261170692.jpeg" alt="Renovations underway at the Savannah High School gym. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Renovations underway at the Savannah High School gym. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712261210182.jpeg" alt="A new performing arts center will be built on the grounds of Savannah High School." />
 <figcaption>A new performing arts center will be built on the grounds of Savannah High School.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712261255834.jpeg" alt="A rendering of what the new field and track will look like." />
 <figcaption>A rendering of what the new field and track will look like.</figcaption>
 </figure>Full interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Savannah-A-D---head-football-coach-Anthony-Hays-e2huith" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Savannah High School making progress on expansion for athletic, academic facilities

St. Joseph Police are warning residents of a new phone scam asking for donations in the name of the police department. 

Reports say the scammers are calling asking for donations to the St. Joseph Police Department, even using the name of Police Chief Paul Luster.  Reports say one victim was scammed out of over $1000 in gift cards. 

The St. Joseph Police Department will never contact anyone by phone and ask for money of any sort.  If you receive one of these calls its best to hang up and contact the police department.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph Police are warning residents of a new phone scam asking for donations in the name of the police department. Reports say the scammers are calling asking for donations to the St. Joseph Police Department, even using the name of Police Chief Paul Luster. Reports say one victim was scammed out of over $1000 in gift cards. The St. Joseph Police Department will never contact anyone by phone and ask for money of any sort. If you receive one of these calls its best to hang up and contact the police department.

Scam alert: St. Joseph Police report new scam call inquiring donations

Six southside St. Joseph residents have applied to fill the
remainder of former councilmember Taylor Crouse’s seat.

Crouse resigned after having to move out of District II for
family reasons.

At-Large Councilmember Randy Schultz is glad to see such
interest in serving on the city council.

“They’re going to put themselves out there,” Schultz tells
host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “I commend every one of them for doing
that.”

Schultz says it will benefit the council to have new blood.

“I think they can bring a new focus and new energy,” Schultz
says. “So, I think that bodes well for somebody coming in at the two-year mark.”

The St. Joseph City Council will hear from the six residents
today. There will also be a question-and-answer session.

Whoever the council chooses will fill the remaining two years
of Crouse’s term.

Schultz is glad to see so much interest for the position.

“That’s a great show of interest, it really is, to have six
people that want to commit to two years, to come out and do the work sessions
and then you have the council meetings and then you have phone calls.”

Schultz says he will tell the candidates for the position that
sometimes people just want someone to listen to them. Schultz, a business owner,
also has a caution for those candidates:&nbsp;
government runs slower than business.

“So, you do learn it’s a little slower pace and the people you’re
dealing with want to know why it isn’t faster,” Schultz says. “Well, it’s as
fast as government can go.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSix southside St. Joseph residents have applied to fill the
remainder of former councilmember Taylor Crouse’s seat.Crouse resigned after having to move out of District II for
family reasons.At-Large Councilmember Randy Schultz is glad to see such
interest in serving on the city council.“They’re going to put themselves out there,” Schultz tells
host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “I commend every one of them for doing
that.”Schultz says it will benefit the council to have new blood.“I think they can bring a new focus and new energy,” Schultz
says. “So, I think that bodes well for somebody coming in at the two-year mark.”The St. Joseph City Council will hear from the six residents
today. There will also be a question-and-answer session.Whoever the council chooses will fill the remaining two years
of Crouse’s term.Schultz is glad to see so much interest for the position.“That’s a great show of interest, it really is, to have six
people that want to commit to two years, to come out and do the work sessions
and then you have the council meetings and then you have phone calls.”Schultz says he will tell the candidates for the position that
sometimes people just want someone to listen to them. Schultz, a business owner,
also has a caution for those candidates:&nbsp;
government runs slower than business.“So, you do learn it’s a little slower pace and the people you’re
dealing with want to know why it isn’t faster,” Schultz says. “Well, it’s as
fast as government can go.”You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

A lot of interest shown in filling St. Joseph City Council seat

St. Joseph School Board President LaTonya Williams led a
crowded field for three school board seats during Tuesday’s election.

Williams was the top vote-getter, receiving 4,383 voters or
nearly 15%, of the vote. Williams was excited to receive the most votes in a
10-candidate field.

“Yes, yes. Out of everything, I am extremely most surprised about
that,” Williams tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Williams says she has an agenda in mind for a second term.

“Number one, I would like to continue with our goals and
vision, like our long-range plan,” Williams says. “Getting an action plan in
order to make those things happen and then, of course, a levy for teacher pay.”

School Superintendent Gabe Edgar has released a wide-ranging
<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/7f7340bf-2de1-4d74-afa1-177b04fd3a25">long-range plan</a> for the Board of Education to consider. It deals with teacher
pay, student academics, and the structure of the St. Joseph School District
from elementary through high school.

Voters chose two new school board members, Mike Moore and
Ronda Chesney.

Moore says the contentious school board debate over the
proposed four-day school week disclosed something beyond a shorten week.

“No matter where you stand on that issue, it was clear that
the teachers need our help and they need our support,” Moore tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post.

Moore came in second Tuesday with 4,193 votes, or 14.31%, of
the vote.

One of Moore’s goals aims directly at school board member
conduct, hoping to settle a school board recently rocked by controversy.

“As a board, we want to represent the behaviors that we expect
from our students,” Moore says. “And, so, I look forward to that being a very
functional board with the teachers’ and students’ best interest in mind.”

<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/a1181e5c-fbba-415e-97db-edadb02a869b">The St. Joseph School Board has voted to censure</a> member
Whitney Lanning for her confrontation with member Isaura Garcia after the
February 26th school board meeting, in which the board narrowly
rejected a proposed four-day school week. A counter censure measure made by
Lanning against Garcia, for Garcia allegedly insulting Lanning’s child, failed
to pass.

Winning the third seat on the school board was Ronda Chesney,
a former teacher and now an education instructor at Missouri Western, who says her
background gives her a unique perspective.

“So, I’m just excited to be able to be a board member and be
able to talk the school talk that has to happen between board members and
administration,” Chesney tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Chesney received 4,012 votes Tuesday or 13.69% of the vote.

All three were the only candidates to top 4,000 votes in
Tuesday’s election.

Jacob McMillian came in fourth with former school board member,
Tami Pasley, coming in fifth. School Board Vice President Kenneth Reeder lost
his re-election bid, coming in sixth.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712249767194.jpeg" alt="KFEQ broadcast the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce school board candidate forum/file photo" />
 <figcaption>KFEQ broadcast the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce school board candidate forum/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph School Board President LaTonya Williams led a
crowded field for three school board seats during Tuesday’s election.Williams was the top vote-getter, receiving 4,383 voters or
nearly 15%, of the vote. Williams was excited to receive the most votes in a
10-candidate field.“Yes, yes. Out of everything, I am extremely most surprised about
that,” Williams tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Williams says she has an agenda in mind for a second term.“Number one, I would like to continue with our goals and
vision, like our long-range plan,” Williams says. “Getting an action plan in
order to make those things happen and then, of course, a levy for teacher pay.”School Superintendent Gabe Edgar has released a wide-ranging
<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/7f7340bf-2de1-4d74-afa1-177b04fd3a25">long-range plan</a> for the Board of Education to consider. It deals with teacher
pay, student academics, and the structure of the St. Joseph School District
from elementary through high school.Voters chose two new school board members, Mike Moore and
Ronda Chesney.Moore says the contentious school board debate over the
proposed four-day school week disclosed something beyond a shorten week.“No matter where you stand on that issue, it was clear that
the teachers need our help and they need our support,” Moore tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post.Moore came in second Tuesday with 4,193 votes, or 14.31%, of
the vote.One of Moore’s goals aims directly at school board member
conduct, hoping to settle a school board recently rocked by controversy.“As a board, we want to represent the behaviors that we expect
from our students,” Moore says. “And, so, I look forward to that being a very
functional board with the teachers’ and students’ best interest in mind.”<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/a1181e5c-fbba-415e-97db-edadb02a869b">The St. Joseph School Board has voted to censure</a> member
Whitney Lanning for her confrontation with member Isaura Garcia after the
February 26th school board meeting, in which the board narrowly
rejected a proposed four-day school week. A counter censure measure made by
Lanning against Garcia, for Garcia allegedly insulting Lanning’s child, failed
to pass.Winning the third seat on the school board was Ronda Chesney,
a former teacher and now an education instructor at Missouri Western, who says her
background gives her a unique perspective.“So, I’m just excited to be able to be a board member and be
able to talk the school talk that has to happen between board members and
administration,” Chesney tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Chesney received 4,012 votes Tuesday or 13.69% of the vote.All three were the only candidates to top 4,000 votes in
Tuesday’s election.Jacob McMillian came in fourth with former school board member,
Tami Pasley, coming in fifth. School Board Vice President Kenneth Reeder lost
his re-election bid, coming in sixth.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/St--Joseph-School-Board-winners-e2hvoqk" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph School Board Pres. Williams has goals in mind for 2nd term

The St. Joseph School Board has officially censured board
member Whitney Lanning for her confrontation with fellow school board member
Isaura Garcia after the February 26th board meeting in which the
board narrowly rejected a proposal to adopt a four-day school week.

Lanning has been charged with misdemeanor harassment for the
confrontation that occurred after an executive session of the board. Garcia has
also filed a civil lawsuit against Lanning. Lanning has charged that Garcia
insulted her child during a verbal exchange.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712241235556.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph School Board&nbsp; members (l to r) David Foster, Isaura Garcia, Kenneth Reeder, and Whitney Lanning/file photo" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph School Board&nbsp; members (l to r) David Foster, Isaura Garcia, Kenneth Reeder, and Whitney Lanning/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph School Board has officially censured board
member Whitney Lanning for her confrontation with fellow school board member
Isaura Garcia after the February 26th board meeting in which the
board narrowly rejected a proposal to adopt a four-day school week.Lanning has been charged with misdemeanor harassment for the
confrontation that occurred after an executive session of the board. Garcia has
also filed a civil lawsuit against Lanning. Lanning has charged that Garcia
insulted her child during a verbal exchange.Board member Kim Miller proposed to censure Lanning during the
Wednesday school board meeting after consulting with legal counsel.A censure is a public reprimand and does not affect the member’s
position on the board.The board voted 3-1-1 on the censure of Lanning with David
Foster and Garcia joining Miller to vote in favor of the motion. School Board
President LaTonya Williams voted against the motion. Lanning abstained.Lanning made a counter motion, allegedly that Garcia disclosed
information about Lanning’s child. Garcia has denied the allegation. The measure
failed on a 2-3 vote. Lanning and Williams voted in favor of the motion while
Miller, Foster, and Garcia voted against. School board members Rick Gehring and
Kenneth Reeder were absent.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

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