Losing a loved one is difficult and a local support group aims to help get people through that loss.  

Griefshare has entered its 17th year at the Brookdale Presbyterian Church in St. Joseph. 

Organizer Deb Lyons says those suffering from loss can come join the group for the 13-week course, and in their time, they don't even have to talk if they don't want.  

"If all you can do is cry, they have Kleenex's, a lot of times we just go over and hug the person or just touch their back to let them know we're there," Lyons tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr. "A lot of times silence, just sitting with someone, is the best thing." 

Lyons says the goal of the 13-week course is to help those suffering from loss find their joy again.  

"Cause grief work is very hard to get from point A to W, X, Y, Z, and so our hope is that they will find their joy, because your joy is gone those first however long it takes, and so we want them to find their joy," Lyons explains. 

Lyons says another goal of the course is to help people empathize with others that might suffer from losing a loved one throughout their lives.  

Griefshare takes place at Brookdale on Thursdays with courses at 10am and at 6pm.  Courses are also being held at Restoration Church in St. Joseph on Tuesdays at the same time.

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Losing a loved one is difficult and a local support group aims to help get people through that loss. Griefshare has entered its 17th year at the Brookdale Presbyterian Church in St. Joseph. Organizer Deb Lyons says those suffering from loss can come join the group for the 13-week course, and in their time, they don't even have to talk if they don't want. "If all you can do is cry, they have Kleenex's, a lot of times we just go over and hug the person or just touch their back to let them know we're there," Lyons tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr. "A lot of times silence, just sitting with someone, is the best thing." Lyons says the goal of the 13-week course is to help those suffering from loss find their joy again. "Cause grief work is very hard to get from point A to W, X, Y, Z, and so our hope is that they will find their joy, because your joy is gone those first however long it takes, and so we want them to find their joy," Lyons explains. Lyons says another goal of the course is to help people empathize with others that might suffer from losing a loved one throughout their lives. Griefshare takes place at Brookdale on Thursdays with courses at 10am and at 6pm. Courses are also being held at Restoration Church in St. Joseph on Tuesdays at the same time.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Griefshare helping those that lost a loved one get through hard times

A couple of semi tractor-trailer accidents overnight backed up
traffic on Interstate 29 south of St. Joseph for hours during rush hour this morning.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports 40-year-old Mulin Celestin
of Miami, Florida lost control of his semi driving north on I-29. The truck
overturned, struck the cable barrier in the median of the interstate, and
spilled batteries onto the median. The accident occurred at the 40.8 mile
marker. Celestin suffered minor injuries.

About a half hour later, another semi tractor-trailer
rear-ended a semi that had parked on the inside shoulder of I-29 due to the initial
accident. The patrol reports 62-year-old Norris Davis of Grandview suffered
serious injuries in the wreck and has been hospitalized in St. Joseph. The
patrol states Davis was driving north on I-29 when he ran into the back of the
parked semi. The driver of that truck, 39-year-old Sean Wilson, was not
injured.

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

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA couple of semi tractor-trailer accidents overnight backed up
traffic on Interstate 29 south of St. Joseph for hours during rush hour this morning.The accidents were related.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports 40-year-old Mulin Celestin
of Miami, Florida lost control of his semi driving north on I-29. The truck
overturned, struck the cable barrier in the median of the interstate, and
spilled batteries onto the median. The accident occurred at the 40.8 mile
marker. Celestin suffered minor injuries.About a half hour later, another semi tractor-trailer
rear-ended a semi that had parked on the inside shoulder of I-29 due to the initial
accident. The patrol reports 62-year-old Norris Davis of Grandview suffered
serious injuries in the wreck and has been hospitalized in St. Joseph. The
patrol states Davis was driving north on I-29 when he ran into the back of the
parked semi. The driver of that truck, 39-year-old Sean Wilson, was not
injured.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Semi wrecks on I-29 south of St. Joseph back up traffic during rush hour

A 70-year-old Lathrop man has died of injuries suffered in an ATV
accident Saturday afternoon.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports David Blackman died
at a Kansas City area hospital three days after the wreck.

The patrol states Blackman was riding west on northeast Gall
Road three miles southeast of Turney Saturday afternoon when he lost control of the ATV. The vehicle
flipped on top of him.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 70-year-old Lathrop man has died of injuries suffered in an ATV
accident Saturday afternoon.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports David Blackman died
at a Kansas City area hospital three days after the wreck.The patrol states Blackman was riding west on northeast Gall
Road three miles southeast of Turney Saturday afternoon when he lost control of the ATV. The vehicle
flipped on top of him.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

70-year-old Lathrop man dies from injuries in ATV wreck

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; a vehicle fire that occurred on Wednesday in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Shortly before midnight police officers and firefighters responded a fire involving a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox&nbsp;in the 200 block North 10th Street. The SUV was unoccupied, parked on the street and fully engulfed in fire. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. There are no injuries reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707408352995.png" alt="Photos Atchison Police" />
 <figcaption>Photos Atchison Police</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; a vehicle fire that occurred on Wednesday in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707408387632.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Shortly before midnight police officers and firefighters responded a fire involving a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox&nbsp;in the 200 block North 10th Street. The SUV was unoccupied, parked on the street and fully engulfed in fire. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. There are no injuries reported.

Police: Cause of SUV fire under investigation

St. Joseph police took a man into custody on suspicion of
drunk driving after he drove through a southside St. Joseph church parking, hit
a vehicle when he drove back onto the street, went through one backyard fence
twice, and another once, before arriving at his home.

Police made the arrest at about 12:30 Thursday morning.
Charges are pending against the St. Joseph resident said to be in his 20s.

According to police, the man drove into the Evolution United
Methodist Church parking lot, did a few donuts, went back onto West Valley Street, struck a
vehicle, went through one fence twice, then through another, hit a gas meter at
the back of a house in the 200 block of West Valley, and stopped in his
driveway.

The driver of the vehicle hit was taken to the hospital for
observation, complaining of back pain.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph police took a man into custody on suspicion of
drunk driving after he drove through a southside St. Joseph church parking, hit
a vehicle when he drove back onto the street, went through one backyard fence
twice, and another once, before arriving at his home.Police made the arrest at about 12:30 Thursday morning.
Charges are pending against the St. Joseph resident said to be in his 20s.According to police, the man drove into the Evolution United
Methodist Church parking lot, did a few donuts, went back onto West Valley Street, struck a
vehicle, went through one fence twice, then through another, hit a gas meter at
the back of a house in the 200 block of West Valley, and stopped in his
driveway.The driver of the vehicle hit was taken to the hospital for
observation, complaining of back pain.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Man arrested on suspicion of DWI after doing donuts in St. Joseph church parking lot

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 1a.m. Thursday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2024 International semi driven by Mulin Celestin, 40, Miami, Florida, was northbound on Interstate 29 four miles south of St. Joseph.

The driver lost control of the vehicle. It overturned and struck the cable barrier. Buchanan County EMS transported Celestin to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 1a.m. Thursday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2024 International semi driven by Mulin Celestin, 40, Miami, Florida, was northbound on Interstate 29 four miles south of St. Joseph.The driver lost control of the vehicle. It overturned and struck the cable barrier. Buchanan County EMS transported Celestin to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Driver hospitalized after semi overturns

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri senators on Wednesday voted against amending the state's strict law against abortions to allow exceptions in cases of rape and incest.

The state banned almost all abortions after the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned Roe v. Wade</a>. Abortions currently are only legal “in cases of medical emergency.”

Democratic state Sen. Tracy McCreery said Missouri's current law goes too far and called on her colleagues to “show an ounce of compassion" for victims of rape and incest.

“What we’re saying is, ‘We don’t care,’” McCreery said of the state's current abortion ban. “We’re going to force you to give birth, even if that pregnancy resulted from forcible rape by a family member, a date, an ex-husband or a stranger.”

McCreery tried adding amendments to allow exceptions for abortion in cases of rape and incest to a Republican-sponsored bill that would continue blocking taxpayer funding from going to Planned Parenthood.

Both of McCreery's amendments were voted down along party lines in the Republican-led Senate, and debate on the underlying bill was cut off before a final vote Wednesday.

GOP Sen. Rick Brattin said abortion is as much of an atrocity as the institution of slavery and argued that giving birth could help women recover from rape or incest.

“If you want to go after the rapist, let’s give him the death penalty. Absolutely, let’s do it,” Brattin said. “But not the innocent person caught in-between that, by God’s grace, may even be the greatest healing agent you need in which to recover from such an atrocity.”

Republican Sen. Mike Moon was also in favor of the ban and added to Brattin's comments, calling for rapists to be castrated.

But some Republicans said that Missouri went too far in its abortion ban.

St. Louis resident Jamie Corley is leading a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-abortion-rape-incest-cc4901ed9b9ec6a0ffc9d47e28ce1048">campaign</a>&nbsp;to amend the state constitution to allow abortions for any reason up to 12 weeks into pregnancy. If Corley's amendment is enacted, abortions would also be allowed in cases of rape, incest and fatal fetal abnormalities until&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-viability-ballot-initiatives-2024-roe-fcf440373973b01f740912cd3bbd98a4">viability</a>, which typically is around 24 weeks.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-constitutional-amendment-viability-37e28b7609607ae762626206ea1a72c1">competing</a>&nbsp;proposal backed by Planned Parenthood and other abortion-rights groups would enshrine the right to abortion in the constitution while allowing the GOP-led Legislature to regulate it after the point of viability.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707355051916.png" alt=" Pam Scovill, center, reacts to a speaker during Missourians for Constitutionals Freedom kick-off petition drive, Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. Missouri senators on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, voted against amending the state's strict law against abortions to allow exceptions in cases of rape and incest. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga, File)" />
 <figcaption> Pam Scovill, center, reacts to a speaker during Missourians for Constitutionals Freedom kick-off petition drive, Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. Missouri senators on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, voted against amending the state's strict law against abortions to allow exceptions in cases of rape and incest. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri senators on Wednesday voted against amending the state's strict law against abortions to allow exceptions in cases of rape and incest.The state banned almost all abortions after the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned Roe v. Wade</a>. Abortions currently are only legal “in cases of medical emergency.”Democratic state Sen. Tracy McCreery said Missouri's current law goes too far and called on her colleagues to “show an ounce of compassion" for victims of rape and incest.“What we’re saying is, ‘We don’t care,’” McCreery said of the state's current abortion ban. “We’re going to force you to give birth, even if that pregnancy resulted from forcible rape by a family member, a date, an ex-husband or a stranger.”McCreery tried adding amendments to allow exceptions for abortion in cases of rape and incest to a Republican-sponsored bill that would continue blocking taxpayer funding from going to Planned Parenthood.Both of McCreery's amendments were voted down along party lines in the Republican-led Senate, and debate on the underlying bill was cut off before a final vote Wednesday.GOP Sen. Rick Brattin said abortion is as much of an atrocity as the institution of slavery and argued that giving birth could help women recover from rape or incest.“If you want to go after the rapist, let’s give him the death penalty. Absolutely, let’s do it,” Brattin said. “But not the innocent person caught in-between that, by God’s grace, may even be the greatest healing agent you need in which to recover from such an atrocity.”Republican Sen. Mike Moon was also in favor of the ban and added to Brattin's comments, calling for rapists to be castrated.But some Republicans said that Missouri went too far in its abortion ban.St. Louis resident Jamie Corley is leading a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-abortion-rape-incest-cc4901ed9b9ec6a0ffc9d47e28ce1048">campaign</a>&nbsp;to amend the state constitution to allow abortions for any reason up to 12 weeks into pregnancy. If Corley's amendment is enacted, abortions would also be allowed in cases of rape, incest and fatal fetal abnormalities until&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-viability-ballot-initiatives-2024-roe-fcf440373973b01f740912cd3bbd98a4">viability</a>, which typically is around 24 weeks.A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-constitutional-amendment-viability-37e28b7609607ae762626206ea1a72c1">competing</a>&nbsp;proposal backed by Planned Parenthood and other abortion-rights groups would enshrine the right to abortion in the constitution while allowing the GOP-led Legislature to regulate it after the point of viability.

Missouri Senate votes against allowing abortion in cases of rape and incest

Banning foreign adversaries from owning Missouri farmland is being brought before the legislature for a second year.  

State Senator Rusty Black of Chillicothe says it became an issue in the 2022 US Senate campaign in Missouri. 

"The second part on making decisions also is of course national security or security of important assets included in our state, you know our military assets as well as other infrastructure assets," Black tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  

Black says the concern is that businesses and individual from countries considered adversarial to the United States, such as China and North Korea, might buy farmland near those military facilities.  

Earlier this year, Missouri Governor Mike Parson signed an executive order banning those adversaries from purchasing farmland within a 10-mile radius of critical military facilities.  

Black says enforcement of the law would align with an executive order issued by Governor Mike Parson in January.  

"Then within the law, if we end up with a law similar to what the executive order is, within that it can force the divestiture of that property that was purchased," Black explains.  

Black says the executive order is a step in the right direction, but it now needs to become law. 

"What the governor did, certainly don't think I'm talking bad about it, but then we need to make sure that we come up with what we believe is best for our state and pass that into law so that we can consider it more permanent," Black says. 

Black says a discussion in the legislature has been what should be determined as critical infrastructure, citing one example as Smithfield Foods being near the Trenton armory.

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Banning foreign adversaries from owning Missouri farmland is being brought before the legislature for a second year. State Senator Rusty Black of Chillicothe says it became an issue in the 2022 US Senate campaign in Missouri. "The second part on making decisions also is of course national security or security of important assets included in our state, you know our military assets as well as other infrastructure assets," Black tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. Black says the concern is that businesses and individual from countries considered adversarial to the United States, such as China and North Korea, might buy farmland near those military facilities. Earlier this year, Missouri Governor Mike Parson signed an executive order banning those adversaries from purchasing farmland within a 10-mile radius of critical military facilities. Black says enforcement of the law would align with an executive order issued by Governor Mike Parson in January. "Then within the law, if we end up with a law similar to what the executive order is, within that it can force the divestiture of that property that was purchased," Black explains. Black says the executive order is a step in the right direction, but it now needs to become law. "What the governor did, certainly don't think I'm talking bad about it, but then we need to make sure that we come up with what we believe is best for our state and pass that into law so that we can consider it more permanent," Black says. Black says a discussion in the legislature has been what should be determined as critical infrastructure, citing one example as Smithfield Foods being near the Trenton armory.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Banning-foreign-ownership-of-land-facing-MO-legislature-e2fg8or" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Banning foreign ownership of farmland being brought to Missouri legislature

A 28-year-old St. Joseph man has been taken into custody after
allegedly firing a round from a handgun in a southside St. Joseph bar.

St. Joseph police say they received a call just before 11
o’clock Tuesday night from the Missourian at 3701 King Hill Avenue. Police
report two men got into a disturbance and one shot was fired inside the bar. No
one was harmed. There was slight property damage, according to police.

Charges are pending. The investigation continues.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 28-year-old St. Joseph man has been taken into custody after
allegedly firing a round from a handgun in a southside St. Joseph bar.St. Joseph police say they received a call just before 11
o’clock Tuesday night from the Missourian at 3701 King Hill Avenue. Police
report two men got into a disturbance and one shot was fired inside the bar. No
one was harmed. There was slight property damage, according to police.Charges are pending. The investigation continues.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

No one harmed in southside St. Joseph shooting

Missouri ranks 50th in average starting teacher pay, but legislators have a plan to boost salaries statewide

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

Legislation boosting teacher recruitment and retention in Missouri is once again a priority of the Missouri House, with a hearing Wednesday morning on a pair of Republican-backed bills.

Rep. Ed Lewis, a Republican from Moberly, is sponsoring&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1447&amp;year=2024&amp;code=R">legislation</a>&nbsp;based on the findings of the State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s blue ribbon commission. It is the third year he has sponsored legislation on teacher recruitment and retention.

“The problem is obvious to all of us at this point,” he told the committee. “We don’t have enough teachers for our public schools and, to some extent, for the private and parochial schools as well.”

After three years in a Missouri school district, an average 43.3% of teachers leave,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apps.dese.mo.gov/MCDS/Visualizations.aspx?id=22">according to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education</a>.

According to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mnea.org/research">Missouri National Education Association</a>, a teachers’ union, the state ranks 50th in average starting teacher pay and 47th in average teacher pay.

Lewis’s bill seeks to raise the base teacher pay, allow differentiated salary schedules for hard-to-staff areas and increase scholarships to recruit teachers, among other provisions.

Rep. Ann Kelley, a Republican from Lamar, asked whether support staff could be added to the bill.

“The schools cannot be successful without the support staff, and the salaries of the support staff and retention and retaining those support staff is vital,” Kelley said.

Lewis was hesitant to increase the potential fiscal impact.

“We’re gonna have a hard time getting anything across the finish line on the other side,” he said, referring to the Senate.

Last year, he filed the teacher pay-raise proposals as separate bills before the committee combined them into one bill. The House overwhelmingly&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-house-approves-legislation-seeking-to-boost-minimum-teacher-salaries/">approved the legislation</a>&nbsp;on a 145-5 vote, but filibusters in the Senate&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/06/lawmakers-lament-failure-of-bills-aimed-at-addressing-missouri-teacher-shortage/">ran out the clock before it</a>&nbsp;could be debated in that chamber.

Rep. Willard Haley, a Republican from Eldon, is also&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1431&amp;year=2024&amp;code=R">sponsoring a bill</a>&nbsp;to raise teachers’ minimum salary — though his ask is a bit different. He hopes to raise the base to $46,000 by the 2027-28 school year. Fully implemented, the bill is estimated to cost up to $17.5 million.

“I just insist that it’s time that we start paying our teachers what they deserve,” Haley said.

He said teenagers with a high-school diploma can make more working at a local factory than some teachers do.

Currently, state statute allows schools to pay teachers as little as $25,000 or $33,000 for those with a master’s degree and 10 years of experience.

The state has a grant program, which is up for renewal annually, to raise teacher base salaries to $38,000. In the current school year, 310 school districts are using the grant for a total of 4,806 teachers, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education told The Independent.

Gov. Mike Parson has requested an increase to this program to raise the base to $40,000 for the next fiscal year.

Lewis doesn’t like relying on the annual appropriations for teacher salaries. He said he worries, with an upcoming gubernatorial election, the next governor may not fully fund the base-salary grant.&nbsp;

“I don’t think we should legislate through the budget. I think that the policy should go first and the budget should follow,” he told the committee.

Haley’s bill prescribes a fund that would match district’s contributions 70/30 to get salaries to his preferred base.

Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, a Columbia Democrat, said she wanted a “broader” change.

“I look at our large school districts… 52% of our districts will see no impact from state dollars towards teacher salaries,” she said. “I feel pretty confident if we ask those districts ‘Are you having a retention problem?’ They would probably all say yes.”

Rep. Dan Stacy, a Republican from Blue Springs, asked if a base-pay increase could be tied to a decrease to another part of the budget. Haley said his bill is “top priority.”

“This is such a priority item that we must handle this,” he said. “We must fulfill this funding even at a cost to some other things. But education is that important to me.”

No one testified in opposition to the legislation Wednesday.

Perry Gorrell, interim legislative liaison for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, said raising the base teacher pay is the Commissioner of Education’s top priority.

“We know that the greatest impact on student achievement is having highly qualified teachers for students. These two bills helped to ensure that,” he said.

Otto Fajen, lobbyist for the Missouri branch of the National Education Association, said the teachers’ union would like lawmakers to consider small schools with under 100 kids when looking at funding.

“While not that many of our members are going to benefit directly from the increase here, it sends a message that the legislature believes that entry pay and, overall, the earnings for teachers should resemble similar professions to make it a more viable choice going forward,” Fajen said.

Steve Carroll, a lobbyist representing the Cooperating School Districts of Greater Kansas City and St. Louis Public Schools, said he woke up at nearly 4 a.m. thinking about these bills.

He felt like his anxiety was pointless because the bills “probably won’t even make it across the finish line because of what’s going on in the Senate.”

But he saw the salary of a baseball player in a news article and marveled at society’s “priorities.” He believes teachers are the ones more deserving of higher pay.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707322562335.png" alt=" Rep. Ed Lewis, R-Moberly, speaks in a House Elementary and Secondary Education hearing in April 2023 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Rep. Ed Lewis, R-Moberly, speaks in a House Elementary and Secondary Education hearing in April 2023 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Missouri ranks 50th in average starting teacher pay, but legislators have a plan to boost salaries statewide</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">ANNELISE HANSHAW</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Legislation boosting teacher recruitment and retention in Missouri is once again a priority of the Missouri House, with a hearing Wednesday morning on a pair of Republican-backed bills.Rep. Ed Lewis, a Republican from Moberly, is sponsoring&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1447&amp;year=2024&amp;code=R">legislation</a>&nbsp;based on the findings of the State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s blue ribbon commission. It is the third year he has sponsored legislation on teacher recruitment and retention.“The problem is obvious to all of us at this point,” he told the committee. “We don’t have enough teachers for our public schools and, to some extent, for the private and parochial schools as well.”After three years in a Missouri school district, an average 43.3% of teachers leave,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apps.dese.mo.gov/MCDS/Visualizations.aspx?id=22">according to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education</a>.According to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mnea.org/research">Missouri National Education Association</a>, a teachers’ union, the state ranks 50th in average starting teacher pay and 47th in average teacher pay.Lewis’s bill seeks to raise the base teacher pay, allow differentiated salary schedules for hard-to-staff areas and increase scholarships to recruit teachers, among other provisions.Rep. Ann Kelley, a Republican from Lamar, asked whether support staff could be added to the bill.“The schools cannot be successful without the support staff, and the salaries of the support staff and retention and retaining those support staff is vital,” Kelley said.Lewis was hesitant to increase the potential fiscal impact.“We’re gonna have a hard time getting anything across the finish line on the other side,” he said, referring to the Senate.Last year, he filed the teacher pay-raise proposals as separate bills before the committee combined them into one bill. The House overwhelmingly&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-house-approves-legislation-seeking-to-boost-minimum-teacher-salaries/">approved the legislation</a>&nbsp;on a 145-5 vote, but filibusters in the Senate&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/06/lawmakers-lament-failure-of-bills-aimed-at-addressing-missouri-teacher-shortage/">ran out the clock before it</a>&nbsp;could be debated in that chamber.Rep. Willard Haley, a Republican from Eldon, is also&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1431&amp;year=2024&amp;code=R">sponsoring a bill</a>&nbsp;to raise teachers’ minimum salary — though his ask is a bit different. He hopes to raise the base to $46,000 by the 2027-28 school year. Fully implemented, the bill is estimated to cost up to $17.5 million.“I just insist that it’s time that we start paying our teachers what they deserve,” Haley said.He said teenagers with a high-school diploma can make more working at a local factory than some teachers do.Currently, state statute allows schools to pay teachers as little as $25,000 or $33,000 for those with a master’s degree and 10 years of experience.The state has a grant program, which is up for renewal annually, to raise teacher base salaries to $38,000. In the current school year, 310 school districts are using the grant for a total of 4,806 teachers, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education told The Independent.Gov. Mike Parson has requested an increase to this program to raise the base to $40,000 for the next fiscal year.Lewis doesn’t like relying on the annual appropriations for teacher salaries. He said he worries, with an upcoming gubernatorial election, the next governor may not fully fund the base-salary grant.&nbsp;“I don’t think we should legislate through the budget. I think that the policy should go first and the budget should follow,” he told the committee.Haley’s bill prescribes a fund that would match district’s contributions 70/30 to get salaries to his preferred base.Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, a Columbia Democrat, said she wanted a “broader” change.“I look at our large school districts… 52% of our districts will see no impact from state dollars towards teacher salaries,” she said. “I feel pretty confident if we ask those districts ‘Are you having a retention problem?’ They would probably all say yes.”Rep. Dan Stacy, a Republican from Blue Springs, asked if a base-pay increase could be tied to a decrease to another part of the budget. Haley said his bill is “top priority.”“This is such a priority item that we must handle this,” he said. “We must fulfill this funding even at a cost to some other things. But education is that important to me.”No one testified in opposition to the legislation Wednesday.Perry Gorrell, interim legislative liaison for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, said raising the base teacher pay is the Commissioner of Education’s top priority.“We know that the greatest impact on student achievement is having highly qualified teachers for students. These two bills helped to ensure that,” he said.Otto Fajen, lobbyist for the Missouri branch of the National Education Association, said the teachers’ union would like lawmakers to consider small schools with under 100 kids when looking at funding.“While not that many of our members are going to benefit directly from the increase here, it sends a message that the legislature believes that entry pay and, overall, the earnings for teachers should resemble similar professions to make it a more viable choice going forward,” Fajen said.Steve Carroll, a lobbyist representing the Cooperating School Districts of Greater Kansas City and St. Louis Public Schools, said he woke up at nearly 4 a.m. thinking about these bills.He felt like his anxiety was pointless because the bills “probably won’t even make it across the finish line because of what’s going on in the Senate.”But he saw the salary of a baseball player in a news article and marveled at society’s “priorities.” He believes teachers are the ones more deserving of higher pay.

Mo. lawmakers want to raise teacher pay but anticipate Senate resistance

ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo. —One person was injured in an accident just before 9p.m. Tuesday in Atchison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ford F150 driven by Amanda L. Wallenkamp, 45, Montrose, South Dakota, was southbound on Interstate 29 two miles north of Watson.

The driver experienced a medical issue. The pickup crossed the center median, crossed both northbound lanes, traveled off the east side of the road and struck an embankment,

Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Wallenkamp to Fairfax Community Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ATCHISON COUNTY, Mo. —One person was injured in an accident just before 9p.m. Tuesday in Atchison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ford F150 driven by Amanda L. Wallenkamp, 45, Montrose, South Dakota, was southbound on Interstate 29 two miles north of Watson.The driver experienced a medical issue. The pickup crossed the center median, crossed both northbound lanes, traveled off the east side of the road and struck an embankment,Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Wallenkamp to Fairfax Community Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Driver hospitalized after pickup strikes embankment

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

A bill that would create tax credits&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/29/missouri-child-care-crisis-a-top-priority-for-governor-bipartisan-group-of-lawmakers/">designed to make child care more affordable and accessible</a>&nbsp;won initial approval Tuesday from the Missouri House.

The bill will need to be approved one more time by the House before it heads to the Missouri Senate.

The state continues to<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/05/critical-infrastructure-missouri-child-care-shortage-called-a-crisis-for-employers/">&nbsp;grapple with a child care crisis</a>,with about 200,000 children living in parts of Missouri considered<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/26/missouri-child-care-deserts-now-include-nearly-half-of-kids-5-and-under/">&nbsp;“child care deserts”</a>&nbsp;because there are one or fewer child care slots available for every three children.

The bill, refiled this year&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1488&amp;year=2024&amp;code=R">by Republican state Rep. Brenda Shields</a>&nbsp;of St. Joseph, would offer three types of credits: for taxpayers who donate to support child care centers, for employers who make investments in child care needs for their employees and for child care providers.&nbsp;

The same legislation was also filed by Democratic state Sen.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=816">Lauren Arthur</a>&nbsp;of Kansas City, and was approved by a committee last month.

During Tuesday’s debate, Shields cited a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/sites/default/files/EarlyEd_MISSOURI_2021_DIGITAL.pdf">2021 U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation&nbsp;</a>study that found lack of accessible and quality child care forced many Missouri parents to change or leave their workplace. The foundation determined this workforce disruption cost the state more than $1.3 billion annually.&nbsp;

“Affordable, reliable, safe, child care is an important infrastructure in our state,” Shields said. “Just as important as roads, rails and the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers.”

Shields called on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB1488&amp;year=2024&amp;code=R">legislation’s</a>&nbsp;“innovative solution” as a means to bring together communities and businesses through the following tax programs:

“We want people working, we want people to come here and expand their businesses, and this is one of the main things that needs to get done,” state Rep. Bridget Walsh Moore, a Democrat from St. Louis, said in support of the bill. “Times are desperate.”

The average cost of full-time center-based care for an infant in Missouri was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://info.childcareaware.org/hubfs/2022_CC_Afford_Analysis.pdf">$11,059</a>&nbsp;as of 2022, according to Child Care Aware. Meanwhile, it can be difficult to hire and retain staff, who often make barely&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://meric.mo.gov/data/occupation/occupational-employment-wages">over</a>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/26/missouri-child-care-deserts-now-include-nearly-half-of-kids-5-and-under/">minimum wage</a>.

Gov. Mike Parson has also been a champion of the tax credits, saying the issue transcends party lines.&nbsp;

In his State of the State address last month, Parson highlighted a $51.7 million budget increase to the child care subsidy program for low-income children. Last year he supported a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/24/a-78-million-boost-to-missouris-child-care-subsidy-will-reach-providers-next-month/">$78 million boost</a>&nbsp;to child care subsidies to encourage child care providers to offer services to low-income and foster families and another&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/05/critical-infrastructure-missouri-child-care-shortage-called-a-crisis-for-employers/">$81 million</a>&nbsp;for state-funded pre-kindergarten targeted at low-income four-year-olds.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707267506104.png" alt="A bill filed by state Rep. Brenda Shields that would create tax credits designed to make child care more affordable and accessible in Missouri won initial approval Tuesday from the state House. (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption>A bill filed by state Rep. Brenda Shields that would create tax credits designed to make child care more affordable and accessible in Missouri won initial approval Tuesday from the state House. (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>A bill that would create tax credits&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/29/missouri-child-care-crisis-a-top-priority-for-governor-bipartisan-group-of-lawmakers/">designed to make child care more affordable and accessible</a>&nbsp;won initial approval Tuesday from the Missouri House.The bill will need to be approved one more time by the House before it heads to the Missouri Senate.The state continues to<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/05/critical-infrastructure-missouri-child-care-shortage-called-a-crisis-for-employers/">&nbsp;grapple with a child care crisis</a>,with about 200,000 children living in parts of Missouri considered<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/26/missouri-child-care-deserts-now-include-nearly-half-of-kids-5-and-under/">&nbsp;“child care deserts”</a>&nbsp;because there are one or fewer child care slots available for every three children.The bill, refiled this year&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1488&amp;year=2024&amp;code=R">by Republican state Rep. Brenda Shields</a>&nbsp;of St. Joseph, would offer three types of credits: for taxpayers who donate to support child care centers, for employers who make investments in child care needs for their employees and for child care providers.&nbsp;The same legislation was also filed by Democratic state Sen.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=816">Lauren Arthur</a>&nbsp;of Kansas City, and was approved by a committee last month.During Tuesday’s debate, Shields cited a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/sites/default/files/EarlyEd_MISSOURI_2021_DIGITAL.pdf">2021 U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation&nbsp;</a>study that found lack of accessible and quality child care forced many Missouri parents to change or leave their workplace. The foundation determined this workforce disruption cost the state more than $1.3 billion annually.&nbsp;“Affordable, reliable, safe, child care is an important infrastructure in our state,” Shields said. “Just as important as roads, rails and the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers.”Shields called on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB1488&amp;year=2024&amp;code=R">legislation’s</a>&nbsp;“innovative solution” as a means to bring together communities and businesses through the following tax programs:<ul>
 <li>The “Child Care Contribution” tax credit would allow donors to child care providers to receive a credit equal to 75% of a qualifying donation, up to a $200,000 tax credit. The provider must use the donation to “promote child care” including by improving facilities, staff salaries or training.&nbsp;</li><li>The “Employer Provided Child Care Assistance” is aimed at creating partnerships between businesses whose employees need child care and providers. It would allow employers to receive tax credits equivalent to 30% of qualifying child care expenditures.</li><li>The “Child Care Providers Tax Credit” would allow child care providers to claim a tax credit equal to the provider’s employer withholding tax and up to 30% of a provider’s capital expenditures on costs like expanding or renovating their facilities.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>“We want people working, we want people to come here and expand their businesses, and this is one of the main things that needs to get done,” state Rep. Bridget Walsh Moore, a Democrat from St. Louis, said in support of the bill. “Times are desperate.”The average cost of full-time center-based care for an infant in Missouri was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://info.childcareaware.org/hubfs/2022_CC_Afford_Analysis.pdf">$11,059</a>&nbsp;as of 2022, according to Child Care Aware. Meanwhile, it can be difficult to hire and retain staff, who often make barely&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://meric.mo.gov/data/occupation/occupational-employment-wages">over</a>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/26/missouri-child-care-deserts-now-include-nearly-half-of-kids-5-and-under/">minimum wage</a>.Gov. Mike Parson has also been a champion of the tax credits, saying the issue transcends party lines.&nbsp;In his State of the State address last month, Parson highlighted a $51.7 million budget increase to the child care subsidy program for low-income children. Last year he supported a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/24/a-78-million-boost-to-missouris-child-care-subsidy-will-reach-providers-next-month/">$78 million boost</a>&nbsp;to child care subsidies to encourage child care providers to offer services to low-income and foster families and another&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/05/critical-infrastructure-missouri-child-care-shortage-called-a-crisis-for-employers/">$81 million</a>&nbsp;for state-funded pre-kindergarten targeted at low-income four-year-olds.&nbsp;

‘Times are desperate’: Missouri House gives initial approval to child care tax credits

A 78-year-old inmate at the women’s prison in Chillicothe has
died.

The Missouri Department of Corrections reports Barbara Banning
died early Sunday evening at the Chillicothe Correctional Center. Banning was
serving a 25-year sentence for second-degree murder and first-degree arson from
Lawrence County.

Banning began serving her prison sentence in 2006.

The Department of Corrections reports the Banning died of
apparent natural causes.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 78-year-old inmate at the women’s prison in Chillicothe has
died.The Missouri Department of Corrections reports Barbara Banning
died early Sunday evening at the Chillicothe Correctional Center. Banning was
serving a 25-year sentence for second-degree murder and first-degree arson from
Lawrence County.Banning began serving her prison sentence in 2006.The Department of Corrections reports the Banning died of
apparent natural causes.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Inmate dies at Chillicothe women's prison

Missouri roadway fatalities were slightly down throughout 2023. 

Preliminary data shows the state of Missouri saw 989 traffic fatalities last year, a six percent decrease from 2022.  

Missouri State Highway Patrol spokesman Seargent Shane Hux with Troop H says locally there was a drop, but it didn't quite mirror the statewide numbers 

"In 23' we ended the year with 41 fatalities in northwest Missouri here in the Troop H area compared to 42 back in 2022," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  

While overall traffic fatalities were down, the number of motorcycle fatalities has never been higher.  

Hux says though Missouri repealed its helmet law, it's still important to encourage motorcyclists to wear a helmet. 

"Because that is your number one safety device when you're on a motorcycle, just like riding in a vehicle you know your number one safety device is your seatbelt," Hux explains. "So that's all we can do is encourage them and tell them your chance of surviving if your involved in a motor vehicle crash when you're on your motorcycle, your chances of surviving that increase if you're wearing a helmet." 

Across Missouri there were 175 motorcyclists killed, a 14 percent increase from 2022, making it the highest number of motorcycle fatalities reported in Missouri.  

Hux says to keep the numbers going down this year, the goal of the highway patrol is enforcement and education of four key areas. 

"Always obey the traffic laws, they're there for a reason, they're there for your safety they're there for the safety of the motoring public, that's huge to obey those traffic laws," Hux says. "Always make sure that you and everybody inside the vehicle buckles up each and every time they get inside their vehicle, never operate while impaired, and always devote 100% of your attention to driving at all times." 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Missouri roadway fatalities were slightly down throughout 2023. Preliminary data shows the state of Missouri saw 989 traffic fatalities last year, a six percent decrease from 2022. Missouri State Highway Patrol spokesman Seargent Shane Hux with Troop H says locally there was a drop, but it didn't quite mirror the statewide numbers "In 23' we ended the year with 41 fatalities in northwest Missouri here in the Troop H area compared to 42 back in 2022," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. While overall traffic fatalities were down, the number of motorcycle fatalities has never been higher. Hux says though Missouri repealed its helmet law, it's still important to encourage motorcyclists to wear a helmet. "Because that is your number one safety device when you're on a motorcycle, just like riding in a vehicle you know your number one safety device is your seatbelt," Hux explains. "So that's all we can do is encourage them and tell them your chance of surviving if your involved in a motor vehicle crash when you're on your motorcycle, your chances of surviving that increase if you're wearing a helmet." Across Missouri there were 175 motorcyclists killed, a 14 percent increase from 2022, making it the highest number of motorcycle fatalities reported in Missouri. Hux says to keep the numbers going down this year, the goal of the highway patrol is enforcement and education of four key areas. "Always obey the traffic laws, they're there for a reason, they're there for your safety they're there for the safety of the motoring public, that's huge to obey those traffic laws," Hux says. "Always make sure that you and everybody inside the vehicle buckles up each and every time they get inside their vehicle, never operate while impaired, and always devote 100% of your attention to driving at all times." You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Missouri roadway deaths were  slightly down in 2023

Buchanan and Andrew County Republicans prepare for their
respective caucuses as Missouri switches from a presidential preference primary
back to the caucus format.

Andrew County Republican Central Committee chair, Mark
Schneider, says by the time the March 2nd Caucus rolls around, there
likely will be only former President Donald Trump standing in the Republican
presidential field. But he does expect backers of former UN Ambassador and
South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley to show up.

“Certainly, there are Haley supporters in each of our
counties,” Schneider tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “You just have
some people that are anti-Trump regardless and they may be Haley supporters.”

Schneider also serves as chair of the Republican 6th
Congressional District.

Buchanan County Republican Central Committee chair, Steven
Greiert, says county Republicans will gather at the Buchanan County Courthouse,
with no oath required.

“If you check the blank, we’re going to hope that you’re
telling the truth. No one registers by party anymore,” Greiert tells Birr. “So,
therefore, we only know which people are residing in our respective counties and
which people are registered voters. So, we’re hoping that the people will tell
the truth.”

Schneider says Missouri had always held caucuses until 1988,
when Democrats wanted a primary to help the presidential aspirations of St.
Louis Congressman Richard Gephardt. Both Schneider and Greiert call the past
primaries beauty contests. Even though the state had a presidential primary,
delegates to the state and national convention were chosen by caucus.

Schneider says a caucus, as opposed to a primary, brings out
committed party members.

“It motivates the people who are truly informed and truly want
to participate in the political process,” according to Schneider. “This is the
basic, grass roots political activity.&nbsp;
It all starts right here at the county level, and then moves up to the
district level, and then on to the state convention.”

All Missouri Republican Caucus meetings will begin at 10am on
Saturday, March 2nd. The meetings must wrap up by two that afternoon
so results can be sent to state party officials to be reported by 5pm.

Buchanan County Republicans will caucus in the courtroom of
Judge Patrick Robb at the Buchanan County Courthouse in St. Joseph. Andrew
County Republicans will caucus at the Andrew County Courthouse in Savannah.

For more information from Buchanan County Republicans click
<a href="https://www.buchanangop.com/">HERE</a>.

For more information from Andrew County Republicans click
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AndrewCountyRepublicans/">HERE</a>.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan and Andrew County Republicans prepare for their
respective caucuses as Missouri switches from a presidential preference primary
back to the caucus format.Andrew County Republican Central Committee chair, Mark
Schneider, says by the time the March 2nd Caucus rolls around, there
likely will be only former President Donald Trump standing in the Republican
presidential field. But he does expect backers of former UN Ambassador and
South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley to show up.“Certainly, there are Haley supporters in each of our
counties,” Schneider tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “You just have
some people that are anti-Trump regardless and they may be Haley supporters.”Schneider also serves as chair of the Republican 6th
Congressional District.Buchanan County Republican Central Committee chair, Steven
Greiert, says county Republicans will gather at the Buchanan County Courthouse,
with no oath required.“If you check the blank, we’re going to hope that you’re
telling the truth. No one registers by party anymore,” Greiert tells Birr. “So,
therefore, we only know which people are residing in our respective counties and
which people are registered voters. So, we’re hoping that the people will tell
the truth.”Schneider says Missouri had always held caucuses until 1988,
when Democrats wanted a primary to help the presidential aspirations of St.
Louis Congressman Richard Gephardt. Both Schneider and Greiert call the past
primaries beauty contests. Even though the state had a presidential primary,
delegates to the state and national convention were chosen by caucus.Schneider says a caucus, as opposed to a primary, brings out
committed party members.“It motivates the people who are truly informed and truly want
to participate in the political process,” according to Schneider. “This is the
basic, grass roots political activity.&nbsp;
It all starts right here at the county level, and then moves up to the
district level, and then on to the state convention.”All Missouri Republican Caucus meetings will begin at 10am on
Saturday, March 2nd. The meetings must wrap up by two that afternoon
so results can be sent to state party officials to be reported by 5pm.Buchanan County Republicans will caucus in the courtroom of
Judge Patrick Robb at the Buchanan County Courthouse in St. Joseph. Andrew
County Republicans will caucus at the Andrew County Courthouse in Savannah.For more information from Buchanan County Republicans click
<a href="https://www.buchanangop.com/">HERE</a>.For more information from Andrew County Republicans click
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AndrewCountyRepublicans/">HERE</a>.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/The-Caucuses-are-coming-e2felna" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Local Republicans prepare for upcoming caucuses

The legislation set for debate in the Senate would require a majority vote in 82 state House districts and a statewide majority to approve constitutional amendments

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

Every vote cast on a constitutional amendment would be counted two ways&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/bts_web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=209">under a proposal</a>&nbsp;Missouri Republicans are trying to push to an August vote.

The first way would be the traditional method, where all the votes are tallied to determine if the ballot measure has a statewide majority.&nbsp;

The second way would be to determine whether the proposal has a majority in 82 Missouri House districts, the same number it takes to pass a bill in the 163-member chamber.

Called a concurrent majority, proponents argue it will require measures to have broad support to win at the polls instead of concentrated support in the most populated parts of the state.&nbsp;An analysis of voting patterns by The Independent shows that the change would make it mathematically possible for as few as 20% of voters to determine the outcome of statewide ballot measures.

&nbsp;“This will change the way we actually campaign on these issues,” said Tim Jones, state director of the Missouri Freedom Caucus, the group of GOP senators who have demanded initiative petition changes in order to allow the chamber to function. “This to me is a very similar concept to the electoral college.”

The proposal is taking on new urgency for GOP leaders because a proposal to overturn Missouri’s abortion ban&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/19/missouri-abortion-ballot-viabilty-effort-fundraises-1-million/">could be on the ballot in November</a>. Republicans see changing the rules as the only way to defeat it.

Opponents claim the idea undermines majority rule, which has determined the outcome of constitutional questions in Missouri&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mdh.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/housej/id/34400/rec/12">since 1846</a>.

“Their goal is to make sure that if an overwhelming majority in urban areas supports a measure, the rural voters can defeat it nevertheless,” said Chuck Hatfield, an attorney representing Protect Majority Rule, which is raising money for a possible campaign against the amendment.

The proposal represents a shift in tactics from last year, when the favored proposal would have&nbsp; simply&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/14/republicans-fast-track-bill-to-make-it-harder-to-amend-missouri-constitution-by-initiative-petition/">increased the majority needed</a>&nbsp;to pass constitutional amendments from half the vote plus one to as much as two-thirds. Voters in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ballotpedia.org/Arkansas_Issue_2,_60%25_Supermajority_Vote_Requirement_for_Constitutional_Amendments_and_Ballot_Initiatives_Measure_(2022)">Arkansas in 2022</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/briefs/ohio-voters-reject-issue-1-constitutional-amendment-changes-the-associated-press-projects/">Ohio in 2023</a>&nbsp;soundly rejected increasing the majority needed in those states.

“Raising the threshold is a loser and various states have proven that’s a loser,” Jones said.

The Missouri Senate is expected this week to debate the proposed constitutional amendment after a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/25/missouri-senate-gop-warfare-escalates-with-suggestion-of-expelling-freedom-caucus-leader/">month of factional warfare</a>&nbsp;over when it would reach the floor and which lawmaker’s proposal will be debated.

The Freedom Caucus originally demanded not only for the proposed changes to be fast tracked to the full Senate, but according to emails obtained by The Independent through Missouri’s Sunshine Law, also wanted one of its members to carry the bill.

Instead, the measure to be debated is sponsored by state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, a candidate for Congress who has sided with leadership in the factional disputes.

Democrats in the Senate, who have been content to let the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/23/missouri-freedom-caucus-leaders-ousted-from-senate-chairmanships-over-stall-tactics/">GOP civil war</a>&nbsp;play out without interfering, are “vehemently” opposed to any effort to alter the use of a majority for ballot measures, Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo, a Democrat from Independence, told reporters last week.&nbsp;

“We are not for taking away people’s voice at the ballot box,” Rizzo said. “And the fact that that is… the top priority of the Republican Party when all these other issues are on the table, shows you exactly what the Republican Party thinks of people voting.”

Determining what, if any, impact such a proposal would have had on the outcome of recent constitutional amendments is difficult. There are no compiled official records of the outcome of constitutional amendments by Missouri House district.

Voters have approved three constitutional amendments with majorities of 53% or less in the 2020 and 2022 election cycles — two proposed by initiative and one placed on the ballot by lawmakers..&nbsp;

A constitutional amendment legalizing adult use marijuana received 53.1% statewide in 2022. It passed in counties that have all or part of 95 House districts.

An expansion of Medicaid coverage to adults aged 18-64 received 53.3% in 2020, winning in counties with all or part of 86 House districts.&nbsp;

Revisions to the legislative redistricting process won with 51% statewide in 2020 and passed in counties with all or part of 89 House districts.

But because some districts are less than a full county, or cover multiple counties, no precise conclusions can be drawn.

One effort, by the person behind a social media account named Missouri Mapper, used precinct results, aligning those records with legislative district boundaries, for the&nbsp; marijuana initiative petition in 2022. The calculations concluded it&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/Missouri_Mapper/status/1725997299283694060?s=20">would have passed</a>&nbsp;if concurrent majorities were based on state House or Senate districts and failed if it needed a majority of congressional districts.

The proposal set for Senate debate wouldn’t just change how constitutional amendments are approved. There are several other provisions,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/03/ballot-candy-missouri-gop-adds-citizen-only-voting-into-initiative-petition-changes/">added as “ballot candy,”</a>&nbsp;to entice voter support.

The extras in the Senate proposal include barring non-citizens from voting on constitutional amendments, something that hasn’t been allowed in Missouri since 1924, as well as banning foreign governments or political parties from sponsoring or spending in support of initiatives, a practice banned by federal law.

There is also a prohibition on initiatives to allow lobbyists to make gifts to lawmakers.&nbsp;

All three of those items will be listed ahead of changes to the majority requirements in the language voters would see if lawmakers send it to a statewide ballot.

“Concurrent majority ratification by itself will not carry this to victory,” Jones said. “It’ll have to be what the left usually does is have an initiative petition, but call it something else. So there will be proposals that this also include a prohibition on non-citizen voting, something of that sort.”

The first time Missourians voted on alterations to the state constitution was Aug. 3, 1846, when the white male electorate&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mdh.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/housej/id/34400/rec/12">rejected an entirely new charter</a>&nbsp;to replace the state’s founding document.

A majority of 57% voted against the proposal of a state constitutional convention, leaving the original method of amending the constitution in place until 1865.

For 45 years, approval by voters was indirect. If two-thirds of state lawmakers agreed on an amendment, it was published in newspapers repeatedly across the state prior to the next general election. If two-thirds of the lawmakers then elected also approved the change, it was added to the constitution.

In 1865, voters approved a new constitution&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/2015/01/11/150-years-ago-missouri-state/21743565007/">abolishing slavery</a>. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://scholarship.law.missouri.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1001&amp;context=mo_constitutions_race">1865 “Drake Constitution,”</a>&nbsp;written by what were called Radical Republicans, took the vote away from former Confederates and extended it to immigrants who were not yet citizens but who had declared their intent to become one.

The provision rewarded the largest immigrant group in Missouri at the time, Germans, who were among the most anti-slavery, and therefore Radical Republican voters. The franchise was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cdm16795.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16795coll26/id/23750/rec/34">taken away from non-citizens in 1924</a>, when newcomers were more likely to come from eastern and southern Europe, in an amendment proposed by a Constitutional Convention&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mdh.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/bluebook/id/12864/rec/25">passed with 53.5%</a>&nbsp;of the vote.

Taking away the votes of immigrants who had declared their intent to become citizens was favored heavily in large population centers like St. Louis, where it received more than 75% in the city and county, but it did not have broad support statewide. The majority in the city of St. Louis alone exceeded the majority statewide by almost 5,000 votes. It failed in at least 84 of Missouri’s then-151 House districts, which would have defeated it under the proposed concurrent majority standard.

The 1865 Constitution also provided for a direct vote on constitutional amendments for the first time, with a majority needed for approval. That has remained unchanged.

Missouri voters in 1908 approved, by majority vote, a legislative proposal to allow&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cdm16795.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16795coll26/id/23723/rec/34">use of the initiative petition process</a>&nbsp;to add amendments, enact statutes or subject legislative enactments to a referendum.&nbsp;

The method of securing a spot on the ballot and the majority needed for passage have remained essentially unchanged.

What has changed is what is being put in the constitution. In 2010, with backing mainly from the Humane Society of the United States, voters&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ballotpedia.org/Missouri_Dog_Breeding_Regulation,_Proposition_B_(2010)">approved a new law regulating dog breeders</a>, with a key provision limiting the number of breeding dogs. Missouri lawmakers responded the next year by changing key provisions, including&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/11info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=4075538">removing the cap</a>&nbsp;on the number of dogs allowed.

Since then, the strategy for groups pushing initiatives has been to put their ideas in the state constitution, where only another statewide vote can change what has been enacted.

“It was the puppy mills that got everybody to wake up and say, ‘Oh, we better not do it by statute, we better do it by constitution,’” said Michael Wolff, a former Missouri Supreme Court chief justice and dean emeritus at St. Louis University School of Law.

As a result of the tactical switch, some very long amendments have been added to the constitution over the last decade in order to prevent legislators from rolling them back.

&nbsp;Critics argue most of those changes should properly be state statutes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707217899505.png" alt=" Conservative commentator Doug Billings speaks to a Jan. 30 in support of the Missouri Freedom Caucus (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Conservative commentator Doug Billings speaks to a Jan. 30 in support of the Missouri Freedom Caucus (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The legislation set for debate in the Senate would require a majority vote in 82 state House districts and a statewide majority to approve constitutional amendments</h2>By RUDI KELLER,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Every vote cast on a constitutional amendment would be counted two ways&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/bts_web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=209">under a proposal</a>&nbsp;Missouri Republicans are trying to push to an August vote.The first way would be the traditional method, where all the votes are tallied to determine if the ballot measure has a statewide majority.&nbsp;The second way would be to determine whether the proposal has a majority in 82 Missouri House districts, the same number it takes to pass a bill in the 163-member chamber.Called a concurrent majority, proponents argue it will require measures to have broad support to win at the polls instead of concentrated support in the most populated parts of the state.&nbsp;An analysis of voting patterns by The Independent shows that the change would make it mathematically possible for as few as 20% of voters to determine the outcome of statewide ballot measures.&nbsp;“This will change the way we actually campaign on these issues,” said Tim Jones, state director of the Missouri Freedom Caucus, the group of GOP senators who have demanded initiative petition changes in order to allow the chamber to function. “This to me is a very similar concept to the electoral college.”The proposal is taking on new urgency for GOP leaders because a proposal to overturn Missouri’s abortion ban&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/19/missouri-abortion-ballot-viabilty-effort-fundraises-1-million/">could be on the ballot in November</a>. Republicans see changing the rules as the only way to defeat it.Opponents claim the idea undermines majority rule, which has determined the outcome of constitutional questions in Missouri&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mdh.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/housej/id/34400/rec/12">since 1846</a>.“Their goal is to make sure that if an overwhelming majority in urban areas supports a measure, the rural voters can defeat it nevertheless,” said Chuck Hatfield, an attorney representing Protect Majority Rule, which is raising money for a possible campaign against the amendment.The proposal represents a shift in tactics from last year, when the favored proposal would have&nbsp; simply&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/14/republicans-fast-track-bill-to-make-it-harder-to-amend-missouri-constitution-by-initiative-petition/">increased the majority needed</a>&nbsp;to pass constitutional amendments from half the vote plus one to as much as two-thirds. Voters in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ballotpedia.org/Arkansas_Issue_2,_60%25_Supermajority_Vote_Requirement_for_Constitutional_Amendments_and_Ballot_Initiatives_Measure_(2022)">Arkansas in 2022</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/briefs/ohio-voters-reject-issue-1-constitutional-amendment-changes-the-associated-press-projects/">Ohio in 2023</a>&nbsp;soundly rejected increasing the majority needed in those states.“Raising the threshold is a loser and various states have proven that’s a loser,” Jones said.The Missouri Senate is expected this week to debate the proposed constitutional amendment after a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/25/missouri-senate-gop-warfare-escalates-with-suggestion-of-expelling-freedom-caucus-leader/">month of factional warfare</a>&nbsp;over when it would reach the floor and which lawmaker’s proposal will be debated.The Freedom Caucus originally demanded not only for the proposed changes to be fast tracked to the full Senate, but according to emails obtained by The Independent through Missouri’s Sunshine Law, also wanted one of its members to carry the bill.Instead, the measure to be debated is sponsored by state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, a candidate for Congress who has sided with leadership in the factional disputes.Democrats in the Senate, who have been content to let the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/23/missouri-freedom-caucus-leaders-ousted-from-senate-chairmanships-over-stall-tactics/">GOP civil war</a>&nbsp;play out without interfering, are “vehemently” opposed to any effort to alter the use of a majority for ballot measures, Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo, a Democrat from Independence, told reporters last week.&nbsp;“We are not for taking away people’s voice at the ballot box,” Rizzo said. “And the fact that that is… the top priority of the Republican Party when all these other issues are on the table, shows you exactly what the Republican Party thinks of people voting.”Determining what, if any, impact such a proposal would have had on the outcome of recent constitutional amendments is difficult. There are no compiled official records of the outcome of constitutional amendments by Missouri House district.Voters have approved three constitutional amendments with majorities of 53% or less in the 2020 and 2022 election cycles — two proposed by initiative and one placed on the ballot by lawmakers..&nbsp;A constitutional amendment legalizing adult use marijuana received 53.1% statewide in 2022. It passed in counties that have all or part of 95 House districts.An expansion of Medicaid coverage to adults aged 18-64 received 53.3% in 2020, winning in counties with all or part of 86 House districts.&nbsp;Revisions to the legislative redistricting process won with 51% statewide in 2020 and passed in counties with all or part of 89 House districts.But because some districts are less than a full county, or cover multiple counties, no precise conclusions can be drawn.One effort, by the person behind a social media account named Missouri Mapper, used precinct results, aligning those records with legislative district boundaries, for the&nbsp; marijuana initiative petition in 2022. The calculations concluded it&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/Missouri_Mapper/status/1725997299283694060?s=20">would have passed</a>&nbsp;if concurrent majorities were based on state House or Senate districts and failed if it needed a majority of congressional districts.The proposal set for Senate debate wouldn’t just change how constitutional amendments are approved. There are several other provisions,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/03/ballot-candy-missouri-gop-adds-citizen-only-voting-into-initiative-petition-changes/">added as “ballot candy,”</a>&nbsp;to entice voter support.The extras in the Senate proposal include barring non-citizens from voting on constitutional amendments, something that hasn’t been allowed in Missouri since 1924, as well as banning foreign governments or political parties from sponsoring or spending in support of initiatives, a practice banned by federal law.There is also a prohibition on initiatives to allow lobbyists to make gifts to lawmakers.&nbsp;All three of those items will be listed ahead of changes to the majority requirements in the language voters would see if lawmakers send it to a statewide ballot.“Concurrent majority ratification by itself will not carry this to victory,” Jones said. “It’ll have to be what the left usually does is have an initiative petition, but call it something else. So there will be proposals that this also include a prohibition on non-citizen voting, something of that sort.”<h2>Amendments history</h2>The first time Missourians voted on alterations to the state constitution was Aug. 3, 1846, when the white male electorate&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mdh.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/housej/id/34400/rec/12">rejected an entirely new charter</a>&nbsp;to replace the state’s founding document.A majority of 57% voted against the proposal of a state constitutional convention, leaving the original method of amending the constitution in place until 1865.For 45 years, approval by voters was indirect. If two-thirds of state lawmakers agreed on an amendment, it was published in newspapers repeatedly across the state prior to the next general election. If two-thirds of the lawmakers then elected also approved the change, it was added to the constitution.In 1865, voters approved a new constitution&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/2015/01/11/150-years-ago-missouri-state/21743565007/">abolishing slavery</a>. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://scholarship.law.missouri.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1001&amp;context=mo_constitutions_race">1865 “Drake Constitution,”</a>&nbsp;written by what were called Radical Republicans, took the vote away from former Confederates and extended it to immigrants who were not yet citizens but who had declared their intent to become one.The provision rewarded the largest immigrant group in Missouri at the time, Germans, who were among the most anti-slavery, and therefore Radical Republican voters. The franchise was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cdm16795.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16795coll26/id/23750/rec/34">taken away from non-citizens in 1924</a>, when newcomers were more likely to come from eastern and southern Europe, in an amendment proposed by a Constitutional Convention&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mdh.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/bluebook/id/12864/rec/25">passed with 53.5%</a>&nbsp;of the vote.Taking away the votes of immigrants who had declared their intent to become citizens was favored heavily in large population centers like St. Louis, where it received more than 75% in the city and county, but it did not have broad support statewide. The majority in the city of St. Louis alone exceeded the majority statewide by almost 5,000 votes. It failed in at least 84 of Missouri’s then-151 House districts, which would have defeated it under the proposed concurrent majority standard.The 1865 Constitution also provided for a direct vote on constitutional amendments for the first time, with a majority needed for approval. That has remained unchanged.Missouri voters in 1908 approved, by majority vote, a legislative proposal to allow&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cdm16795.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16795coll26/id/23723/rec/34">use of the initiative petition process</a>&nbsp;to add amendments, enact statutes or subject legislative enactments to a referendum.&nbsp;The method of securing a spot on the ballot and the majority needed for passage have remained essentially unchanged.What has changed is what is being put in the constitution. In 2010, with backing mainly from the Humane Society of the United States, voters&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ballotpedia.org/Missouri_Dog_Breeding_Regulation,_Proposition_B_(2010)">approved a new law regulating dog breeders</a>, with a key provision limiting the number of breeding dogs. Missouri lawmakers responded the next year by changing key provisions, including&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/11info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=4075538">removing the cap</a>&nbsp;on the number of dogs allowed.Since then, the strategy for groups pushing initiatives has been to put their ideas in the state constitution, where only another statewide vote can change what has been enacted.“It was the puppy mills that got everybody to wake up and say, ‘Oh, we better not do it by statute, we better do it by constitution,’” said Michael Wolff, a former Missouri Supreme Court chief justice and dean emeritus at St. Louis University School of Law.As a result of the tactical switch, some very long amendments have been added to the constitution over the last decade in order to prevent legislators from rolling them back.&nbsp;Critics argue most of those changes should properly be state statutes.The state constitution approved by voters in February 1945 was just under 27,000 words long. The medical marijuana amendment, approved in 2018, was almost 8,000 words. Legalizing recreational marijuana in November 2022 added 14,000 words in a new section and 2,000 more for revisions to the medical marijuana section.<h2>Majority math</h2>Not everyone who wants to raise the bar for approving constitutional amendments is sold on the idea of concurrent majorities.Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, a candidate for governor, said he’s got a simple standard that legislation must meet.“It should be something that makes sure that if we’re amending our Constitution, it’s what the people of Missouri want and has broad agreement,” Ashcroft said. “If what they do supports making sure Missourians broadly are making that decision, I’m fine with that.”The key to understanding how concurrent majorities work is to know that the votes in districts that support a measure can be overwhelming, even 100%. But if it fails by a single vote in enough districts, it would thwart the statewide majority.“I have not done the math on that,” Jones said. “People that I trust have done the math on that and they assure me that if it is a concurrent majority by House districts, that is better for folks on the right side of the political spectrum.”The Independent performed calculations using&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/s_default">election results</a>&nbsp;available on the Missouri Secretary of State’s website.&nbsp;Over 163 Missouri House districts, the total vote varies widely from election to election.&nbsp;In November 2020, there were 2.76 million votes cast in state House races, with the fewest, 7,026, in the 19th District in Jackson County. The largest vote was 27,205, in the 16th District just across the Missouri River in Clay County.To achieve a majority – 50% plus one vote – in the 82 districts with the fewest votes required just over 574,000 votes, or 20.7% of the total vote cast in all House districts.In the November 2022 election, there were 1.87 million votes in state House races. The smallest vote in a House race was 3,671, in the 121st District in Pulaski County in south central Missouri. The largest was 18,150 votes, in the 90th District in St. Louis County.To achieve a majority in the 82 districts with the fewest votes required just over 379,000 votes, or 20.2% of the total vote cast in all House districts.A slightly larger percentage of the statewide vote, approximately 23%, could theoretically control the outcome if the concurrent majority requirement uses the state’s eight congressional districts. In that scheme, a vote against an amendment in four districts would be enough to defeat it statewide.<h2>Is it legal?</h2>There is an instance in Missouri where a concurrent majority is already used, but it is not the final say on an issue. When a city seeks to annex an area and there is opposition in the region to be added, it goes to a vote, with the city and the area to be annexed voting separately.If there is a disagreement between the results where the city approves annexation and the area to be annexed does not,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=71.015&amp;bid=35693&amp;hl=">a second vote is held</a>&nbsp;where the results are combined and a final decision, based on a two-thirds majority of the whole, is made.But the question of whether the concurrent majority requirements under debate would be allowed by the courts presents problems that the annexation law doesn’t encounter. The most important, attorneys contacted by The Independent said, is the varying number of votes in each district.Wolff, the former state Supreme Court judge, said he’s uncertain whether the courts would think it is more important that the districts are nearly equal in population or that the equality of people doesn’t result in similar numbers of votes.The question will, he and others said, almost certainly be decided in federal court.“I don't know where the U.S. Supreme Court's gonna go on this because the current court goes back and looks at well, what was the intent of the framers of the Constitution?” Wolff said.In 1963, the Supreme Court&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.oyez.org/cases/1962/112">threw out a concurrent majority law</a>&nbsp;in Georgia that required statewide candidates to win in a majority of counties to be nominated in primaries. That case involved units that varied widely in population.“The logic there is that you cannot allow some people's vote to count for more than others,” said Hatfield, the attorney for opponents of the proposed initiative petition changes.That same logic would make a concurrent majority to approve constitutional amendments unconstitutional, Hatfield said.“Those 20% of the people are essentially getting two votes each and they can defeat my one vote,” Hatfield said. “If you happen to live in your smallest House district, you get two votes and you can defeat my one vote. That's the problem.”The other legal question is whether concurrent majorities would apply to constitutional amendments set for the November ballot if voters agree to it in August.Unless they state otherwise, constitutional amendments go into force 30 days after voter approval.That date, in early September, would be after the November ballot has been certified by Ashcroft. Signatures are already being gathered for several initiative petition campaigns and are due in May.“Is this changing the rules of the game after it has begun?” Wolff said. “That's certainly going to be an interesting piece of litigation, isn’t it? I don't know. I would think that (the new majorities would apply), but the question as well is, when did the game begin?”Hatfield said the question is a closer call for him than his expectation that concurrent majorities would ultimately be found unconstitutional.“It's a close call, honestly,” Hatfield said. “So if you pass this in August, it's effective 30 days later. It is the law. And so if some initiative gets voted on in November, arguably that law applies.”That is how Ashcroft, who will oversee both elections, views it. But he also is sure his opinion won’t be the final word.“This sort of thing,” he said, “will eventually be decided by the courts.”