A 40-year-old St. Joseph man has been hospitalized with several
gunshot wounds after a late night shooting in the 1200 block of Mitchell
Street.

The St. Joseph Police Department reports officers took a St.
Joseph man into custody at the scene of the shooting. Police report a man
driving a truck had been shot and wounded. The extent of the wounds has not
been released. No identities have been released.

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

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 40-year-old St. Joseph man has been hospitalized with several
gunshot wounds after a late night shooting in the 1200 block of Mitchell
Street.The St. Joseph Police Department reports officers took a St.
Joseph man into custody at the scene of the shooting. Police report a man
driving a truck had been shot and wounded. The extent of the wounds has not
been released. No identities have been released.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

One wounded, one arrested in St. Joseph shooting

With flu season is right around the corner, the Doniphan County Health Department is getting ready to host an annual drive-thru flu clinic next month in Troy, Kansas.

Sheryl Pierce, RN Administrator with the Doniphan County Health Department, says the flu clinic has been offered for several years.&nbsp; "We've done these for the past fifteen to eighteen years. We've done them because the public really likes them and they've requested we keep doing them."

Pre-registration is not required, but Pierce adds, "If you want to expedite the process, you can go to the post office, area banks and senior centers to pick up consent forms. There are also consent forms on our website that you can fill out ahead of time, although it is not mandatory." Forms will be available on site.

Pierce notes the clinic is only offering flu shots, not Covid-19 vaccine. 

"We are just going to do the flu shots. Best practice on the Covid vaccine still says to wait about fifteen minutes on the premises where you receive the vaccine, so we felt for safety reasons we are just going to give flu shots."

Food trucks will also be on site this year, including the Coffee Bus, Scoop School Bus, and The Country Cabin food truck.

Pierce says Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurances will be accepted. Participants must bring their insurance cards with them to receive the flu shot.

The Doniphan County Health Department will offer the flu clinic on October 11, from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

For more information and to download consent forms, visit <a href="https://dpcountyks.com/dept/health-dept-home-health/">www.dpcountyks.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659648134471.jpg" alt="flu shot, needle, ouch" />
 <figcaption>flu shot, needle, ouch</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHSt. Joseph PostWith flu season is right around the corner, the Doniphan County Health Department is getting ready to host an annual drive-thru flu clinic next month in Troy, Kansas.Sheryl Pierce, RN Administrator with the Doniphan County Health Department, says the flu clinic has been offered for several years.&nbsp; "We've done these for the past fifteen to eighteen years. We've done them because the public really likes them and they've requested we keep doing them."Pre-registration is not required, but Pierce adds, "If you want to expedite the process, you can go to the post office, area banks and senior centers to pick up consent forms. There are also consent forms on our website that you can fill out ahead of time, although it is not mandatory." Forms will be available on site.Pierce notes the clinic is only offering flu shots, not Covid-19 vaccine. "We are just going to do the flu shots. Best practice on the Covid vaccine still says to wait about fifteen minutes on the premises where you receive the vaccine, so we felt for safety reasons we are just going to give flu shots."Food trucks will also be on site this year, including the Coffee Bus, Scoop School Bus, and The Country Cabin food truck.Pierce says Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurances will be accepted. Participants must bring their insurance cards with them to receive the flu shot.The Doniphan County Health Department will offer the flu clinic on October 11, from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.For more information and to download consent forms, visit <a href="https://dpcountyks.com/dept/health-dept-home-health/">www.dpcountyks.com</a>

Drive-thru flu clinic to be held next month in Doniphan County

The state health department will focus on edibles or drinks that mimic candy or regular food, giving up the push to ban all products made with hemp-derived THC

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

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/12/hemp-industry-leaders-call-missouri-governors-order-banning-thc-products-an-overreach/">ban on intoxicating hemp products</a>&nbsp;hit another hurdle on Tuesday, resulting in an indefinite pause on a huge part of the effort.

Richard Moore, general counsel for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25150231-letter-re-psychoactive-cannabis-enforcement" target="_blank">letter</a>&nbsp;Tuesday that the state’s health regulators will stop embargoing — or tagging — products simply because they contain hemp-derived THC.&nbsp;

“In regard to psychoactive cannabis products, the department will focus its efforts on the identification of&nbsp; ‘misbranded’ products,’” Moore wrote to the Missouri Hemp Trade Association’s attorney, Chuck Hatfield.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

When Parson signed his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/library/reference/orders/2024/eo10" target="_blank">executive order</a>&nbsp;on Aug. 1, he said his primary focus was to protect children consuming the products that resemble popular candy, like Lifesavers, but contain the intoxicating compound of the cannabis plant, THC.

“I trust that you understand that the consumption of these products may be dangerous,” Moore states, “and that under no circumstances should they end up in the hands of Missouri’s children.”

The department’s effort will now focus on just that — not banning all intoxicating hemp products.

“If the department identifies any such misbranded products, it will refer those products to the Missouri Attorney General’s Office for&nbsp; potential enforcement under the State’s Merchandising Practices Act…”

The letter comes after the Missouri Hemp Trade Association filed for a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25150232-motion-for-temporary-restraining-order" target="_blank">temporary restraining order</a>&nbsp;against the department on Monday in response to the department&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/13/missouri-vfw-inspected-by-state-regulators-as-part-of-ban-on-intoxicating-hemp-products/">inspecting a VFW post</a>&nbsp;on Sept. 11, Hatfield said.&nbsp;

“We asked for the (temporary restraining order),” Hatfield said, “and in response, we got this letter, which is the same thing we would have accomplished with the (temporary restraining order.”

The motion for the restraining order states that the governor’s order directs the department to “designate foods adulterated simply because they contain hemp products, in direct contravention of Missouri law.”&nbsp;

In Moore’s letter, he acknowledges that state law says, “a food shall not be considered adulterated solely for containing industrial hemp, or an industrial hemp commodity or product.”

It is the same law fueling the Missouri Hemp Trade Association’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/30/missouri-hemp-leaders-set-to-file-suit-to-halt-governors-ban-on-hemp-thc-products/">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;against the governor’s ban.&nbsp;

As of Sept. 12, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/06/missouri-regulators-visit-nearly-50-stores-to-inspect-for-intoxicating-hemp-edibles/">officials have inspected</a>&nbsp;74 establishments this month and found intoxicating products at 42 of them, said Lisa Cox, spokeswoman for the department.

During the visits, inspectors have asked the store owners to destroy the products within the facilities. If they don’t, inspectors tag them as embargoed.

According to Moore’s letter, all psychoactive cannabis products that the department has tagged as an embargoed product will be referred to the attorney general’s office for evaluation of misbranding violations.&nbsp;

“The department has no intention at this time to embargo additional psychoactive cannabis products as adulterated,” the letter states. “Further, within 30 days after referral to the attorney general’s office, the department will release all currently embargoed products and remove all embargo tags.”

Once embargo tags are removed, it states, such products will not be subject to an embargo as long as there is no court order prohibiting its sale or ordering its destruction.&nbsp;

“Pending further action from the General Assembly as to intoxicating cannabis products,” the letter states, “the department believes that channeling&nbsp; future enforcement authority via the Merchandising Practices Act is the best way to ensure that Missouri consumers know what they are purchasing and ingesting, and to keep harmful products out of the hands&nbsp; of children.”&nbsp;

Missouri Hemp Trade Association spokesperson Craig Katz said the association supports the attorney general’s efforts “to prosecute bad actors marketing counterfeit and misbranded hemp products to children.”

“This is the appropriate regulatory and law enforcement focus,” Katz said. “We hope to follow this with a strong legislative effort in 2025 to further assure consumers and other stakeholders that hemp products are safe, tightly regulated, and available to ensure public safety.”

There are about 9,000 retailers statewide currently selling hemp-derived beverages and edibles. Hemp<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/12/hemp-industry-leaders-call-missouri-governors-order-banning-thc-products-an-overreach/">&nbsp;industry leaders argue</a>&nbsp;the order also bans products that aren’t attractive to children, have gone through lab testing and are only sold to customers 21 and up.

Hatfield said the association never believed stores should stop selling intoxicating hemp products that don’t market to children. But the department’s Tuesday letter gives the green light to begin sales again, he said.

“In light of yesterday’s letter,” Hatfield said, “hemp sales are back on.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726164449991.png" alt="A St. Louis liquor store hung a sign announcing Gov. Mike Parson’s executive order to ban intoxicating hemp beverages (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>A St. Louis liquor store hung a sign announcing Gov. Mike Parson’s executive order to ban intoxicating hemp beverages (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The state health department will focus on edibles or drinks that mimic candy or regular food, giving up the push to ban all products made with hemp-derived THC</h2>By REBECCA RIVAS &nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri Gov. Mike Parson’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/12/hemp-industry-leaders-call-missouri-governors-order-banning-thc-products-an-overreach/">ban on intoxicating hemp products</a>&nbsp;hit another hurdle on Tuesday, resulting in an indefinite pause on a huge part of the effort.Richard Moore, general counsel for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25150231-letter-re-psychoactive-cannabis-enforcement" target="_blank">letter</a>&nbsp;Tuesday that the state’s health regulators will stop embargoing — or tagging — products simply because they contain hemp-derived THC.&nbsp;“In regard to psychoactive cannabis products, the department will focus its efforts on the identification of&nbsp; ‘misbranded’ products,’” Moore wrote to the Missouri Hemp Trade Association’s attorney, Chuck Hatfield.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When Parson signed his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/library/reference/orders/2024/eo10" target="_blank">executive order</a>&nbsp;on Aug. 1, he said his primary focus was to protect children consuming the products that resemble popular candy, like Lifesavers, but contain the intoxicating compound of the cannabis plant, THC.“I trust that you understand that the consumption of these products may be dangerous,” Moore states, “and that under no circumstances should they end up in the hands of Missouri’s children.”The department’s effort will now focus on just that — not banning all intoxicating hemp products.“If the department identifies any such misbranded products, it will refer those products to the Missouri Attorney General’s Office for&nbsp; potential enforcement under the State’s Merchandising Practices Act…”The letter comes after the Missouri Hemp Trade Association filed for a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25150232-motion-for-temporary-restraining-order" target="_blank">temporary restraining order</a>&nbsp;against the department on Monday in response to the department&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/13/missouri-vfw-inspected-by-state-regulators-as-part-of-ban-on-intoxicating-hemp-products/">inspecting a VFW post</a>&nbsp;on Sept. 11, Hatfield said.&nbsp;“We asked for the (temporary restraining order),” Hatfield said, “and in response, we got this letter, which is the same thing we would have accomplished with the (temporary restraining order.”The motion for the restraining order states that the governor’s order directs the department to “designate foods adulterated simply because they contain hemp products, in direct contravention of Missouri law.”&nbsp;In Moore’s letter, he acknowledges that state law says, “a food shall not be considered adulterated solely for containing industrial hemp, or an industrial hemp commodity or product.”It is the same law fueling the Missouri Hemp Trade Association’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/30/missouri-hemp-leaders-set-to-file-suit-to-halt-governors-ban-on-hemp-thc-products/">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;against the governor’s ban.&nbsp;As of Sept. 12, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/06/missouri-regulators-visit-nearly-50-stores-to-inspect-for-intoxicating-hemp-edibles/">officials have inspected</a>&nbsp;74 establishments this month and found intoxicating products at 42 of them, said Lisa Cox, spokeswoman for the department.During the visits, inspectors have asked the store owners to destroy the products within the facilities. If they don’t, inspectors tag them as embargoed.According to Moore’s letter, all psychoactive cannabis products that the department has tagged as an embargoed product will be referred to the attorney general’s office for evaluation of misbranding violations.&nbsp;“The department has no intention at this time to embargo additional psychoactive cannabis products as adulterated,” the letter states. “Further, within 30 days after referral to the attorney general’s office, the department will release all currently embargoed products and remove all embargo tags.”Once embargo tags are removed, it states, such products will not be subject to an embargo as long as there is no court order prohibiting its sale or ordering its destruction.&nbsp;“Pending further action from the General Assembly as to intoxicating cannabis products,” the letter states, “the department believes that channeling&nbsp; future enforcement authority via the Merchandising Practices Act is the best way to ensure that Missouri consumers know what they are purchasing and ingesting, and to keep harmful products out of the hands&nbsp; of children.”&nbsp;Missouri Hemp Trade Association spokesperson Craig Katz said the association supports the attorney general’s efforts “to prosecute bad actors marketing counterfeit and misbranded hemp products to children.”“This is the appropriate regulatory and law enforcement focus,” Katz said. “We hope to follow this with a strong legislative effort in 2025 to further assure consumers and other stakeholders that hemp products are safe, tightly regulated, and available to ensure public safety.”There are about 9,000 retailers statewide currently selling hemp-derived beverages and edibles. Hemp<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/12/hemp-industry-leaders-call-missouri-governors-order-banning-thc-products-an-overreach/">&nbsp;industry leaders argue</a>&nbsp;the order also bans products that aren’t attractive to children, have gone through lab testing and are only sold to customers 21 and up.Hatfield said the association never believed stores should stop selling intoxicating hemp products that don’t market to children. But the department’s Tuesday letter gives the green light to begin sales again, he said.“In light of yesterday’s letter,” Hatfield said, “hemp sales are back on.”&nbsp;

‘Hemp sales are back on’: Missouri regulators pare down ban on intoxicating hemp products

Democrat Lucas Kunce stumps in St. Joseph, this time as the
Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, attempting to unseat first term Republican
Josh Hawley.

Kunce accuses Hawley of neglecting Missouri, failing at the
most basic level in the Senate, bringing federal money back to the state.

“We need a U.S. Senator who’s going to bring money back to our
state, which we don’t currently have,” Kunce tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post before
his rally in downtown St. Joseph. “We used to have that in Roy Blunt, he
brought $300 million a year back to this state. Josh Hawley brings nothing.
People see that. Our neighborhoods are falling apart. The one I grew up in fell
apart. We need someone with a record of service who is going to change that.”

Kunce is a 13-year Marine veteran who now lives in
Independence. He grew up in Hartsburg and Jefferson City.

Kunce addressed a packed crowd at the IBEW Local Union 545
Hall in St. Joseph Tuesday evening, his first campaign rally since winning the
Democratic primary.

Kunce considers returning federal dollars to the state an
investment in Missouri.

“Josh Hawley literally marks zero dollars for our state every
year. We can’t afford another six years of Josh Hawley,” Kunce says. “We’re
struggling to make ends meet here and he’s making hundreds of thousands of
dollars in his book deal, selling his office out so that he can get rich while
we suffer. If he’s vulnerable anywhere its on the fact that he refuses to
invest in us.”

Kunce says he will work to bring federal money back to the
state if elected.

“My goal is to bring that investment back to Missouri, put us
first in the next generation of energy and manufacturing, and take care of
places like St. Joe,” Kunce says. “I love coming here. I’m going to be back
here. We’ve been here a bunch. And this is what I’m talking about; these are
the types of places that I want to take care of when I’m a U.S. Senator.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726681654399.jpeg" alt="Lucas Kunce/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Lucas Kunce/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostDemocrat Lucas Kunce stumps in St. Joseph, this time as the
Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, attempting to unseat first term Republican
Josh Hawley.Kunce accuses Hawley of neglecting Missouri, failing at the
most basic level in the Senate, bringing federal money back to the state.“We need a U.S. Senator who’s going to bring money back to our
state, which we don’t currently have,” Kunce tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post before
his rally in downtown St. Joseph. “We used to have that in Roy Blunt, he
brought $300 million a year back to this state. Josh Hawley brings nothing.
People see that. Our neighborhoods are falling apart. The one I grew up in fell
apart. We need someone with a record of service who is going to change that.”Kunce is a 13-year Marine veteran who now lives in
Independence. He grew up in Hartsburg and Jefferson City.Kunce addressed a packed crowd at the IBEW Local Union 545
Hall in St. Joseph Tuesday evening, his first campaign rally since winning the
Democratic primary.Kunce considers returning federal dollars to the state an
investment in Missouri.“Josh Hawley literally marks zero dollars for our state every
year. We can’t afford another six years of Josh Hawley,” Kunce says. “We’re
struggling to make ends meet here and he’s making hundreds of thousands of
dollars in his book deal, selling his office out so that he can get rich while
we suffer. If he’s vulnerable anywhere its on the fact that he refuses to
invest in us.”Kunce says he will work to bring federal money back to the
state if elected.“My goal is to bring that investment back to Missouri, put us
first in the next generation of energy and manufacturing, and take care of
places like St. Joe,” Kunce says. “I love coming here. I’m going to be back
here. We’ve been here a bunch. And this is what I’m talking about; these are
the types of places that I want to take care of when I’m a U.S. Senator.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726681939736.png" alt="Lucas Kunce addresses the crowd at IBEW Local Union 545, St. Joseph/Photo courtesy of Kunce campaign" />
 <figcaption>Lucas Kunce addresses the crowd at IBEW Local Union 545, St. Joseph/Photo courtesy of Kunce campaign</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Democrat Kunce brings US Senate campaign to St. Joseph

The local chapter of a program called Operation Christmas Child will soon be gathering shoeboxes of items to distribute to kids all over the world in need.  

Area Coordinator Kristy Smith says the program, known more widely as the shoebox ministry, gathers special items to help children in need. 

"So, we use these shoeboxes then as a way to talk to children all around the world, we'll give them a box, we tell the story of who Jesus is, how he can be your friend, and then they get to open their boxes," Smith tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  

Smith says these shoeboxes include various toys, but also other items of need 

"Personal care things we call them, like a toothbrush and a washcloth, and then school supplies, because a lot of the children don't get school supplies and those before they can go to school," Smith explains.  "And then, we always like people to put in a personal note, because the children love to read those notes." 

The shoeboxes contain various toys, though the group always asks for a stuffed animal to be included, along with those personal care items and school supplies.

Smith says if you don't want to put a shoebox together yourself, there is an option online to have a box put together for you after choosing various items.  

The chapter Smith helps lead for the project has started preparations for gathering the shoeboxes from area churches and community groups.  

Smith says reception to the program has been great.  

"Here in the St. Joe area last year, we did over 7,000 boxes, here within my St. Joe area which is northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas," Smith says. "So, we were able to pack and send out more than 7,000 boxes last year." 

The group also does other efforts alongside the program, to help spread the word of God to the children receiving these items. 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726676523908.jpeg" alt="This boy is one of more than 197,000 children in Suriname who have received a gift-filled shoebox&nbsp; from Operation Christmas Child/ Photo courtesy of Samaritan's Purse" />
 <figcaption>This boy is one of more than 197,000 children in Suriname who have received a gift-filled shoebox&nbsp; from Operation Christmas Child/ Photo courtesy of Samaritan's Purse</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The local chapter of a program called Operation Christmas Child will soon be gathering shoeboxes of items to distribute to kids all over the world in need. Area Coordinator Kristy Smith says the program, known more widely as the shoebox ministry, gathers special items to help children in need. "So, we use these shoeboxes then as a way to talk to children all around the world, we'll give them a box, we tell the story of who Jesus is, how he can be your friend, and then they get to open their boxes," Smith tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. Smith says these shoeboxes include various toys, but also other items of need "Personal care things we call them, like a toothbrush and a washcloth, and then school supplies, because a lot of the children don't get school supplies and those before they can go to school," Smith explains. "And then, we always like people to put in a personal note, because the children love to read those notes." The shoeboxes contain various toys, though the group always asks for a stuffed animal to be included, along with those personal care items and school supplies.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726676645338.jpeg" alt="A girl from Kiribati gets a new toy from her shoebox./ Photo courtesy of Samaritan's Purse" />
 <figcaption>A girl from Kiribati gets a new toy from her shoebox./ Photo courtesy of Samaritan's Purse</figcaption>
 </figure>Smith says if you don't want to put a shoebox together yourself, there is an option online to have a box put together for you after choosing various items. The chapter Smith helps lead for the project has started preparations for gathering the shoeboxes from area churches and community groups. Smith says reception to the program has been great. "Here in the St. Joe area last year, we did over 7,000 boxes, here within my St. Joe area which is northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas," Smith says. "So, we were able to pack and send out more than 7,000 boxes last year." The group also does other efforts alongside the program, to help spread the word of God to the children receiving these items. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Local preparations for Operation Christmas Child underway

Inspector general points to staffing problems, chronic mail delivery delays

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Three Missouri and two Kansas members of Congress serving constituents in the greater Kansas City area forwarded a joint letter Tuesday to the U.S. Postal Service demanding action to rectify problems with missing or delayed mail and protracted periods in which no mail was delivered at all.

Republicans Sam Graves and Mark Alford, both of Missouri, and Jake LaTurner of Kansas as well as Democrats Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri and Sharice Davids of Kansas forwarded the letter to USPS postmaster general Louis DeJoy.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uspsoig.gov/reports/audit-reports/kansas-missouri-district-delivery-operations" target="_blank">They pointed to the July federal audit</a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;Kansas City Postal and Distribution Center in Kansas City, Missouri, and stations in Hickman Mills in Missouri as well as in Mission and Kansas City on the Kansas side of the border.

Deficiencies at the distribution center touched on mail clearance times,&nbsp;delayed mail, late cancellations and dock scanning during an inspection period in May, USPS auditors said. The report said challenges at the three stations included document scanning, delayed mail and property conditions.

The inspector general concluded USPS ought to address problems with employee staffing and recommended supervisors prepare better for staff absences in the Kansas City region.

“The audit makes clear that the&nbsp;USPS&nbsp;must do more to ensure Kansans receive reliable, timely mail delivery,” said Davids, who is seeking reelection in the 3rd District of Johnson and Wyandotte counties. “I will keep working across the aisle with my colleagues in the KC area to help fix these issues and ensure our&nbsp;postal&nbsp;service&nbsp;meets the needs of our communities.”

In recent months, the letter said, all five congressional offices received a growing number of complaints regarding inadequate mail service.

“It is unacceptable that these facilities … are failing to keep up with the USPS standard of service,” the bipartisan letter from U.S. House members said. “We wholeheartedly urge the leadership of the Postal Service to roll out the recommendations of the USPS office of the inspector general immediately.”

The federal lawmakers said USPS ought to implement strategies to mitigate mail delays, ensure compliance with processing procedures, improve delivery logistics, and upgrade safety and security policies for staff at the mail facilities.

The representatives said residents of communities across Kansas and Missouri relied on consistent mail service and deserved better support from USPS management.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598029796323.jpeg" alt="A bipartisan group of two Kansas and three Missouri members of Congress sign a joint letter urging the U.S. Postal Service to address persistent problems with mail delivery in the greater Kansas City area. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>A bipartisan group of two Kansas and three Missouri members of Congress sign a joint letter urging the U.S. Postal Service to address persistent problems with mail delivery in the greater Kansas City area. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Inspector general points to staffing problems, chronic mail delivery delays</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Three Missouri and two Kansas members of Congress serving constituents in the greater Kansas City area forwarded a joint letter Tuesday to the U.S. Postal Service demanding action to rectify problems with missing or delayed mail and protracted periods in which no mail was delivered at all.Republicans Sam Graves and Mark Alford, both of Missouri, and Jake LaTurner of Kansas as well as Democrats Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri and Sharice Davids of Kansas forwarded the letter to USPS postmaster general Louis DeJoy.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uspsoig.gov/reports/audit-reports/kansas-missouri-district-delivery-operations" target="_blank">They pointed to the July federal audit</a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;Kansas City Postal and Distribution Center in Kansas City, Missouri, and stations in Hickman Mills in Missouri as well as in Mission and Kansas City on the Kansas side of the border.Deficiencies at the distribution center touched on mail clearance times,&nbsp;delayed mail, late cancellations and dock scanning during an inspection period in May, USPS auditors said. The report said challenges at the three stations included document scanning, delayed mail and property conditions.The inspector general concluded USPS ought to address problems with employee staffing and recommended supervisors prepare better for staff absences in the Kansas City region.“The audit makes clear that the&nbsp;USPS&nbsp;must do more to ensure Kansans receive reliable, timely mail delivery,” said Davids, who is seeking reelection in the 3rd District of Johnson and Wyandotte counties. “I will keep working across the aisle with my colleagues in the KC area to help fix these issues and ensure our&nbsp;postal&nbsp;service&nbsp;meets the needs of our communities.”In recent months, the letter said, all five congressional offices received a growing number of complaints regarding inadequate mail service.“It is unacceptable that these facilities … are failing to keep up with the USPS standard of service,” the bipartisan letter from U.S. House members said. “We wholeheartedly urge the leadership of the Postal Service to roll out the recommendations of the USPS office of the inspector general immediately.”The federal lawmakers said USPS ought to implement strategies to mitigate mail delays, ensure compliance with processing procedures, improve delivery logistics, and upgrade safety and security policies for staff at the mail facilities.The representatives said residents of communities across Kansas and Missouri relied on consistent mail service and deserved better support from USPS management.

Five Missouri, Kansas members of Congress send tough critique of troubled mail service to D.C.

CALDWELL COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Tuesday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford F150 driven by Robert W. Zenk, 67, Lathrop, was eastbound on MO 116 at Peak Road four miles west of Polo.

The driver attempted to pass a 2015 Ram 3500 driven by Ray Otho St. John, 39, Lathrop, as the St. John was making a left turn.&nbsp; The Ford struck the Ram pickup in the drivers side.

EMS transported both drivers to Liberty Hospital. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

CALDWELL COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Tuesday in Caldwell County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford F150 driven by Robert W. Zenk, 67, Lathrop, was eastbound on MO 116 at Peak Road four miles west of Polo.The driver attempted to pass a 2015 Ram 3500 driven by Ray Otho St. John, 39, Lathrop, as the St. John was making a left turn.&nbsp; The Ford struck the Ram pickup in the drivers side.EMS transported both drivers to Liberty Hospital. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Two Missouri men injured after pickups collide

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Tuesday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 International semi driven by Jeremy J. Thomas, 44, Amazonia, was southbound on Interstate 29 six miles north of St. Joseph.

The semi struck a 2014 Freightliner semi driven by Arturo Morales-Zavala, 41, Liberal, Kansas, who was entering onto southbound Interstate 29 from Southbound U.S. 71 and failed to yield.

After impact the Freightliner traveled off the right side of the road and struck a guardrail.

Andrew County EMS transported Zavala to Mosaic. Thomas was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Tuesday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 International semi driven by Jeremy J. Thomas, 44, Amazonia, was southbound on Interstate 29 six miles north of St. Joseph.The semi struck a 2014 Freightliner semi driven by Arturo Morales-Zavala, 41, Liberal, Kansas, who was entering onto southbound Interstate 29 from Southbound U.S. 71 and failed to yield.After impact the Freightliner traveled off the right side of the road and struck a guardrail.Andrew County EMS transported Zavala to Mosaic. Thomas was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Kansas man hospitalized in St. Joe after 2-vehicle crash

Missouri has added two more port authorities to the 17 it
already had, adding to the communities attempting to make the most out of an
ancient transportation hub:&nbsp; the Missouri
and Mississippi Rivers.

Administrator of Freight and Waterways for MoDOT, Levi Woods,
says upgrades made to the infrastructure of the Missouri River channel by the
Army Corps of Engineers have made that notoriously difficult river more
navigable.

“I think the reliability has been some of the concerns of the
shippers on the river,” Woods tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “The work they’re
doing to increase resiliency, I think, is much appreciated by the navigation
community.”

Woods says ports, such as the St. Joseph Port Authority, have
a big impact on the state economy. 

“Missouri public ports support nearly 290,000 jobs annually in
the state of Missouri,” according to Woods. “That results in roughly $15.7
billion in labor income and over $100 million in annual economic activity.”

Port authorities and the barge traffic they support has a
bigger impact on the Missouri economy than most people think.

“And also, approximately 34% of Missouri’s economy, one out of
every 10 jobs in Missouri, is supported by Missouri ports,” Woods says.

Barge traffic on the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers makes a
difference.

“So, as those economic impact study numbers show, it does have
an effect on Missouri’s economy,” Woods says.

Barge traffic also has an indirect impact by providing an
alternative to rail traffic, which helps to keep transportation costs lower.

Woods says the state is undergoing an extensive study on the
economic impact of Missouri port authorities and hopes to have updated numbers by
the end of the year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726595773064.jpeg" alt="Loading a barge with grain at the St. Joseph Port Authority/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Loading a barge with grain at the St. Joseph Port Authority/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri has added two more port authorities to the 17 it
already had, adding to the communities attempting to make the most out of an
ancient transportation hub:&nbsp; the Missouri
and Mississippi Rivers.Administrator of Freight and Waterways for MoDOT, Levi Woods,
says upgrades made to the infrastructure of the Missouri River channel by the
Army Corps of Engineers have made that notoriously difficult river more
navigable.“I think the reliability has been some of the concerns of the
shippers on the river,” Woods tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “The work they’re
doing to increase resiliency, I think, is much appreciated by the navigation
community.”Woods says ports, such as the St. Joseph Port Authority, have
a big impact on the state economy. “Missouri public ports support nearly 290,000 jobs annually in
the state of Missouri,” according to Woods. “That results in roughly $15.7
billion in labor income and over $100 million in annual economic activity.”Port authorities and the barge traffic they support has a
bigger impact on the Missouri economy than most people think.“And also, approximately 34% of Missouri’s economy, one out of
every 10 jobs in Missouri, is supported by Missouri ports,” Woods says.Barge traffic on the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers makes a
difference.“So, as those economic impact study numbers show, it does have
an effect on Missouri’s economy,” Woods says.Barge traffic also has an indirect impact by providing an
alternative to rail traffic, which helps to keep transportation costs lower.Woods says the state is undergoing an extensive study on the
economic impact of Missouri port authorities and hopes to have updated numbers by
the end of the year.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Port authorities, such as in St. Joseph, make a big economic impact

The second annual St. Joseph Marathon is just over one week away, bringing runners from across the country to race throughout St. Joseph.  

St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely says the main goal for this year’s marathon was to build upon last year and hope to get more participants.  

"And that's the question I get all the time now, is well what's registration look like?" Esely tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "Well, we're up right now about 25% from where we were last year, 530 participants from 30 plus states, and I've been looking at reports closely of where were we 16 days out, 12 days out, and we're up a little over 100 runners from where we were this time last year." 

Esely says if the data continues to trend the way it has been, by race day they could see over 700 participants in the various marathons.  

Esely says runners from 15 states, including California, Florida, and Washington, will participate in the race.  

But not only does the marathon bring in people who have never been to St. Joseph potentially, Esely says it's also bringing some racers back home. something he realized after getting an email from one participant.  

"And it simply said, I started my roots in St. Joseph in 1953, and doesn't live here anymore, so that means there's a chance that individual has not been back here since the 50's or the early 60's," Eseley says. "So, this event has brought maybe some folks that called St. Joseph home at one time and maybe haven't been back here in a number of years, back to this community." 

And while participants are flowing in, there is still a need for volunteers to help with the event.  

Esely says with so many moving parts to the marathon, a large number of volunteers is a necessity.  

"I always tell people I don't know that any one moving part is overly difficult, there's just a lot of them, they can be a little overwhelming at times and so we were really fortunate last year with people that wanted to be a part," Esely explains. "And that's what I tell people, people say well how can we help, I say well first and foremost run, participate, that's what I want you to do, but if that's not something that you're interested in doing then volunteer, get involved." 

The St. Joseph Marathon will be held on Saturday September 28th, with a full and half marathon, as well as a relay and 5K. You can sign up to participate, and also to volunteer, by clicking <a href="https://stjomosports.com/event/marathon/">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726589691862.jpeg" alt="Runners participate in the inaugural St. Joseph Marathon, the second marathon will be coming on Sept 28th/ File Photo " />
 <figcaption>Runners participate in the inaugural St. Joseph Marathon, the second marathon will be coming on Sept 28th/ File Photo </figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The second annual St. Joseph Marathon is just over one week away, bringing runners from across the country to race throughout St. Joseph. St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely says the main goal for this year’s marathon was to build upon last year and hope to get more participants. "And that's the question I get all the time now, is well what's registration look like?" Esely tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "Well, we're up right now about 25% from where we were last year, 530 participants from 30 plus states, and I've been looking at reports closely of where were we 16 days out, 12 days out, and we're up a little over 100 runners from where we were this time last year." Esely says if the data continues to trend the way it has been, by race day they could see over 700 participants in the various marathons. Esely says runners from 15 states, including California, Florida, and Washington, will participate in the race. But not only does the marathon bring in people who have never been to St. Joseph potentially, Esely says it's also bringing some racers back home. something he realized after getting an email from one participant. "And it simply said, I started my roots in St. Joseph in 1953, and doesn't live here anymore, so that means there's a chance that individual has not been back here since the 50's or the early 60's," Eseley says. "So, this event has brought maybe some folks that called St. Joseph home at one time and maybe haven't been back here in a number of years, back to this community." And while participants are flowing in, there is still a need for volunteers to help with the event. Esely says with so many moving parts to the marathon, a large number of volunteers is a necessity. "I always tell people I don't know that any one moving part is overly difficult, there's just a lot of them, they can be a little overwhelming at times and so we were really fortunate last year with people that wanted to be a part," Esely explains. "And that's what I tell people, people say well how can we help, I say well first and foremost run, participate, that's what I want you to do, but if that's not something that you're interested in doing then volunteer, get involved." The St. Joseph Marathon will be held on Saturday September 28th, with a full and half marathon, as well as a relay and 5K. You can sign up to participate, and also to volunteer, by clicking <a href="https://stjomosports.com/event/marathon/">HERE</a>. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Race day is just around the corner for the second annual St. Joseph Marathon

A new report from Pew Charitable Trusts shows revenue growth in most states is below inflation after two years of abundant tax receipts

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

Missouri’s general revenue has lagged behind inflation for two years in a row. And with that gap widening, the next few months could determine whether state revenue will see a year-over-year decline for the first time in more than a decade.&nbsp;

“September is a good sort of bellwether one for us, because that’s where we get quarterly payments from both individuals and corporations,” Dan Haug, Gov. Mike Parson’s budget director, said in an interview with The Independent last week. “There’s not a lot of significant due dates in July and August, so we try not to even really look at what trends are until we get through the end of September.”

Through Friday, general revenue receipts are down more than 3% compared to the same period in fiscal 2024.

Revenue grew 2.74% in fiscal 2023, while inflation was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2023/consumer-prices-up-3-0-percent-over-the-year-ended-june-2023.htm" target="_blank">calculated at 3%</a>&nbsp;by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. In fiscal 2024, which ended June 30, revenue grew 1.47%, while inflation was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2024/consumer-prices-up-3-0-percent-from-june-2023-to-june-2024.htm#:~:text=The%20Consumer%20Price%20Index%20for,on%20a%2012%2Dmonth%20basis." target="_blank">again pegged at 3%</a>.

Missouri isn’t the only state suffering from sluggish revenue growth, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/issue-briefs/2024/08/how-a-pandemic-era-surge-in-tax-collections-drove-a-revenue-wave" target="_blank">recent report</a>&nbsp;from Pew Charitable Trusts. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many states — including Missouri — enjoyed a surge of revenue that drove new spending and tax cuts.

Missouri enjoyed double-digit revenue growth for two years, a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/12/06/economic-slowdown-tax-cuts-likely-to-limit-missouri-revenue-growth-officials-say/">trend that ended</a>&nbsp;in early 2023. Nationally since the start of fiscal 2023, the report states, state government revenues have fallen below inflation rates and below the growth trend seen before the pandemic. That is the first time in 40 years that has happened outside of an economic recession.

“There’s less fiscal flexibility, but it’s unclear whether states will be really under strain or not, but it’s going to be more difficult than before,” said Alexandre Fall, a senior associate with Pew who was the main author of the report.

As they wrote this year’s budget in the spring, the Republican-led legislature tried to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/27/state-budget-loaded-with-earmarks-nears-deadline-for-action-by-missouri-gov-mike-parson/">limit ongoing general revenue spending</a>&nbsp;to the anticipated revenue of $13.2 billion. But even after Gov. Mike Parson vetoed $1 billion, the budget anticipates spending $15.1 billion in general revenue, dipping into surpluses accumulated during the surge in 2021 and 2022.

House Budget Committee Vice Chairman Dirk Deaton, a Republican from Noel, said lawmakers must continue to limit ongoing spending to new revenue.

“If revenue is lower in the future we will have to look carefully at core spending items to make sure the state budget is on a sustainable path and Missouri is well positioned to balance the budget year after year,” Deaton said.

State revenue was down in the early part of fiscal 2024 but ended up with modest growth, Deaton noted.

State Rep. Peter Merideth of St. Louis, the ranking Democrat on the Budget Committee, said future legislatures should commit to meeting state needs instead of hanging on to surpluses. Merideth is not returning to the House due to term limits.

Any spending cuts tied to the flow of revenue, rather than to the state’s total available resources, will fall heavily on education programs, Merideth predicted.

“We will cut education further,” he said. “Maybe it’s on the transportation line, or maybe it’s somewhere else, and we will cut higher education because those are about the only two slightly discretionary places that the legislature has to cut with large sums of money.”

On June 30, the general revenue fund held $4.8 billion, down $960 million from the balance a year earlier. That is still the third-highest year-end balance in state history.

Some of that money is committed to multi-year building projects, such as a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/05/missouri-lawmakers-approve-largest-budget-in-state-history-almost-51-billion/">$300 million mental health hospital</a>&nbsp;in Kansas City, but most of it is unencumbered.

Other surplus money was stashed elsewhere. The state is holding $2.4 billion transferred from general revenue for major projects including rebuilding Interstate 70 and expanding the state Capitol Building.&nbsp;

Another $1.8 billion was held in accounts that can be spent like general revenue.

The question for lawmakers and state officials is how to spend from surplus funds without exhausting them, said Liz Farmer, a fiscal policy writer at Pew.

“States are spending down balance dollars at a rapid rate,” Farmer said.&nbsp;

The budget presented by Parson in January anticipated an unencumbered general revenue balance of $1.9 billion on June 30, 2025.&nbsp;

Along with major projects, in the past two years lawmakers have used the surplus to fund smaller items in their districts. Parson has vetoed many of those items as he cut&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/30/despite-8-billion-surplus-missouri-governor-vetoes-550-million-in-state-spending/">$550 million from the budget</a>&nbsp;in 2023 and $1 billion&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/28/missouri-governor-slashes-1-billion-from-state-budget-approved-by-lawmakers/">approved this year</a>.&nbsp;

Future lawmakers need to resist the urge to earmark funds for their district, Merideth said. Stagnant or declining state revenue should mean extra funds are reserved for filling shortfalls in important programs.

“We have a surplus to work with in the short term but we haven’t hit an economic crash, which at some point will happen in the future,” Merideth said. “That’s when we’re going to be in real trouble.”

During the recession that began in 2008, revenues fell from about $8 billion annual to $6.7 billion a few years later. Haug, who has worked for both the legislature and the executive branch, said the state is in good shape in case of a recession.

“We’ve got a very healthy fund balance to help us get through a minor downturn, if there is one, although I’m not sure that there even will be one,” Haug said. “We’re in a lot better spot to weather this kind of stuff than we’ve been probably in any of the time I’ve been here.”

There are structural changes in the cost of state government that are permanent, thanks to the surge of revenue.&nbsp;

The pay of every state worker hired before the beginning of 2022 has increased at least 20.7% under pay raise plans proposed by Parson. Some workers have received much larger percentage boosts, from a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/24/gov-mike-parson-proposes-record-52-7-billion-missouri-state-budget/">longevity pay plan</a>&nbsp;approved this year,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-state-employee-pay-raise-heads-to-governors-desk/">increases in night pay</a>&nbsp;for workers in prisons, mental health hospitals and other custodial institutions and approval of a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/12/06/missouri-gov-parson-proposes-15-minimum-pay-for-state-employees/">minimum salary of $15</a>&nbsp;an hour for all state jobs.

With state agency staff vacancy rates averaging more than 10%, the cost of running the state will go up as workers are added.

“Increased state employee pay and salaries, as well as permanent tax cuts, were two very popular policy choices that were made across states and were made in Missouri,” Fall said. “But now that we’re seeing all this excess revenue kind of pull back, and states are seeing decreased flexibility, it’s unclear what comes next.”

Missouri has passed two large permanent tax cuts, with income tax rate cuts enacted in a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/29/legislature-sends-764-million-income-tax-cut-to-missouri-governor/">special session in 2022</a>, and a bill&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/bill-exempting-social-security-from-missouri-income-tax-heading-to-governor/">exempting Social Security</a>&nbsp;benefits from state income tax in 2023.

Together, that legislation will reduce state revenue by $1 billion or more annually. The next step in the phased-in tax cut passed in 2022 will take effect on Jan. 1, cutting the top income tax rate to 4.7%.

Those cuts will generate economic activity that will sustain revenues, Deaton said.

“Missouri has made very clear through our tax policy we are more interested in growing the bank accounts of the people as opposed to growing the amount of monies coming to Jefferson City,” he said.

With a new governor coming into office in January and new legislative leadership, tapping the surplus could be a temptation.

“Whoever is sitting in that governor’s mansion and whoever is sitting in the budget committee chair will make a significant difference and it’s hard to predict,” Merideth said.

In the last full fiscal year before the pandemic, the Missouri general revenue fund took in $9.6 billion. In the fiscal year that ended June 30, the total was $13.4 billion, 1.47% more than in the previous year.

Two of the main sources of state revenue — personal and corporate income taxes — saw a decline in collections in fiscal 2024. So far this year, the decline in revenue received so far has extended to sales tax collections.

The surge in revenue coincided with the highest inflation rates in 40 years and sales tax growth led the way, thanks to consumers spending federal pandemic relief aid along with higher wages and prices.

There is no evidence in the Missouri economy that would show the current decline in sales tax collections is anything but temporary, Haug said.

“People may be pulling back a little bit temporarily to pay off debt and things like that, but eventually the fundamentals are what’s going to drive it,” Haug said.&nbsp;

Missouri added&nbsp;<a href="https://meric.mo.gov/missouri-monthly-jobs-report" target="_blank">62,400 jobs</a>&nbsp;from July 2023 to July 2024 and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bea.gov/news/2024/gross-domestic-product-state-and-personal-income-state-1st-quarter-2024" target="_blank">personal income</a>&nbsp;grew at an annual rate of 6.7% in the first quarter of the year. State GDP is up 1.6% on an annual basis and inflation,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/09/11/nx-s1-5108607/inflation-consumer-prices-economy-interest-rates" target="_blank">while slowing</a>, continues, with prices nationally about 2.5% higher than a year ago.

“Long term, that’s what’s going to drive our revenues, and I think that’s still what’s going to drive our revenues,” Haug said.

With the end of pandemic restrictions, consumers are spending more on non-taxed services and travel, Farmer said, as well as substituting cheaper goods when they make purchases.

Missouri estimates its revenue each December for the remainder of the fiscal year and the coming year. A longer horizon for budget outlooks would make the state better prepared for possible trouble, she said.

“That is one of our key benchmarks for state fiscal health, and something that could be really helpful for assessing what these impacts on personal income tax and those cuts look like for the state down the line for revenue,” she said.

A longer-term outlook may be helpful, Deaton said, but experience shows that the short-term estimates aren’t particularly accurate.

“There have been times they were very close and other years when estimates missed badly,” Deaton said. “The further you extend out, the greater the margin of error.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726575308777.png" alt=" House Budget Chair Cody Smith, R-Carthage, summarizes his budget proposal to reporters in March. State revenues fell in the first portion of the fiscal year, raising concerns about future tax receipts. (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> House Budget Chair Cody Smith, R-Carthage, summarizes his budget proposal to reporters in March. State revenues fell in the first portion of the fiscal year, raising concerns about future tax receipts. (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A new report from Pew Charitable Trusts shows revenue growth in most states is below inflation after two years of abundant tax receipts</h2>By RUDI KELLER&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri’s general revenue has lagged behind inflation for two years in a row. And with that gap widening, the next few months could determine whether state revenue will see a year-over-year decline for the first time in more than a decade.&nbsp;“September is a good sort of bellwether one for us, because that’s where we get quarterly payments from both individuals and corporations,” Dan Haug, Gov. Mike Parson’s budget director, said in an interview with The Independent last week. “There’s not a lot of significant due dates in July and August, so we try not to even really look at what trends are until we get through the end of September.”Through Friday, general revenue receipts are down more than 3% compared to the same period in fiscal 2024.Revenue grew 2.74% in fiscal 2023, while inflation was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2023/consumer-prices-up-3-0-percent-over-the-year-ended-june-2023.htm" target="_blank">calculated at 3%</a>&nbsp;by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. In fiscal 2024, which ended June 30, revenue grew 1.47%, while inflation was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2024/consumer-prices-up-3-0-percent-from-june-2023-to-june-2024.htm#:~:text=The%20Consumer%20Price%20Index%20for,on%20a%2012%2Dmonth%20basis." target="_blank">again pegged at 3%</a>.Missouri isn’t the only state suffering from sluggish revenue growth, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/issue-briefs/2024/08/how-a-pandemic-era-surge-in-tax-collections-drove-a-revenue-wave" target="_blank">recent report</a>&nbsp;from Pew Charitable Trusts. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many states — including Missouri — enjoyed a surge of revenue that drove new spending and tax cuts.Missouri enjoyed double-digit revenue growth for two years, a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/12/06/economic-slowdown-tax-cuts-likely-to-limit-missouri-revenue-growth-officials-say/">trend that ended</a>&nbsp;in early 2023. Nationally since the start of fiscal 2023, the report states, state government revenues have fallen below inflation rates and below the growth trend seen before the pandemic. That is the first time in 40 years that has happened outside of an economic recession.“There’s less fiscal flexibility, but it’s unclear whether states will be really under strain or not, but it’s going to be more difficult than before,” said Alexandre Fall, a senior associate with Pew who was the main author of the report.As they wrote this year’s budget in the spring, the Republican-led legislature tried to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/27/state-budget-loaded-with-earmarks-nears-deadline-for-action-by-missouri-gov-mike-parson/">limit ongoing general revenue spending</a>&nbsp;to the anticipated revenue of $13.2 billion. But even after Gov. Mike Parson vetoed $1 billion, the budget anticipates spending $15.1 billion in general revenue, dipping into surpluses accumulated during the surge in 2021 and 2022.House Budget Committee Vice Chairman Dirk Deaton, a Republican from Noel, said lawmakers must continue to limit ongoing spending to new revenue.“If revenue is lower in the future we will have to look carefully at core spending items to make sure the state budget is on a sustainable path and Missouri is well positioned to balance the budget year after year,” Deaton said.State revenue was down in the early part of fiscal 2024 but ended up with modest growth, Deaton noted.State Rep. Peter Merideth of St. Louis, the ranking Democrat on the Budget Committee, said future legislatures should commit to meeting state needs instead of hanging on to surpluses. Merideth is not returning to the House due to term limits.Any spending cuts tied to the flow of revenue, rather than to the state’s total available resources, will fall heavily on education programs, Merideth predicted.“We will cut education further,” he said. “Maybe it’s on the transportation line, or maybe it’s somewhere else, and we will cut higher education because those are about the only two slightly discretionary places that the legislature has to cut with large sums of money.”<h2>Sitting on a surplus</h2>On June 30, the general revenue fund held $4.8 billion, down $960 million from the balance a year earlier. That is still the third-highest year-end balance in state history.Some of that money is committed to multi-year building projects, such as a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/05/missouri-lawmakers-approve-largest-budget-in-state-history-almost-51-billion/">$300 million mental health hospital</a>&nbsp;in Kansas City, but most of it is unencumbered.Other surplus money was stashed elsewhere. The state is holding $2.4 billion transferred from general revenue for major projects including rebuilding Interstate 70 and expanding the state Capitol Building.&nbsp;Another $1.8 billion was held in accounts that can be spent like general revenue.The question for lawmakers and state officials is how to spend from surplus funds without exhausting them, said Liz Farmer, a fiscal policy writer at Pew.“States are spending down balance dollars at a rapid rate,” Farmer said.&nbsp;The budget presented by Parson in January anticipated an unencumbered general revenue balance of $1.9 billion on June 30, 2025.&nbsp;Along with major projects, in the past two years lawmakers have used the surplus to fund smaller items in their districts. Parson has vetoed many of those items as he cut&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/30/despite-8-billion-surplus-missouri-governor-vetoes-550-million-in-state-spending/">$550 million from the budget</a>&nbsp;in 2023 and $1 billion&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/28/missouri-governor-slashes-1-billion-from-state-budget-approved-by-lawmakers/">approved this year</a>.&nbsp;Future lawmakers need to resist the urge to earmark funds for their district, Merideth said. Stagnant or declining state revenue should mean extra funds are reserved for filling shortfalls in important programs.“We have a surplus to work with in the short term but we haven’t hit an economic crash, which at some point will happen in the future,” Merideth said. “That’s when we’re going to be in real trouble.”During the recession that began in 2008, revenues fell from about $8 billion annual to $6.7 billion a few years later. Haug, who has worked for both the legislature and the executive branch, said the state is in good shape in case of a recession.“We’ve got a very healthy fund balance to help us get through a minor downturn, if there is one, although I’m not sure that there even will be one,” Haug said. “We’re in a lot better spot to weather this kind of stuff than we’ve been probably in any of the time I’ve been here.”There are structural changes in the cost of state government that are permanent, thanks to the surge of revenue.&nbsp;The pay of every state worker hired before the beginning of 2022 has increased at least 20.7% under pay raise plans proposed by Parson. Some workers have received much larger percentage boosts, from a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/24/gov-mike-parson-proposes-record-52-7-billion-missouri-state-budget/">longevity pay plan</a>&nbsp;approved this year,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-state-employee-pay-raise-heads-to-governors-desk/">increases in night pay</a>&nbsp;for workers in prisons, mental health hospitals and other custodial institutions and approval of a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/12/06/missouri-gov-parson-proposes-15-minimum-pay-for-state-employees/">minimum salary of $15</a>&nbsp;an hour for all state jobs.With state agency staff vacancy rates averaging more than 10%, the cost of running the state will go up as workers are added.“Increased state employee pay and salaries, as well as permanent tax cuts, were two very popular policy choices that were made across states and were made in Missouri,” Fall said. “But now that we’re seeing all this excess revenue kind of pull back, and states are seeing decreased flexibility, it’s unclear what comes next.”Missouri has passed two large permanent tax cuts, with income tax rate cuts enacted in a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/29/legislature-sends-764-million-income-tax-cut-to-missouri-governor/">special session in 2022</a>, and a bill&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/bill-exempting-social-security-from-missouri-income-tax-heading-to-governor/">exempting Social Security</a>&nbsp;benefits from state income tax in 2023.Together, that legislation will reduce state revenue by $1 billion or more annually. The next step in the phased-in tax cut passed in 2022 will take effect on Jan. 1, cutting the top income tax rate to 4.7%.Those cuts will generate economic activity that will sustain revenues, Deaton said.“Missouri has made very clear through our tax policy we are more interested in growing the bank accounts of the people as opposed to growing the amount of monies coming to Jefferson City,” he said.With a new governor coming into office in January and new legislative leadership, tapping the surplus could be a temptation.“Whoever is sitting in that governor’s mansion and whoever is sitting in the budget committee chair will make a significant difference and it’s hard to predict,” Merideth said.<h2>Revenue picture</h2>In the last full fiscal year before the pandemic, the Missouri general revenue fund took in $9.6 billion. In the fiscal year that ended June 30, the total was $13.4 billion, 1.47% more than in the previous year.Two of the main sources of state revenue — personal and corporate income taxes — saw a decline in collections in fiscal 2024. So far this year, the decline in revenue received so far has extended to sales tax collections.The surge in revenue coincided with the highest inflation rates in 40 years and sales tax growth led the way, thanks to consumers spending federal pandemic relief aid along with higher wages and prices.There is no evidence in the Missouri economy that would show the current decline in sales tax collections is anything but temporary, Haug said.“People may be pulling back a little bit temporarily to pay off debt and things like that, but eventually the fundamentals are what’s going to drive it,” Haug said.&nbsp;Missouri added&nbsp;<a href="https://meric.mo.gov/missouri-monthly-jobs-report" target="_blank">62,400 jobs</a>&nbsp;from July 2023 to July 2024 and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bea.gov/news/2024/gross-domestic-product-state-and-personal-income-state-1st-quarter-2024" target="_blank">personal income</a>&nbsp;grew at an annual rate of 6.7% in the first quarter of the year. State GDP is up 1.6% on an annual basis and inflation,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/09/11/nx-s1-5108607/inflation-consumer-prices-economy-interest-rates" target="_blank">while slowing</a>, continues, with prices nationally about 2.5% higher than a year ago.“Long term, that’s what’s going to drive our revenues, and I think that’s still what’s going to drive our revenues,” Haug said.With the end of pandemic restrictions, consumers are spending more on non-taxed services and travel, Farmer said, as well as substituting cheaper goods when they make purchases.Missouri estimates its revenue each December for the remainder of the fiscal year and the coming year. A longer horizon for budget outlooks would make the state better prepared for possible trouble, she said.“That is one of our key benchmarks for state fiscal health, and something that could be really helpful for assessing what these impacts on personal income tax and those cuts look like for the state down the line for revenue,” she said.A longer-term outlook may be helpful, Deaton said, but experience shows that the short-term estimates aren’t particularly accurate.“There have been times they were very close and other years when estimates missed badly,” Deaton said. “The further you extend out, the greater the margin of error.”

Missouri tax revenues declining in first months of fiscal year, raising concerns

CLINTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 7:30.m. Monday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Freightliner semi driven by Hector A. Fonseca Mendez, 21, Medera, California, was northbound on Interstate 35 four miles south of Lathrop.

The semi was in the left lane passing another vehicle.&nbsp; The semi moved to the right lane, continued moving right, traveled off the road down an embankment and struck a fence.

Tri-County EMS transported Mendez to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The MSHP did not have seat belt usage details.

CLINTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 7:30.m. Monday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Freightliner semi driven by Hector A. Fonseca Mendez, 21, Medera, California, was northbound on Interstate 35 four miles south of Lathrop.The semi was in the left lane passing another vehicle.&nbsp; The semi moved to the right lane, continued moving right, traveled off the road down an embankment and struck a fence.Tri-County EMS transported Mendez to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The MSHP did not have seat belt usage details.

Driver hospitalized after violent semi crash

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

At 12:30a.m.  on September 14, officers on patrol observed 39-year-old Joseph J. Dyer walking in the area of 9th and Kansas Avenue in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;He was taken into custody on a District Court warrant for failure to appear in court and also for being in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia at the time of the warrant arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726496462029.png" alt="Dyer photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Dyer photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.At 12:30a.m. on September 14, officers on patrol observed 39-year-old Joseph J. Dyer walking in the area of 9th and Kansas Avenue in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He was taken into custody on a District Court warrant for failure to appear in court and also for being in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia at the time of the warrant arrest.

Police: Kansas man who skipped court caught with drugs

October is domestic violence awareness month, and during the month the YWCA will provide a unique and harrowing immersive experience.  

An event titled In Her Shoes will place participants in the shoes of a domestic violence victim to help understand the challenges victims face.  

YWCA Survivor Outreach Specialist Corina Merritt says when people come into the experience, they will be given a character card.  

"You may have children, and if that’s the case you’ll have some baby dolls that you carry with you, everybody gets a suitcase, and you go to different stations, they might represent the police station, the shelter, going back home, going to family,” Merritt tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. “And as you go to each of these stations, you’re presented with different scenarios that make it challenging, you may go to the shelter station and we’re full we can’t help you, so then you have to decide where to go next.” 

Merritt says the experience shows people why when victims are trying to get out of situations how challenging it can be.  She adds the goal of the event is to help raise awareness 

"To help people understand, to maybe have some more compassion and patience, and be more willing to help people that are in these situations,” Merritt says. “This is not an individual situation, domestic violence is a family and community problem, it causes businesses to lose employees, have them miss work, it causes babysitting issues, I could go on the list is forever long of the issues it causes.” 

Merritt says people react strongly to this event, and recalls a group of social work students from Missouri Western participating last year 

"The look on their faces maybe when they couldn’t make the choice that they wanted to at whatever station they were at, or they just couldn't believe some of the things that they were faced against,” Merritt explains.  “And this simulation goes as far as if somebody makes, I don’t want to say the right decision, but if you make the decision you’ll go to a place where you actually end up dying, and when that happens everybody in the room gets quiet and we read a very impactful poem.” 

The event will be held October 3rd, 17th and 24th.  Sessions are available between 11:30am and 1pm or 5 to 6:30pm.  You can contact Merritt for more information. 

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostOctober is domestic violence awareness month, and during the month the YWCA will provide a unique and harrowing immersive experience. An event titled In Her Shoes will place participants in the shoes of a domestic violence victim to help understand the challenges victims face. YWCA Survivor Outreach Specialist Corina Merritt says when people come into the experience, they will be given a character card. "You may have children, and if that’s the case you’ll have some baby dolls that you carry with you, everybody gets a suitcase, and you go to different stations, they might represent the police station, the shelter, going back home, going to family,” Merritt tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. “And as you go to each of these stations, you’re presented with different scenarios that make it challenging, you may go to the shelter station and we’re full we can’t help you, so then you have to decide where to go next.” Merritt says the experience shows people why when victims are trying to get out of situations how challenging it can be. She adds the goal of the event is to help raise awareness "To help people understand, to maybe have some more compassion and patience, and be more willing to help people that are in these situations,” Merritt says. “This is not an individual situation, domestic violence is a family and community problem, it causes businesses to lose employees, have them miss work, it causes babysitting issues, I could go on the list is forever long of the issues it causes.” Merritt says people react strongly to this event, and recalls a group of social work students from Missouri Western participating last year "The look on their faces maybe when they couldn’t make the choice that they wanted to at whatever station they were at, or they just couldn't believe some of the things that they were faced against,” Merritt explains. “And this simulation goes as far as if somebody makes, I don’t want to say the right decision, but if you make the decision you’ll go to a place where you actually end up dying, and when that happens everybody in the room gets quiet and we read a very impactful poem.” The event will be held October 3rd, 17th and 24th. Sessions are available between 11:30am and 1pm or 5 to 6:30pm. You can contact Merritt for more information.

St. Joseph YWCA wants to place you in the shoes of domestic abuse victims

Ads promoting sports wagering are already on the air, with other campaigns starting this week as they also reserve time for the final weeks before the election

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

Missouri’s November ballot is now set, and initiative campaigns are ramping up spending to convince voters to pass the proposals.

The first to go on the air last week was Winning for Missouri Education, the committee funded by online sports gambling companies for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/Elections/Petitions/2024-160.pdf" target="_blank">Amendment 2</a>, which would&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/13/sports-wagering-minimum-wage-hike-headed-for-november-vote-in-missouri/">legalize betting</a>&nbsp;on college and professional games.

The committee spent $1.2 million for ads in every media market except north-central and northeast Missouri and another $4.7 million reserving air time through the Nov. 5 election.

Two other initiative campaigns —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/Elections/Petitions/2024-086.pdf" target="_blank">Amendment 3</a>, which would restore abortion rights, and for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/Elections/Petitions/2024-038.pdf" target="_blank">Proposition A</a>, to boost the minimum wage and require businesses to provide paid sick and family leave —&nbsp; are making major ad buys for October. Ads to promote passage Amendment 3 will also begin this week in several markets.

Opposition groups are forming to counter those campaigns, but only a group opposing sports wagering, Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment, has bought air time. The group, which formed on Tuesday, on Friday reported $4.1 million in contributions from Missouri casinos to the Missouri Ethics Commission. The group spent $546,805 last week for ads that will run this month in Springfield, St. Louis, Columbia and Kansas City.

<h2>Ads promoting sports wagering are already on the air, with other campaigns starting this week as they also reserve time for the final weeks before the election</h2>By RUDI KELLER &nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri’s November ballot is now set, and initiative campaigns are ramping up spending to convince voters to pass the proposals.The first to go on the air last week was Winning for Missouri Education, the committee funded by online sports gambling companies for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/Elections/Petitions/2024-160.pdf" target="_blank">Amendment 2</a>, which would&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/13/sports-wagering-minimum-wage-hike-headed-for-november-vote-in-missouri/">legalize betting</a>&nbsp;on college and professional games.The committee spent $1.2 million for ads in every media market except north-central and northeast Missouri and another $4.7 million reserving air time through the Nov. 5 election.Two other initiative campaigns —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/Elections/Petitions/2024-086.pdf" target="_blank">Amendment 3</a>, which would restore abortion rights, and for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/Elections/Petitions/2024-038.pdf" target="_blank">Proposition A</a>, to boost the minimum wage and require businesses to provide paid sick and family leave —&nbsp; are making major ad buys for October. Ads to promote passage Amendment 3 will also begin this week in several markets.Opposition groups are forming to counter those campaigns, but only a group opposing sports wagering, Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment, has bought air time. The group, which formed on Tuesday, on Friday reported $4.1 million in contributions from Missouri casinos to the Missouri Ethics Commission. The group spent $546,805 last week for ads that will run this month in Springfield, St. Louis, Columbia and Kansas City.Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, the committee campaigning for Amendment 3, has spent $3.9 million to purchase ads that will run continuously statewide starting with the week of Oct. 8. The ads that begin this week will run in the St. Louis and Springfield markets.Missourians for Healthy Families and Fair Wages, the committee backing Proposition A, has spent $1.3 million for ads that will begin the week of Oct. 15.The Independent tracks ad spending by reviewing documents broadcasters must file daily with the Federal Communications Commission. Those totals do not include spending for streaming platforms.&nbsp;In the six statewide races, only U.S. Senate candidates Lucas Kunce, the Democratic candidate, and Josh Hawley, the Republican incumbent, have begun television campaigns.Hawley, Kunce and a PAC supporting Hawley have spent $7.4 million on television since the start of August. Ballot measure spending so far totals $11.6 million.The outlays to reserve time late in the election are standard strategies, Republican political consultant John Hancock said Thursday.“You reserve from the back forward,” Hancock said. “You want to make sure you’re up as people are making decisions. It’s entirely possible that those campaigns will buy additional weeks as budgets permit.”Hancock is working for the Osage River Gaming and Convention Committee, which is backing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/Elections/Petitions/2024-165.pdf" target="_blank">Amendment 5</a>&nbsp;on the ballot. The measure, which would authorize a new casino near the popular Lake of the Ozarks tourist area, is the only initiative campaign that has not followed up certification for the ballot with TV ad purchases. Hancock declined to discuss the timeline for doing so.But after spending $4.3 million so far — all provided by Bally’s, which currently operates a casino in Kansas City, and RIS Inc., a major regional developer near the Lake of the Ozarks — a large outlay for advertising to support Amendment 5 is certain, said Jonathan Ratliff, a Republican consultant who is not currently working on any ballot measure campaigns.“My rule always when you’re putting these together is if you’re not willing to spend the last million, you shouldn’t pay for the first million,” Ratliff said.The sports wagering amendment, which&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/06/attempt-to-block-missouri-sports-betting-amendment-lacks-evidence-judge-rules/">survived a court challenge</a>&nbsp;questioning whether it received enough signatures, is using the promise of more money for education in its first ad. Ads from the opposition group, Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment, argue that promise won’t be kept.The ad now running for the sports wagering initiative features a former teacher and promises it “will raise tens of millions of dollars every year for our classrooms, helping increase teacher pay.”The fiscal note summary voters will see on the ballot estimates it will bring in $11.75 million in licensing fees, money that would cover the cost of administering the licensing process. Any extra in that fund goes to support veterans programs, including veterans nursing homes.The net winnings from wagers would be taxed at 10%, which the fiscal summary estimates to be in a range of no new money up to $28.9 million annually. The tax would be applied after gambling companies deduct promotional costs like free wagers for new accounts.A similar tax structure in Kansas has generated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.betkansas.com/revenue-report" target="_blank">$18.2 million in revenue</a>&nbsp;on $4.1 billion wagered since sports betting became legal in that state in September 2022.“In reality, Amendment 2 contains no guarantees that a single penny will go to our schools,” Brooke Foster, spokeswoman for the anti-sports wagering committee, said in a news release.Under the Missouri Constitution, all taxes on casino gambling and the state’s share of lottery ticket sales must be spent on education programs. In the fiscal year that ended June 30, the 21% tax on money won by casinos brought in $357.6 million and the lottery produced $388.8 million.Lawmakers appropriated $8.7 billion from all funds for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and $1.4 billion for the Department of Higher Education.There is nothing in the amendment that prevents lawmakers from reducing current spending by the amount of new revenue produced by sports wagering.The sports wagering amendment will keep its promise to bring in tens of millions each year, spokesman Jack Cardetti said. There is little likelihood lawmakers will reduce current spending on education, he contends.The new revenue could be a significant part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-education-department-says-state-funding-for-school-year-is-100-million-short/">$100 million needed</a>&nbsp;as supplemental spending for public schools in the current fiscal year, Cardetti said.Winning for Missouri Education spent $6 million for the signature campaign to get on the ballot, all from the two major online sports betting platforms, DraftKings and FanDuel and their parent companies.&nbsp;The $3.52 million contribution from DK Crown Holdings on Aug. 15 is the largest political donation in Missouri this year. BetFair Interactive, owner of FanDuel, added $1.5 million on Thursday.The ads will run in every market in the state, Cardetti said.“We’re going to be making sure that Missourians in every corner of the state know how important it is that Missouri doesn’t have sports betting,” he said. “As we sit here today, seven of our eight neighboring states have legalized sports betting, and those dollars are making improvements in those states. Missourians are missing out.Changes to voting laws are pushing campaigns to spend money earlier, Hancock said. No-excuse absentee voting begins Oct. 22.“I no longer think it makes practical sense to buy the last two weeks only,” he said. “You’ve got to have at least three.”Ballot measure campaigns have two goals with their spending plans, Ratliff said. The first is to give an impression of invincibility with heavy rotations for their ads. The idea is to scare off&nbsp; opposition campaigns.Ballot measures are easier to defeat than to pass, Ratliff said.“If any of these groups have any opposition, it makes it a lot harder for them to be successful, especially something like the casino and sports betting stuff,” Ratliff said. “If they don’t have opposition, they have a much, much better chance of passing. Even the slimmest amount of opposition could really knock those back and keep them from passing.”The key for the ad campaigns, of course, is to get the message seen. And the success of the Kansas City Chiefs is making their game broadcasts some of the most costly any campaign can buy.Hawley spent $75,000 to run one 30-second spot on KSHB in Kansas City during the Chiefs’ opening game. Missourians for Constitutional Freedom spent $50,000 to reserve two ads during the Oct. 27 game against the Las Vegas Raiders on KMOV in St. Louis.And it cost Winning for Missouri Education $30,000 for two ads on KJFX in Joplin during the Oct. 20 game against the San Francisco 49ers, the team the Chiefs defeated in this year’s Super Bowl.Streaming services, cable channels and digital recording mean many viewers are choosing their own schedule for television viewing. But audiences still tune in to live sporting events, Ratliff said.“They’re gonna watch that live, so they’re worth a lot more,” he said. “Those ads are crazy expensive, and you’re going to see those ads are more valuable because you’re gonna have eyes on it.”