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

The state budget will go to the full House next week with 96 earmarked items costing $162.2 million total added to the spending plan presented in January by Gov. Mike Kehoe

The House Budget Committee squeezed $139 million in general revenue out of the Missouri state budget for road, port and other earmarked projects Monday night, but Republicans thwarted an effort by Democrats to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/24/education-funding-child-care-subsidies-central-to-missouri-state-budget-debate/">shift $50 million into public schools</a>.

During a stop-and-go work session that stretched late into the night, the committee approved a $47.9 billion budget for state operations in the coming fiscal year. The committee reduced Gov. Mike Kehoe’s budget by $2.1 billion overall and about $750 million in general revenue.

The mark-up session boosted the total for general revenue earmarks by $20 million and the package going to the full House will have 96 earmarked items tracked by The Independent costing $162.2 million total added since Kehoe&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/28/gov-mike-kehoe-dips-deeply-into-surplus-as-missouri-budget-grows-to-nearly-54-billion/">proposed his budget in January</a>.

Some of the biggest general revenue earmarks — $15 million for a new state park in McDonald County and $12 million for a climbing lane on Interstate 44 — are in the southwest Missouri district of House Budget Committee Chairman Dirk Deaton.

Among the largest earmarks added Monday are $5 million for ramps and an outer road on U.S. Highway 60 in Sikeston and $4 million for the Marion County Port Authority.

While Democrats succeeded in adding a handful of earmarks, they were shot down on almost every proposal to increase or shift funding for state programs.

Two major spending proposals — one Kehoe endorsed in January and another he did not — were backed by Democrats on the committee but could not win support from Republicans.

Kehoe wants the state to spend an extra $107 million in federal funds on child care to revise how payments are calculated to one based on enrollment and change when checks arrive. Meanwhile, he does not want to spend $300 million in state general revenue to fully fund the public school foundation formula.

“Our providers have been through quite a lot this past year, to some extent from what they’ve had to deal with with the state,” state Rep. Stephanie Hein, a Democrat from Springfield, said as she sought to restore part of the child care funding. “This would help provide them stability within their budgeting process for the upcoming year.”

Republicans questioned whether the federal funding used this year will be available in the future.&nbsp;

“There’s no ongoing federal money for this,” said committee vice chairman Bishop Davidson, a Republican from Republic.&nbsp;

Because of a rule requiring cuts in general revenue from one line to spend it in another, Democrats did not attempt to shift the full $300 million into the school foundation formula. Instead, they tried to delete another of Kehoe’s major initiatives,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/07/05/major-corporations-wealthy-donors-fuel-growth-of-missouri-private-school-scholarship/">$50 million for a tax credit program</a>&nbsp;supporting private school tuition scholarships.

“When I look through some of the schools that receive taxpayer dollars now through the form of the tax credit program, there are schools that are getting dollars, that wouldn’t have educated, some of us in this room and I think it’s really important that we are spending our money in the right places and fully funding the foundation formula,” said state Rep. Betsy Fogle of Springfield, ranking Democrat on the committee.

Republicans said the credits are available for students who want to switch public schools as well as attend private schools.&nbsp;

“One thing we lack is parental engagement,” Davidson said. “Another thing we lack are any sort of competitive forces and we get to have both of those things when it comes to the (Empowerment Scholarship Accounts) program.”

The foundation formula distributes state aid on a per-pupil basis, with factors that give more money for students with disabilities or who are from low-income households. It cost $3.7 billion in the current year and the amount needed to fully fund it is determined by applying the calculation to what is called the state adequacy target.

To fully fund the formula for the coming year, the adequacy target would be $7,145 per student. To keep the cost down, Kehoe and the House Budget Committee are funding a target of $6,760 per student.

Kehoe wants the formula to be revised. One Republican said he wants no more money for the formula until it is changed.

“We need to fix it or get rid of it,” said GOP state Rep. Don Mayhew of Crocker.&nbsp;

The Democratic proposal that drew the most support from Republicans would have increased the amount paid for home-delivered meals for the elderly and disabled from $6.21 per meal to $7.14 per meal at a cost of $2.1 million, including $787,120 of general revenue.

“This is a warranted increase,” said state Rep. John Voss, a Republican from Cape Girardeau. “Many of the counties surrounding my district are very, very poor. In fact, I think we have many of the top 10 poorest counties. That is a lot of food insecurity and anything that we can do to support our seniors here, I would sure be supportive of.”

The full House will debate the budget next week. Democrats and Republicans will each have three hours to present their amendments and arguments.&nbsp;

At the end of Monday’s meeting, Deaton asked members whether six hours was too much. Some Republicans said it was.

“I don’t see that too much of the floor debate has changed my mind,” said state Rep. Mitch Boggs of LaRussell. “This is where the main meat and potatoes is done.”

Democrats objected to any change, saying it was the only time for most House members to have a say on spending.&nbsp;

“It doesn’t mean we have to burn all of it,” said Democratic state Rep. Del Taylor of St. Louis.

Mayhew agreed and at the end, Deaton did not recommend any change.

“This, folks, is really our only constitutional duty, and providing the opportunity for members who were elected to be here to make comments on that,” Mayhew said. “I’m okay with our standing normal procedure, and I don’t think it’s unfair or overly burdensome for us, especially when we’re talking about upwards of $52 billion of the taxpayers money.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742925525368.png" alt=" State Rep. Betsy Fogle of Springfield, ranking Democrat on the House Budget Committee, was defeated Monday in an attempt to shift $50 million into the state public school foundation formula. Fogle is shown at a Feb. 13 news conference (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption> State Rep. Betsy Fogle of Springfield, ranking Democrat on the House Budget Committee, was defeated Monday in an attempt to shift $50 million into the state public school foundation formula. Fogle is shown at a Feb. 13 news conference (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a><h2>The state budget will go to the full House next week with 96 earmarked items costing $162.2 million total added to the spending plan presented in January by Gov. Mike Kehoe</h2>The House Budget Committee squeezed $139 million in general revenue out of the Missouri state budget for road, port and other earmarked projects Monday night, but Republicans thwarted an effort by Democrats to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/24/education-funding-child-care-subsidies-central-to-missouri-state-budget-debate/">shift $50 million into public schools</a>.During a stop-and-go work session that stretched late into the night, the committee approved a $47.9 billion budget for state operations in the coming fiscal year. The committee reduced Gov. Mike Kehoe’s budget by $2.1 billion overall and about $750 million in general revenue.The mark-up session boosted the total for general revenue earmarks by $20 million and the package going to the full House will have 96 earmarked items tracked by The Independent costing $162.2 million total added since Kehoe&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/28/gov-mike-kehoe-dips-deeply-into-surplus-as-missouri-budget-grows-to-nearly-54-billion/">proposed his budget in January</a>.Some of the biggest general revenue earmarks — $15 million for a new state park in McDonald County and $12 million for a climbing lane on Interstate 44 — are in the southwest Missouri district of House Budget Committee Chairman Dirk Deaton.Among the largest earmarks added Monday are $5 million for ramps and an outer road on U.S. Highway 60 in Sikeston and $4 million for the Marion County Port Authority.While Democrats succeeded in adding a handful of earmarks, they were shot down on almost every proposal to increase or shift funding for state programs.Two major spending proposals — one Kehoe endorsed in January and another he did not — were backed by Democrats on the committee but could not win support from Republicans.Kehoe wants the state to spend an extra $107 million in federal funds on child care to revise how payments are calculated to one based on enrollment and change when checks arrive. Meanwhile, he does not want to spend $300 million in state general revenue to fully fund the public school foundation formula.“Our providers have been through quite a lot this past year, to some extent from what they’ve had to deal with with the state,” state Rep. Stephanie Hein, a Democrat from Springfield, said as she sought to restore part of the child care funding. “This would help provide them stability within their budgeting process for the upcoming year.”Republicans questioned whether the federal funding used this year will be available in the future.&nbsp;“There’s no ongoing federal money for this,” said committee vice chairman Bishop Davidson, a Republican from Republic.&nbsp;Because of a rule requiring cuts in general revenue from one line to spend it in another, Democrats did not attempt to shift the full $300 million into the school foundation formula. Instead, they tried to delete another of Kehoe’s major initiatives,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/07/05/major-corporations-wealthy-donors-fuel-growth-of-missouri-private-school-scholarship/">$50 million for a tax credit program</a>&nbsp;supporting private school tuition scholarships.“When I look through some of the schools that receive taxpayer dollars now through the form of the tax credit program, there are schools that are getting dollars, that wouldn’t have educated, some of us in this room and I think it’s really important that we are spending our money in the right places and fully funding the foundation formula,” said state Rep. Betsy Fogle of Springfield, ranking Democrat on the committee.Republicans said the credits are available for students who want to switch public schools as well as attend private schools.&nbsp;“One thing we lack is parental engagement,” Davidson said. “Another thing we lack are any sort of competitive forces and we get to have both of those things when it comes to the (Empowerment Scholarship Accounts) program.”The foundation formula distributes state aid on a per-pupil basis, with factors that give more money for students with disabilities or who are from low-income households. It cost $3.7 billion in the current year and the amount needed to fully fund it is determined by applying the calculation to what is called the state adequacy target.To fully fund the formula for the coming year, the adequacy target would be $7,145 per student. To keep the cost down, Kehoe and the House Budget Committee are funding a target of $6,760 per student.Kehoe wants the formula to be revised. One Republican said he wants no more money for the formula until it is changed.“We need to fix it or get rid of it,” said GOP state Rep. Don Mayhew of Crocker.&nbsp;The Democratic proposal that drew the most support from Republicans would have increased the amount paid for home-delivered meals for the elderly and disabled from $6.21 per meal to $7.14 per meal at a cost of $2.1 million, including $787,120 of general revenue.“This is a warranted increase,” said state Rep. John Voss, a Republican from Cape Girardeau. “Many of the counties surrounding my district are very, very poor. In fact, I think we have many of the top 10 poorest counties. That is a lot of food insecurity and anything that we can do to support our seniors here, I would sure be supportive of.”The full House will debate the budget next week. Democrats and Republicans will each have three hours to present their amendments and arguments.&nbsp;At the end of Monday’s meeting, Deaton asked members whether six hours was too much. Some Republicans said it was.“I don’t see that too much of the floor debate has changed my mind,” said state Rep. Mitch Boggs of LaRussell. “This is where the main meat and potatoes is done.”Democrats objected to any change, saying it was the only time for most House members to have a say on spending.&nbsp;“It doesn’t mean we have to burn all of it,” said Democratic state Rep. Del Taylor of St. Louis.Mayhew agreed and at the end, Deaton did not recommend any change.“This, folks, is really our only constitutional duty, and providing the opportunity for members who were elected to be here to make comments on that,” Mayhew said. “I’m okay with our standing normal procedure, and I don’t think it’s unfair or overly burdensome for us, especially when we’re talking about upwards of $52 billion of the taxpayers money.”

Republicans block push to increase funding for schools, child care in Missouri budget

WABAUNSEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect&nbsp;suspect who killed a horse on March 25, near Interstate 70 and SW Carlson Road in rural Wabaunsee County, according to the Wabaunsee County Sheriff. A reward for information in the case is now $10,000.

&nbsp;If you know something about the crime,&nbsp; call the Wabaunsee County Dispatch 785 765 3323.

WABAUNSEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect&nbsp;suspect who killed a horse on March 25, near Interstate 70 and SW Carlson Road in rural Wabaunsee County, according to the Wabaunsee County Sheriff. A reward for information in the case is now $10,000.&nbsp;If you know something about the crime,&nbsp; call the Wabaunsee County Dispatch 785 765 3323.

 Reward increased for information on who killed a horse

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating another online scam and warning the public after a 47-year-old Salina woman lost $700 while attempting to secure an apartment through Facebook.

The victim had contacted a person claiming to represent “Wendy Sherman Realty, " according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman. The suspect sent her a rental contract and instructed her to make three payments through Zelle, totaling $525.

After completing the initial payments, the suspect requested an additional $175 using an Apple gift card. When the woman attempted to meet the suspect to receive the keys to the apartment, the suspect refused and would not refund her money. The victim later discovered that the actual listing for the property was under a different realty company. The total loss from the scam amounted to $700.

The Salina Police Department is reminding the public to exercise caution when attempting to rent properties online. Authorities advise never to make payments without first visiting the property and conducting a walkthrough. Legitimate realty companies and landlords should always allow potential renters to inspect the space before accepting deposits.

Additionally, police warn that any request for gift card payments should raise suspicion, as this is a common red flag in fraudulent transactions.

Anyone who has become a victim to a similar scam or has information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Salina Police Department.

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating another online scam and warning the public after a 47-year-old Salina woman lost $700 while attempting to secure an apartment through Facebook.The victim had contacted a person claiming to represent “Wendy Sherman Realty, " according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman. The suspect sent her a rental contract and instructed her to make three payments through Zelle, totaling $525.After completing the initial payments, the suspect requested an additional $175 using an Apple gift card. When the woman attempted to meet the suspect to receive the keys to the apartment, the suspect refused and would not refund her money. The victim later discovered that the actual listing for the property was under a different realty company. The total loss from the scam amounted to $700.The Salina Police Department is reminding the public to exercise caution when attempting to rent properties online. Authorities advise never to make payments without first visiting the property and conducting a walkthrough. Legitimate realty companies and landlords should always allow potential renters to inspect the space before accepting deposits.Additionally, police warn that any request for gift card payments should raise suspicion, as this is a common red flag in fraudulent transactions.Anyone who has become a victim to a similar scam or has information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Salina Police Department.

Police: Kan. woman lost $700 in online rental scam

KANSAS CITY —Police investigating a deadly weekend shooting in Kansas City have identified the victim as 48-year-old Samuel Aro, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

Just before 2:30 a.m., March 23, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 7800 block of N Oak in Kansas City.&nbsp;

When officers arrived to the area they located several citizens performing life saving measures on Aro who was suffering from multiple apparent gunshot wounds. Officers took over life saving measures until EMS responded and transported the victim to an area hospital with critical injuries.&nbsp;

Preliminarily investigation indicates a verbal dispute may have occurred between the victim and another man that escalated into gunfire. The suspect left the area prior to police arriving on the scene. Police have not released the name of a suspect or additional details.

On Monday, detectives were notified Aro died as a result of his injuries.&nbsp;

Homicide detectives have assumed responsibility of the case.

KANSAS CITY —Police investigating a deadly weekend shooting in Kansas City have identified the victim as 48-year-old Samuel Aro, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.Just before 2:30 a.m., March 23, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 7800 block of N Oak in Kansas City.&nbsp;When officers arrived to the area they located several citizens performing life saving measures on Aro who was suffering from multiple apparent gunshot wounds. Officers took over life saving measures until EMS responded and transported the victim to an area hospital with critical injuries.&nbsp;Preliminarily investigation indicates a verbal dispute may have occurred between the victim and another man that escalated into gunfire. The suspect left the area prior to police arriving on the scene. Police have not released the name of a suspect or additional details.On Monday, detectives were notified Aro died as a result of his injuries.&nbsp;Homicide detectives have assumed responsibility of the case.

KCPD: 48-year-old hospitalized after shooting has died

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly on Monday vetoed legislation that would eliminate a three-day grace period for advance mail-in ballots to arrive after Election Day.

The proposal would result in thousands of ballots from lawfully registered voters being thrown in the trash during high-turnout elections.

Under current law, ballots are counted if they are postmarked by Election Day and received by the following Friday.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb4/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 4</a>&nbsp;would require ballots to be returned instead by 7 p.m. on Election Day.

“Not only will removing the three-day grace period for mail ballots disenfranchise thousands of Kansas voters, but it also shows a lack of understanding of our elections in Kansas,” Kelly said. “Implementing this will create confusion among county election officials.”

House Republican leadership promised to override the governor’s “reckless” veto.

“We eagerly anticipate overriding the governor’s misguided veto to safeguard our elections and ensure quick, reliable outcomes,” the House GOP leaders said in a joint statement. “By setting a firm Election Day deadline, we reaffirm Kansans’ trust in our elections.”

Republican claims about “reliable outcomes” being available on the night of the election are rooted in widespread lies about the 2020 presidential election, in which Joe Biden defeated Donald Trump in a safe and secure election.

Rep. Pat Proctor, a Leavenworth Republican who chairs the election committee, told Republicans in a&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/14/in-private-video-house-elections-chair-says-he-wants-to-end-early-voting-grace-period-in-kansas/">private meeting in February 2024</a>&nbsp;that he intended to end the three-day grace period because he doesn’t support advance voting and because he wanted to punish Democrats and advocacy groups who wouldn’t accept a compromise he had offered.

“I had a deal, and then Loud Light and Appleseed, which are the kind of bomb throwers in the election debate, they blew it up,” Proctor said in&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/0X7MLXASbWE?feature=shared" target="_blank">a leaked video clip</a>. “And I told all of them — and you know, please don’t put this on Facebook or in the news — I told them all, this is your year for a deal. You can either negotiate and we can get a deal, or next year I’m ramming the thing through the way I want it to look.”

“If it was up to me, Election Day would be Election Day,” Proctor added. “There wouldn’t be early voting. Mail-in ballots would only be for military or severely disabled. But I got to bring 84 people with me, so I’m trying to chip away at it.”

The House passed&nbsp;SB 4 80-39 on Feb. 27 and the Senate passed it 30-10 on March 6.

In her veto message, the governor said the bill is an attack on rural Kansans who are more vulnerable to delays in processing of mail.

“I will not sign legislation that deprives Kansans from having their vote counted,” Kelly said.

Loud Light advocacy director Melissa Stiehler said the three-day grace period is “a common sense solution” to ongoing mail delays. She also said the bill to repeal it “was born from the conspiracy theories during the 2020 election.”

“The reality is that the only thing this bill does is throw out our Kansans votes for no good reason,” Stiehler said. “We are thankful that the governor stood up for democracy today and encourage the Legislature to do the same by voting to sustain the veto.”

The Legislature could vote at any time this week to override the governor’s veto, which would require support from two-thirds of the members of both the House and Senate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742863728293.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly said Monday she would refuse to "sign legislation that deprives Kansans from having their vote counted." (Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly said Monday she would refuse to "sign legislation that deprives Kansans from having their vote counted." (Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly on Monday vetoed legislation that would eliminate a three-day grace period for advance mail-in ballots to arrive after Election Day.The proposal would result in thousands of ballots from lawfully registered voters being thrown in the trash during high-turnout elections.Under current law, ballots are counted if they are postmarked by Election Day and received by the following Friday.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb4/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 4</a>&nbsp;would require ballots to be returned instead by 7 p.m. on Election Day.“Not only will removing the three-day grace period for mail ballots disenfranchise thousands of Kansas voters, but it also shows a lack of understanding of our elections in Kansas,” Kelly said. “Implementing this will create confusion among county election officials.”House Republican leadership promised to override the governor’s “reckless” veto.“We eagerly anticipate overriding the governor’s misguided veto to safeguard our elections and ensure quick, reliable outcomes,” the House GOP leaders said in a joint statement. “By setting a firm Election Day deadline, we reaffirm Kansans’ trust in our elections.”Republican claims about “reliable outcomes” being available on the night of the election are rooted in widespread lies about the 2020 presidential election, in which Joe Biden defeated Donald Trump in a safe and secure election.Rep. Pat Proctor, a Leavenworth Republican who chairs the election committee, told Republicans in a&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/14/in-private-video-house-elections-chair-says-he-wants-to-end-early-voting-grace-period-in-kansas/">private meeting in February 2024</a>&nbsp;that he intended to end the three-day grace period because he doesn’t support advance voting and because he wanted to punish Democrats and advocacy groups who wouldn’t accept a compromise he had offered.“I had a deal, and then Loud Light and Appleseed, which are the kind of bomb throwers in the election debate, they blew it up,” Proctor said in&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/0X7MLXASbWE?feature=shared" target="_blank">a leaked video clip</a>. “And I told all of them — and you know, please don’t put this on Facebook or in the news — I told them all, this is your year for a deal. You can either negotiate and we can get a deal, or next year I’m ramming the thing through the way I want it to look.”“If it was up to me, Election Day would be Election Day,” Proctor added. “There wouldn’t be early voting. Mail-in ballots would only be for military or severely disabled. But I got to bring 84 people with me, so I’m trying to chip away at it.”The House passed&nbsp;SB 4 80-39 on Feb. 27 and the Senate passed it 30-10 on March 6.In her veto message, the governor said the bill is an attack on rural Kansans who are more vulnerable to delays in processing of mail.“I will not sign legislation that deprives Kansans from having their vote counted,” Kelly said.Loud Light advocacy director Melissa Stiehler said the three-day grace period is “a common sense solution” to ongoing mail delays. She also said the bill to repeal it “was born from the conspiracy theories during the 2020 election.”“The reality is that the only thing this bill does is throw out our Kansans votes for no good reason,” Stiehler said. “We are thankful that the governor stood up for democracy today and encourage the Legislature to do the same by voting to sustain the veto.”The Legislature could vote at any time this week to override the governor’s veto, which would require support from two-thirds of the members of both the House and Senate.

Kan. governor vetoes legislation that would disqualify slow-arriving mail-in ballots

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a theft and assault on a law enforcement officer and asking the public for help to identify suspects.

On March 16, police responded to a reported theft in progress near the intersection of 97th Street and Quivira Road in Overland Park, according to John Lacy. The suspects exited a retail establishment without paying for multiple items.  An Overland Park Police officer attempted to initiate contact.  The suspects entered a Dodge Journey, the driver deliberately impacted the driver's side of the officer's marked police vehicle. The suspect vehicle travelled east on W. 95th Street and south on U.S. 69 Hwy.

If you are able to identify either of these suspects, please contact Det. Wimsatt at phone number 913-344-8742 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742866430680.png" alt="Security camera images Overland Park Police" />
 <figcaption>Security camera images Overland Park Police</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a theft and assault on a law enforcement officer and asking the public for help to identify suspects.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742866249101.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On March 16, police responded to a reported theft in progress near the intersection of 97th Street and Quivira Road in Overland Park, according to John Lacy. The suspects exited a retail establishment without paying for multiple items. An Overland Park Police officer attempted to initiate contact. The suspects entered a Dodge Journey, the driver deliberately impacted the driver's side of the officer's marked police vehicle. The suspect vehicle travelled east on W. 95th Street and south on U.S. 69 Hwy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742866466796.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>If you are able to identify either of these suspects, please contact Det. Wimsatt at phone number 913-344-8742 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

Theft suspect rammed Kansas police vehicle during getaway

MARIES COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 5p.m. Monday in Maries County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Suzuki motorcycle driven by a 20-year-old Vienna, Missouri man was eastbound on Highway 42 just west of Highway Z. The driver failed to negotiate a curve, traveled off the right side of the road, struck a tree and a fence.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Birmingham Martin Funeral Home. He was wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

MARIES COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 5p.m. Monday in Maries County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Suzuki motorcycle driven by a 20-year-old Vienna, Missouri man was eastbound on Highway 42 just west of Highway Z. The driver failed to negotiate a curve, traveled off the right side of the road, struck a tree and a fence.&nbsp;&nbsp;The driver was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Birmingham Martin Funeral Home. He was wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri man dies after motorcycle strikes a tree

TOPEKA, Kan.&nbsp; – Governor Laura Kelly signed on Monday Senate<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fkslegislature.gov%2Fli%2Fb2025_26%2Fmeasures%2Fsb8%2F/1/01010195c951d3b2-291024a3-657d-4709-8ed8-4fcade968268-000000/2JdQi9Q-BHe4OalomnCV70hnjfUUdifQhrgEr7hzdrE=397">&nbsp;Bill 8,</a>&nbsp;which requires drivers to move over when passing stationary vehicles displaying hazard warning lights.

“Thanks to this commonsense bill, all drivers will now be required to move over or slow down if there is a vehicle on the side of the road with flashing lights,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“This bill will improve safety and will make it easier to educate the driving public.”

Senate Bill 8 works to protect both drivers of disabled vehicles displaying hazard warning signal lights and other drivers on the road. The bill requires drivers on the road to proceed with caution and change lanes away from the disabled vehicle if it is possible and safe to do so.

"Eighty-two crashes occurred from 2018-2023 with someone in a vehicle while on the side of the road,”&nbsp;said State Representative for the 125th District Shannon Francis.&nbsp;“This bill will improve driver behavior by creating consistency with other move-over bills for law enforcement, first responders, and utility vehicles, among others."

Historically, move-over protections had been limited to emergency personnel. Over time, these protections included road service vehicles, utility, and tow trucks. This year, move-over protections will apply to all highway vehicles.

“Senate Bill 8 is a commonsense safety measure that will enhance protections for all travelers on Kansas roadways,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Senator for District 7 Ethan Corson&nbsp; “With its enactment, we’re taking meaningful steps to look out for drivers and passengers.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580470147579.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan.&nbsp; – Governor Laura Kelly signed on Monday Senate<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fkslegislature.gov%2Fli%2Fb2025_26%2Fmeasures%2Fsb8%2F/1/01010195c951d3b2-291024a3-657d-4709-8ed8-4fcade968268-000000/2JdQi9Q-BHe4OalomnCV70hnjfUUdifQhrgEr7hzdrE=397">&nbsp;Bill 8,</a>&nbsp;which requires drivers to move over when passing stationary vehicles displaying hazard warning lights.“Thanks to this commonsense bill, all drivers will now be required to move over or slow down if there is a vehicle on the side of the road with flashing lights,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“This bill will improve safety and will make it easier to educate the driving public.”Senate Bill 8 works to protect both drivers of disabled vehicles displaying hazard warning signal lights and other drivers on the road. The bill requires drivers on the road to proceed with caution and change lanes away from the disabled vehicle if it is possible and safe to do so."Eighty-two crashes occurred from 2018-2023 with someone in a vehicle while on the side of the road,”&nbsp;said State Representative for the 125th District Shannon Francis.&nbsp;“This bill will improve driver behavior by creating consistency with other move-over bills for law enforcement, first responders, and utility vehicles, among others."Historically, move-over protections had been limited to emergency personnel. Over time, these protections included road service vehicles, utility, and tow trucks. This year, move-over protections will apply to all highway vehicles.“Senate Bill 8 is a commonsense safety measure that will enhance protections for all travelers on Kansas roadways,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Senator for District 7 Ethan Corson&nbsp; “With its enactment, we’re taking meaningful steps to look out for drivers and passengers.”

Kansas governor signs move over bill

KANSAS CITY —A pedestrian injured in an accident Saturday in Kansas City has died.

Just before 10:30p.m. Saturday, police responded to report of the accident at NE MO 210 Highway and N Eldon, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Police investigators determined that a vehicle was eastbound on Mo 210 Highway just east of N Eldon and had a green traffic control signal. The pedestrian crossed the street southbound in front of vehicle and was struck by the vehicle. The pedestrian was transported to North Kansas City Hospital with life threatening injuries and died on Sunday, according to KCPD Officer Phil DiMartino.

This is fatality #12 compared to #24 at this time last year, according to DiMartino.&nbsp; The incident remains under investigation. Police have not released the name of the victim.

KANSAS CITY —A pedestrian injured in an accident Saturday in Kansas City has died.Just before 10:30p.m. Saturday, police responded to report of the accident at NE MO 210 Highway and N Eldon, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.Police investigators determined that a vehicle was eastbound on Mo 210 Highway just east of N Eldon and had a green traffic control signal. The pedestrian crossed the street southbound in front of vehicle and was struck by the vehicle. The pedestrian was transported to North Kansas City Hospital with life threatening injuries and died on Sunday, according to KCPD Officer Phil DiMartino.This is fatality #12 compared to #24 at this time last year, according to DiMartino.&nbsp; The incident remains under investigation. Police have not released the name of the victim.

KCPD: Pedestrian injured in weekend accident has died

A top initiative from Gov. Mike Kehoe is in trouble as House Budget Committee considers the chairman’s spending plan, which also has less for state employees pay raises and $139 million for earmarks&nbsp;

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">JASON HANCOCK</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

The Missouri House Budget Committee on Monday will debate a spending plan that eliminates one of Gov. Mike Kehoe’s major initiatives, adds dozens of new earmarked projects and dips into state general revenue reserves for about $1 billion.

The annual markup session, where committee members seek changes in the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/12/new-100-million-missouri-accounting-system-blamed-for-delays-in-budget-process/">revised budget unveiled March 12</a>&nbsp;by the panel’s chairman, state Rep. Dirk Deaton, promises to be a marathon meeting. If kinks in a new computer system don’t cause more delays, the full House will debate the budget bills in a week.

The substitute bills crafted by Deaton propose spending $47.6 billion on state operations, including $14.5 billion of general revenue. The proposal reduces Kehoe’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/28/gov-mike-kehoe-dips-deeply-into-surplus-as-missouri-budget-grows-to-nearly-54-billion/">January budget plan</a>&nbsp;by almost $750 million in general revenue and $2.4 billion overall.

Part of the savings in general revenue come from shifting $421 million in the Medicaid program to another fund. Other items, representing unfinished earmarked projects funded last year, were shifted to a reappropriation bill that traditionally is not counted in new spending totals.

Deaton’s general revenue cuts also include paring back Kehoe’s state employee pay raise plan and rejecting a proposal to provide pay raises targeting corrections officers who work in high security settings.&nbsp;

Nearly $1 billion in non-general revenue reductions come from cutting spending authority in programs that have no money or use far less than appropriated.

The biggest unfunded item on the table, which Kehoe did not include and Deaton also left out, is $300 million to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/12/budget-battle-brewing-over-gov-mike-kehoes-school-funding-proposal/">fully fund the state foundation formula</a>&nbsp;for public school distributions.

The cuts also include the biggest spending initiative in Kehoe’s budget, funded with federal block grant dollars, to make child care subsidy payments more predictable and timely for providers.

Kehoe outlined the proposal in his State of the State Address in January.&nbsp;

“Starting in fiscal year 2026, providers will receive payments from the state at the beginning of the month and we will pay on enrollment – just like private pay,” Kehoe said. “We will not allow late payments or technology issues to put these small businesses at risk of not being able to provide for families in need of child care.”

Currently, the state pays only for actual attendance and after the provider files detailed reports. That system was undermined by new software plagued with bugs and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/06/missouri-education-officials-apologize-for-ongoing-backlog-of-child-care-subsidy-payments/">payments that went missing or delayed</a>. Some providers have closed, others have sought bridge financing and&nbsp;

But Deaton sees the $107 million cost as a big new obligation for the state that he doesn’t want to incur.

“It is not a sustainable funding source,” Deaton said when he unveiled his spending proposals. “Next year, maybe the year after, we would be looking at a $160 million general revenue pickup.”

State revenue collections are down this fiscal year and only nominal growth is expected in the coming year. State Rep. Betsy Fogle of Springfield, the ranking Democrat on the House Budget Committee, said she understands the need to be careful with dollars but accuses Republicans of hypocrisy.

If the GOP leadership was concerned about meeting the state’s obligations, she said, the House wouldn’t be debating major tax cuts. So far this year, the House has approved&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/13/missouri-house-votes-on-party-lines-to-eliminate-income-tax-on-capital-gains/">exempting capital gains</a>&nbsp;from state income tax as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-house-approves-1-3-billion-tax-cut-plan/">cuts to the top rates</a>&nbsp;for personal and corporate taxes.

“We have these conversations in the budget room about how the fiscal reality of the state isn’t nearly as favorable as it has been in years past,” Fogle said.”Yet, three floors above us, the same body is proposing and passing tax cuts to the tune of about $1.3 billion.”

The child care subsidy payment program Kehoe wanted that Deaton’s plan doesn’t fund is getting the most attention headed into the mark-up session.&nbsp;

But Deaton also left out an $89 per month increase to Blind Pension Fund payments, estimated to cost $3.7 million from a dedicated property tax fund.&nbsp;

He changed the cap on the pay plan from 10%, equal to 1% more for every two years of state service up to 20 years, to 5% by changing the time in service limit to 10 years.&nbsp;

Corrections officers working in maximum security would have received $1 per hour more, while those working in restrictive housing units would have received $1.50 more. The extra pay would have cost $12.3 million.

Kehoe’s prospective payment proposal would implement federal regulations that&nbsp;<a href="https://pn3policy.org/blog/the-state-policy-implications-of-the-new-federal-child-care-rule/" target="_blank">took effect on April 30, 2024</a>. The rules direct states to use Child Care and Development Block Grant funds to pay providers at the start of each month and to use enrollment, not attendance, as the basis for their reimbursements.

The regulations gave states two years to implement the changes.

Kehoe’s proposal would increase the cost of child care subsidies from $259.8 million in the current year to $366.5 million. The state share from general revenue would remain the same, $22.5 million.

With the change of federal administration, Deaton said, both the rule and the funding are uncertain. If the state does not comply, he said, the harshest immediate reaction would be a threatening letter.

“I don’t think it is unreasonable to try to press pause here, step back and see where the land lies going forward,” Deaton said.

Providers are organizing to reverse the cut. A prospective payment system based on enrollment would provide stable, reliable funding for providers, said Casey Hanson, deputy director of Kids Win Missouri.

They are asking providers to contact legislators, she said.

“We’ve also collected stories from the last week from over 100 providers all over the state who we just asked, ‘what would the impact of this be?’” Hanson said. “Many of them also remember getting paid in that way during COVID and they talked about how much of a lifesaver it was during that time.”

A prospective payment system based on enrollment would eliminate hours of administrative work and provide secure financing, said Nicci Rexroat, owner of A Place to Grow, a child care facility with locations in Jefferson City, New Bloomfield and Holts Summit.

“Just stabilizing my budget would be amazing,” Rexroat said.

Under the current system, Rexroat reports attendance each month and waits to find out if every child enrolled is still eligible.

“it’s a big part of my job every month, not only to compile and submit attendance, but for families who maybe forgot to clock in or clock out one day, getting those times adjusted so that they can get paid,” she said.

And each month’s payment must be audited to make sure it reflects the claim, Rexroat said.&nbsp;

The payment software used since December 2023 has not functioned as intended. Providers have faced delays receiving their payments, some missing entire months as the new system was put in place.

Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger promised the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/28/missouri-child-care-subsidy-payment-backlog-will-be-resolved-next-month-commissioner-says/">backlog would be cleared</a>&nbsp;in February, but Rexroat says problems remain.

The state pays varying amounts based on the type of provider and the age of the child, from as little as $14 a day for preschoolers in a small center to as much as $90 a day for an infant in a licensed center.

Under the provisions defining eligibility, families receive a full subsidy if household earnings are 150% or less of the&nbsp;<a href="https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines" target="_blank">federal poverty guideline.</a>

That is $31,725 for a single parent with one child, which is equal to working full time for $15.25 an hour. A household with two children and two adults working full time for minimum wage would not be eligible for the full benefit.

There are&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/childhood/child-care-subsidy/child-care-subsidy-rates-and-sliding-fees" target="_blank">three tiers of transitional benefits</a>, where families pay from $7.50 to $10 a day as their income rises.

The income cap for eligibility should be increased, Rexroat said.

“There’s been a lot of really amazing increases in the daily rates and the amount that the state will pay for subsidy families, but I would love to see an increase in eligibility, more so than an increase in the daily payments for families that qualify,” she said.

Democrats will offer an amendment to reverse the cut, Fogle said. Affordable child care is essential so parents can work, she said, and the current attendance payment system isn’t working.

“I’ve had child care facilities in my district closed,” Fogle said. “I’ve had families who had to put their children back in foster care because they lost their subsidy spot, and the parents couldn’t afford to take off work.”

Under the committee rules governing budget markup, any member wishing to increase spending from general revenue must balance it with a proposed reduction elsewhere of an equal amount. Because the child care funds are federal dollars, an amendment to reverse Deaton’s decision will be possible without finding money elsewhere.

There’s also no need to find a cut elsewhere to fund the Blind Pension Fund payments. Under state law, revenue increases to the fund must be reported as a budget request, which lawmakers can reject, to increase the monthly payments.

Currently $828 a month to about 3,200 Missourians, the revenue increase of more than $4 million means a recommendation to increase it by $89. Deaton’s plan did not fund the $3.7 million cost of the increase.

The Blind Pension Fund revenue comes from a statewide property tax of 3 cents per $100 assessed valuation. The fund has a rapidly growing balance and stood at $74 million at the end of February.

At the end of fiscal 2016, the fund held $468,000.

The payment has increased $39 each of the past two years. Prior to that, it was $750 a month for five years.

Sheila Wright, president of the National Federation of the Blind Missouri, said people receiving the pension know they were in line for an increase but she hadn’t heard that Deaton struck it from the budget.

“With all the increases in cost of living, you know, the $89 is, you know, that would be quite a benefit to individuals who have faced all those inflation costs,” Wright said.

Public schools are also supposed to benefit when the Blind Pension Fund balance exceeds the cost of benefits. Every two years, money left in the fund is supposed to be allocated to the foundation formula.

Fogle said she wants an explanation of why the pension increase was cut. She is also looking for money to cover the $300 million to fully fund the foundation formula.

The foundation formula is costing taxpayers $3.8 billion in the current year. The law defining how the need calculation is made puts the cost for the coming year at $4.1 billion.

Because of the balancing rule, finding the $300 million will be tough, Fogle said. Democrats intend to start with another major initiative from Kehoe — $50 million to expand a scholarship program for private school students that is supposed to be funded from donations and tax credits.

“For the first time in the state’s history, the governor has recommended spending $50 million on vouchers to cover the cost of tuition at unaccredited and unregulated private schools who pick and choose which students they deem worthy of getting an education,” Fogle said. “That is something that I am not comfortable with.”

A battle — or a trade — could be brewing over two earmarked items, both included in last year’s budget but meeting different fates.

Then-Gov. Mike Parson approved $8 million to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.springfieldmo.gov/3273/Historic-Jefferson-Ave-Footbridge-Rehabi" target="_blank">rehabilitate a historic footbridge</a>&nbsp;in Springfield — the district of Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Lincoln Hough — but&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/28/missouri-governor-slashes-1-billion-from-state-budget-approved-by-lawmakers/">vetoed $12.5 million</a>&nbsp;to buy land for a state park in McDonald County, which is in Deaton’s district.

In his budget plan, Deaton moved 23 of 24 long-term projects funded through the Department of Transportation to the reappropriation bill. He cut one — the Jefferson Avenue footbridge.

And in the Department of Natural Resources budget, Deaton added $15 million to buy land for a state park in McDonald County.

The footbridge is not in her district, Fogle said, and she has no insight into whether Deaton is setting up a swap or opposes the footbridge project outright.

“It’s clear the chair is very passionate about that park project happening, and it is clear that last year, the governor’s office was not,” she said. “And it is clear to me that Senator Lincoln Hough will always do what he can do to bring home investments and infrastructure projects in his own senatorial district, as any senator should. So it’ll be interesting to see how that plays out.”

Deaton didn’t respond to requests for an interview about the budget on Friday.

The park is the largest of 71 earmarked items added to the budget.The others range from $88,720 to support a counseling program for children of incarcerated adults&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbbsemo.org/amachi-missouri/" target="_blank">operated by Big Brothers and Big Sisters</a>&nbsp;to $11.9 million for a climbing lane on Interstate 44 in Joplin.

The new items add $119.1 million of general revenue and $138.9 million in total to the budget.

Democrats have been included in discussions on what can be funded for local interests, Fogle said.

“The chairman holds the bulk of the power in the budget process, and that’s not dissimilar to previous years,” she said. “So far, I think we’ve maintained a healthy working relationship with the chair, and do feel like our priorities have been acknowledged.”

Growth in state revenues fell behind the rate of inflation in the most recent fiscal year and are on track to decline for the first time in a non-recession year. A massive surplus, built up in years of double-digit growth, has been declining but remains healthy.

Even with the sluggish growth, revenue beat expectations last fiscal year and are on track to exceed the amount used as an estimate for the current budget. But the decline in revenue so far this year, about double expectations, means next year may not meet the estimate of almost $13.6 billion in receipts.

Kehoe’s budget proposed $15.2 billion in general revenue for day-to-day operations, plus $750 million for capital projects that will take more than one year. Deaton’s plan for operations uses $14.5 billion in general&nbsp; revenue. He has not submitted his proposals for capital projects.

To fit ongoing spending to expected revenue, Deaton slapped a one-time label on numerous items, including a $15 million increase in funding for school district transportation costs.

While the committee is writing a budget that uses at least $900 million in accumulated surpluses, the House has already approved a tax cut proposal that would&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-house-approves-1-3-billion-tax-cut-plan/">reduce revenues by $1.3 billion</a>&nbsp;annually when fully phased-in.

“We’ve really got to be careful moving forward, starting this year,” Deaton said during the March 12 hearing. “Next year will be more difficult than this year. We need to understand that just because something is maybe added this year, especially, it wouldn’t be right to go ahead and budget that in for future years.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742822945407.png" alt=" House Budget Committee Chairman Dirk Deaton, a Republican from Noel, speaks March 3 during debate on the fiscal 2025 supplemental appropriations bill. (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)" />
 <figcaption> House Budget Committee Chairman Dirk Deaton, a Republican from Noel, speaks March 3 during debate on the fiscal 2025 supplemental appropriations bill. (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A top initiative from Gov. Mike Kehoe is in trouble as House Budget Committee considers the chairman’s spending plan, which also has less for state employees pay raises and $139 million for earmarks&nbsp;</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">JASON HANCOCK</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>The Missouri House Budget Committee on Monday will debate a spending plan that eliminates one of Gov. Mike Kehoe’s major initiatives, adds dozens of new earmarked projects and dips into state general revenue reserves for about $1 billion.The annual markup session, where committee members seek changes in the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/12/new-100-million-missouri-accounting-system-blamed-for-delays-in-budget-process/">revised budget unveiled March 12</a>&nbsp;by the panel’s chairman, state Rep. Dirk Deaton, promises to be a marathon meeting. If kinks in a new computer system don’t cause more delays, the full House will debate the budget bills in a week.The substitute bills crafted by Deaton propose spending $47.6 billion on state operations, including $14.5 billion of general revenue. The proposal reduces Kehoe’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/28/gov-mike-kehoe-dips-deeply-into-surplus-as-missouri-budget-grows-to-nearly-54-billion/">January budget plan</a>&nbsp;by almost $750 million in general revenue and $2.4 billion overall.Part of the savings in general revenue come from shifting $421 million in the Medicaid program to another fund. Other items, representing unfinished earmarked projects funded last year, were shifted to a reappropriation bill that traditionally is not counted in new spending totals.Deaton’s general revenue cuts also include paring back Kehoe’s state employee pay raise plan and rejecting a proposal to provide pay raises targeting corrections officers who work in high security settings.&nbsp;Nearly $1 billion in non-general revenue reductions come from cutting spending authority in programs that have no money or use far less than appropriated.The biggest unfunded item on the table, which Kehoe did not include and Deaton also left out, is $300 million to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/12/budget-battle-brewing-over-gov-mike-kehoes-school-funding-proposal/">fully fund the state foundation formula</a>&nbsp;for public school distributions.The cuts also include the biggest spending initiative in Kehoe’s budget, funded with federal block grant dollars, to make child care subsidy payments more predictable and timely for providers.Kehoe outlined the proposal in his State of the State Address in January.&nbsp;“Starting in fiscal year 2026, providers will receive payments from the state at the beginning of the month and we will pay on enrollment – just like private pay,” Kehoe said. “We will not allow late payments or technology issues to put these small businesses at risk of not being able to provide for families in need of child care.”Currently, the state pays only for actual attendance and after the provider files detailed reports. That system was undermined by new software plagued with bugs and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/06/missouri-education-officials-apologize-for-ongoing-backlog-of-child-care-subsidy-payments/">payments that went missing or delayed</a>. Some providers have closed, others have sought bridge financing and&nbsp;But Deaton sees the $107 million cost as a big new obligation for the state that he doesn’t want to incur.“It is not a sustainable funding source,” Deaton said when he unveiled his spending proposals. “Next year, maybe the year after, we would be looking at a $160 million general revenue pickup.”State revenue collections are down this fiscal year and only nominal growth is expected in the coming year. State Rep. Betsy Fogle of Springfield, the ranking Democrat on the House Budget Committee, said she understands the need to be careful with dollars but accuses Republicans of hypocrisy.If the GOP leadership was concerned about meeting the state’s obligations, she said, the House wouldn’t be debating major tax cuts. So far this year, the House has approved&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/13/missouri-house-votes-on-party-lines-to-eliminate-income-tax-on-capital-gains/">exempting capital gains</a>&nbsp;from state income tax as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-house-approves-1-3-billion-tax-cut-plan/">cuts to the top rates</a>&nbsp;for personal and corporate taxes.“We have these conversations in the budget room about how the fiscal reality of the state isn’t nearly as favorable as it has been in years past,” Fogle said.”Yet, three floors above us, the same body is proposing and passing tax cuts to the tune of about $1.3 billion.”<h2>Deaton’s cuts</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742822907537.png" alt="Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger apologizes to child care providers for months-delayed payments during widespread problems with the child care subsidy program (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger apologizes to child care providers for months-delayed payments during widespread problems with the child care subsidy program (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>The child care subsidy payment program Kehoe wanted that Deaton’s plan doesn’t fund is getting the most attention headed into the mark-up session.&nbsp;But Deaton also left out an $89 per month increase to Blind Pension Fund payments, estimated to cost $3.7 million from a dedicated property tax fund.&nbsp;He changed the cap on the pay plan from 10%, equal to 1% more for every two years of state service up to 20 years, to 5% by changing the time in service limit to 10 years.&nbsp;Corrections officers working in maximum security would have received $1 per hour more, while those working in restrictive housing units would have received $1.50 more. The extra pay would have cost $12.3 million.Kehoe’s prospective payment proposal would implement federal regulations that&nbsp;<a href="https://pn3policy.org/blog/the-state-policy-implications-of-the-new-federal-child-care-rule/" target="_blank">took effect on April 30, 2024</a>. The rules direct states to use Child Care and Development Block Grant funds to pay providers at the start of each month and to use enrollment, not attendance, as the basis for their reimbursements.The regulations gave states two years to implement the changes.Kehoe’s proposal would increase the cost of child care subsidies from $259.8 million in the current year to $366.5 million. The state share from general revenue would remain the same, $22.5 million.With the change of federal administration, Deaton said, both the rule and the funding are uncertain. If the state does not comply, he said, the harshest immediate reaction would be a threatening letter.“I don’t think it is unreasonable to try to press pause here, step back and see where the land lies going forward,” Deaton said.Providers are organizing to reverse the cut. A prospective payment system based on enrollment would provide stable, reliable funding for providers, said Casey Hanson, deputy director of Kids Win Missouri.They are asking providers to contact legislators, she said.“We’ve also collected stories from the last week from over 100 providers all over the state who we just asked, ‘what would the impact of this be?’” Hanson said. “Many of them also remember getting paid in that way during COVID and they talked about how much of a lifesaver it was during that time.”A prospective payment system based on enrollment would eliminate hours of administrative work and provide secure financing, said Nicci Rexroat, owner of A Place to Grow, a child care facility with locations in Jefferson City, New Bloomfield and Holts Summit.“Just stabilizing my budget would be amazing,” Rexroat said.Under the current system, Rexroat reports attendance each month and waits to find out if every child enrolled is still eligible.“it’s a big part of my job every month, not only to compile and submit attendance, but for families who maybe forgot to clock in or clock out one day, getting those times adjusted so that they can get paid,” she said.And each month’s payment must be audited to make sure it reflects the claim, Rexroat said.&nbsp;The payment software used since December 2023 has not functioned as intended. Providers have faced delays receiving their payments, some missing entire months as the new system was put in place.Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger promised the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/28/missouri-child-care-subsidy-payment-backlog-will-be-resolved-next-month-commissioner-says/">backlog would be cleared</a>&nbsp;in February, but Rexroat says problems remain.The state pays varying amounts based on the type of provider and the age of the child, from as little as $14 a day for preschoolers in a small center to as much as $90 a day for an infant in a licensed center.Under the provisions defining eligibility, families receive a full subsidy if household earnings are 150% or less of the&nbsp;<a href="https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines" target="_blank">federal poverty guideline.</a>That is $31,725 for a single parent with one child, which is equal to working full time for $15.25 an hour. A household with two children and two adults working full time for minimum wage would not be eligible for the full benefit.There are&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/childhood/child-care-subsidy/child-care-subsidy-rates-and-sliding-fees" target="_blank">three tiers of transitional benefits</a>, where families pay from $7.50 to $10 a day as their income rises.The income cap for eligibility should be increased, Rexroat said.“There’s been a lot of really amazing increases in the daily rates and the amount that the state will pay for subsidy families, but I would love to see an increase in eligibility, more so than an increase in the daily payments for families that qualify,” she said.Democrats will offer an amendment to reverse the cut, Fogle said. Affordable child care is essential so parents can work, she said, and the current attendance payment system isn’t working.“I’ve had child care facilities in my district closed,” Fogle said. “I’ve had families who had to put their children back in foster care because they lost their subsidy spot, and the parents couldn’t afford to take off work.”Under the committee rules governing budget markup, any member wishing to increase spending from general revenue must balance it with a proposed reduction elsewhere of an equal amount. Because the child care funds are federal dollars, an amendment to reverse Deaton’s decision will be possible without finding money elsewhere.There’s also no need to find a cut elsewhere to fund the Blind Pension Fund payments. Under state law, revenue increases to the fund must be reported as a budget request, which lawmakers can reject, to increase the monthly payments.Currently $828 a month to about 3,200 Missourians, the revenue increase of more than $4 million means a recommendation to increase it by $89. Deaton’s plan did not fund the $3.7 million cost of the increase.The Blind Pension Fund revenue comes from a statewide property tax of 3 cents per $100 assessed valuation. The fund has a rapidly growing balance and stood at $74 million at the end of February.At the end of fiscal 2016, the fund held $468,000.The payment has increased $39 each of the past two years. Prior to that, it was $750 a month for five years.Sheila Wright, president of the National Federation of the Blind Missouri, said people receiving the pension know they were in line for an increase but she hadn’t heard that Deaton struck it from the budget.“With all the increases in cost of living, you know, the $89 is, you know, that would be quite a benefit to individuals who have faced all those inflation costs,” Wright said.Public schools are also supposed to benefit when the Blind Pension Fund balance exceeds the cost of benefits. Every two years, money left in the fund is supposed to be allocated to the foundation formula.Fogle said she wants an explanation of why the pension increase was cut. She is also looking for money to cover the $300 million to fully fund the foundation formula.The foundation formula is costing taxpayers $3.8 billion in the current year. The law defining how the need calculation is made puts the cost for the coming year at $4.1 billion.Because of the balancing rule, finding the $300 million will be tough, Fogle said. Democrats intend to start with another major initiative from Kehoe — $50 million to expand a scholarship program for private school students that is supposed to be funded from donations and tax credits.“For the first time in the state’s history, the governor has recommended spending $50 million on vouchers to cover the cost of tuition at unaccredited and unregulated private schools who pick and choose which students they deem worthy of getting an education,” Fogle said. “That is something that I am not comfortable with.”<h2>Earmarks</h2>A battle — or a trade — could be brewing over two earmarked items, both included in last year’s budget but meeting different fates.Then-Gov. Mike Parson approved $8 million to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.springfieldmo.gov/3273/Historic-Jefferson-Ave-Footbridge-Rehabi" target="_blank">rehabilitate a historic footbridge</a>&nbsp;in Springfield — the district of Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Lincoln Hough — but&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/28/missouri-governor-slashes-1-billion-from-state-budget-approved-by-lawmakers/">vetoed $12.5 million</a>&nbsp;to buy land for a state park in McDonald County, which is in Deaton’s district.In his budget plan, Deaton moved 23 of 24 long-term projects funded through the Department of Transportation to the reappropriation bill. He cut one — the Jefferson Avenue footbridge.And in the Department of Natural Resources budget, Deaton added $15 million to buy land for a state park in McDonald County.The footbridge is not in her district, Fogle said, and she has no insight into whether Deaton is setting up a swap or opposes the footbridge project outright.“It’s clear the chair is very passionate about that park project happening, and it is clear that last year, the governor’s office was not,” she said. “And it is clear to me that Senator Lincoln Hough will always do what he can do to bring home investments and infrastructure projects in his own senatorial district, as any senator should. So it’ll be interesting to see how that plays out.”Deaton didn’t respond to requests for an interview about the budget on Friday.The park is the largest of 71 earmarked items added to the budget.The others range from $88,720 to support a counseling program for children of incarcerated adults&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbbsemo.org/amachi-missouri/" target="_blank">operated by Big Brothers and Big Sisters</a>&nbsp;to $11.9 million for a climbing lane on Interstate 44 in Joplin.The new items add $119.1 million of general revenue and $138.9 million in total to the budget.Democrats have been included in discussions on what can be funded for local interests, Fogle said.“The chairman holds the bulk of the power in the budget process, and that’s not dissimilar to previous years,” she said. “So far, I think we’ve maintained a healthy working relationship with the chair, and do feel like our priorities have been acknowledged.”<h2>General revenue doldrums</h2>Growth in state revenues fell behind the rate of inflation in the most recent fiscal year and are on track to decline for the first time in a non-recession year. A massive surplus, built up in years of double-digit growth, has been declining but remains healthy.Even with the sluggish growth, revenue beat expectations last fiscal year and are on track to exceed the amount used as an estimate for the current budget. But the decline in revenue so far this year, about double expectations, means next year may not meet the estimate of almost $13.6 billion in receipts.Kehoe’s budget proposed $15.2 billion in general revenue for day-to-day operations, plus $750 million for capital projects that will take more than one year. Deaton’s plan for operations uses $14.5 billion in general&nbsp; revenue. He has not submitted his proposals for capital projects.To fit ongoing spending to expected revenue, Deaton slapped a one-time label on numerous items, including a $15 million increase in funding for school district transportation costs.While the committee is writing a budget that uses at least $900 million in accumulated surpluses, the House has already approved a tax cut proposal that would&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-house-approves-1-3-billion-tax-cut-plan/">reduce revenues by $1.3 billion</a>&nbsp;annually when fully phased-in.“We’ve really got to be careful moving forward, starting this year,” Deaton said during the March 12 hearing. “Next year will be more difficult than this year. We need to understand that just because something is maybe added this year, especially, it wouldn’t be right to go ahead and budget that in for future years.”

Education funding, child care subsidies central to Missouri state budget debate

KANSAS CITY—Search crews recovered the body of a missing boater from Truman Lake.

&nbsp;At approximately 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Troopers from the Marine Division of the Missouri State Highway Patrol located and recovered the body of 40-year-old Christopher David Salmons. 

Since March 14, Water Patrol and Dive Team members had been&nbsp; searching the Clear Creek Cove area of the lake&nbsp; for Salmons, according to a statement from the patrol.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742773903313.png" alt="Photo MSHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo MSHP</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Search crews recovered the body of a missing boater from Truman Lake.&nbsp;At approximately 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Troopers from the Marine Division of the Missouri State Highway Patrol located and recovered the body of 40-year-old Christopher David Salmons. Since March 14, Water Patrol and Dive Team members had been&nbsp; searching the Clear Creek Cove area of the lake&nbsp; for Salmons, according to a statement from the patrol.&nbsp;

Body of missing boater recovered from KC area lake

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man is facing charges in connection with a fatal stabbing that occurred last week.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2554/SAVAGE-COMPLAINT-Redacted">Theron Savage, 22, faces</a>&nbsp;2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and 1st Degree Assault.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2553/Savage-PC-RED">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police arrived at a residence on the 600 block of East Minor Drive on a reported disturbance. As officers moved toward the front door of the residence, the defendant opened the door holding a sharp-edged object and then shut the door on the officers. When the defendant opened the door again, officers deployed a less lethal bean bag round at the defendant, who then fled the scene from the back balcony.&nbsp;

Officers found two female victims inside the residence, one suffering from a stab wound and the other with a laceration to her chest, who died at an area hospital. The defendant was later located and taken into custody.&nbsp;

It’s reported that Savage is the boyfriend of the deceased victim.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742779749628.png" alt="Savage photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Savage photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man is facing charges in connection with a fatal stabbing that occurred last week.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2554/SAVAGE-COMPLAINT-Redacted">Theron Savage, 22, faces</a>&nbsp;2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and 1st Degree Assault.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2553/Savage-PC-RED">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police arrived at a residence on the 600 block of East Minor Drive on a reported disturbance. As officers moved toward the front door of the residence, the defendant opened the door holding a sharp-edged object and then shut the door on the officers. When the defendant opened the door again, officers deployed a less lethal bean bag round at the defendant, who then fled the scene from the back balcony.&nbsp;Officers found two female victims inside the residence, one suffering from a stab wound and the other with a laceration to her chest, who died at an area hospital. The defendant was later located and taken into custody.&nbsp;It’s reported that Savage is the boyfriend of the deceased victim.&nbsp;

Kansas City man accused in knife attack that killed his girlfriend 

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest in Osage County.

Early March 19, deputies were investigating the report of a stolen camper trailer at 12544 S. Topeka Avenue, near Carbondale, according to Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells. During the investigation, a woman was taken into custody on a Shawnee County arrest warrant. She was also in possession of Illegal narcotics, according to Wells.

Deputies transported Melinda J. Stafford, 44, of Topeka to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of&nbsp; Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia and a Shawnee County warrant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742568674891.png" alt="Stafford photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Stafford photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest in Osage County.Early March 19, deputies were investigating the report of a stolen camper trailer at 12544 S. Topeka Avenue, near Carbondale, according to Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells. During the investigation, a woman was taken into custody on a Shawnee County arrest warrant. She was also in possession of Illegal narcotics, according to Wells.Deputies transported Melinda J. Stafford, 44, of Topeka to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of&nbsp; Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia and a Shawnee County warrant.

Stolen vehicle investigation led to Kan. woman's arrest

More are dying from flu as the Trump administration postpones planning for next fall.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/thenderson/">TIM HENDERSON</a> <a href="https://stateline.org/">Stateline</a>

Americans are facing the highest death toll from influenza since 2018, just as more people become vulnerable because of growing vaccine skepticism taking hold in statehouses and the Trump administration.

Flu-related deaths hit a seven-year high in January and February, the two months that usually account for the height of flu season, according to a Stateline analysis of preliminary federal statistics. There were about 9,800 deaths across the country, up from 5,000 in the same period last year and the most since 2018, when there were about 10,800.

Despite that, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has canceled or postponed meetings to prepare for next fall’s flu vaccine, when experts talk about what influenza strains they expect they’ll be battling.

The cancellations raised protests from medical professionals and state and federal officials. U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, a New York Democrat,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/amid-the-worst-influenza-season-in-a-decade-gillibrand-demands-answers-on-cancellation-and-postponement-of-advisory-committee-meetings-on-vaccinations/" target="_blank">said in a statement</a>&nbsp;that her state is having its worst flu season in at least 15 years, with more deaths from flu and other causes as the state’s health care system struggles under the strain of flu patients.

Some experts say putting off vaccine planning will only feed false narratives that discourage lifesaving vaccinations.

“These delays not only weaken pandemic preparedness but also undermine public confidence in vaccination efforts,” said Dr. Akram Khan, an Oregon pulmonologist and associate professor at Oregon Health &amp; Science University who has studied attitudes toward vaccines.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/28/health/rfk-jr-vaccines-autism-video.html?unlocked_article_code=1.s04.B7NS.rhrHUA_r4ZKf&amp;smid=url-share" target="_blank">expressed doubt</a>&nbsp;about the need for vaccines, including flu vaccines, despite evidence that they reduce deaths and hospitalizations.

Deaths fluctuate naturally from year to year depending on the severity of current flu strains and the effectiveness of that year’s vaccines. But some see a hesitancy to use any vaccine, fed by misinformation and political mistrust of government, already taking a toll on lives.

“It’s been a bad winter for viral respiratory infections, not just in the United States but across the Northern Hemisphere,” said Mark Doherty, a vaccine scholar and former manager for GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, a vaccine manufacturer.

“The U.S. does appear to be hit a bit harder, and it’s possible lower vaccination coverage is contributing to that,” Doherty said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742732863479.png" alt=" A woman receives a flu vaccination at a recent clinic in Cambridge, Mass., conducted by health care providers from the Cambridge Health Alliance. Flu-related deaths are at a seven-year high as vaccination levels fall, according to a Stateline analysis. (Courtesy of the City of Cambridge)" />
 <figcaption> A woman receives a flu vaccination at a recent clinic in Cambridge, Mass., conducted by health care providers from the Cambridge Health Alliance. Flu-related deaths are at a seven-year high as vaccination levels fall, according to a Stateline analysis. (Courtesy of the City of Cambridge)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>More are dying from flu as the Trump administration postpones planning for next fall.</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/thenderson/">TIM HENDERSON</a> <a href="https://stateline.org/">Stateline</a>Americans are facing the highest death toll from influenza since 2018, just as more people become vulnerable because of growing vaccine skepticism taking hold in statehouses and the Trump administration.Flu-related deaths hit a seven-year high in January and February, the two months that usually account for the height of flu season, according to a Stateline analysis of preliminary federal statistics. There were about 9,800 deaths across the country, up from 5,000 in the same period last year and the most since 2018, when there were about 10,800.Despite that, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has canceled or postponed meetings to prepare for next fall’s flu vaccine, when experts talk about what influenza strains they expect they’ll be battling.The cancellations raised protests from medical professionals and state and federal officials. U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, a New York Democrat,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/amid-the-worst-influenza-season-in-a-decade-gillibrand-demands-answers-on-cancellation-and-postponement-of-advisory-committee-meetings-on-vaccinations/" target="_blank">said in a statement</a>&nbsp;that her state is having its worst flu season in at least 15 years, with more deaths from flu and other causes as the state’s health care system struggles under the strain of flu patients.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742732798762.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Some experts say putting off vaccine planning will only feed false narratives that discourage lifesaving vaccinations.“These delays not only weaken pandemic preparedness but also undermine public confidence in vaccination efforts,” said Dr. Akram Khan, an Oregon pulmonologist and associate professor at Oregon Health &amp; Science University who has studied attitudes toward vaccines.U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/28/health/rfk-jr-vaccines-autism-video.html?unlocked_article_code=1.s04.B7NS.rhrHUA_r4ZKf&amp;smid=url-share" target="_blank">expressed doubt</a>&nbsp;about the need for vaccines, including flu vaccines, despite evidence that they reduce deaths and hospitalizations.Deaths fluctuate naturally from year to year depending on the severity of current flu strains and the effectiveness of that year’s vaccines. But some see a hesitancy to use any vaccine, fed by misinformation and political mistrust of government, already taking a toll on lives.“It’s been a bad winter for viral respiratory infections, not just in the United States but across the Northern Hemisphere,” said Mark Doherty, a vaccine scholar and former manager for GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, a vaccine manufacturer.“The U.S. does appear to be hit a bit harder, and it’s possible lower vaccination coverage is contributing to that,” Doherty said.Flu vaccine distribution in the United States has been declining in recent years, and as of the first week of 2025 was down 16% from 2022, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/fluvaxview/dashboard/vaccine-doses-distributed.html" target="_blank">federal statistics</a>.The flu was a factor in 9,800 deaths in January and February, according to the analysis, using provisional data collected by states and compiled by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The highest death rates were in Oklahoma, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Kentucky, all at about four deaths per 100,000 population so far this year. Some counties in Florida, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, as well as Oklahoma and Kentucky, were even higher — at about six deaths per 100,000.The highest rates have been among older people. Statistics show the deaths hit white people and American Indians especially hard.Tragedies are happening across the country to people of all ages and races, however. A 43-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/jeff-gregorys-family?attribution_id=sl:b469a277-193c-47ae-92b7-1f10b7b2f863&amp;lang=en_US&amp;utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&amp;utm_content=amp13_c-amp14_t1&amp;utm_medium=customer&amp;utm_source=twitter" target="_blank">Indiana father</a>&nbsp;died after a brief bout of the flu, according to family members. After two 10-year-olds died in Prince George’s County, Maryland, area schools&nbsp;<a href="https://wjla.com/news/local/flu-shot-student-deaths-prince-georges-county-madison-middle-school-hospitalized-fever-henos-eskender-public-schools-minka-greene" target="_blank">drew crowds</a>&nbsp;to vaccine clinics.Doug Sides, a pastor at Yulee Baptist Church in northern Florida, has held funerals for three congregation members who died from flu — all within one month, all of them over 70 years old. That compares with only one victim of COVID-19 from his congregation during the pandemic, he said.“Flu death is a reality,” Sides told Stateline on a phone call from a Jacksonville hospital, where he was visiting another 84-year-old congregation member who was rescued from her home with severe pneumonia from an unknown cause.“I encourage my church members to keep their hands clean, use hand sanitizer and to stay home if they’re feeling sick,” he said. He said he hasn’t personally gotten a flu vaccine recently because he gets conflicting advice about it — some doctors tell him to avoid them because he and some family members have cancer, while another “rides me all the time about getting a flu shot.”“We’re all getting conflicting advice. We’re living in strange-o times,” he said. (The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/side-effects/infections/vaccination-during-cancer-treatment.html" target="_blank">American Cancer Society</a>&nbsp;says vaccination for people with cancer may or may not be recommended depending on individual circumstances.)Many states are&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2025/02/28/vaccination-rates-are-declining-they-might-get-worse-as-states-relax-rules/">relaxing vaccine requirements</a>&nbsp;as public skepticism rises. But many are taking action to warn residents and reassure them that vaccinations are safe and can help prevent deaths, despite misinformation to the contrary.Burlington County, New Jersey, has had the highest flu-associated death rate of any county this year, according to the analysis, with 31 deaths among fewer than 500,000 people. The county held 30 free vaccine clinics from September to January, then extended them into February because of the severity of the flu season, said Dave Levinsky, a spokesperson for the county health department.In Oklahoma, death rates are&nbsp;<a href="https://oklahoma.gov/health/health-education/acute-disease-service/viral-view/influenza.html" target="_blank">highest in the eastern part of the state</a>&nbsp;where the Cherokee Nation is centered. A&nbsp;<a href="https://oklahoma.gov/health/services/personal-health/immunizations/fight-flu.html" target="_blank">state publicity campaign</a>&nbsp;stresses that flu shots are safe, effective and free at many community health centers. However, vaccination rates in the state are low compared with other states as of December, according to federal statistics: Only about 16% of Oklahoma residents had gotten flu vaccinations by then. Rates were even lower in Louisiana (just under 16%), Mississippi (12%) and Texas (10%).States with the highest flu vaccination rates by December were Maine (37%), Connecticut and Vermont (33%), and Wisconsin and Minnesota (31%). But even those were down since 2022.People have become less likely to get vaccinated in recent years, a phenomenon researchers call “vaccine hesitancy.”A&nbsp;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39569234/" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;published last year in the medical journal Cureus found three-quarters of patients in a rural New York state community refused flu vaccine with comments such as “I do not trust vaccines” or “I do not believe in vaccines.” The most common reasons cited were that earlier vaccinations made them feel sick, that they got the flu anyway, or that they thought they shouldn’t need a new shot every year. (Doctors recommend flu vaccinations annually and note that even vaccinated patients who get the flu usually face less severe forms.)And in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0264410X25001033" target="_blank">paper</a>&nbsp;published in February in the journal Vaccine, researchers found that people refuse flu vaccinations for many of the same reasons they refused COVID-19 shots: a feeling of “social vulnerability” that leads to distrust of government and medical guidance. One hopeful sign, the report noted, is that vaccine recommendations from trusted health care professionals can turn around such attitudes.“Unfortunately, vaccine hesitancy is deeply entangled with misinformation, political rhetoric and public distrust,” said Khan, the Oregon pulmonologist and the study’s author. “Scientific data alone may not be enough to shift public perceptions, as many vaccine decisions are driven by gut feelings and external influences rather than evidence.”