Local politics again were the big news this week with the announcement on Wednesday by Mayor Eileen Weir that she is ceasing her campaign for a third term and conceding the election.  Because the election has been certified, Weir’s name will be on the April 5th ballot.  Current State Representative Rory Rowland was the top vote-getter in the February primary as 6 candidates appeared on the ballot.  It is also being reported by numerous news outlets that Councilman Mike Steinmeyer is launching a write-in campaign for the seat.

Read the complete story in the Examiner

Petition Supporting Creation of Charter Review Commission Now Active

One of the 2022 Legislative priorities for the Chamber is a review and update of the City Charter.  The first step in that process is the passage of a resolution by the Independence City Council establishing a Charter Review Commission which would be charged with a comprehensive review of the current Charter and recommendation of any changes.  The last amendment to the Charter was in 2002, and while the idea of a Charter review has been occasionally mentioned, no formal action has been taken to start the process.  The Chamber has launched an online petition that we will push out to our members and the community asking for the City Council to pass a resolution and begin the process of appointing a commission.  Anyone who would like to learn more about the issue and sign the petition can do so by clicking here or going to http://charter.ichamber.biz.

State Legislature Report

The winter weather late in the week gave legislators a long weekend as both the Senate and House adjourned on Wednesday and will not reconvene until next Tuesday.  In the Senate, the deadlock over the congressional redistricting map continued on Tuesday but was eventually set aside so that the body could address one of Governor Parson’s priorities, workforce development.  The Senate perfected SB672 which deals with the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Program.  The bill sponsored by Republican Senator Lincoln Hough will extend the financial aid program from the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development for adults seeking a degree or other forms of certification in the field of high need.  Senator Minority Floor Leader John Rizzo successfully attached an amendment to the bill ensuring that the Joint Committee on Rural Economic Development will include Senators from both parties.  The passage of the bill wasn’t without drama as members of the Conservative Caucus pushed for amendments related to critical race theory, undocumented immigrants, and transgender athletes, but all were defeated by a combination of votes from both parties.

In the Missouri House, the Committee on Government Oversight passed HB1594 which would repeal last year’s approved increase in the state gas tax.

Chamber Public Policy Agenda Items Update

HJR79 – Modifies provisions for initiative petitions and referendums – Second read and referred to Senate Local Government Elections Committee

SB648 – Modifies provisions related to the virtual school program – Added to Senate Formal Calendar bills for perfection

HB3014 – Supplemental Budget Bill – Senate Committee Substitute voted Do Pass