The big news this week came from Jefferson City where the Senate finally got on track and on Wednesday approved the supplemental appropriations legislation (HB3014) that had stalled in that chamber.  The bill returned to the house to work out differences and was quickly passed and sent to Governor Parson who signed it on Thursday.  The $4.6 billion price tag on the bill included $4.1 billion in federal funding which will go towards public schools ($1.9 billion), $444 million for child care services, $219 million for school food programs, a statewide pay plan for state employees including a 5.5% cost of living increase, and funding for MO Healthnet which was among the priorities on the 2022 Chamber Legislative Agenda.

Read the press release from Governor Parson

This week also marked the start of filing for county, state and federal offices.  In the Missouri legislature, new maps after the 2020 census will shift the boundaries of several Missouri House and Senate districts and so far eligible incumbents that are within the boundaries of districts that cover Independence have all filed for re-election.  The seats held by Representative Bill Kidd (R) and Rory Rowland (D) will both be open as both have reached term limits.

Read the complete story in the Examiner

Petition Supporting Creation of Charter Review Commission Now Active

We continue to accept signatures on a petition to urge the Independence City Council to pass a resolution which would create a Charter Review Commission to look at the City Charter which hasn’t been updated since 2022.   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.

Chamber Public Policy Agenda Items Update

SB648 Modifies provisions related to the virtual school program – Placed on formal calendar for perfection

HB2306 Moves school board elections to November – Reported Do Pass

HB3014 2022 Supplemental appropriations bill – Signed by Governor and delivered to Secretary of State

HB2652 Changes procedures and practices for public schools and school districts – Sent to House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee

HB1594 Repeals the increase to the tax on motor fuel – Voted Do Pass