The Missouri House Budget Committee is scheduled to hear today Governor Parson’s state budget proposal for higher education. Kansas City State Senator Greg Razer says state funding provided to Missouri’s colleges and universities is almost identical to what the state gave to them in 1999. Razer says in 1999, 70% of the University of Missouri-Columbia’s […]
The House Budget Committee chairman says Missourians shouldn’t be taxed on federal stimulus checks. Brian Hauswirth spoke with Committee Chairman Cody Smith. House Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith of southwest Missouri’s Carthage says under the state’s tax code, federal stimulus checks related to COVID are subject to personal income tax. Smith says Missourians […]
Legislation has been filed this session that would move some local races and issues, such as fire department and tax increase proposals, from April to later in the year. During a Missouri House Budget Committee hearing this week, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft says he has not taken a position on the idea. However, he […]
Governor Mike Parson has signed HB 16 into law, a bill giving $324 million in emergency aid to help struggling renters and landlords in Missouri. The plan, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), could cover some rent and utility costs. “HB 16 will provide much-needed assistance to tenants and landlords across the state. COVID-19’s economic […]
The North Mercer R-3 Board of Education continued a two-year contract for Preschool through 12th Grade Principal Wes Guilkey the evening of February 10th. The final salary is to be determined. Science Teacher Dan Martin was offered a contract to coach the academic team. A contract was offered to Preschool Teacher Joanne Fisher to be […]
Missouri can fund up to 75% of school bus transportation costs, which currently total about $278 million. Under the governor’s and the Education Department’s new budget proposal, Missouri underfunds these expenses by about 185 million dollars. During a House Budget Committee hearing, St. Louis Democrat Peter Merideth asked the department’s Kari Monsees why 93 million […]
The Trenton Convention and Visitors Bureau discussed a proposed budget on February 10th. It includes $20,000 for digital marketing, such as branding, a website, social media, and online advertising. It also includes $4,000 for print marketing, such as papers, magazines, and billboards. A subcommittee of Vice President Micah Landes, Treasurer Jordan Ferguson, and Member Megan […]
The Chillicothe City Council approved ordinances authorizing an agreement with a financial advisor and adopting a health insurance opt-out policy the evening of February 8th. City Administrator Darin Chappell reports the agreement is with McLiny and Company pursuant to getting funds for the street department and street projects for this year. The health insurance opt-out […]
The Princeton R-5 Board of Education heard reports on COVID-19 funding and grant applications on Monday evening, February 8th. It was reported the Consolidated Appropriations Act involves a COVID-19 relief package, which includes $81.9 billion to governors, state and local educational agencies, and institutions of higher education to address COVID-19-related expenses and costs. That funding […]
Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announces the following promotion effective March 1, 2021. Captain Scott A. Shipers, commanding officer of Troop A, Lee’s Summit, is being promoted to the rank of major. Major Shipers will transfer to General Headquarters, Jefferson City, where he will serve as the bureau commander […]
Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced an amendment to Congress’s proposed budget resolution that would transfer federal dollars given to Planned Parenthood to federal adoption and maternal health programs. Senator Hawley said, “Instead of abusing obscure Senate rules and procedures to give handouts to their favored constituents, why don’t Democrats work across the aisle to help mothers […]
Governor Mike Parson spoke to the Northwest Missouri delegation virtually on February 2nd during Great Northwest Day. After reviewing his State of the State address, Parson answered questions submitted by delegates and asked by Great Northwest Day Committee Chairperson Annette Weeks. One question involved the plan for the state to help ensure access to affordable […]
The Trenton Finance Committee will discuss the 2021-2022 budget on February 4th. The committee will meet at the Trenton City Hall at 5 o’clock that evening. The public will not physically be allowed into February 4th’s meeting, but the public can watch on Zoom at us02web.zoom/us/j/83084717625.
The Associated Press reports the closed Crossroads Correctional Center in Cameron may be turned into a training academy. A proposal from Missouri Governor Mike Parson’s budget plan includes $671,714 to convert the idle prison in Cameron into an academy that would train correctional officers before they get assigned to one of the state’s 20 prisons. […]
Governor Mike Parson and the Departments of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Health and Senior Services, and Social Services announced the consolidation of several early childhood programs across state government into a single Office of Childhood. The new office will be housed by DESE and provide a comprehensive approach to early childhood care and education, […]
Governor Mike Parson delivered the 2021 State of the State Address to the Missouri General Assembly. Governor Parson highlighted several accomplishments the state has made in combating COVID-19 as well as major successes in infrastructure and workforce development despite the challenges of the past year. Following a recap of 2020, Governor Parson’s speech focused […]
Governor Parson has released today a proposed 34.1 billion dollar state operating budget. The governor announced his fiscal outline today in his annual state of the state address. The plan includes a two-percent pay raise on January 1 for Missouri’s roughly 53,000 state workers. Another 2.9 million dollars would boost pay in the Missouri Department […]
The North Central Missouri College Board of Trustees approved several personnel items on Tuesday evening, January 26th. Former Board Clerk/Secretary Vicki Weaver was granted emeritus status. She was an employee of NCMC for 36 years. She retired at the end of December. President Doctor Lenny Klaver noted in a nomination letter that Weaver “guided NCMC […]
The Grundy County Commission unanimously adopted a deficit budget for 2021 the morning of January 26th. The budget estimates total revenues of $5,736,634 and expenditures of $6,928,813. A balance deficit of $1,192,179 is expected for 2021. The county begins the year with carryover funds of $3,910,220.81. The projected ending balance is $2,718,041.81. Grundy County Clerk […]
Accepting recommendations from the Trenton Building and Nuisance Board, the City Council Monday night approved a list of nine houses to be demolished and the selection of a demolition contractor. Three companies submitted bids including Red Rock of Kidder who had the lowest bid for all nine structures at $42,000. His bid actually was $43,400 […]
