Chief Justice Speaks
Ray Price, chief justice of the Missouri Supreme Court, told the Senate and House in a joint session of the legislature that the state is throwing too many non-violent offenders into prison. He called prison “the most expensive and least effective strategy for a significant number of nonviolent offenders.” He said drug courts are an example of tough, effective, local alternatives to prisons that can break the cycle of addiction and then break the cycle of crime.
The House passed HB 163. It changes the laws regarding unemployment compensation in order for the state to receive federal funds and removes the 10-year time limit an obligation under a financial agreement for compensation funds can continue.
With the passage of this bill, it will allow for a smooth stream to the Unemployment Trust Fund to pay off the federal government so that those who are unemployed will continue to receive benefits and allow employers the opportunity to focus on keeping people employed.
HB 46 was given approval on Thursday. It specifies that a builder of a one- or two-family dwelling or a townhouse must offer to any purchaser the option, at the purchaser’s cost, to install or equip fire sprinklers in the buildings. Any political subdivision that adopts the 2009 International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings or a subsequent edition of the code without mandated automatic fire sprinkler systems will retain the language in Section R317 for two-family dwellings and townhouses.
Seniors take note
It is tax time once again. Missouri income tax on social security benefits and public pensions (including military pensions) has been reduced in recent years. Retirees who qualify will not pay taxes on 65% of that income unless their income is over $85,000.
Property tax credits are available for the claimant or spouse who has attained the age of sixty-five on or before the last day of the calendar year and the claimant or spouse was a resident of Missouri for the entire year.
Seniors with an income of $28,000 for a single or $34,000 for a married couple may qualify for that credit even if you rent property, but you must file a return. A veteran of the armed forces of the United States or the State of Missouri who became one hundred percent disabled as a result of such service is also qualified.
Ask your tax preparer if you qualify.
Christol Milligan visited on Tuesday, representing the Missouri Coalition against Domestic and Sexual Violence.
Also visiting was Brooke Gray from Holt. She discussed new restriction that will negatively impact veterinarians.
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