Kraus: Use Of Federal Funds

This week, the issue of spending federal funds attracted a lot of attention in Jefferson City.

In recent years, the federal government’s stimulus funding has tempted state and local governments to use “found” money to fund such things as teacher salaries and other ongoing expenditures. The problem is that when the one-time funding runs dry, the expense continues and must be funded in other ways. The source of that continued funding is non-existent.

I have been consistent in my votes against such use of one-time funds, and have been vocal in the past about that opposition. My belief is that Missouri citizens would be better served if government dealt with the shortfall in funding immediately instead of putting off the decision by using one-time funds.

Therefore, I am opposed to HB 15, which is a supplemental funding bill for secondary and elementary education. The bill uses $189 million in federal stimulus funds to supposedly hold education funding flat. In reality, the bill is a smoke and mirrors attempt to use federal funds to hide a more serious problem with the state’s ability to fund local school districts. I voted against this bill in committee and will vote against it on the Senate floor. Missouri must fix the underlying gap now, instead of increasing the problem by hiding behind the use of stimulus funds. I realize that many will disagree with my position on this.

Let me be clear — I adamantly support full funding of our public schools. I have been consistently supportive of our public schools. I just do not believe that HB 15 is the best option for Missouri. Instead, I am fighting for a tax credit reform program to free up general revenue funds for education.

Almost every one of my constituents has had to cut back on spending in one way or another. State and federal governments must do so as well. The second objective of the District 8 Mission Statement calls for me to be conservative with the taxpayer’s money. I will continue to lead in that effort.

First Senate Bill Passed

This week I was privileged to pass my first bill on the Senate floor. SB 180 designates several state bicycle and pedestrian days. I am glad to support healthy activities for both children and adults. It was nice to get that first bill passed. It was an opportunity to learn the process and take the congenial ribbing from my colleagues that goes with passing your first Senate bill.

Welcome Visitors

Again this week, constituents from District 8 visited this office, which I am always happy to see. Jerri Whiting, Donald Hicks, Aaron Cook, Nate Alexander, Ina Lewis, Mariah Sterling, Madison Clark and Dr. Robert Riley stopped by. I was glad to be able to attend a breakfast sponsored by the United Methodist Women and talk with several constituents there.

Students of Franklin Smith Elementary of Blue Springs travelled to the Capitol, and I was happy to talk with them about state government. Dr. James Finley and representatives from the Blue Springs School District also stopped by the office to discuss issues related to schools. It was a productive discussion.

New Committees

My Senate duties continue to increase as I have been appointed to the following committees or commissions:

Joint Review Committee on Downtown & Rural Economic Stimulus Act,
Joint Committee on Government Accountability,
Joint Committee on Tax Increment Financing,
Joint Committee on Terrorism, Bioterrorism and Homeland Security,
Missouri Emergency Response Commission,
Missouri Military Preparedness and Enhancement Commission, and
Missouri Personal Independence Commission.

I look forward to serving in these additional capacities.

Upcoming Elections

The following elections are scheduled in Eastern Jackson County. I encourage you to remember the dates for your area and get out and vote!

Date	Election
Mar. 22	Kansas City Mayor/City Council General Election
Apr. 5	Municipal Elections for the following: Kansas City (Earnings Tax Question) Blue Springs Grain Valley Greenwood Lake Lotawana Lake Tapawingo Levasy Lone Jack Oak Grove Raytown Sibley
Apr. 5	School Board Elections for the following: Lee’s Summit R-VII School District Blue Springs R-IV School District Grain Valley R-V School District Oak Grove R-VI School District Lone Jack C-6 School District Raytown C-2 School District