KC Dropped From E-Tax Abolition Bill January 28, 2016

Kansas City Mayor Sly James says it was surprised Kansas City was removed from a bill aimed at eliminating the earnings tax in Kansas City and St. Louis.
A Senate substitute for the bill now calling for the earnings tax in St. Louis to be phased out over 10 years.

The tax generates about $162 million dollars ayear for the city, according to Mayor Francis Slay’s office. That is about 33% of the St. Louis City budget.

The mayor said in a statement Thursday he does not think the revised bill will survive.

State Senator Kurt Schaefer pushed the bill. He said the earnings tax was vulnerable because the US Supreme Court struck down a similar law in Maryland.

Kansas City officials argued its law was legally sound. They told a State Senate hearing the kansas City earning tax contained a provison to allow for tax credits. That prevents non-residents from being double taxed on the 1% tax; and keep it legal.

Meanwhile Kansas City’s Mayor used a news conference to expand on a fued with state lawmakers.

“The issue of local control is an on-going issue with the state legislature,” James said.

He has been very critical of state attempts to make access to guns easier. He think it hurts crime fighting efforts in the city.

Another issue is control of the municipal courts.

Just Thursday, the Missouri Senate passed a bill limiting municipal courts ability to assess fines.

The measure limits fine to $200 for minor traffic violations and local ordinances.

Kansas City is concerned a limit like that may affect is ability to enforce housing codes.

“What I said t them when I was down there was, I’m not asking for a penny. All I am asking you is to leave us alone. I am still on that same note,” ,James said Thursday.

Kansas City will still have an April 5 vote to renew its earnings tax. That is required by state law

Common Core Critics Go to Kansas Board of Education May 14, 2013

(AP) – Critics of the Kansas Board of Education’s decision to adopt the Common Core Standards for math and reading are preparing to voice their concerns to the panel.

The objections were expected to be raised Tuesday at the board’s monthly meeting.

Kansas is among 46 states that have adopted the Common Core Standards, which set out the academic expectations for students from kindergarten through high school. Kansas adopted the standards in 2010 and school districts have begun implementing them in the classrooms and training teachers.

Critics argue that Common Core is too expensive and gives up local districts’ control over education standards to a national consortium.

Supporters say the standards will increase academic rigor.

KC School Board President West Urges Lawmakers Not to Rush to Take Over District May 9, 2012

(AP) – The president of the Kansas City school board says local control is necessary to improve student achievement in the troubled school district.

The Missouri House Education Committee considered legislation Wednesday that would allow state education officials to intervene sooner in failing school districts.

Currently, school districts that lose state accreditation are given two years to improve before state officials step in. The proposed legislation would remove the waiting period.

The Kansas City School District became unaccredited this year. Two other Missouri school districts also are not accredited.

Board President Airick Leonard West says local control is a key to improving schools in Kansas City. He says policies that reduce the community’s obligations hurt schools and students.