TKC Politricks: Missouri & Kansas Partisan Slap Fighting Persists

News items from this week that have likely sparked anger in quite a few people . . . And a glimpse at bi-state issues that will spark debate throughout the year . . .

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Courthouse Fight Against Faith Healers

This Kansas City group is pushing Jackson County to ban 'conversion therapy' for LGBTQ youth

The Kansas City LGBTQ Commission recently published calling for Jackson County to introduce legislation that could ban so-called conversion therapy within the county. "Conversion therapy" is a discredited practice of using psychological interventions to change sexual orientation. The treatment has been banned in many U.S.

Meet The New Bosses

Who represents KC area in the 2023 Kansas Legislature?

Johnson and Wyandotte counties are represented in the 2023 Kansas Legislature by more lawmakers during this legislative session than the last, a reflection of the region’s growing population — and political influence..

Gonna Make Granny's Check Whole

Proposed bill would eliminate taxes on social security benefits in Missouri

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Missouri Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer (R) has introduced a bill that would exempt social security benefits from income sales taxes. "It protects our seniors," he said. "It puts more money back in their pockets and makes sure that they're always able to make ends meet."

Show-Me Kick-Off Reconsidered

Missouri Democrats praise Parson's speech - and four other State of the State takeaways * Missouri Independent

Early in his annual State of the State address on Wednesday, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson sang the praises of an income tax cut enacted by the Republican-dominated General Assembly late last year. Closer to the end of his nearly one-hour speech to a joint session of the legislature, Parson vowed to "support and defend our law enforcement officers."

Rock Chalk Conversation Ahead Of Dust Bowl Daze

Kansas legislators renew efforts to save Ogallala Aquifer - Kansas Reflector

TOPEKA - Saving the Ogallala Aquifer could mean economic trade-offs in the short-term, the chairman of the Kansas House Water Committee said Tuesday. But the state can make progress and still maintain the farming economy of western Kansas, said Rep. Jim Minnix , R-Scott City. "If I were a banker ...

Native Debate

Kaw Nation opposed to giving Shawnee Indian Mission land to Shawnee Tribe, or any 1 tribe

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Just as the Shawnee Tribe planned to release a proposal to obtain ownership and renovate the Shawnee Indian Mission in Fairway, the Kaw Nation released a letter Wednesday expressing their opposition to it. The Shawnee Tribe is hoping legislation passes that would convey the historic site to them.

Show-Me Road Work

A closer look at Governor Parson's proposed I-70 expansion

Missouri drivers who heard Governor Parson's State of the State yesterday are already asking one question - when? When will his proposal to expand parts of Interstate 70 come to fruition?There are roughly 260 miles of I-70 between Kansas City and St. Louis, but it can feel like a lot more during the drive itself.

Feast Or Famine

Food tax reduction an important step, but Kansas families can't wait for full cut - Kansas Reflector

David Jordan is the president of the Hutchinson-based United Methodist Health Ministry Fund. Food prices have risen an astronomical 12% over the past year .

Money Talks . . .

Fight over Kansas budget surplus: How much gets socked away?

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and the Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature are headed toward big fights over spending on special education programs, pay raises for government workers and how much the cash-flush state should sock away for worse economic times.

Culture War Part Deux

Missouri Republicans renew early focus on parental rights, critical race theory * Missouri Independent

Parental access to school records - and how history and race are taught in Missouri classrooms - will be among the first topics considered by lawmakers this legislative session. During the Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee's first meeting Wednesday afternoon, committee members will hear testimony on a pair of bills dubbed the "Parents' Bill of Rights."

Show-Me Fight For Life

Religious leaders in St. Louis sue to block Missouri's abortion ban

ST. LOUIS - A group of religious leaders who support abortion rights filed a lawsuit Thursday challenging Missouri's abortion ban, saying lawmakers openly invoked their religious beliefs while drafting the measure and thereby imposed those beliefs on others who don't share them. The lawsuit filed in St.

Crunching The Numbers

'Responsible Kansas Budget' would introduce accountability, save taxpayers billions - The Sentinel

As the 2023 legislative session gets underway, Sentinel's parent company Kansas Policy Institute is asking state lawmakers to avoid further burdening taxpayers during a time of high inflation by implementing the Responsible Kansas Budget.

Show-Me New Gig For Anchorman

Missouri Rep Alford to serve on House Armed Services, Agriculture committees

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Rep. Mark Alford of Missouri's 4th Congressional District announced he was selected to the House Armed Services and House Agriculture committees. The former Kansas City anchorman is filling the void left by former Rep. Vicky Hartzler, who served on both committees.

Developing . . .