Jackson County Exec Revisits Senior Tax Credit With Legislature

A story worth following given that it concerns old school wallets that continue to suffer amid inflation & trade war . . . Here's the word . . . 

Jackson County Legislature looks to fix harmful senior property tax credit ordinance after overriding County Executive’s veto

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – In a significant and necessary course correction, the Jackson County Legislature is now taking steps to fix a serious mistake it made earlier this month when it voted to override County Executive Frank White, Jr.’s veto of Ordinance 5992.

Ordinance 5992 changed the deadline for Jackson County’s Senior Property Tax Credit Program from June 30 of the year following their initial credit year to August 31 of the prior year – a retroactive shift that would have stripped tens of thousands of eligible seniors from the program, despite already being approved.

County Executive White vetoed the measure to protect those seniors and restore the original, reasonable filing deadline set by Ordinance 5968. But the Legislature chose to override his veto, ignoring the devastating consequences for the County’s most vulnerable residents.

Now, in response to the County Executive’s continued advocacy, the Legislature has agreed to revisit the issue and adopt a corrected ordinance that will preserve seniors’ eligibility and ensure access to the property tax relief they were promised.

“I appreciate the Legislature taking this opportunity to correct its mistake and do the right thing,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “This isn’t just about a filing deadline – it’s about our commitment to seniors who followed the rules and trusted their government. We must keep our word and protect the people who need it most.”

Jackson County seniors, families and community advocates are strongly encouraged to attend the upcoming legislative meeting on Monday, August 4 at 3:00 p.m. in the Jackson County Courthouse Legislative Chambers, located at 415 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, MO.

“Your presence matters,” White said. “Let the Legislature know that protecting our seniors isn’t optional, it’s essential.”

Background:

Ordinance 5968 (Previous Law): Allowed seniors to apply for the tax credit until June 30 of the year following their initial credit year

Ordinance 5992 (Current Law): Moved the deadline to August 31 of the previous year, disqualifying thousands already enrolled

County Executive’s Veto of 5992: Would have prevented the harmful change from taking effect and protected those currently enrolled

The upcoming vote on a revised ordinance is a critical opportunity to resolve this issue and prevent future harm. Seniors can contact their legislators to voice support for preserving and protecting the program.

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