Political Meanderings in Clay County Missouri

Keep tabs on your elected officials and all the political happenings in and around Clay County Missouri.

News from Kansas City City Hall

November 5, 2009 at 11:42 AM · Filed under Kansas City, Kansas City News and tagged: , , , , , , , , , ,

An announcement from Kansas City City Hall about Jan Marcason Councilwoman from the 4th district.

News from City Hall
City Council Office
City of Kansas City, Mo.
www.kcmo.org
CONTACT: Susan Borge, aide to Councilwoman Marcason, at (816) 513-1617
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 4, 2009

Councilwoman Marcason appointed to Missouri Women’s Council

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has appointed City of Kansas City, Mo., City Councilwoman Jan Marcason, 4th District, to the Missouri Women’s Council. The council was established in 1985 to identify and address issues affecting the economic and employment status of women in Missouri.

The council works closely with other agencies and community-based organizations to build awareness, educate, promote opportunities for, and enhance the lives and well being of Missouri’s women and families.

“I am honored by Gov. Nixon’s appointment and look forward to working with legislators and other council appointees to increase economic opportunities for women in Missouri,” Marcason said.

The bipartisan council is an agency within the Missouri Department of Economic Development, comprised of 15 members: 11 appointed by the Governor, two Missouri State Senators and two Missouri State Representatives, with the chair appointed by the governor.

Councilwoman Marcason has a long history of leadership in organizations that promote opportunities for women, including serving as vice president of the Junior League of Kansas City, Mo., and as president of the Greater Kansas City Women’s Political Caucus. Marcason has an MBA from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and completed the Denali Fellowship for Social Entrepreneurs.

For more information, contact Susan Borge, (816) 513-1617.

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Clay County election results and national races commentary

November 4, 2009 at 1:23 PM · Filed under Clay County Political Events, Elections and tagged: , , , , , , , , , ,

Just wanted to share the final results of the Clay County Law Enforcement Sales Tax Extension. The voter turnout was absolutely disgusting. For a society that is founded upon participation, last night was sure a massive fail for our county! Of 159,350 voter registrations a scant 7.12%, 11,341, voters turned out. You only had one issue to vote on, it takes five minutes! There’s no other way to describe this, but, sad!

Results are below:

Law Enforcement Sales Tax Extension

11,326 of us got out to vote.

8023 Yes

3303 No

Thanks to all that voted, whether you agreed with the renewal or not. Personally I think that it was for a good purpose and one of the few times that you will ever hear me support a tax like this.

Let’s all expect Mr. Boydston to spend the money properly and the Clay County Commission to keep their tabs on him!

Liberty Smoking Ordinance.

3811 votes cast

2684 Yes

1127 No

Official results can be found here: http://www.claycoelections.com/election-information/live-results.html

In other national election news the Democrats got their rear ends handed to them in New Jersey and Virginia. Conservatives did not get the win they thought they would in NY-23. After thinking about this a little I am beginning to realize that a lot of people, including myself, got caught up in the fervor of the race and not the reality of what was going to happen there. Dede Scozzafavva was a liberal plain and simple, she was the walking embodiment of what is termed a RINO. This woman had the support and the votes in the race before Hoffman arrived on the scene. As soon as he did though he led those of conservatism away from the RINO. We will never know what the actual absentee vote would reflect if Scozzafavva hadn’t jumped ship in the waning moments of the campaign. I suspect the race would be even tighter if these voters had been privy to the information the general electorate had.

The liberal media like Kieth OlBlabbermouth will play this up as a true assessment of the nation. The reality is this is a small geographic picture of the entire US electorate. All politics is local, and in this district I suspect the local politics is more liberal leaning than conservative leaning. After all a liberal RINO Republican would have won this had it not been for Mr. Hoffman. Owens only won by 5%, not a landslide. When you extrapolate out to larger pictures like the Governors races in Virginia and New Jersey you see better what’s really going on out there. People have buyer’s remorse from their November 08 purchase. I used to think that the Senate was going to be the challenge in 2010, I suspect it might be easier to regain control of than I originally thought. Blue dog seats in the House are ripe for the taking regardless of what they do this week in Congress. They vote with Pelosi and I got a feeling that the Congress will be taken in a landslide as well in 2010.

I hope the RNC learns from this fiasco in NY-23. If they come out against these RINOs they will be basking in the money and votes. If they don’t expect the Tea Party movement to be a liability for the RNC heading to 2010 they better get this figured out and start listening. The Democrats have their own problems with internal strife. The reason they can’t pass health care is because they can’t get everyone on the same page.

I do think this all means that Mr. Hope and Change got people to the polls last November more because of his celebrity and the way he sounded, not any real substance. Of course there was the semi-RINO Bush that was leaving office that sure helped Obama as he said the right things. There has been no massive change among American’s political values other than the fact that a bunch of conservatives have woken up and realized it’s time to get motivated, networked, and engaged. America it’s time to get back to our principles and to move this country to a more fiscally disciplined and rational mind set. There is a lot of work ahead of us. This is only the begining.

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News from Kansas City City Hall 11/4/2009

November 4, 2009 at 10:50 AM · Filed under Kansas City, Kansas City News and tagged: , , , , ,

A brief press release about trash delivery and city offices closures due to Veteran’s Day. This affect those in the Kansas City part of Clay County.

News from City Hall
City Communications Office
City of Kansas City, Mo.
www.kcmo.org
CONTACT: Mary Charles, city communications officer, (816) 513-1356
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 3, 2009

Trash pick-up delayed, City offices closed Nov. 11

In observance of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, curbside trash and recycling collection will be delayed one day and City of Kansas City, Mo., offices will be closed. The City’s 3-1-1 Action Center will be open on Nov. 11.

Residents who usually have Wednesday collection will receive this service Thursday, Nov. 12. Residents who usually have Friday collection will receive this service Saturday, Nov. 14.

For more information about solid waste collection services, visit http://www.kcmo.org/trash or call the 3-1-1 Action Center at 311 or (816) 513-1313.

Media inquiries about trash and recycling should be directed to Dennis Gagnon, public information officer for the Public Works Department, (816) 513-2659.

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Representative Bob Nance-The Capitol Report-11/2

November 3, 2009 at 5:00 PM · Filed under Capitol Report, Representative Bob Nance and tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Below is a copy of Representative Bob Nance’s e-newsletter from 11/2. In it Missouri House Rep. Bob Nance looks at where some of the stimulus money is going in his district and some other specific in district issues.

Stimulus Funds in Area

Recovery.gov is the location to retrieve information on the Federal Stimulus Plan.

Below are some of the projects in our area:

The Richmond Housing Authority is receiving $181,000. With this funding they are replacing heating and air conditioning systems.  Heat pumps are being installed as part of the renovations. Excelsior Housing Authority is receiving $439,000 for comprehensive modernization of family & elderly vacant units to include mold remediation, flooring, kitchen & bath rehab, painting, carpet, etc.

DCA Excelsior L.L.C. received $167,000 to subsidize payments under HUD.

MINACT Inc. is to receive $1,225,000. The funding is intended to correct the following facility deficiencies: Program-Medical/Dental Deficiencies; Insulation Deficiencies; Interior Doors/Frame Deficiencies; Windows Deficiencies, Floor Finishes Deficiencies; Rehabilitation Deficiencies; Energy Related Deficiencies; Roof Repair; Plumbing Deficiencies; HVAC Deficiencies, Ventilation Deficiencies, and Air Conditioning Deficiencies. The center will by make these funds available through subcontracting opportunities, following all applicable FAR procurement regulations. The expected outcome will be an improved quality of life for students. This project has not started yet, but there will be opportunities for contractors.

In Orrick, W. A. Ellis Construction Company received $277,000 to deliver rock to the contractor – provided loading dock or banks of the Missouri River and load onto government barges by means of a government provided loading dock or load government trucks. That contract has been completed.

DED Accepting Applications for 2010 YOP Program

The Department of Economic Development (DED), Youth Opportunities Program (YOP) is currently accepting applications for calendar year 2010, and will continue to take applications until all tax credits are allocated or until September 30, 2010, whichever comes first. The guidelines and application may be downloaded from the YOP website. If you do not have access to the website, please contact the YOP staff at (573) 751-4539 for a hard copy.

Election Day

Tomorrow, November 3rd is Election Day. On the ballot for voters in our area is an extension of the current Clay County law enforcement tax known as Proposition A. Below is a copy of the ballot language as it will appear. I would encourage every registered voter to research the issue and cast your vote on Tuesday. Your polling place should be on your voter registration card. If you need help or further information, contact the Clay County Board of Elections at www.claycoelections.com or 816.415.8683.

 

 

Shall the County of Clay extend and impose a county-wide sales tax at the rate of one-eighth of one percent for a period of twelve (12) years from the date on which such tax is extended for the purpose of providing law enforcement services for the County to include maintenance of current law enforcement facilities and all operational costs to provide for the incarceration of inmates, including additional law enforcement personnel? This sales tax is an extension of the County’s current law enforcement sales tax and will not increase the County’s current sales tax. The Clay County Commission shall annually appropriate said funds pursuant to law, with said funds to be audited annually.

 

In the District

On Monday the 25th, I traveled to Joplin for a forum with the Joplin Globe on legislative issues. Over 20 Committee Chairs attended.

The 28th of October was the “Just say No” campaign by the local Optimist Club. Fifth graders in the school district heard from high profile students on reasons to stay drug, alcohol, and tobacco free. Daryl Couts led our efforts. We also delivered dictionaries to 4th grade students in Excelsior and Orrick school systems.

Last Thursday was the ‘Clash for Cancer” at many of our high schools. Lathrop and Lawson went so far as to wear pink on black and pink on white uniforms. Congratulations to all teams and students on a worthy cause.

I attended benefits at Ray County Veteran’s building and the Orrick Lion’s Club on Saturday.

I attended the Lawson C. I. A. (C-2000) today.

 

I was honored to visit members of the Missouri State Parks Foundation on Sunday at the beginning of their three day retreat at the Elms Hotel and visit to Watkins Woolen Mill. This foundation retreat is what all government retreats should be like. Pay your own way. What a concept………

In your service

Bob Nance

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News Release from Rep. Bob Nance-11/2

November 3, 2009 at 4:30 PM · Filed under Representative Bob Nance and tagged: , , , ,

Emergencyy declaration signed for Missouri farmers to allow extra hauling capacity in their vehicles due to wet weather.

For more information, contact DeAnne Rickabaugh, MoDOT Motor Carrier Services, (573) 526-8992.

Oct. 30, 2009 – For immediate release

Heavy Harvest Hauls Allowed

MoDOT Eases Truck Regulations for Row Crop Transportation

 

JEFFERSON CITY – Throughout a soggy Missouri, farmers are rushing to harvest row crops and get them to storage before unseasonably heavy rainfall ruins this year’s production. The Missouri departments of Transportation and Agriculture are working to help Missouri’s farmers cope with the situation.

At the request of MDA, MoDOT issued an emergency declaration that eases certain state transportation regulations through Nov. 30. While the declaration is in effect, farmers are allowed to load their trucks up to 10 percent heavier than the legal licensed weight when transporting row crop commodities from the farm to a local storage facility. Farmers may also operate their vehicles beyond the normal hours-of-service limits when hauling to storage facilities and returning the empty truck to the farm.

These heavier loads are not allowed on Missouri interstates, nor are they allowed on any bridge with a weight restriction lower than the gross weight of the loaded vehicle. When traveling over bridges, the drivers must limit their speed to 45 mph and drive down the center of two lanes.

A copy of Emergency Declaration 09-11 must be carried in each commercial motor vehicle that operates in response to the relief effort. It is posted on MoDOT Motor Carrier Services’ Web site, www.modot.org/mcs.

Because many highways are under repair and might have narrow lanes, drivers are expected to review their respective routes for work zone restrictions before beginning each trip. Consult the Traveler Information Map at www.modot.org or call MoDOT customer service at 1-888 ASK MoDOT (275-6636).

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Straight Talk with Sam Graves 11/2/2009

November 2, 2009 at 7:06 PM · Filed under Congressman Sam Graves, Straight Talk With Sam and tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Below is the most recent edition of Straight Talk With Sam Graves. In it he gives comment on the newest insult to freedom, HR 3296 “Nancycare.”What a surprise it’s as bad as conservatives have been warning it would be.

Same Bill, Same Problems

This past August, I held 23 town hall meetings across the district. I heard over and over again that my constituents did not want a government takeover of health care. That message was not delivered by slick television ads or special interest lobbyists. Instead, it was delivered by everyday people who had finally had enough. I heard the message loud and clear, but that was not the case for everyone.

Last week, Speaker Pelosi introduced her version of health care reform. The 1,990 page proposal is very similar to the plan that Americans overwhelmingly rejected in August. It costs just over $1 trillion dollars.

Who is going to pay for it? In short, we all are. The bill proposes billions in new taxes. Small businesses that file as individuals will be hit hard. It will also require all but the smallest of businesses to provide health insurance for their employees, regardless of their ability, or pay a penalty.

The bill will also require individuals to buy health insurance. Those who don’t will pay the federal government a penalty fee. In addition, there are new taxes on medical devices like wheelchairs and bandages. The bill would also cut nearly $500 billion from Medicare.

In short, this bill will increase your insurance premiums, cost us jobs with new taxes and mandates, and cut billions from our seniors’ Medicare benefits. That is not common sense reform. I will oppose this bill and work to pass common sense health insurance reform.

Sincerely,

Sam Graves

 

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Congressman Graves-This Week in Washington 10/30/09

November 1, 2009 at 4:14 PM · Filed under Congressman Sam Graves, This Week in Washington and tagged: , , , ,

Below is the 10/30 edition of Congressman Graves WADC legislation report called This Week in Washington. In it he tells us what is in Nancy Pelosi’s health care bill. I would encourage you to read and share with others. There is some scary stuff in it. This is not a compromise bill, it’s an outright slap in the face of the millions that oppose it. You need look no further than page 94 to see this. CALL YOUR CONGRESSMAN AND TELL THEM TO OPPOSE THIS BILL.

This Week in Washington- October 30th

In Washington this week, House Leaders unveiled a trick disguised as a treat. Speaker Pelosi finally unveiled her version of health care reform this week. Unfortunately, the over 1,900 page bill looked an awful lot like what we have seen previously. If you want to read the bill, you can do so here.

Here are some things in the bill you might find interesting, courtesy of the House Republican Conference.

Page 94—Section 202(c) prohibits the sale of private individual health insurance policies, beginning in 2013, forcing individuals to purchase coverage through the federal government

Page 110—Section 222(e) requires the use of federal dollars to fund abortions through the government-run health plan—and, if the Hyde Amendment were ever not renewed, would require the plan to fund elective abortions

Page 111—Section 223 establishes a new board of federal bureaucrats (the “Health Benefits Advisory Committee”) to dictate the health plans that all individuals must purchase—and would likely require all Americans to subsidize and purchase plans that cover any abortion

Page 211—Section 321 establishes a new government-run health plan that, according to non-partisan actuaries at the Lewin Group, would cause as many as 114 million Americans to lose their existing coverage

Page 225—Section 330 permits—but does not require—Members of Congress to enroll in government-run health care

Page 255—Section 345 includes language requiring verification of income for individuals wishing to receive federal health care subsidies under the bill—while the bill includes a requirement for applicants to verify their citizenship, it does not include a similar requirement to verify applicants’ identity, thus encouraging identity fraud for undocumented immigrants and others wishing to receive taxpayer-subsidized health benefits

Page 297—Section 501 imposes a 2.5 percent tax on all individuals who do not purchase “bureaucrat-approved” health insurance—the tax would apply on individuals with incomes under $250,000, thus breaking a central promise of then-Senator Obama’s presidential campaign

Page 313—Section 512 imposes an 8 percent “tax on jobs” for firms that cannot afford to purchase “bureaucrat-approved” health coverage; according an analysis by Harvard Professor Kate Baicker, such a tax would place millions “at substantial risk of unemployment”—with minority workers losing their jobs at twice the rate of their white counterparts

Page 336—Section 551 imposes additional job-killing taxes, in the form of a half-trillion dollar “surcharge,” more than half of which will hit small businesses; according to a model developed by President Obama’s senior economic advisor, such taxes could cost up to 5.5 million jobs

Page 520—Section 1161 cuts more than $150 billion from Medicare Advantage plans, potentially jeopardizing millions of seniors’ existing coverage

Page 733—Section 1401 establishes a new Center for Comparative Effectiveness Research; the bill includes no provisions preventing the government-run health plan from using such research to deny access to life-saving treatments on cost grounds, similar to Britain’s National Health Service, which denies patient treatments costing more than £35,000

Page 1174—Section 1802(b) includes provisions entitled “TAXES ON CERTAIN INSURANCE POLICIES” to fund comparative effectiveness research, breaking Speaker Pelosi’s promise that “We will not be taxing [health] benefits in any bill that passes the House,” and the President’s promise not to raise taxes on families with incomes under $250,000

Legislation

·        Interior Appropriations: The House passed the conference report for H.R. 2996, the Department of the Interior, Environment Appropriations Act 2010, by a vote of 247-178.  The conference report contained a total of $32.24 billion—$4.6 billion or 17 percent above FY 2009 spending levels.  In addition to the huge funding increase, agencies funded through the bill also received $11.2 billion primarily from the “stimulus” bill.  I voted against this bill. We simply cannot afford double digit increases when we have a $1.4 trillion dollar deficit.

·        Small Business Bill:  The House passed H.R. 3854 by a vote of 389-32.  The Small Business Financing and Investment Act of 2009 is a “minibus” small business package, comprised of eight individual bills dealing with small business loan programs of the Small Business Administration (SBA).  The legislation also establishes new small business programs, including a small business health information technology financing program and a grant program for venture capital funds to invest in early-stage small businesses in targeted industries. As the Ranking Member of the Small Business Committee, I supported these programs which are essential for many small businesses to succeed.

The House will be in session on Monday. We expect to vote on the Speaker’s health care bill probably toward the end of the week. There will be a major push to get enough Blue Dog Democrats to oppose and ultimately defeat the bill.

 

Have a good weekend.

Sincerely,

Sam Graves

 

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Conservative resurgence is coming! Yes we can!

October 31, 2009 at 10:12 AM · Filed under National Health Care and tagged: , , , , , , , , , , ,

This is great news! In the special election for NY-23 the faux Republican Dede Scozzfava has withdrawn from the race!!!!!!!

http://www.dedeforcongress.com/news/read.aspx?id=73

All of our hard work over the last 11 months is beginning to bare fruit. We are not where we need to be yet, it’s going to take years to get this country back on track but we are laying a foundation.

Lots to do in the next week!

1) Don’t forget to call your Congressman/woman’s office in WADC and tell them to oppose the Pelosi health care disaster. She wants a vote Thursday!

  • 13 new taxes in the bill. http://www.atr.org/breaking-comprehensive-list-taxesbr-house-democrat-a4113#
  • 1,990 pages, need not say much more.
  • Forces people into the government option in 2013 if they want to change health care plans or start new ones. This is a government takeover of health care!

2) Don’t forget to call your Senator’s office in WADC and tell them to oppose the Harry Reid health care bill.

3) Talk to your friends and your family about these issues, I don’t care if they don’t want to talk about it, at least just mention it. Maybe you can get one of them to call.

4) Pay attention to election results on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning. Christie is leading in New Jersey Governors race, I suspect Hoffman will have a commanding lead in polls come Monday and Tuesday in NY-23, and Bob McDonnell has a double digit lead in the Virginia Governors race. Victory in these three races will affect the outcome of health care in the House/Senate.

Change is coming! Yes we can! The thing is, this time these phrases have meaning!

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News From Kansas City City Hall

October 31, 2009 at 9:02 AM · Filed under Kansas City, Kansas City News, Mayor Mark Funkhouser and tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A few news releases from Kansas City City Hall below.

News from City Hall
City Communications Office
City of Kansas City, Mo.
www.kcmo.org
CONTACT: Mary Charles, city communications officer, (816) 513-1356
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 26, 2009

City honored with state planning association awards

The City of Kansas City, Mo., City has been recognized for outstanding work in the field of planning by the Missouri Chapter of the American Planning Association. The City Planning and Development Department received recognition for the Trails KC Plan, Second Street Streetscape project, and a department staff member was recognized for leadership in planning.

The City’s first comprehensive trails plan, the Trails KC Plan, has been selected as the Outstanding Plan of the Year in recognition of its quality and effectiveness. The Trails KC Plan was adopted by the City Council in November 2008 and serves as the City s guide for regional trail development. The plan also has been honored this year by the local chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

The Second Street Streetscape Project, an implementation measure of the Second Street Corridor Infrastructure and Development Plan, which was adopted by the City Council in August 2005, received top honor in the Outstanding Implementation category. This project transformed an abandoned rail line into a pedestrian-oriented street and walking trail between Delaware and Cherry streets. This Plan also has been honored by American Society of Landscape Architects.

The Missouri Chapter of the American Planning Association honored two individuals in Kansas City for their contributions to the planning field: City Planning and Development  Department staff member Steve Lebofsky, AICP, received the Distinguished Leadership Award for a Professional Planner; and Diane Burnette, executive director of MainCor, was awarded the Dwight D. Davis Award for a Citizen Planner.

Lebofsky has served the city in the City Planning and Development Department for more than 30 years, providing critical research and technical analysis. Burnette has been instrumental in putting planning recommendations into action and implementing improvements and programs that benefit the Main Street corridor and its neighboring communities.

“The professional recognition of these individuals and planning projects affirms the commitment of the community, elected officials and the Planning Commission’s passion in promoting the livability of Kansas City, Mo.,” said Tom Coyle, director of the City Planning and Development Department. “City Planning and Development staff is appreciative of the on-going support of our department.”

City representatives attended the Missouri Chapter of the American Planning Association conference in Springfield, Mo., on Oct. 22 to receive the awards.

For more information, contact Tom Coyle at (816) 513-2865.

News from City Hall
City Communications Office
City of Kansas City, Mo.
http://www.kcmo.org
CONTACT: Mary Charles, city communications officer, (816) 513-1356
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 29, 2009

Kansas City Project Hope to assist with housing needs

Landlord Forum on Nov. 3 to discuss participation in rental assistance program

The City of Kansas City, Mo., recently received American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 (federal stimulus) funding for the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and has created the Kansas City Project Hope to assist Kansas City, Mo., and Clay County residents maintain and/or obtain permanent housing.

As part of the program, landlords enrolled in Kansas City Project Hope may be eligible to receive assistance with rent and security deposits for new or existing tenants who meet specific U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development guidelines.

The City’s Neighborhood and Community Services Department is hosting a Landlord Forum from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Nov. 3 at Pioneer Community College, 2700 E. 18th St., for landlords with rental properties in Kansas City, Mo., and Clay County to learn more about the program and how to apply.

At the forum, City staff will also discuss other stimulus-funded programs such as weatherization, lead base paint and employment assistance programs. Additionally, representatives from the Human Relations Department will be available to address Fair Housing and landlord/tenant questions. City Councilwoman Sharon Sanders Brooks, 3rd District, and chairwoman of the City’s Housing Committee will give the introductory address at the forum.

Seating is limited to 160 attendees. Landlords must RSVP for the event by noon on Nov. 2 by calling (816) 784-4440 or e-mailing dennell_lax@kcmo.org.

Media inquiries should be directed to Jackie Powell with the Neighborhood and Community Services Department, as (816) 754-4500.

News from City Hall
City Communications Office
City of Kansas City, Mo.
www.kcmo.org
CONTACT: Mary Charles, city communications officer, (816) 513-1356
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 30, 2009

North Indiana Avenue road improvement public meeting to be Nov. 3

Area residents will have an opportunity to discuss the first designs for the upcoming North Indiana Avenue improvement project at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 3 at Northland Neighborhoods Inc., 3015 Vivion Road.

This meeting will provide information about the planned redesign of North Indiana Avenue from Northeast Vivion Road to the Gladstone city limits. The redesign will include replacement of the North Indiana Bridge south of Northeast 55th Street.

Staff from the City’s Capital Improvements Management Office, a division of the City Manager’s Office, and engineers from Kansas City-based engineering firm Walter P. Moore Associates will be at the event to present and answer questions.

Media inquiries and other requests for more information about this issue should be directed to Sean Demory, Capital Improvements Management Office, Public Relations and Communications, (816) 513-0059 or e-mail kansascityworks@kcmo.org.

News from City Hall
City Communications Office
City of Kansas City, Mo.
www.kcmo.org
CONTACT: Mary Charles, city communications officer, (816) 513-1356
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 30, 2009

City entity awarded $35 million in New Markets Tax Credits

The Kansas City, Missouri Community Development CDE (KC CDE), a community development entity of the City of Kansas City, Mo., has been awarded $35 million in New Markets Tax Credit allocation authority under the seventh round of the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund’s New Markets Tax Credit Program. This award represents the second consecutive year that the KC CDE has applied for and been awarded allocation authority under the federal program.

“I am very pleased that the Department of the Treasury has awarded Kansas City another round of New Markets Tax Credits,” Mayor Mark Funkhouser said. “This program complements and will reinforce the efforts of the New Tools Task Force, which recently released their report that emphasizes the need to leverage new tools that can stimulate investment in the city’s underinvested communities. I want to thank our congressional delegation for their efforts in helping securing these resources.”

The New Markets Tax Credit program permits taxpayers to receive a credit against federal income taxes for making qualified equity investments in designated community development entities. The entities are required to use substantially all those funds in distressed census tracts to make business loans or investments. The KC CDE’s New Markets Tax Credit allocation can only be used within the Kansas City, Mo. city limits.

“Given the current economic climate, the opportunity to help fill financing gaps in high-impact projects in areas of the city that have historically experienced significant disinvestment is essential to the future economic vitality of Kansas City, Mo,” said Jeffrey Yates, the City’s chief financial officer.

The KC CDE will continue to focus its allocation in the city’s most distressed communities by targeting investments in businesses and mixed-use, adaptive re-use and infill projects that benefit low-income communities. This investment will help in the creation of living-wage jobs and work force development support, provision of affordable housing options, promotion of women-, minority-owned businesses and use of “green” building practices. Specifically, investments will be made in highly distressed communities, which are defined as population census tracts where the poverty rate is greater than 30 percent or median family income is less than 60 percent of the statewide of metropolitan area median family income.

Last year, KC CDE was awarded $40 million in New Markets Tax Credit allocation authority. The KC CDE, whose New Markets Tax Credit program is managed by the City’s Finance Department, committed this allocation in less than a year, facilitating financing for six businesses and projects located in highly distressed census tracts throughout the city. Ruben Alonso of the City’s Development Finance Division was responsible for preparing this year’s application, which emphasized the growing need for alternative financing tools to assist the City in facilitating investments that create opportunities in low-income communities citywide.

“I’m proud of the work of City staff and the Advisory and Governing Boards of the KC CDE to successfully demonstrate the ability of the City to use this program and to help secure another allocation of these tax credits,” City Manager Wayne A. Cauthen said. “The projects that the KC CDE is helping with this program will have a tremendous impact on future investment in Kansas City s most distressed communities.”

For more information, contact Ruben Alonso at (816) 513-1021.

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Congressman Sam Graves-Straight Talk With Sam Graves 10/26

October 30, 2009 at 7:58 AM · Filed under Congressman Sam Graves, Straight Talk With Sam and tagged: , , ,

This is kind of an odd topic when you compare it to the usual e-newsletter that Congressman Graves writes. It is interesting and a little bit scary though. Read on to find out why. Missouri bridges in this week’s Straight Talk.

Local Bridges Essential to Missouri

Some of the earliest bridges were built by the Romans. They built simple arch bridges out of cement which held up in conditions that destroyed other bridges. In fact, some of the bridges built by the Romans are still standing and in use today.

Bridges are important here in Missouri. Our state shares its name with the longest river in the country. There are countless tributaries and streams across the state. While many rivers are both beautiful and a blessing, crossing them can be a challenge.

Across Missouri, there are some 13,000 local bridges that are used everyday to get children to school, speed emergency responders to the scene and get produce to market. Of those bridges, 1,700 are functionally obsolete and 2,500 are structurally deficient.

Congress has long set aside 15 percent of the money it sends to states to be used to fix these local bridges. For many county governments, this funding is essential to getting those bridges fixed. Without the help, many bridges would simply continue to deteriorate until they were closed.

That is why I was stunned to learn that some Washington bureaucrat thinks we should eliminate this vital program. Last year, over $20 million was spent to rehabilitate and improve local bridges. That investment has literally kept bridges open, saved lives and made life easier for thousands of Missouri families and farmers.

I am going to fight to keep this bridge replacement program in place. Local and rural bridges may not be important to Washington, but in Missouri, they are essential.

Sincerely,

Sam Graves

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