View from the 24th Story
A Message from Representative Chris Kelly
Volume 1, March 2009
Legislative UpdateBills I've sponsored so far:
HB 318 -- Replaces income tax with a method that fairly taxes good and services
HB 338 -- Allows Ashland to institute a hotel tax
HB 543 -- Permits early voting
Key bills I've co-sponsored:
HB 56 -- Adds cell phones and faxes to the no-call list
HB 314 -- Prohibits disclosure of certain personal information from courts regarding divorce, separation, child support and custody
HB 378 -- Authorizes first-class counties (like Boone) to establish rental property standards
HB 387 -- Implements a quality rating system for licensed early childhood programs
HB 484 -- Establishes commission on death penalty and places a moratorium until January 1, 2012
HB 492 -- Compensates state employees on military leaves for the difference between their state and military salaries
HB 520 -- Allows health care facilities to provide emergency contraception to sexual assault victims
HB 554 -- Allows electrical utilities to charge for certain construction work in progress and creates MO Clean and Renewable Energy Contruction Act
HB 692 -- Creates position of MU student curator if Missouri loses a congressional seat after the 2010 census
HJR 24 -- Proposes a constitutional amendment restricting the power of eminent domain
Every day we read about Missouri legislators filing new bills. By mid-February, House members have already introduced nearly 700 bills and senators almost 250. Does our state need this legislation or is much of it intended for headlines rather than passage?
Every legislative session requires certain actions on programs and budgets. These bills must be thoughtfully considered and carefully drafted. Legislators must consider the implications and interactions of the laws that they pass. Often, however, in the desire for more press, legislators attempt to score political points or throw a bone to a special interest. Some bills are downright harmful.
Silly bills and extraneous laws take us away from the hard work of crafting sound legislation to address Missouri's needs. In these particularly difficult times, I urge my colleagues and my constituents to join together to focus on substance -- education, healthcare, infrastructure, the economy -- and refrain from the politics of personal advantage.
Committee assignments are an important way to maximize the impact that I can have in support of citizens in the 24th. I am pleased to be a member of the following Committees:
- Budget (Ranking Member)
- Elections
- Ethics
- Special Standing Committee on Emerging Issues in Animal Agriculture
- Joint Committee on Missouri HealthNet
DID YOU KNOW…
MISSOURI’S PROPERTY TAX CREDIT FOR TAXPAYERS 65 AND OLDER
(OR DISABLED MISSOURIANS OF ANY AGE) INCREASED IN 2008.
IF ELIGIBLE, YOU SHOULD FILE BY APRIL 15, 2009.
WHO QUALIFIES?
At least one person in the household must be 65 or older or totally disabled.
Your household income cannot exceed:
• $30,000 for homeowners who are single • $27,500 for renters who are single
• $34,000 for homeowners who are married • $29,500 for renters who are married
HOW MUCH CAN YOU RECEIVE?
The credit depends on the applicant’s income and the amount paid in real estate taxes or rent in 2008. The credit can be as high as $1100 for homeowners and $750 for renters.
HOW TO APPLY
Seniors and disabled Missourians can apply on the regular 2008 Missouri tax form or by completing the Property Tax Credit form if they are not required to file a Missouri tax return.
FREE HELP WITH APPLICATIONS
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA): 573-884-1690
Free tax assistance for low-income, disabled, and homebound taxpayers.
AARP Tax-Aid
Free preparation of federal and state taxes at the following locations:
Columbia Public Library Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Broadway and Garth 9am until Noon
MO United Methodist Church Monday 3pm – 7pm and
204 South 9th Street Tuesday/Thursday 10am – 2pm
Central MO Area Agency on Aging: 573-443-5823
Provides assistance in completing the property tax credit form
MO Department of Revenue (Jefferson City Office) 573-751-7191
Provides assistance in preparing state income tax returns or property tax credit forms.
WHAT INFORMATION WILL I NEED TO BRING WITH ME?
- W-2 forms from each employer
- Unemployment compensation records
- SSA-1099 (Social Security benefits)
- All 1099 forms (pensions, interest, dividends, etc.)
- Real estate tax or rent receipts
- Social Security cards or documents for yourself and all dependents
Please join me each month during session for Office Hours in the District. It's your government. Get involved!
Ashland
The fourth Thursday of each month at the Copper Kettle, from 5 - 6 p.m.
March 26 | April 23 | May 28
Columbia
The fourth Thursday of each month at Panera Bread, 3709 S Providence Rd from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
March 26 | April 30 | May 28