SUMMARY: Six Republican senators in Missouri have proposed a 4% flat tax, with plans to eventually phase out the state income tax. The proposal includes a constitutional amendment to cap state spending based on population growth. While supporters argue this would lower taxes and simplify the system, critics, including the Missouri Realtors Association, oppose the idea, fearing negative impacts on government services. The plan aligns with Governor-elect Mike Kehoe’s campaign promise to eliminate the income tax, though its long-term impact on revenue is uncertain. Additionally, sales taxes could be expanded to services, including auto repairs and accounting.

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SUMMARY: Kansas City faces a severe shortage of shelter beds for its homeless population during winter. As temperatures drop below freezing, hypothermia and frostbite risks increase, especially for those without shelter. Cold-weather shelters opened 500 beds on Dec. 1, though this number falls short of the need for at least 2,215 shelter spaces. A range of shelter options, including beds for different demographics, is being offered as part of the city’s strategy. The plan, costing over $1.5 million, aims to provide shelter until March 1, with additional beds available during extreme cold. Coordination among providers is key to addressing the crisis.

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The post As homelessness rises and temperatures dip, KC offers hundreds of beds for cold-weather plan • Missouri Independent appeared first on missouriindependent.com

SUMMARY: Missouri Governor Mike Parson announced the completion of a new bridge on Interstate 70, which will significantly improve traffic flow, accommodating nearly 50,000 vehicles daily. This bridge replaces a 60-year-old structure rated in poor condition and is the first step in a larger project to widen I-70 between Wentzville and Blue Springs. The $240 million project includes two new bridges with three lanes in each direction, enhancing safety and addressing a key bottleneck in the national freight network. The project is a vital part of Missouri’s infrastructure improvements, with the second bridge expected to be open by spring.

Missouri’s governor is calling it the new bridge over the Missouri River in the central part of the state a win for everyone.

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