The goals I set when I began my second term as your state senator were to help senior citizens, reform dated criminal justice policies and secure needed funding for our community.
Tax Credits for Seniors
My highlight of the 2023 session was the governor signing Senate Bill 190 into law. I was proud to co-sponsor this bipartisan legislation to provide needed financial relief to our seniors living on fixed incomes and struggling to keep up with rising real estate assessments.
This legislation is two-fold. One provision exempts all Social Security retirement benefits from state income tax, regardless of filing status or adjusted gross income. This law aligns Missouri with the other 40 states that do not tax Social Security income.
The other provision authorizes counties to grant a property tax credit to effectively freeze property assessment rates on senior citizens’ primary residence. This tax credit and cap on assessment value increases will help retirees stay in their homes, which in turn will benefit entire communities.
Retirees work their entire lives to “earn their keep” in society and purchase property, so I’m glad this new law will enable them to keep their earnings and their homes!
Investing In Our Community:
Infrastructure, Workforce and Economic Development Initiatives
Born and raised in North County, my top priority is providing the resources needed to uplift our community, educate children and make our neighborhoods safe and prosperous. The state budget for Fiscal Year 2024 allocates $2.25 billion in funding for vital St. Louis area projects and an additional $430.1 million for capital improvements, maintenance and repairs.
A Few of the Projects Include:
AMICSTL
$15 Million
The University of Missouri-St Louis will receive $40 million in funding to construct the “Campus of the Future,” a 35-acre multi-purpose business and workforce district which will produce high-paying, in-demand jobs and provide other critical services.
United Way
5 Million
As a founding member of the new Legislative Tech Caucus, I was proud to amend my Senate BIll 688 on to the passed House Bill 2400. Authorizing tax credits on qualified research expenses will help small businesses develop new, innovative products.
Public Safety
$10 Million
$10 million for the City of St. Louis Public Safety Access Point to consolidate emergency dispatch services and reduce response delays.
Cortex MO
$7 Million
$7 million for training and wraparound services to prepare unemployed individuals for jobs in cybersecurity and information technology.
Literacy
$2.5 Million
$2.5 million to implement a statewide Literacy Reading Program and improve our students’ below grade-level literacy rates.
Museums
$2 Million
$2 million for the African American Museum and $150,000 to the St. Louis Black Museum to preserve history and showcase achievements.
Hope
$250,000
$250,000 in enhancements for Housing Options Provided for the Elderly to help older adults live with greater dignity and independence.
Looking Back:
Becoming a Father
I was the honored recipient of two prestigious awards this year for my steadfast advocacy and support. While these awards bear my name, they are truly a reflection of my team’s and our community’s combined advocacy efforts.
St. Louis Children’s Hospital Legislative Advocate of the Year Award
North County Incorporated 2023 Public Service Leadership Award
Becoming a father has given me a new perspective on life and a passion for protecting and advocating for our most prized assets. With your help, we can and do make a difference.
Youth Advisory Board
This year’s Youth Advisory Board tackled the issue of food insecurity in our community. Ably led by my former intern Colby Crowder, this dedicated group researched the root causes, toured area food production facilities and devised a gameplan to address this ongoing problem.
If you know a deserving teen who is interested in public policy and passionate about community service, please encourage them to contact my office and apply to serve on this prestigious board next year.
I believe it’s our responsibility to create a better future for our youth and an economy where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Throughout the last four legislative sessions, I worked to find opportunities to fund initiatives that would create change, transform our communities and build a brighter tomorrow.
I want to thank you for your continued support.
It is an honor and privilege to represent each of you in the Missouri Senate.
