A bill that would add child sex trafficking and statutory rape to the crimes eligible for the death penalty was debated this week in a Missouri Senate committee. SB 951 sponsored by state Sen. Mike Moon, states that the rape of children under 14 and child trafficking of children under 12 would be crimes eligible for the death penalty under his bill. Missouri was one of only five states to carry out death sentences last year, along with Texas, Florida, Oklahoma and Alabama. There are two executions scheduled for this year.
The North Star Advocacy Center is hosting its second annual fundraiser on Thursday, March 21, at the Northwest Missouri State Agriculture Learning Center. Doors open at 5:30 with a cash bar followed by dinner at 6pm. Along with guest speakers there will be an auction that includes a KC Chiefs certified Superbowl Football from their previous championship and a vacation to mexico. You can find more information on North Star Advocacy’s Facebook page and to RSVP call 660-562-2320.
Gov. Mike Parson’s $52.7 billion budget proposal was open to public hearing this week. Parson’s budget provides for raises for teachers, a 3% increase for higher education budget and childcare and funding to study improvements on Interstate 44. Additionally a 3.2% pay raise for state workers, $1.5 billion in federal funds for broadband expansion and $314.7 million for new construction on college campuses. Missouri has a strong financial position with the treasury holding $4.6 billion in surplus general revenue with another $2 billion that can be spent like general revenue.
