Missouri

Teacher compensation, ‘kid-fluencers’ among Missouri legislative priorities for these reps

Published

11 months ago

December 18, 2023

Teacher compensation, ‘kid-fluencers’ among Missouri legislative priorities for these reps

The start of the 2024 legislative in Missouri is a little more than two weeks away and Democratic state representatives are sharing their priorities with the Boone County Muleskinners.

Last week District 47 Rep. Adrian Plank and District 46 Rep. David Tyson Smith provided updates, and this week it was District 45 Rep. Kathy Steinhoff and District 50 Rep. Doug Mann.

While Steinhoff and Mann have not filed bills yet, they expect to in the coming days. Steinhoff said she plans of filing five bills, where three are focused on education, while Mann will file seven, where four are refiles from last year and the other three are new. Steinhoff also noted that between Friday and the start of session, where she puts a focus could change.

Kathy Steinhoff

Steinhoff wants to find a fix to the foundation formula for public education funding, which she said is a “pie in the sky” solution right now.

“Many of the constants in the formula are outdated,” she said, explaining those are the ones she wants to address. It is expensive to fund, hence the “pie in the sky” description, she added.

She also is looking at a recruitment and retention solution for teachers that does away with a career ladder system readopted two years ago. Instead of requiring a teacher does something or takes on additional work in order to get extra compensation, the state should provide a pipeline to directly get teachers more compensation.

“We are in a different time. It’s a not a do more to get more, it should be thank you for all you are doing,” Steinhoff said.

Students who may have some learning or developmental disabilities are identified from the ages of three to five with a young child developmental delay. Children with that diagnosis, instead of something more specific, do not need an individualized education plan, or IEP until first grade, which also is when a more concrete disability diagnosis is required. Steinhoff plans to introduce a bill that would push back the IEP requirement from first grade to second grade.

Steinhoff also is looking at filing a bill on safe gun storage that uses National Rifle Association recommendations for firearm storage in the bill’s language. This is in aim of it gaining more support across the aisle. Steinhoff and Mann both recognized that their bills may not have traction individually, but are more likely to have support as amendments to other bills.

Using the NRA language “is kind of my twist on how to maybe have more people listen to it,” she said.

Steinhoff again is putting a priority on voting rights in relation to both high-school and college-aged students. Students could receive an excused absence on election days for a certain period of time in which to cast their ballot in her planned bill. Details still are being worked out. This is similar to a bill Steinhoff filed last year, but also include an expansion of provision for college-aged students.

“We are looking at things like student IDs and easier access for clerks for early voting,” she aid.

Doug Mann

The four refiles Mann plans include a bill to bring Missouri’s fair housing act in line with the similar federal regulations, needle exchange programs, protecting teachers who provide LGBTQ+ history courses, and a bill allowing motorcycle riders, when at a stop light, to be stopped between instead of directly behind vehicles, aiming to lessen rear-end collision injuries or deaths.

“It allows for a maneuver called filtering. One of the ways motorcyclists are most likely to be killed in a wreck is when they are rear ended at a stop,” Mann said.

The first of Mann’s new filings include making sure colleges and universities have opioid overdose rescue kits readily available in residence halls, dining halls and other facilities. It is similar to an Arkansas bill, Mann said.

Mann would like Missouri to adopt a version of “Donna’s Law.” A person experiencing a mental-health issue or crisis voluntarily can add themselves to a “do not a sell” list for firearms. This is a quasi-red flag law, except instead of family members or others requesting addition to a “do not sell” list, it is the person facing mental health issues that makes the request. It is a means of reducing gun-related suicide deaths. When talking with Republican lawmakers, Mann has received some support from that side of the aisle, he said.

“It is a temporary solution. They will be on the list for a minimum of 30 days and up to 180 days. At 180 days, they can refile to be put back on the list. It has passed in other states, including red states. If it can save a handful of lives per year, I think it’s worth it,” Mann said.

Mann’s final new filing will be what he calls a “kid-fluencer” bill. This is in relation to social media influencers where what they produced is monetized, particularly parents who include their minor children in their videos. A version of the bill passed in Illinois last year, Mann said.

“A lot of times when people are making content around their kids, the kids are not compensated for that content,” Mann said. “Under this legislation, if a minor appears in 30% of the content, then the parents are required to set aside a portion of the money received into a trust, which is paid out when the minor is either emancipated or turns 18.”

The goal is prevent parental exploitation of their children.

Charles Dunlap covers local government, community stories and other general subjects for the Tribune. You can reach him at cdunlap@columbiatribune.com or @CD_CDT on Twitter. Subscribe to support vital local journalism.

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Missouri

King’s 18 lead Missouri State over UT Arlington

Published

7 hours ago

November 20, 2024

Press Room

King’s 18 lead Missouri State over UT Arlington

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — Zaxton King’s 18 points helped Missouri State defeat UT Arlington 78-68 on Tuesday night.

King shot 5 of 14 from the field, including 2 for 5 from 3-point range, and went 6 for 6 from the line for the Bears (3-1). Vincent Brady II scored 14 points, shooting 4 for 9 (2 for 3 from 3-point range) and 4 of 4 from the free-throw line. Jalen Hampton and Dez White both added 12 points and Hampton had 12 rebounds.

The Mavericks (2-3) were led by Jaxon Ellingsworth, who posted 19 points and six rebounds. Darius Burford added 14 points and nine rebounds for UT Arlington. Raysean Seamster also had 14 points, six rebounds and two blocks.

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Missouri

Top 25 Missouri Boys High School Basketball Preseason Rankings

Published

15 hours ago

November 19, 2024

Press Room

Top 25 Missouri Boys High School Basketball Preseason Rankings

The 2024-25 Missouri boys high school basketball season is about to tip-off and it is a great time to take a look at the Top 25 teams in the state. Follow our rankings each of the season as we track who moves up, or down, based on the results.

The Red Devils feature a roster full of college prospects. They appeared in the Class 6 championship game last season and returned most of their production. Jahadi White Jr, Jamison White, Jonny Jordan, and Ben Winker all hold Division 1 offers.

Jimmy McKinney leads Vashon as their new head coach. His first year roster is led by Missouri State signee Trey Williams and Dehrio McCaskill. His son Jimmy McKinney Jr. is a highly touted 2027 prospect. The Wolverines have championship DNA.

De Smet return as Class 5 champions with a potential move up to the Class 6 in the coming weeks. They return all key starters & role players. North Dakota State signee Riley Massey and 2026 prospect Ian Thomas lead a talented backcourt.

Oak Park is coming off a 27-5 season that led them to Mizzou Arena in March. They’re loaded with upperclassmen that have experience. 6’5 guard Corbin Allen leads the way and fills up the box score.

The Bulldogs have a tough task trying to replace the production of Dontrez Williams. With that being said their core of PJ Farmer, Trace Sadler, and Tristan Wiggins will make noise in Class 5. They’re deep at the guard position. Marquel Murray was a big transfer statewide.

Burroughs will be a tough out for most programs in the state. They have a frontline that’s tough to match up with. 6’9 Tristan Reed and 6’10 Sheek Pearson are both high-major prospects. The Bombers won 27 games last season.

The Trailblazers feature a dominant backcourt duo in Mizzou signee Aaron Rowe and Exavier Wilson. The two have years of chemistry built. Blake Pingeton completes the roster as a 6’7 swingman. Could this be the year for Tolton in Class 4?

Staley have established themselves as a top overall program in the state. Chris Neff is an excellent coach. 6’7 senior Xavier Wislon is their go-to guy. Scoring at a high clip will be senior guard Avian Webb. This group went 23-6 last season.

Principia will be a squad to watch early. They’ve compiled a ton of talent in the 2026 and 2027 classes and are led by legendary coach Jay Blossom. No doubt they are a factor in Class 4. Keep an eye out for 2026 guard Quentin Coleman.

The Statesmen are young but talented. Justin Mathes is a tremendous coach that has talent at his disposal. One thing is a given, they’re going to compete. 2027 Scottie Adkinson has built a reputation as one of the best nationwide. 2028 Miles Simpson will play early and often.

Vianney lost Eddie Smajic and Symon Ghai but still have a well-rounded team around Southern Illinois signee Luke Wlash. They’re a strong three point shooting team coming off a 25 win season.

A top program in SWMO, the Chiefs have much of their core still in place. Reese Kimrey and Jackson Shorter will form an excellent pick & roll duo. Mitch McHenry knows what it takes to make deep playoff runs as a coach.

Battle has some of the best guards in Missouri. Their up-tempo style will apply pressure on the defensive end. Last season they went 20-8 while playing a tough schedule. 2027 Brandon Rooks is a name to know.

One of the best returning teams in Class 6. This is a group who clicked late in the season. They have chemistry and should continue to build in a winning direction after a 20 win season.

Helias is a sneaky good team following a handful of transfers this off-season. They have a host of 2026 prospects who will make major contributions. A contender in Class 5.

Springfield Central retains Keion Epps and Bryce Walker from a team who went far last season. Replacing Tyrique Brooks and his production as a committee will be key to keeping continuity.

The Bruins are an older squad with a host of players who produced last season. Reese Minnix and Brady Davidson are a formidable frontcourt tandem. Last season they went 22-6 with nearly all of their scoring coming back.

The Dragons are a wild card. They could end up being much higher when it’s all said and done. The star is Zyree Collins who some consider the offensive best player in Missouri. He’s surrounded by a strong supporting cast.

A team with tons of potential. The Broncos are a group that could make noise in 2024-25’. Junior wing Tre Paulding is someone that can be special for this team. They play a tough early slate in conference.

Howell were a few possessions away from making state last season. Their 24-6 team from last year returns senior Will Paulson who’s a 6’7 forward leading them in scoring. Their backcourt is explosive as well.

Rogersville is built around two important pieces. One is their coach, Jon Schaefer, who’s a top coach in Missouri. The other is 2027 point guard Chase Branham. He’s one of the best prospects in the state regardless of class holding a Mizzou offer.

Westminster have won and won often under Dale Ribble. He has developed a strong culture around the program and they’re a safe bet to stay on this list. JD Robertson is a key senior while sophomore guard Will Powers is a name who could emerge.

The Jays will look a lot different in 2024-25’. They’ll be led by new coach Ethan Williams. The first year coach will be in good hands at the forward spot. 2025 Arkansas Baseball commit Jordan Martin is a machine on the court.

The Lions are a team going through a rebuild but make no mistake about it, they’ll compete and win their fair share of games. That’s the culture on North Spring Avenue. A tough out for anybody in the state due to their defensive ability.

Rolla will look to win their district following a 22-6 season last year. They’ve proven to compete well vs. tough competition and have a dynamic talent in 2026 Ethan Brown. The junior guard has a chance to lead this team in all major categories.

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Missouri

Missouri attorneys who defended Trump in court given jobs in new administration

Published

22 hours ago

November 19, 2024

Press Room

Missouri attorneys who defended Trump in court given jobs in new administration

Jason Hancock
| Missouri Independent

President-elect Donald Trump tapped two Missouri members of the legal team for jobs in the new administration, naming D. John Sauer solicitor general and Will Scharf assistant to the president and White House staff secretary.

Sauer, who lives in the St. Louis suburb of Town and Country, was Missouri solicitor general from 2017 through 2022 under Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt. In that job, he led Missouri’s unsuccessful effort alongside other GOP attorneys general to keep Trump in power by challenging the 2020 election results.

More recently, Sauer successfully represented Trump at the U.S. Supreme Court in his bid for immunity from being criminally charged for trying to overturn the 2020 election. The justices voted 6-3 along ideological lines in July to give Trump immunity from some official acts he took as president.

As solicitor general, Sauer will be responsible for litigating the federal government’s positions at the U.S. Supreme Court.

“He is a legit genius, an incredible lawyer and I’m thrilled for him and his family,” Schmitt posted on social media.

Scharf, who ran unsuccessfully against Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey in the GOP primary, briefly served in the administration of former Gov. Eric Greitens before moving to Washington, D.C., to work for the advocacy organization Judicial Crisis Network, focused on judicial confirmations and nominations, most notably Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

In 2020, he returned to Missouri to work as an assistant U.S. attorney in St. Louis. Alongside Sauer, Scharf was part of the team advising and defending Trump in his myriad criminal trials over the last year.

In his new job, Scharf will decide which memos, briefings and reports will go to the president and who should weigh in on issues and speeches.

“Will is a highly skilled attorney who will be a crucial part of my White House team,” Trump said in announcing Scharf’s appointment, later adding: “Will is going to make us proud as we Make America Great Again.”

This story was first published at missouriindependent.com.

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