2025

One of the most important parts of my job as your State Senator is staying connected with the people I represent. Listening to your concerns, learning from your experiences, and working together to solve problems is what public service is all about. That’s why my team and I are making it a priority to provide several opportunities over the next few months to meet in person, share information, and offer support on the issues that matter most to you.

This Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m., I’ll be hosting a Senior Tax Freeze Forum at the Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity. I’ll be sharing a brief legislative update, followed by an educational session focused on property taxes and the programs available in Missouri to help our senior citizens get some much-needed relief. We’ll talk about the Senior Property Tax "Freeze" program as well as the Circuit Breaker Tax Credit—two important tools that can help ease the burden for eligible homeowners. If you or someone you know is 62 or older and owns a home, I highly encourage you to join us. This event is all about making these programs easier to understand and helping people get the assistance they’ve earned.

But that’s not all—we’ve got more events on the calendar! 

On August 2nd, we’re proud to host our first Missouri Veterans Expo, which will bring together a wide variety of resources for our veterans and their families. 

Later in August, I’ll be hosting a grassroots educational workshop designed to help Missourians learn how to get more involved in the legislative process. Whether you're brand new to civic engagement or you’ve been paying attention for years, this workshop will give you practical tools for making your voice heard in Jefferson City.

These events—and many more to come—are listed here on the Events Page. I truly hope you’ll take a moment to check them out and make plans to join us.

At the end of the day, I work for you. My mission is to represent your values, defend your freedoms, and help solve real problems in our communities. But I can’t do that effectively without hearing from you. These events are just one way we’re trying to create more space for honest conversations and meaningful relationships. I look forward to seeing you soon!

Yesterday, the Missouri General Assembly convened for a special legislative session called by Governor Kehoe. The main topic? A proposal to spend nearly $1 billion in public funds to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals in Missouri.

Let me be clear: I love our teams. I want them to stay in Kansas City. But I believe Missouri families should come first.

That’s why I filed a bill that would cap the increase in property tax liability on primary residential real estate to 5% per assessment cycle.

I filed this bill because I’ve heard from too many Missourians who are being crushed by skyrocketing property tax bills. Working families, seniors on fixed incomes, and single parents are being hit hard—and many are afraid they won’t be able to keep their homes.

Owning a home is part of the American Dream. It’s also the primary way Missourians build wealth and stability for their families. If we don’t act now, we risk making homeownership unattainable for thousands of people across our state.

Throughout this process, I’ve worked closely with Governor Kehoe, Senate leadership, and colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find a solution we can all support. Property taxes affect every district and every corner of Missouri—urban and rural alike. While I know this bill is only the first step toward fixing the broader property tax issue, I’m encouraged by the collaboration and momentum we’re seeing. I’m hopeful we’ll make this step official very soon.

Kansas is making a strong play to lure our teams across the border. Their governor just signed legislation to finance as much as 70% of new stadium costs through public revenue sources.

But here in Missouri, before we rush to throw taxpayer dollars at billionaire-owned teams, we need to ask:

I’m not saying we shouldn’t talk about stadiums. But we must talk about tax relief first. We have a responsibility to the people we represent, not just to professional sports franchises.

As this special session moves forward, I’ll continue to fight for real, lasting property tax relief. I’ll continue to push for policies that make homeownership affordable, predictable, and protected.

This is about putting people over politics—and priorities over pressure.

Thank you for standing with me. If you support this effort, I encourage you to reach out and let your voice be heard.

This week, I sat down with Jackson County residents to listen to their stories—stories filled with frustration, confusion, and financial strain caused by unjust property tax assessments. These conversations come on the heels of a Missouri State Tax Commission (STC) order, which essentially condemned the County’s 2023 assessments as grossly inaccurate and demanded corrective action. 

The order would require the 2025 assessments to use the 2022 baseline and incur no more than a 15% increase from that baseline, excluding new construction or renovations.

As I heard firsthand, this is more than a bureaucratic failure—it is a crisis affecting working families, retirees, and small property owners alike. Across the board, the theme was the same: inconsistent valuations, a lack of communication, and a painful appeals process that places undue burdens on ordinary citizens.

John Welchert owns two identical duplexes next to each other. Though the buildings are the same in every way, one was assessed at a significantly higher value than the other. The comps and all the details were the same,  yet the values were $40,000 different.

John ended up going through the arduous appeals process.

Grace, a retired bank employee who lives on a fixed income after suffering a stroke, owns her home and two adjoining empty lots in Independence. These lots, always taxed as residential, were abruptly reclassified as commercial—even though they are in the middle of a quiet neighborhood and are used for nothing more than lawn space. 

She can't afford it and she doesn't know what to do. She shouldn't have to know - it's gross negligence on the part of Jackson County.

Unfortunately, Grace isn't the only one who is experiencing a reclassification from residential to commercial. This is happening frequently and is one of the worst injustices happening due to the commercial rate being 32% compared to residential at 19%. 

Fun Fact:  Agricultural land is assessed at 12% of market value.

Sharon Hill, a resident in a 55+ community, has become a tireless advocate for her fellow seniors. After discovering shocking inconsistencies in assessments—like one duplex with a 55% increase on one side and 40% on the other, and another with a $100,000 difference between identical units—Sharon sprang into action.

She has spent countless hours researching assessments and driving her neighbors downtown to file appeals.

The process was grueling—especially for seniors. Some waited hours just to be seen. Many couldn’t have done it without help.

Mike Guyer’s home was previously valued at $168,000. In the 2023 reassessment, it skyrocketed to $362,000—more than double its original value. It was as if they pulled the number out of thin air.

After enduring a frustrating and bureaucratic appeals process, Mike finally succeeded in getting his valuation reduced—but the experience left him deeply distrustful of the system.

While many are just waking up to this crisis, Preston Smith has been on the front lines for years. A private citizen turned watchdog, Preston has walked door to door across neighborhoods, helping others understand their assessments and navigate the appeal process.

He has spent thousands of hours researching data, analyzing inconsistencies, and publishing resources. His Facebook group has become a hub for residents seeking help, guidance, and updates on appeals.

People feel overwhelmed. They think they’re alone. Preston is bringing people together and holding the system accountable. He's served this community well and I'm thankful for all he's done.

Preston represents the best of citizen leadership. He’s doing what our government should already be doing—informing, empowering, and protecting people.

From retirees and fixed-income homeowners to small property owners and concerned neighbors, Jackson County’s citizens are being let down by a flawed and failing assessment process. The STC’s recent order confirms what these residents already know: the system is broken.

These assessments aren’t just numbers—they’re pushing people out of their homes and eroding trust in government. We must restore fairness and accountability.

Our 2025 legislative session is quickly coming to an end with only three weeks left. Since my last update, several actions have been taken I'd like to let you know about. You'll see those listed below.

My personal priority this session has been and continues to be working to bring property tax relief to Jackson County citizens and I continue to be hopeful that we will see that happen before session ends. We have three bills that I believe have a good chance of making it to the governor's desk.  Each of them would benefit Jackson County and support our efforts at controlling tax hikes in different ways. I'm thankful to have the support of Governor Kehoe along with both House and Senate leadership on this issue and I'm looking forward to seeing what we will accomplish in the very near future.

SB 87 is the bill I sponsored that will cap the property tax liability on residential property at 5% every two years. Tax increases would still be allowed, but capped at 5%. This would be a tremendous improvement when many of our citizens have suffered 500% - 1,000% increases in the last few years. This bill does not change the assessed valuations, which means our local school districts and other services won't be negatively affected in regard to their ability to garner funds through the bond process. It is a statutory change vs a constitutional amendment, which means it would take effect at the end of August this year and bring immediate relief before the next property tax bills are due.

SB 87 is on the informal calendar in the senate.  It could be brought up for another debate and passage any day.  Upon passing the senate, it would go to the House where I feel confident Speaker Patterson will work to help it get across the finish line.

HB 999 sponsored by Representative Ron Fowler is an excellent piece of policy that would give the state tax commission the authority to withhold funds from counties which are not complying with orders to lower assessed valuations. This is the type of policy is needed to be able to hold county assessors and county executives accountable for the actions.  Without any consequences for their unjust acts regarding taxing the people, they are free to continue their unfair behavior - essentially robbing us of our property rights.

This bill has passed through the House and Senate committee already.  I believe we can expect to see it on the Senate calendar this week and I'll be handling it on the senate floor. If HB 999 passes, it would take effect at the end of this coming August, which would be a huge victory.

There were three joint resolutions filed that would each require all county assessors in Missouri to be elected by a vote of the people, making them accountable to voters. These resolutions have to pass through the legislature, be signed by the governor and then also pass at a general election of Missouri voters.  This would likely take place in November of 2026 and if the ballot measure would pass, the amendment would be added our the Missouri Constitution. 

It's interesting to note that Jackson County is the only county in Missouri that does not have an elected assessor. I'm hopeful this will change in 2026 and Jackson County will then have the opportunity to approve an assessor they see fit.

HJR 3 was sponsored by Representative Jeff Coleman.  HJR 23 was sponsored by Representative Carolyn Caton. SJR 35 was sponsored by me. These bills are identical.

HJR 23 & 3 was combined and handled by Representative Caton in the House.  It has passed the House, senate committee, and is currently waiting to be debated on the senate floor, where I'll be handling it. I expect this legislation will be the easiest of the three policies to pass and I'm looking forward to one day casting my vote for a Jackson County Assessor.

There are three weeks of session left and they will, no doubt, include long hours and likely a few filibusters on hot button issues.  I'm committed to finishing the session strong - staying focused on bringing this property tax crisis we've been in to an end. Please keep us in your prayers as we work on your behalf and stand in the gap for the people of Jackson County.

SB 1 sponsored by Senator Sandy Crawford pertaining to county officials passed the House. 

SB 22 sponsored by Senator Rick Brattin was signed by the Governor. This bill doubles the length of ballot summaries you'll see on ballot measures, which will give voters more information and education about the vote they are taking.  It also allows the Secretary of State to rewrite the ballot language when a court has determined it is not acceptable.  Previously, the courts would write it.

SB 47 sponsored by Senator Curtis Trent was signed by the Governor. This bill amends Supreme Court Rule 52.8 relating to class actions.

SB 68 sponsored by Senator Mike Henderson passed the House with the addition of several amendments, creating an education omnibus bill.  This bill will have to be approved by the senate in its new form.

SB 81 sponsored by Senator Kurtis Gregory was sent to conference committee, which includes and equal number of senators & representatives.  The conference committee will create a new version of the bill which will then go back to both chambers for approval for final passage. This bill modifies provisions related to firework protections.

SB 360 sponsored by Senator Jill Carter is the Education Freedom Act and modifies provisions relating to assessment in public and charter schools. It passed the senate.

SJR 40 sponsored by Senator Jill Carter was passed by the Senate and now goes to the House. It is a joint resolution that would require Missouri voters to pass before a change to the Missouri Constitution would be enacted that would enshrine our county sheriffs and their duties in the constitution.

SJR 46 sponsored by Senator Jill Carter passed the senate.  It would require a vote of the people in order to amend the constitution to allow our disabled veterans to be exempt from paying real property taxes.

HB 567 sponsored by Representative Sherri Gallick relating to employee compensation is the bill that would amend the statutes created by Prop A. This bill, in its current form, would keep the minimum wage requirement as written in Prop A but remove the sections regarding required sick leave pay. It was filibustered this week and laid back over on the senate informal calendar.

HB 595 sponsored by Representative Brown relates to landlords and tenants. It prohibits local political subdivisions from enforcing certain ordinances regarding landlords and tenants. It passed the senate with amendments and will now go back to the House.

Last week, we saw a few great bills from our Jackson County representatives move out of the House over to the Senate and through committee. I'm hopeful to see them hit the senate floor soon.

Below is a list of important actions taken last week.  Click on the bill number to go to the official bill page.  You'll find my votes above in the menu.  Please reach out to our office if we can help you in any way.

HJR 23 sponsored by Rep Caton requires all county assessors to be elected.  This is a joint resolution and will amend the state constitution if it passes.  It will require Missouri voters to pass it at the ballot box in order for it to take effect. This bill passed through our Local Government committee and will hopefully be placed on the senate calendar for debate on the floor very soon. I'll be handling this bill on the senate floor.

HB 999 sponsored by Rep Fowler gives the state tax commission authority to withhold certain revenues from counties for noncompliance.  This bill has now passed the Senate's Government Efficiency commitee and I hope this, too, is seen on the calendar for debate.  I'll be handling this bill on the senate floor as well.

HB 594 sponsored by Rep Perkins authorizes income tax deductions for capital gains and includes other tax provisions as well.  A senate substitute for this bill was 3rd read and passed on the senate floor. It will now go back to the House.

SJR 46 sponsored by Senator Carter was perfected on the senate floor.  This joint resolution would amend the state constitution to exclude disabled veterans from paying property taxes on their residence if Missouri voters approve.

SJR 35, which I sponsored, is joint resolution that would amend the state constitution to require all county assessors to be elected.  Missouri voters would be required to pass it at the ballot box in order for it to take effect. This resolution also passed our Local Government committee and is ready for the senate floor.

SB 485 sponsored by Senator Schroer would move school board elections to November.  It was laid over.

SB 360 is The Education Freedom Act sponsored by Senator Carter would modify assessments of our public schools and allow them options other than the MAP test.  It was laid over.

SB 230 sponsored by Senator Ben Brown would modify prior authorization required by insurance companies in order to help patients receive tests and treatments more quickly.  It was laid over.

SB 166 sponsored by Senator Kurtis Gregory requires schools to develop a cardiac emergency response plan. It was third read and passed the senate.

SB 133 sponsored by Senator Fitzwater modifies requirements for underground facilities. It was third read and passed the senate.

SB 120 sponsored by Senator Bean modifies provisions relating to moneys in certain state departments.  It was third read and passed the senate.

SB 80 sponsored by Senator Kurtis Gregory modifies provisions relating to the compensation of high school athletes.  It was perfected in the senate.

SB 69 sponsored by Senator Henderson modifies the Core Curriculum Transfer Act for Missouri colleges.  It was laid over.

SB 54 sponsored by Senator Schroer modifies provisions relating to cannabis. It was laid over.

SB 47 sponsored by Senator Trent modifies provisions relating to class action suits.  It was third read and passed in the House.

SB 4 sponsored by Senator Cierpiot modified provisions relating to utilities.  It was signed by the Governor.