Missouri families needed real property tax relief this legislative session. I was hopeful as session started, since the Senate Republican Caucus made real property tax reform its top priority. But with only two weeks left, so far we've fallen short of that goal.
As the session nears its end, the Missouri Senate passed only one property tax bill just this week, Senate Bill 1410. On paper, this bill addresses property tax policy - but in practice, it focused largely on administrative changes rather than lowering the actual tax burden on property owners.
In a nutshell: the process was adjusted, but the problem remains.
What's Really Happening
Across Missouri - and especially in places like Jackson County - families are dealing with increasing property assessments. Those assessments directly impact how much people pay in property taxes, and for many, the increases have been steep enough to force difficult financial decisions.
While legislation moved forward this week, it did not directly reduce those costs. Instead, the changes focused on areas like ballot language, classification rules, and technical adjustments to how tax limits are calculated under the Hancock Amendment.
Two adopted amendments further weakened taxpayer protections, which is why I ultimately voted against the final version of the bill.
At the same time, my Senate Bill 919 - which included broader, more meaningful reforms - was brought to the floor but there was no path forward.
What I Proposed
During debate on SB 1410, I offered several amendments aimed at delivering practical, real-world relief. Each one was designed to address the actual problem Missourians are facing - not just adjust the process around it.
Here's what those proposals would have done:
1. Cap Assessment Increases at 15%
Prevent sudden spikes in property valuations that lead to unaffordable tax hikes.
2. Increase Transparency in Valuations
Require clear disclosure of how property values are calculated, giving taxpayers a fair chance to understand and appeal assessments.
3. Lower Valuation Ratio Standards
Adjust standards to ensure properties are not assessed above 100% of market value - promoting fairness statewide.
4. Include Jackson County in Relief Measures
Extend relief options to Jackson County, which was previously left out. This amendment was tabled by a Republican senator before it was even fully read. The body didn't even know what was in the amendment.
5. Strengthen the Hancock Amendment
Close loopholes in the underlying bill and ensure the tax burden isn't unfairly shifted onto certain classes of property owners.
Each of these measures was voted down. Several were voted down because there were not enough Republicans on the chamber floor to prevail.
Why This Matters
This issue is about more than policy - it's about people.
Property rights are foundational to liberty. When rising taxes force families out of their homes, something has gone wrong. For many Missourians, especially seniors and working families, homeownership is not just about stability - it's about building a future and passing something on to the next generation.
Jackson County highlights the problem clearly. While 97 of Missouri's 114 counties received some form of relief option during last year's special session, Jackson County was excluded because the two Jackson County democrat senators filibustered. Jackson County got no relief during special session and that is, unfortunately, continuing to be the case.
Families in Jackson County and several others across the state in Senate Districts 6 and 16 and also the districts with Democrat senators, are still waiting for meaningful action.
What Comes Next
At this stage in the session, it is unlikely that comprehensive property tax reform will pass this year. That's the reality.
But this issue is not going away.
I remain committed to working with collegaues at the state level and with local officials to pursue solutions that actually reduce the burden on taxpayers and help families stay in their homes.
We should not accept a system where people are taxed out of their property. We can do better, and we need to.
If you're experiencing rising property taxes or have concerns about your assessment, I encourage you to reach out to our office. We are here to serve you, and your input matters as we continue this work.
Some weeks at the Capitol are easy to point to. Others are quieter, but just as important. This was one of those weeks for me - where meaningful progress was made, even if it didn't always make headlines.
Act Against Abusive Website Access Litigation Passed
I filed SB 1154 to protect Missouri businesses from predatory lawsuits when their commercial websites are not ADA compliant. It was rolled together with SBs 907 & 1154 in the committee process. I'm proud to say that it has passed both the House and the Senate and will be heading to the Governor's office soon.
Budget Takes Center Stage
On Wednesday, we spent nearly 12 hours on the Senate floor working through and passing all 13 of the state's budget bills. This is one of the most important responsibilities we have - deciding how your tax dollars are spent.
I voted yes on the budget for one reason: the overall bottom line was reduced by more than $1.1 billion.
For a long time, one of my biggest concerns has been the size and growth of government spending. In a nutshell:
- What's happening: Government spending has continued to grow year after year, especially since Covid and federal dollars poured in.
- What needs to happen: We must bring that spending down to a sustainable level. The Covid money coming in from the feds is over.
- Why it matters: If we don't control spending, the Missouri government isn't sustainable and we cannot responsibly lower taxes.
This reduction is a step in the right direction. It helps create a path toward meaningful tax relief for Missouri families. I'm hopeful we can continue building on this progress in the year ahead.
Progress on Artificial Intelligence & Property Taxes
Behind the scenes, I had several productive meetings this week that will help shape important policy moving forward in regard to Ai and property taxes.
Artificial Intelligence Legislation
I continue working on legislation to ensure human accountability remains front and center when it comes to Ai. This week included productive discussions - even coordination with the White House - and I'm pleased with the progress we're making.
The goal is simple: Ai should be a tool, not a decision-maker - and never a substitute for human responsibility.
Property Tax Relief
Conversations are ongoing, especially regarding property taxes in Jackson County.
- My focus remains on reducing the burden on homeowners
- Protecting the ability of families to stay in their homes
- Creating more opportunity for homeownership
Property rights are a core freedom, and rising taxes threaten that stability. I will continue working toward solutions that put people first and help keep more money in your pocket.
Jackson County Appeals Process Audit Rating: POOR
This morning, State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick released the first part of a two-part audit regarding the Jackson County assessment process. The report gives the appeals process a "poor" rating while finding it ineffective and noncompliant with county code and state law also noting the Board of Equalization failed to operate transparently or maintain independence over the process.
Below, you'll find links to a summary document of the findings as well as the full audit report.
Coffee & Connections
Over the interim, I want to be accessible and available to my constituents. Getting to know you and hear your concerns is a priority to me.
The first event I'm hosting will be just after session ends, on Saturday May 23rd at 10:00 am, at Rae's Cafe in Independence. Coffee & cinnamon rolls are on me!
An RSVP isn't required, but it is helpful. If you know you'll be in attendance, we'd appreciate it if you would register here: Count Me In!
This week was an important one in the general assembly. We passed what will likely be the most important bill of the session - a ballot measure on income & sales tax reform. You can see the comments I made on the senate floor in the video below.
I also hosted press conference to discuss Sage's Law and SB 1012, the legislation I filed to put guardrails on artificial intelligence.
Sage's Law protects parent's rights and ensures our schools will be transparent with parents regarding their student and any discussions that are taking place regarding social transitioning.
Artificial intelligence is an incredible tool. I use it daily. It's exciting to see some of the capabilities we have with Ai that we wouldn't have ever dreamed of just a few years ago. However, it can also be dangerous and we need to use it responsibly. SB 1012 puts some practical, common sense guardrails around Ai and creates a framework for how Missouri will handle Ai legally.
The press conference I hosted on these topics is below:
With Monday off for the holiday, this was a shorter week in Jefferson City - but it still brought important progress.
Strengthening Transparency in Sentencing
On Tuesday, I joined Governor Kehoe for the signing of SB 888, a bill focused on improving Missouri's criminal justice system.
This legislation included my bill on sentencing reform - an effort centered on making the system clearer, more transparent, and more consistent for everyone involved.
SB 888 does the following:
1. Improves information sharing.
- Allows better record sharing between law enforcement and prosecutors.
- Helps track cases more effectively, including juvenile adjudication history.
2. Increases penalties for sexual criminal offenses.
3. Advances sentencing reform.
- Streamlines how sentencing processes are handled.
- Adds clarity and transparency to how parole eligibility is calculated.
Why This Matters
For too long, parts of the criminal justice system have been difficult to navigate and understand - not just for those inside the system, but for victims and families.
This reform is about bringing clarity where there has been confusion.
It's about making sure:
- Victims have confidence in the system.
- Law enforcement has the tools they need.
- Sentencing is applied in a way that is consistent and understandable.
At the end of the day, accountability and transparency go hand in hand. When the system is clear, it works better for everyone - and it builds trust in the rule of law.
Protecting Ratepayers in Energy Policy
On Wednesday, the Senate took up a nuclear energy bill, where I offered an amendment addressing Construction Work in Progress (CWIP).
What's Happening
CWIP would allow utilities to begin charging customers in advance for the construction of large energy projects - before those projects are complete and producing power. This measure was passed last year in SB 4, which pertained to natural gas facilities.
What My Amendment Does
- Prohibits utilities from charging upfront for nuclear plant construction.
- Ensures ratepayers are not financially responsible for projects that are still uncertain.
- Applies specifically to nuclear energy facilities.
This amendment passed narrowly by a 14-13 vote.
Why This Matters
Missouri families are already dealing with rising costs. Asking them to fund major construction projects upfront - without guarantees those projets will be completed, stay on budget, or deliver results - is not fair.
At the same time, we continue to see large corporations receive significant tax abatements and discounted energy rates. For example, a data center project in Independence is receiving over 90% tax abatement along with energy discounts.
My concern is simple:
- Large corporations are often given incentives and protections
- Meanwhile, everyday Missourians are asked to take on more financial risk
That imbalance is something I believe we must address. Protecting ratepayers and ensuring fairness should remain a priority as we shape Missouri's energy future.
A Step Forward
While it was a shorter week, it was still a productive one. I remain hopeful as we continue working through the legislative process, pushing good measures forward and working to protect liberty and freedom for Missouri families.
Stay Connected
As always, you can view all my votes by clicking "My Votes" at the top of the page. Transparency matters and I want you to be able to see exactly how I'm representing you.
If you have questions, need assistance, or want to share your thoughts, please reach out to our office. We are here to serve you and be a resource for you.
God bless you, and I look forward to continuing the work ahead.
This Week in Photos
Last weekend I had the honor of being the master of ceremonies
at the Special Olympics swim meet.
The signing of SB 888 in Governor Kehoe's office.
Office work
Grady Wohletz, 12th grader at Independence Art & Tech School
Winner of the 2026 Senate Art Contest for District 11
Despite the hate, chaos, confusion and turmoil in the world, the work of the cross and the power of the resurrection continues to change the hearts of men.
Jesus, the King, chose to come to earth, live as a man tempted like we are and die a horrible death by crucifixion so we wouldn't have to. He shed His blood as a sacrifice for the sin of all. He did it for love of His Father and for each of us.
John 3:16-17 says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him."
All that is required to receive the forgiveness and the abundant eternal life He offers is to receive Him into your heart. No amount of good works can earn our salvation. The resurrection is our assurance that all those who have received Him shall also rise from the dead and be with Him for all eternity.
May you be blessed by the Living God and receive newness of life.
