Charlie Shields and Bombardiers

Senator Charlie Shields, a St. Joseph Republican, is looking out for the Kansas City and Missouri state economy. As a State Senator that is his job, to protect and improve our state’s vital assets, to shield us from danger, to lead the way. He is a leader who, according to the Kansas City Star, is the cosponsor of a bill that would give tax credits to Bombardier, an airline manufacturer, if they build a plant in Kansas City. Since, according to the Star, “the estimated overall economic impact over 22 years was calculated at $5.9 billion,” then, “legislation is on such a fast track that a hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.”

In the second of two articles, published March 24^th and 25^th, the Star said:

Missouri lawmakers pushing a state financial aid package to help attract the proposed Bombardier plant predict it will be quickly approved.

“I think you’ll find a high degree of enthusiasm around this project,” said state Sen. Charlie Shields, majority floor leader.

“People hear about Southern states getting car plants and wonder why we’re not in the running. Here’s one that has the same impact, and here’s a chance to get it done. I don’t think it will be a problem.”

I haven’t heard the same enthusiasm from Charlie Shields for Senate Bill 993, which would also give tax credits to individuals, or companies, that donate to a fund to help special needs children receive a good education. I can only hope the good Senator is looking out for the children in this state, realizing that, though an economic impact might not yet have been calculated, it has been proven numerous times, that improving education is a good investment.

But it really isn’t about the money, is it? What it is about is doing the right thing, making a good moral decision, and protecting the good kids of our state; shielding them, like your namesake.

Please step up and speak out, Senator Shields, for Senate Bill 993, and it’s sibling in the House, HB 1886, or Bryce’s law. These two bills are important for our future, for our children, for today.

Supporting all children, all the time

Paul supports legislation that would require the state to award offices to non-profit organizations set up by school districts or bid the offices out to individuals or organizations. Then, most of the profit made from these fees can go back to the state and be directed into local public schools.

Paul LeVota, that is, Missouri Representative in Jackson Co., including Lee’s Summit, North Kansas City and Independence. I hope, in light of his stance here, he'll also support HB 1886. This bill would create a scholarship tax credit program. A non-profit organization that grants scholarships to special needs children would accept donation eligible for an 80% tax credit. While revenue is not collected the state will surely save money as scholarships given out through other similar tuition tax credit programs are less than the state pays for IEP students to attend public schools. That saved revenue could easily be directed into public schools.