With many low-income workers already living on razor-thin margins, increases to the sales tax could mean deciding whether to eat or pay rent.
Missouri
Missing the first rung: Entry-level job seekers in Kansas and Missouri feel hiring slowdown
Hiring is at a historically slow pace and young Missouri and Kansas workers are feeling it. Here’s what’s reshaping the entry-level job market.
As Missouri weighs eliminating income tax, higher sales tax could leave seniors with less wiggle room
An income tax elimination proposal would allow the General Assembly to raise or expand sales taxes, which seniors say would increase their tax burden.
Homelessness, utility rate hikes drive discussion at Kansas City committee
City leaders directed staff to identify ways to expand shelter capacity, strengthen outreach and connect unhoused residents to hospitality jobs ahead of the World Cup. The committee also approved a 6% increase to water and sewer rates.
City workers and residents speak out at Kansas City’s final community budget hearing
Public comments in the Northland focused on transit funding, arts support, violence prevention programs and wages for city employees.
Residents weigh in on transit and World Cup spending at Kansas City’s second budget hearing
Comments focused on public transportation, violence prevention and proposed cuts to nonprofit programs in the city’s proposed $2.5 billion budget, with some also questioning World Cup-related transit and infrastructure priorities.
Hickman Mills renames schools amid district consolidation
Three schools will take on new names under the district’s consolidation plan aimed at addressing a projected $14 million deficit.
Transit, public safety and the arts take center stage at Kansas City budget hearing
During the first public hearing on Kansas City’s proposed $2.5 billion budget, residents urged the council to reconsider cuts to neighborhood and arts programs and increase funding for public transit.
Retention up, readiness down: KCPS weighs progress and challenges
Pre-K retention has risen 9% in three years, though kindergarten readiness sits just shy of the 90% goal. Leaders say stronger family engagement and improved communication are key next steps.
City Plan Commission advances World Cup signage rules
The amendment allows temporary building signage for major events, up to 80,000 square feet. The commission also approved plans for a bond project at New Mark Middle School.