[NFBMO] Possible changes in Blind Pension Fund

[linda at coccovizzo.com]

Here are some things to keep in mind that may help to put things into
perspective:

In 2023, the appropriated revenue for the blind pension fund was 37,262,368.
The expenditure in 2023 was 33,063,106. The appropriated revenue for the
fund in 2024 is 38,920,000

Also there is this:

The only property tax collected by the state is the blind pension fund . The
tax collected for the fund is 3¢ on each $100 of taxable valuation of
taxable property in the state of Missouri. Everything else is collected by
the counties and state commission.

The 2024 fiscal year budget can be found here:

https://oa.mo.gov/sites/default/files/FY_24_Executive_Budget.pdf

 

From: NFBMO <nfbmo-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Gary Wunder via NFBMO
Sent: Friday, June 28, 2024 5:41 PM
To: 'NFB of Missouri Mailing List' nfbmo at nfbnet.org
<mailto:nfbmo at nfbnet.org> . For 2024, the revenue appropriated for the BP
fund is 38,920,000.

https://oa.mo.gov/sites/default/files/Fiscal_Year_2023_Executive_Budget%20.p
df
Cc: Gary Wunder <gwunder at earthlink.net>
Subject: [NFBMO] Possible changes in Blind Pension Fund

 

I learned yesterday of something that will appear on the August 6 ballot to
amend the constitution. At the direction of President Wright, I’ve done some
investigating and still have more questions than answers, but here’s what
the Secretary of State’s Office says:

 

Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to allow places where
individuals, corporations, organizations, and associations provide childcare
outside of the child’s home to be exempt from property tax? This is intended
to make childcare more available, which would support the well-being of
children, families, the workforce, and society as a whole.

 

State governmental entities estimate the state’s Blind Pension Fund could
have annual lost revenue of up to $400,000. Local governments expect an
unknown fiscal impact.

 

Fair Ballot Language: 

 

A "yes" vote will amend the Missouri Constitution to grant the General
Assembly statutory authority to exempt all property, real and personal, used
primarily for the care of a child outside of his or her home by general law.
An assessing authority may be authorized by general law to exempt from the
assessment, levy, and collection of taxes such portion of the property of
such individual, corporation, organization, or association that is used
primarily for such childcare.  

 

A "no" vote will not amend the Missouri Constitution and childcare
facilities will continue to be assessed, levied, and pay taxes.

 

If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes.

 

In checking with state officials who usually know about such things, I find
them surprised and two promising to get back with me to provide more
information.

 

Obvious questions: Will this alter current benefits? What will it do to
future increases? To what extent should we be involved whenever discussions
about property taxes are considered by the legislature? If this is a severe
threat, what should we do between now and August 6?

 

 

Gary Wunder

gwunder at earthlink.net <mailto:gwunder at earthlink.net>  

 

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