[NFBMO] Possible changes in Blind Pension Fund

Sat Jun 29 20:51:44 UTC 2024

While the general assembly  was working on this the entire session I do not believe the funding source was added until the very last moment as I had repeatedly done searches  during the session checking for anything to do with  blindness or pensions. 

If Linda is correct, and I am sure that she is, this will not effect us in the short term. The amount they say that it will cost will not cause a reduction or block further increases. However, more often than not they underestimate the amount things will cost. In the long run it  sure could effect raises as the surplus will have decreased causing a reduction in the formula to determine long term increases. 

Roger is correct that there is no promise that facilities will pass savings on to families. This also does not help the smallest providers who work out of their homes. 

I personally plan to vote no but obviously that is just one guy’s opinion.

Gene Coulter

From: NFBMO <nfbmo-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Roger Crome via NFBMO
Sent: Saturday, June 29, 2024 3:17 PM
To: NFB of Missouri Mailing List <nfbmo at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Roger Crome <r_crome1 at msn.com>
Subject: Re: [NFBMO] Possible changes in Blind Pension Fund

Hi Brian, 

The GA committee hasn’t held an emergency meeting on this yet.  Based on the information provided by Linda, it appears on the surface that the biggest impact would be cutting into the funds allocated but not spent.  So, theoretically, there shouldn’t be a perceived impact to recipients, but it is definitely worth the discussion.  The issue I see at this point is the timing.  This slipped right past us. 

I find it interesting that the amendment states the purpose of making child care more affordable, but there is no guarantee that the child care centers will pass the savings along to their customers as opposed to boosting their profit margin.  If the intent is to save on child care costs, then there should be language instead to create a tax credit or monthly stipend that the state is to distribute from these tax dollars.  It seems to me to be an organized movement of providers to increase their bottom line.  

I may be wrong, but just my thoughts.

Roger

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 29, 2024, at 1:19 PM, b.schulz--- via NFBMO <nfbmo at nfbnet.org <mailto:nfbmo at nfbnet.org> > wrote:

Hi,

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

But it will decrease funds in state accounts!

What is the ga members opinions?

Will it be better not to give this publicity than put unneed attention on blind pension?

bryan

From: NFBMO <nfbmo-bounces at nfbnet.org <mailto: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> >
Cc: Gary Wunder <gwunder at earthlink.net <mailto: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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