The Capitol Report  

Missouri Seniors

 

Today, seniors comprise 13 percent of Missouris population.  In 2020, the number will rise to 18 percent.  As the number of older Missourians increases, we will continue to seek new ways to give back to these individuals who have given so much to our communities over the years and who continue to better our state.

One of the top priorities last session was to offer property tax relief to Missourians suffering from excessive increases.  I have heard from many older residents who are struggling to afford to stay in their homes.  They are in danger of losing homes they have owned for decades because of sharp increases in assessed value that, in turn, led to an overwhelming rise in their property tax bills.  We worked hard to find a way to offer substantial relief to all Missouri homeowners who want nothing more than to be able to afford the tax bill associated with a home they may have paid off years ago.  The legislation we agreed upon in the final days of session provides the kind of relief I believe will keep people in their homes and keep the property tax bills from inducing sticker shock in Missourians when they receive them.  Senate Bill 711 requires all taxing jurisdictions to roll back their tax rate to counter reassessment increases regardless of whether they are operating at or below their tax rate ceiling.  Prior to this change, only taxing jurisdictions operating at their tax rate ceiling were required to roll back to protect taxpayers, creating the opportunity for back door tax increases with no legal recourse.  In addition, the bill increases tax credits for seniors and disabled Missourians.  Single homeowners making less than $30,000 and married couples making less than $34,000 will be eligible to receive up to $1,100 in tax credits under the bill we passed.  This marks an increase in eligibility and an increase in the amount of credits allowed.  This gives Missourians some tax relief and reduces the fear of being taxed unfairly and excessively.

We were able to appropriate approximately $855 million for various senior programs under the Department of Health and Senior Services to support our older citizens.  We allocated a $500,000 increase for the ten Area Agencies on Aging that develop and implement programs and services for older citizens at the local level.  We passed legislation that requires the Department of Health and Senior Services to equitably distribute any additional funding appropriated by the legislature.  This simple change will allow us to appropriate direct funding to specific senior centers.

Last year we talked a lot about education and creating job opportunities.  These are worthy goals, but we need the support of our older Missourians.  Let’s thank them for providing loving homes and quality education to their children and grandchildren, displaying a good work ethic, farming our land, fighting for our country and instilling values of faith and family.  Older Missourians have given so much to our state over the years.  As a legislator, I work to do what I can to give back to these citizens who have played an essential role in making Missouri great.

 

If you have problems, questions or wish to express concern over an issue please do not hesitate to contact me or my Legislator Assistant, Jonathan, at my District office either by phone (573) 751-9801 or by e-mail at Marilyn.Ruestman@house.mo.gov