The Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City

LMC Analyzes Legislative Sessions

LMC Legislative Agenda Update 

During the 2012 legislative sessions in Missouri and Kansas, our focus was more on preventing certain bills and provisions from passing.  Despite a strong push from key legislative leaders in Missouri, neither “right-to-work,” prevailing wage changes came to a floor vote.  A cut in the historic tax credit cap did pass the Senate but never came to House vote.  In Kansas, we successfully fought back attempts in the budget bill to impose new immigration enforcement requirements on state contractors and to shift funds from the transportation plan. 

Federal

•Support construction of a downtown Kansas City, Mo. federal office building.

Results:  Construction of a building remains possible but likely several years away 

•Support construction of the Keystone pipeline project.

Results:  First proposal rejected by the President but a new application has been made and is under consideration.  Legislation requiring approval is possible. 

Watch List:

 •Oppose a benefits tax in  federal health care reform; Any future stimulus funds include significant vertical construction projects.

Results:  No changes or additional stimulus funds.

Missouri

•The LMC supports reasonable and effective economic development incentives.  While the LMC supports ensuring that tax credits and other incentives are cost effective, we want to preserve those tax credits crucial to economic development such as the historic tax credit, tax increment financing.  The LMC also supports enhancing the Quality Jobs program.  The LMC also supports enhanced education and training tax credits, as long as those programs include existing construction apprenticeship and journeyman training programs.  Evaluation of projects supported by the Quality Jobs Act and other tax credit programs should include the impact of construction jobs created by the programs.  The LMC also supports cost effective credits for solar energy development.

Result:  No significant changes to state economic development policies 

•The LMC opposes SB 438 and similar legislation to impose “right-to-work.”

Result:  No floor vote taken on any “right-to-work” bill in either house 

•The LMC supports maintaining and increasing Medicaid eligibility and adequate provider reimbursement. 

Result:  No significant changes 

•The LMC supports maintaining or increasing funding for programs that foster economic development and provide critical services, particularly education, childcare subsidies for working parents and arts development.

Result:  No significant changes 

•The LMC supports restoration of Missouri programs that foster economic development and provide critical services such as Medicaid, education, the arts, childcare subsidies for working parents and others. 

Result:  No significant changes 

•The LMC supports state funding for a comprehensive transportation plan.

Result:  No new transportation plan moved forward 

•The LMC supports Prevailing Wage in its present form. 

Result:  No changes to Prevailing Wage came to a vote in either house 

•The LMC opposes TABOR (taxpayer bill of rights). 

Result:  No TABOR-like bill passed or will be sent to voters 

•The LMC endorses retention of the Missouri Plan for judicial selection and the similar policy that exists in Kansas.

Result:The legislature sent to the ballot a change in the plan for appeals judges that gives the governor an extra appointment rather than a member of the judiciary.  While not as significant a change as some proposals, passage of this would further politicize judicial appointments. 

•The LMC opposes attempts to ban affirmative action programs.

Result:  No action taken 

•The LMC supports development of a statutory framework for public employee collective bargaining in Missouri to reduce uncertainty for workers and for public employers. 

Result:  No action taken. 

Watch:  Unemployment Insurance, Workers Compensation, Utility Rates & Energy Capacity, Education/Kansas City School District.

Result:  The only legislation passed was to make it more difficult for an employee to sue a fellow employee in a workers’ compensation case. 

Kansas

•The LMC supports reasonable and effective economic development incentives.

Result:  No significant changes; tax reform retained the angel tax credit and other incentives 

•The LMC supports continued funding for the comprehensive transportation plan.

Results: An attempt to shift transportation plan funds to education was opposed by the LMC and was defeated 

•The LMC opposes immigration reform proposals that would put the burden of I-9 verification on contractors for subcontractors.  Verification responsibility should fall only on the direct employer of those workers.

Result: A proposal to put immigration enforcement burdens on contractors for subcontractors passed the House but was deleted in budget conference committee.  The LMC expressed strong opposition. 

Watch:  Kansas “driveway” tax (proposed requirement for impact study if increasing user fees)

Result:  Attorney general issued an opinion against the “driveway” tax but no legislation was passed.

Local

•The LMC opposes elimination of the Kansas City, Mo. city earnings tax until an alternative is in place.

Result:  No changes to the earnings tax and none recommended by the Mayor’s revenue commission.

 Watch:  Bidding practices in local governments, particularly regarding design build in KCMO and Johnson County (KS), KCMO Development Code, Jackson County implementation of PACE.

Result:  No significant changes but each issue requires continued attention.

 

LMC Board Sets Issue Positions

The Labor-Management Council Board of Directors voted Jan. 19 to adopt the following issue positions:

Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City Issue Positions 2012 

The following positions have been adopted by the Board of Directors with support from at least 75% of the management board members and 75% of the labor board members. 

Federal

•Support construction of a downtown Kansas City, Mo. federal office building. 

•Support construction of the Keystone pipeline project. 

Watch List:

 •Oppose a benefits tax in  federal health care reform.  

 •Any future stimulus funds include significant vertical construction projects. 

Missouri

•The LMC supports reasonable and effective economic development incentives.  While the LMC supports ensuring that tax credits and other incentives are cost effective, we want to preserve those tax credits crucial to economic development such as the historic tax credit, tax increment financing.  The LMC also supports enhancing the Quality Jobs program.  The LMC also supports enhanced education and training tax credits, as long as those programs include existing construction apprenticeship and journeyman training programs.  Evaluation of projects supported by the Quality Jobs Act and other tax credit programs should include the impact of construction jobs created by the programs.  The LMC also supports cost effective credits for solar energy development. 

•The LMC opposes SB 438 and similar legislation to impose “right-to-work.” 

•The LMC supports maintaining and increasing Medicaid eligibility and adequate provider reimbursement.  

•The LMC supports maintaining or increasing funding for programs that foster economic development and provide critical services, particularly education, childcare subsidies for working parents and arts development. 

•The LMC supports restoration of Missouri programs that foster economic development and provide critical services such as Medicaid, education, the arts, childcare subsidies for working parents and others.  

•The LMC supports state funding for a comprehensive transportation plan. 

•The LMC supports Prevailing Wage in its present form. 

•The LMC opposes TABOR (taxpayer bill of rights). 

•The LMC endorses retention of the Missouri Plan for judicial selection and the similar policy that exists in Kansas. 

•The LMC opposes attempts to ban affirmative action programs.

•The LMC supports development of a statutory framework for public employee collective bargaining in Missouri to reduce uncertainty for workers and for public employers.  

Watch:  Unemployment Insurance, Workers Compensation, Utility Rates & Energy Capacity, Immigration, Trespassing, Term Limits.

Kansas

•The LMC supports reasonable and effective economic development incentives. 

•The LMC supports continued funding for the comprehensive transportation plan.

 •The LMC opposes immigration reform proposals that would put the burden of I-9 verification on contractors for subcontractors.  Verification responsibility should fall only on the direct employer of those workers.

 Watch:  Kansas “driveway” tax (proposed requirement for impact study if increasing user fees), Income Tax Changes, Workforce training initiatives.

 Local

•The LMC opposes elimination of the Kansas City, Mo. city earnings tax until an alternative is in place. 

Watch:  Bidding practices in local governments, particularly regarding design build in KCMO and Johnson County (KS), KCMO Development Code, Jackson County implementation of PACE, Renewal of KCMO auto license tax, Rail and Streetcar projects.

 

LMC Announces Issue Agenda for 2011

The Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City has developed its issues agenda for 2011.  Adopted unanimously by the LMC Board of Directors, which is comprised equally of representatives from management and from labor, the positions reflect input from the Issues and Construction Industry Committees as well as the LMC membership.

Many of the positions have been held for several years, but two emerging issues will gain the focus of the LMC and our business, labor and government members:  supporting the Kansas City, Mo., earnings tax renewal vote April 5, and opposing legislation in Missouri to impose "right-to-work."  We will also be closely watching consideration of needed changes to unemployment compensation and workers' compensation and will weigh in as specific proposals develop and we find consensus among our members.

Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions.  Thanks for your time and look for information soon on our annual Anniversary Celebration and Awards Dinner April 14.

The positions:

Federal
•Support construction of a downtown Kansas City, Mo. federal office building
Watch List:
 •Oppose a benefits tax in  federal health care reform did include a benefits tax.
 •Any future stimulus funds include significant vertical construction projects
Missouri
•The LMC supports reasonable and effective economic development incentives.  While the LMC supports ensuring that tax credits and other incentives are cost effective, we want to preserve those tax credits crucial to economic development such as the historic tax credit, tax increment financing, the tax credit for the Three Trails project and similar programs.  The LMC also supports enhancing the Quality Jobs program.  The LMC also supports enhanced education and training tax credits, as long as those programs include existing construction apprenticeship and journeyman training programs.  Evaluation of projects supported by the Quality Jobs Act and other tax credit programs should include the impact of construction jobs created by the programs.
•The LMC opposes Missouri Senate Bill 1, “right-to-work.”
•The LMC supports Gov. Nixon’s task for on the automotive industry in Missouri, and encourages the Task Force also consider the General Motors Fairfax plant in its plans as Missouri workers and businesses are involved with that plant as well.
•The LMC supports restoration of Medicaid funding (Missouri) to its level before the cuts of 2005.
•The LMC supports restoration of Missouri programs that foster economic development and provide critical services such as Medicaid, education, the arts, childcare subsidies for working parents and others.
•The LMC supports state funding for a comprehensive transportation plan.
•The LMC supports Prevailing Wage in its present form.
•The LMC opposes TABOR (taxpayer bill of rights).
•The LMC endorses retention of the Missouri Plan for judicial selection and the similar policy that exists in Kansas.
 •The LMC opposes the “Missouri Civil Rights Initiative” that would ban affirmative action programs and is attempting to gather signatures to get on the ballot.
•The LMC supports development of a statutory framework for public employee collective bargaining in Missouri to reduce uncertainty for workers and for public employers.
Watch:  Unemployment Insurance, Workers Compensation
Kansas
•The LMC supports reasonable and effective economic development incentives.
•The LMC supports funding for a comprehensive transportation plan.
•The LMC opposes immigration reform proposals that would put the burden of I-9 verification on contractors for subcontractors.  Verification responsibility should fall only on the direct employer of those workers.
Watch:  Kansas “driveway” tax (proposed requirement for impact study if increasing user fees)
Local
•The LMC opposes elimination of the Kansas City, Mo. city earnings tax until an alternative is in place.
Watch:  Bidding practices in local governments, particularly regarding design build in KCMO and Johnson County (KS), KCMO Development Code, Jackson County implementation of PACE.


Federal
•Support construction of a downtown Kansas City, Mo. federal office building
Watch List:
 •Oppose a benefits tax in  federal health care reform did include a benefits tax.
 •Any future stimulus funds include significant vertical construction projects

Missouri

•The LMC supports reasonable and effective economic development incentives.  While the LMC supports ensuring that tax credits and other incentives are cost effective, we want to preserve those tax credits crucial to economic development such as the historic tax credit, tax increment financing, the tax credit for the Three Trails project and similar programs.  The LMC also supports enhancing the Quality Jobs program.  The LMC also supports enhanced education and training tax credits, as long as those programs include existing construction apprenticeship and journeyman training programs.  Evaluation of projects supported by the Quality Jobs Act and other tax credit programs should include the impact of construction jobs created by the programs.
•The LMC opposes Missouri Senate Bill 1, “right-to-work.”
•The LMC supports Gov.. Nixon’s task for on the automotive industry in Missouri, and encourages the Task Force also consider the General Motors Fairfax plant in its plans as Missouri workers and businesses are involved with that plant as well.
•The LMC supports restoration of Medicaid funding (Missouri) to its level before the cuts of 2005.
•The LMC supports restoration of Missouri programs that foster economic development and provide critical services such as Medicaid, education, the arts, childcare subsidies for working parents and others.
•The LMC supports state funding for a comprehensive transportation plan.
•The LMC supports Prevailing Wage in its present form.
•The LMC opposes TABOR (taxpayer bill of rights).
•The LMC endorses retention of the Missouri Plan for judicial selection and the similar policy that exists in Kansas.
 •The LMC opposes the “Missouri Civil Rights Initiative” that would ban affirmative action programs and is attempting to gather signatures to get on the ballot.
•The LMC supports development of a statutory framework for public employee collective bargaining in Missouri to reduce uncertainty for workers and for public employers.
Watch:  Unemployment Insurance, Workers Compensation

Kansas

•The LMC supports reasonable and effective economic development incentives.
•The LMC supports funding for a comprehensive transportation plan.
•The LMC opposes immigration reform proposals that would put the burden of I-9 verification on contractors for subcontractors.  Verification responsibility should fall only on the direct employer of those workers.
Watch:  Kansas “driveway” tax (proposed requirement for impact study if increasing user fees)

Bob Jacobi
Executive Director
Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City
(816) 501-4565; fax 501-3198
bob.jacobi@rockhurst.edu
http://labormanagementkc.typepad.com

Note:  We understand that a hearing on Missouri SB 1 will be held Tuesday, Feb. 1, at 3 p.m. in the Senate General Laws Committee.

LMC Endorsements for Nov. 2 Election

The Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City urges you to vote Nov. 2.  Our Board of Directors has unanimously endorsed the following positions on the ballot:

•A No vote on Missouri Proposition A

•A Yes vote on Missouri Amendment 3

•A Yes vote on the Kansas City, Mo. Public Safety Sales Tax  renewal (Questions 1 & 2)

The board opposes Proposition A because of the extensive harm it could do to needed public services in Kansas City, Mo.  Executive Director Bob Jacobi also points out that Proposition A is unneeded, uneconomical and unfair.  Here’s why:

•Proposition A is unneeded.  Kansas City voters already have the power of initiative petition to reconsider the earnings tax at any time voters choose to.  As most voters are aware, it is not that difficult to get city issues on the ballot. For other cities, Missouri’s Hancock amendment requires that a public vote be held for any new tax to be imposed.  Voters, not politicians, already hold the fate of any new earnings taxes in their hands.

•Proposition A is uneconomical.  Even if Kansas City voters renew the tax, the five year sunset means that 40 percent of the city’s general revenue is essentially unavailable or much more expensive to be leveraged for general obligation bonds.  Particularly when interest rates are low, taxpayers save money by having capital improvements paid for via bonds rather than pay as you go.  Proposition A would make government more expensive, not less, in Kansas City and St. Louis.

Replacement of the earnings tax would require dramatic increases in sales and property taxes and/or significant cuts in essential services, making Kansas City less competitive.

•Proposition A is unfair.  Why should Kansas City voters tell Joplin voters whether or not they should have an earnings tax?  Why should Joplin voters tell Kansas Citians when they have to vote on the tax?  Proposition A takes away local control of taxation, which is unfair to all Missouri voters.

Whatever one thinks of earnings taxes or the fiscal policies of any particular city, Proposition A is the wrong way to address those concerns.  Voters already have the power to regulate earnings taxes in their own hands, taxpayers don’t need government to become more expensive and voters don’t need the entire state controlling their city finances.

A “No” vote on Proposition A is the needed, economical and fair thing to do.

Missouri Amendment 3 would, if passed, bar property transfer taxes that could make development in Missouri uncompetitive with other states.  The board recommends a Yes vote to preclude such taxes.

Kansas City Questions 1 & 2 would renew the quarter-cent sales tax for capital improvements that will enhance law enforcement and emergency services and authorize bonds to begin those projects.  The projects would continue the upgrade of critical police and emergency infrastructure that began with the current sales tax, which expires next year.

The Board also approved an issues agenda for the 2011 federal and state legislative sessions:

Federal
•Support Federal funding for study of proposed commuter rail network.

Missouri
•The LMC supports reasonable and effective economic development incentives.  While the LMC supports ensuring that tax credits and other incentives are cost effective, we want to preserve those tax credits crucial to economic development such as the historic tax credit, tax increment financing, the tax credit for the Three Trails project and similar programs.  The LMC also supports enhancing the Quality Jobs program and including the impact of construction jobs created by the program.  The LMC also supports enhanced education and training tax credits, as long as those programs include existing construction apprenticeship and journeyman training programs.
•The LMC supports Gov. Nixon’s task for on the automotive industry in Missouri, and encourages the Task Force also consider the General Motors Fairfax plant in its plans as Missouri workers and businesses are involved with that plant as well.
•The LMC supports restoration of Medicaid funding (Missouri) to its level before the cuts of 2005.
•The LMC supports restoration of Missouri programs that foster economic development and provide critical services such as Medicaid, education, the arts, childcare subsidies for working parents and others.
•The LMC supports state funding for a comprehensive transportation plan.
•The LMC supports Prevailing Wage in its present form.
•The LMC opposes TABOR (taxpayer bill of rights).
•The LMC endorses retention of the Missouri Plan for judicial selection and the similar policy that exists in Kansas.
 •The LMC opposes the “Missouri Civil Rights Initiative” that would ban affirmative action programs and is attempting to gather signatures to get on the ballot.
•The LMC opposes elimination of the Kansas City, Mo. city earnings tax until an alternative is in place. 
•The LMC supports development of a statutory framework for public employee collective bargaining in Missouri to reduce uncertainty for workers and for public employers.

Kansas
•The LMC supports reasonable and effective economic development incentives.
•The LMC supports funding for the comprehensive transportation plan enacted in 2010.
•The LMC opposes immigration reform proposals that would put the burden of I-9 verification on contractors for subcontractors.  Verification responsibility should fall only on the direct employer of those workers.

For more information please contact the LMC.

LMC Backs Jackson County Charter Changes

LMC Board of Directors Summary of Minutes
July 21, 2010 • J.E. Dunn Construction Co.

Attending: Sam Alpert, Don Greenwell, Gerard Grimaldi Kevin Istas, Dave Kendrick, Gary O’Bannon, Tom Whittaker, Bob Jacobi

•Thanks to Tom Whittaker and J.E. Dunn Construction Co. for hosting.

•M/S/C to accept the Financial Report subject to audit.

•M/S/C to approve the proposed 2010-11 budget.

•M/S/C to endorse the Jackson County Charter changes on the Aug. 3 ballot.

•Contributions are still being sought for an independent study of the effects of the Kansas City, Mo. earnings tax that likely will be considered by voters in November and possibly February.  The final funds are needed soon so the study can be conducted in time for the election.  The city of Kansas City, Mo., is funding one-half of the cost with the business and labor communities funding the balance.

•The Issues Committee will study whether to request a delay in implementation of the new planning and development code beyond Jan. 1, 2011, with the purpose of not discouraging any projects that would otherwise begin in the near future.

•The Mid-America Labor/Management Conference and the LMC Golf Tournament were both successful.

•The 2010-11 Mid-Level class begins recruiting soon.  Development work is underway on a promotional event in September and an advanced program.  Board input on both is being sought.

•The LMC will investigate a possible health care event in the fall, particularly focused on the changes that self-insured plans will face, and seek as speakers top leader(s) from HHS.

•The LMC is awaiting a response for using the renovated Arrowhead Stadium as a site for the next Public Officials Reception, in conjunction with recruiting the Kansas City Chiefs to membership.

•The LMC will begin developing an advanced level for graduates of the Mid-Level Leadership Program.

•M/S/C to request that the Construction Committee recommend a labor replacement for board member Frank Jackson, who has retired, at its next meeting.

•The next meeting will be at 8 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 20, location TBA.

•M/S/C to adjourn at 9:20 a.m.

LMC Endorses KCK Sales Tax

The LMC Board of Directors has unanimously endorsed the proposed 3/8 cent sales tax increase for Kansas City, Kansas on the April 13 ballot. Expected to generate $6 million per year, the tax will support police and fire department programs and pay for street repair and resurfacing, curbs and sidewalks. The increase would need to be reapproved in 10 years.

LMC's Tuesday Endorsements

The LMC urges support for the following issues on the Nov. 3 ballot:

 •Jackson County COMBAT sales tax renewal.  The COMBAT program has been internationally recognized for its success in addressing drug-related crime both through law enforcement and rehabilitation.  The program funds many police and sheriff officers plus 260 cells for drug offenders in the Jackson County jail.  The special drug court funded by the tax provides rehabilitation for users with a very high success rate.

 •Independence School District bond issue.  The growing district needs to expand and enhance its facilities to meet the educational needs of the district's children.  The bond issue will have a minimal impact on property taxes and generate economic development as well.

 •Clay County Law Enforcement Tax renewal.  This sales taxprovides key revenue for operation of the county sheriff and jail.  With Clay County among the fastest growing area counties, maintaining low crime is crucial for economic development.  Key programs such as school resource officers and emergency response teams are funded through the tax.

Endorsements require support from a minimum of 75% of the labor and 75% of the management representatives on the board.  Each of the above endorsements was unanimous.

LMC Backs COMBAT Renewal, Other Issues

Summary of Minutes
LMC Board Meeting Oct. 21, 2009
IBEW Local 124 8 a.m.

Attending:  Terry Akins, Lyle Farrand, Gerard Grimaldi, Kevin Istas, Tom Whittaker, Bob Jacobi.

•Thanks to Terry Akins and IBEW Local 124 for hosting.

•M/S/C to endorse the Jackson County COMBAT sales tax renewal on the Nov. 3 ballot.

•M/S/C to endorse the Independence School District bond issue on the Nov. 3 ballot.

•M/S/C to endorse the Clay County Law Enforcement sales tax renewal on the Nov. 3 ballot.

•The current position on federal health care reform will continue and be emphasized again to our congressional delegation.

•The Issues Committee will meet before January to focus on 2010 legislative issues.

•The LMC will hold its annual Awards Dinner on the third Thursday in April and will invite Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon to speak.

•A Golf Tournament Committee will be formed; LMC members will be asked to participate.

•The next meeting will be Jan. 20, 2010, at J.E. Dunn Construction Co. (if space is available).  Walton Construction Co. will also host a future board meeting.

•M/S/C to adjourn at 9:20 a.m.

Gov. Warren Hearnes

The LMC joins the state of Missouri in mourning former Gov. Warren Hearnes.  Gov. Hearnes was a key leader in state government for 30 years, and his wife Betty also served in state government as a legislator.

White House Picks FMCS Nominee

President Obama reportedly plans to nominate attorney and mediator George Cohen to be the new director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.  Cohen has been a full-time mediator for several years while teaching labor law at Georgetown University.  Previously he practicted at Bredhoff & Kaiser, a Washington, D.C.-based firm, representing unions.

Scott Beckinbaugh has been acting Director.