The Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City

LMC Sets Public Issues Agenda for 2023

Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City 2023 Issues Agenda

The LMC Board of Directors unanimously approved the following Issues Agenda for 2023 in furtherance of its mission to enhance collaboration by solidifying trust and communication between labor and management in the community.

Federal

•Any future stimulus funds include significant vertical construction projects.

•Support continuation of Davis-Bacon in any new federal infrastructure program.

•Oppose federal “right-to-work.”

Watch:  Multiemployer benefit fund reform implementation

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 and enact an angel tax credit and data center incentives.

•The LMC opposes legislation to impose “right-to-work.”

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

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

•The LMC supports Prevailing Wage.

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

•The LMC opposes legislation that discriminates against transgendered persons.

•The LMC opposes legislation that prohibits employers from requiring workers to be vaccinated (except for religious and health exemptions).

•The LMC opposes changes in unemployment compensation contained in 2022 SB 665 and HB 1860 that reduce benefits based on the statewide unemployment rate.

•The LMC supports state of Missouri matching funding for the Health Sciences Development District. 

Watch:  Unemployment Insurance, Workers Compensation, Utility Rates & Energy Capacity, Education/Kansas City School District, Prompt Pay and Retainage on Construction Projects, Initiative Petition Process Changes.

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.

•The LMC supports reinstatement of a local option for prevailing wage in Kansas.

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

•The LMC opposes legislation that discriminates against transgendered persons.

•The LMC opposes legislation that prohibits employers from requiring workers to be vaccinated (except for religious and health exemptions).

Local

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

•The LMC supports prevailing wage on projects with economic development incentives.

•The LMC supports modernization of the Kansas City International Airport. 

Watch:  Possible Kansas City, Mo., Public Safety Sales Tax increase, Energy Codes

The LMC is sad to report the death of a longtime friend and supporter, former Missouri Rep. Jim Barnes. Jim continued offering advice, resources and other support after retiring from the legislature right up to his recent illness. His obituary is below.

The Honorable James Allen Barnes, 71, of Kansas City, MO, passed away Sunday, January 15, 2023, at the Kansas City Hospice House. Born December 4, 1951 in Kansas City, MO to Lecil Harmon Barnes and Dorris Estelle (Rawlings) Barnes. Graduate of Raytown High School 1970; Metropolitan Community College – Penn Valley Campus (A.A.) and lifelong learner; Rockhurst University (B.A.) 1975; Webster University (M.A.) 1982; Harvard University Executive Program, John F. Kennedy School of Government Certificate in State and Local Government, 1991. Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award Recipient for Webster University in 1993. Honorary Doctor of Laws from Webster University. Worked as a Public Affairs Manager for Jones Intercable and in special education at William Chrisman High School. Elected to the Missouri House of Representatives 1978-1996. Elected assistant majority floor leader, 83rd– 85thGeneral Assemblies. Elected Speaker Pro Tem of the Missouri House of Representatives, 86th and 87th General Assemblies. Served as Ex officio member of all committees of the Missouri House of Representatives. Served as Vice Chair of the Rules, Joint Rules, Bills Perfected and Printed Committee; member of the Children, Youth and Families Committee; and Commerce Committee. Proud of his pro-life legislation and sponsorship of HB 1596 resulting in the US Supreme Court Case Webster v. Reproductive Health Services. Trustee of the State Historical Society of Missouri from 1993 – 1995. Member of Alpha Sigma Nu and Rotary International (honorary). Former Trustee of Metropolitan Community College Alumni Foundation. His legislation was instrumental in helping Metropolitan Community College – Kansas City establish the first permanent buildings at the Maple Woods and Longview Campuses. Formerly served as a member of the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission; American Royal, Board of Governors; Special Olympics, Board of Directors; Governor’s Council on Health and Physical Fitness; Crittenton, Board of Directors. Was serving on Southeast Enterprise’s Board of Directors. He is preceded in death by his mother and father. Survivors include two daughters, Dr. Jacqueline Celeste Almquist (William Greer) of Plano, TX and Jenna Elise Barnes-Gutierrez of Prosper, TX; and four grandchildren, Mary Elizabeth Almquist, William Hale Almquist, Giavanna Elise Gutierrez, and Luke Ryan Gutierrez; one brother, Robert Jesse Miller (Naomi) of Joplin, MO; two sisters, Roberta Ann Miller of Mountain Grove, MO and Joyce Elaine Schupp-Henson of Belton, MO; two nephews, Dr. Samuel Miller and Scott Miller; six nieces, Kimberly Ware, Christi Polson, Carrie Schupp, Kelly Parker, Staci Owens, and Lori Jones. And, his best friend Mary Ann Drape.

Services will be held at Rockhurst University at 1100 Rockhurst Road, Kansas City, MO 64110 on Saturday, January 28 beginning with a 10:00 a.m. Visitation and 11:00 a.m. Mass in the Mabee Chapel on-campus followed by a gathering of friends and family in Massman Hall Room 250.

Memorial contributions suggested to Southeast Enterprises https://southeastenterprises.org/; Kansas City Hospice House https://www.kchospice.org/donation/; Rockhurst University https://www.rockhurst.edu/give; and MCC-KC https://mcckc.edu/foundation/ways-to-give.aspx

Arrangements in care of Heckart Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.O. Box 434, Sedalia, MO 65302.

The Labor-Management Council celebrates the birthday of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose deep commitment to justice, unwavering use of nonviolence and passionate belief in all people represents the world as it should be. The LMC has always strongly supported equal opportunity and a place at the table for all.

Construction Committee Hears from KCMO Council Hopefuls

Construction Industry Steering Team Summary of Minutes

 8 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 12 2023, Mark One Electric Co., Inc.

Attending: Greg Chastain, Rudy Chavez, Darrell Curls, Greg Davey, Joey Flickner, Kevin Gard, Steve Gercone, Gabe Jones, Wade Kiefer, Chuck Martin, Damon Miles, Chuck Roseburrough, Crispin Rea, Tony Roberts, Jeremy Zackula, Bob Jacobi.

•Thanks to Rosana Privitera-Biondo and Mark One Electric Co., Inc. for hosting.

•Session #17 of the Construction Summit:

Efforts continue and will accelerate after the results of the November elections, particularly working with the Fair Contracting Alliance.

•Darrell Curls presented on his campaign for Kansas City, Mo., City Council., 5th District At Large.  Darrell is a retired UAW Local 249. Member from Ford and GM.  He has spent more than 20 years as neighborhood association president, served nine years on the Hickman Mills School Board and served on KCMO PIAC. and the Jackson County COMBAT Commission  His priorities include basic services, public safety, affordable housing and economic development.

•Crispin Rea presented on his campaign for the Kansas City, Mo., City Council, 4th District At Large.  Crispin is a Jackson County Assistant Prosecutor and member of Fire Fighters Local 42.  He has served on the Kansas City School Board.  He cites his father’s union job as enabling him to escape the issues of many of his friends growing up.  He believes KC works best when all voices are at the table and work together and provide opportunities for all.   He calls for evidence-based strategy to improve public safety.  Basic service are what citizens expect us to do.

•The Missouri and Kansas legislature have convened.  Many concerns were raised regarding attempts in the Missouri legislature to limit initiative petitions, and desire to push local option prevailing wage restoration in Kansas.

•NICE seeks judges for its Crayons to CAD Middle School Design Contest culminating at the iBuild Showcase April 28.  Booth reservations are also available.

•The Missouri Apprentice Ready Program is taking applications for its next cohort, with the program beginning Feb. 13.

•The LMC has set several of its programs for 2023:  April 13 for the Anniversary Celebration and Awards Dinner, July 25 for the Craig Whitaker Memorial Golf Tournament and Sept. 21 for the Sporting Clay Shoot.

•The Mid-America Labor/Management Conference July 9-12 will feature two international union presidents from Kansas City (both former LMC Co-Chairs):  Jim Hadel, Roofers, and Kevin Sexton, Operative Plasterers’ & Cement Masons.

•Upcoming events:(For details on these events, please contact the sponsoring group or LMC)

*Missouri Gov. Parson State of the State address Jan. 18, 3 p.m., State Capitol

*Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly State of the State address Jan. 24

*DBIA KC Chapter Kickoff, Jan. 26, 2023 Lockton

*Working Families Friend Casino Night, Feb. 3, 6-10 p.m., IBEW Local 124

*March 20 Missouri legislative spring break

•Election Day, April 4, 2023

*Kansas legislature first adjournment April 6

*LMC Anniversary Celebration and Awards Dinner, April 13, Argosy Casino

*Kansas legislative veto session April 26

*iBuild Reception, April 27, 2023

*iBuild Showcase, April 28, 2023

*Missouri legislative session ends May 12

*KCMO City General Election, June 20

*BOMA International Convention June 23, 2023

*Mid-America Labor/Management Conference, July 9-12, 2023, Camden on the Lake

*LMC Craig Whitaker Memorial Golf Tournament, July 25, Eagles Landing Golf Club

*LMC Sporting Clay Shoot Sept. 21, Saddle & Sirloin

*NICE Annual Luncheon Oct. 17, 2023, Bartle Hall

•Next Meeting: 8 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, Mark One Electric Co., Inc.

•M/S/C to adjourn at 9  a.m.

The mission of the Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City is to enhance collaboration by solidifying trust and communication between labor and management in the community.

The LMC Construction Committee meets tomorrow, Thursday, Jan. 12 at 8 a.m. at Mark One Electric Co., Inc.

Summary of Minutes
LMC Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023 • 9:30 a.m. • Builders’ Association

Attending: Sam Alpert, Bret Bonge, Clarence Brown, Teri Casey, Greg Davey, John Doughty, Tom Gebken, Don Greenwell, Dan Heizman, Mike Kane, Stacy Smyly, Chris Stanton, Jimmy Walker, Bob Jacobi

•Thanks to Greg Davey, Don Greenwell and the Builders’ Association for hosting the meeting.

•M/S/C to approve the Financial Report subject to audit. The LMC has experience difficulty setting up repayment of the EIDL loan with the Small Business Administration, and will continue to look for a solution so repayment can begin as soon as possible.

•M/S/C to approve the 2023 Issues Agenda:

Federal
•Any future stimulus funds include significant vertical construction projects.
•Support continuation of Davis-Bacon in any new federal infrastructure program.
•Oppose federal “right-to-work.”
Watch: Multiemployer benefit fund reform implementation
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 and enact an angel tax credit and data center incentives.
•The LMC opposes legislation to impose “right-to-work.”
•The LMC supports maintaining and increasing Medicaid eligibility and adequate provider reimbursement.
•The LMC supports state funding for a comprehensive transportation plan.
•The LMC supports Prevailing Wage.
•The LMC supports development of a statutory framework for public employee collective bargaining in Missouri to reduce uncertainty for workers and for public employers.
•The LMC opposes legislation that discriminates against transgendered persons.
•The LMC opposes legislation that prohibits employers from requiring workers to be vaccinated (except for religious and health exemptions).
•The LMC opposes changes in unemployment compensation contained in 2022 SB 665 and HB 1860 that reduce benefits based on the statewide unemployment rate.
•The LMC supports state of Missouri matching funding for the Health Sciences Development District.
Watch: Unemployment Insurance, Workers Compensation, Utility Rates & Energy Capacity, Education/Kansas City School District, Prompt Pay and Retainage on Construction Projects.
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.
•The LMC supports reinstatement of a local option for prevailing wage in Kansas.
•The LMC supports maintaining and increasing Medicaid eligibility and adequate provider reimbursement.
•The LMC opposes legislation that discriminates against transgendered persons.
•The LMC opposes legislation that prohibits employers from requiring workers to be vaccinated (except for religious and health exemptions).
Local
•The LMC opposes elimination of the Kansas City, Mo. city earnings tax until an alternative is in place.
•The LMC supports prevailing wage on projects with economic development incentives.
•The LMC supports modernization of the Kansas City International Airport.
Watch: Possible Kansas City, Mo., Public Safety Sales Tax increase, Energy Codes

•M/S/C to hold the 44th Anniversary Celebration and 23rd Awards Dinner on April 13, 2023 at Argosy Casino; the 26th Craig Whitaker Golf Tournament July 25 at Eagles Landing Golf Club; and the 4th Sporting Clay Shoot Sept. 21 at Saddle & Sirloin. An October date for the Public Officials Reception at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is being researched. US Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh has been invited to speak at the Anniversary Celebration; alternative speakers and programs were discussed if he is unable to be here.

•The National Institute for Construction Excellence iBuild Showcase will be held April 28 at Bartle Hall, with a reception the evening of April 27. For the first time since 2019, there will be full student participation in the Crayons to CAD contest and the Showcase, generating the need for more contest judges. Information will be distributed to LMC members.

•The Labor Vice Co-Chair position becomes open as of April 13. Nominations for that and other officer positions are open; please share self-nominations and/or other suggestions with Bob Jacobi.

•The next Board meeting will be Wednesday, April 5, 9:30 a.m., tentatively at the Builders’ Association.

•M/S/C to adjourn at 10:30 a.m.

Congrats to Kansas City, Mo., Fire Chief Donna Lake on her upcoming retirement. The LMC wishes her well.

Happy New Year from the LMC! Look for announcements about 2023 LMC events and activities here soon.