Health Care

Bill #: HB 2654

LWVMO SUPPORTS this bill

Short Description: Adds Doula services and childbirth education classes for pregnant women

Status of the Bill: Scheduled for Executive Session in the House on Tuesday, April 9 at 2:00 PM in the Healthcare Reform Committee

Talking points: 

• Doulas can provide emotional and physical support to pregnant women

• Doula care is a proven, cost-effective means of reducing racial disparities in maternal health

• Doula care can improve health outcomes and lead to more satisfying birthing experiences

• All pregnant and postpartum people deserve access to full spectrum doula care 

Link to the summary of the bill: HB 2654

Call to action:

5 for Democracy: Contact committee members and tell them you support this bill HERE. Click on the member’s picture to be taken to their home page.
LWV Position: Every US resident should have access to affordable, quality health care, including birth control and the privacy to make reproductive choices (Impact on Issues, p. 137)

Taxes

Bill #: HCS HB 1428

LWVMO SUPPORTS this bill

Short Description: Increases the income eligibility for the residential property credit and the rental rebate for persons age 65 or older or disabled persons, and increases the amount of credit allowed (also known as the Circuit Breaker Tax Credit).

Status of the Bill: Placed on the House Formal Perfection Calendar for Monday, April 8

Talking points: 

• Property tax credit income limits have not been adjusted since 2008

• Senior citizens and disabled persons eligible for the credit have seen their social security income rise - which results in a lower and lower credit 

• With the rise in property taxes and rent, the credit is even more necessary to help them stay in their homes or pay rent

• The Missouri Legislature needs to expand income eligibility, increase the credit amount, and index the value of the credit to keep pace with inflation which is important to support low and moderate income Missouri Residents 

Link to the summary of the bill: HCS HB 1428

Call to action:

5 for Democracy: Contact your Representative and tell them you support this bill.  Look up your representative HERE. 

Links to further reading: Improving Missouri's Property Tax Credit Would Help Seniors, Missourians with Disabilities...

LWVMO Position: 

• League recommends retention of tax relief measures for qualifying seniors and disabled persons (known as circuit breakers or homestead provisions)

• League believes that basic income should be shielded from property tax overload. The criteria for such a plan include relief based on income, relief to renters as well as homeowners, no erosion of the local property tax base, and use of income tax credits or rebates as reimbursement for

League of Women Voters believes that basic income should be shielded from property tax overload. The criteria for such a plan include relief based on income, relief to renters as well as homeowners, o erosion of the local property tax base, and use of income tax credits or rebates as reimbursement for property taxes paid by low-income taxpayers. (LWVMO Guide to State Action 2023-2025, p28)