| Legislative Column for the Month of August, 2014 |
| Women's Equality Week Begins Sunday, Aug. 24 |
 The Women's Foundation of Greater Kansas City (WFGKC) is a wonderful organization that promost the success of women and girls through grantmaking, advocacy, education, leadnership and research. I've long valued it contributions to the Kansas City Region and its efforts to empower women to achieve the success they deserve.
The WFGKC is hosting its annual Women's Equality Week beginning on Sunday, Aug. 24, at the Waldo Library, located at 201 E. 75th St. in Kansas City, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. This year's event celebrates the 94th Anniversary of women gaining the right to vote. <<more
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| Kansas City Schools Granted Provisional Accreditation |
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In a unanimous vote on Wednesday, Aug. 6, the Missouri State Board of Education granted provisional accreditation to Kansas City schools. The decision was wonderful news for those in our area. Kansas City schools lost accreditation in 2012. Since then, local educations, administrators and officials, myself included, have worked tirelessly to reverse the downward trend. The board’s vote yesterday validated those efforts. <<more |
| Learn More About Your Local Government |
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As a state senator, and as a citizen, I’ve long believed government functions best when the public is actively involved. People need to know how the decisions made by their elected officials affect their lives. They need to know how to voice approval or opposition to proposals, and contact those who represent their voice in local, county, state and federal government.
Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the exact role and duties of local officials, and how these individuals make policy choices that have far-reaching consequences for their city and their lives. <<more |
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The second quarterly Neighborhood Leaders Roundtable for 2014 is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 28, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Southeast Community Center (4201 E. 63rd St.).
Area residents are urged to attend the meeting to collaborate and share ideas, improve neighborhood livability, enhance public awareness of existing services and programs provided by Kansas City, and provide an opportunity for neighborhood leaders to speak with city staff. <<more |
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Kansas City is partnering with Raytown Animal Hospital for its free pet vaccination and microchipping clinics designed to keep your pets safe and healthy. This event is open to all Kansas City pet owners whose pets are not current on rabies vaccinations and licensing. <<more |
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I am proud to share the exciting news regarding a revitalization effort in Kansas City's Historic Northeast district. The redevelopment initiative, also known as Invest Northeast, is designed to promote economic growth and property beautification. The project recently kicked off with the demolition of a dangerous building in the area that was known for drug use, prostitution and gang-related activity. <<more |
| New Website Helps Missouri Move Forward as a Business-Friendly State |
As Missouri continues to move forward as a business-friendly state, officials in Jefferson City work to make it easier to do business in the Show-Me State. Secretary of State Jason Kander recently launched a new website that allows Missourians to file nearly all necessary business forms online. Before the creation of this new site, only five business forms were available to businessmen and women online.<<more
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Members Needed for Workgroups to
Create New Missouri Learning Standards |
 During the 2014 session, the Legislature approved House Bill 4190, which, among other provisions, establishes workgroups that will create the new Missouri Learning Standards. The measure was an effort to maintain local control in our schools and implement educational benchmarks that best fit the needs of Missouri students and prepares them for a life of success.
The nominees will be appointed by the Senate President Pro Tem, who is seeking a diverse selection to reflect the makeup of our state. Thirty two members will be appointed. Of those, 16 will be parents and 16 will be education professionals. Appointees will fill a total of eight workgroups, with specific groups for English, Science, Math and Social Students for grades K-5; and workgroups for the same subjects for grades 6-12. <<more
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Senator Curls' Biography
Senator Shalonn "Kiki" Curls, a Democrat, represents part of Jackson County (District 9) in the Missouri Senate. She won a special election to the Missouri Senate in February 2011, and won re-election to the Senate in 2012 after having serving in the Missouri House since 2007. <<more
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Capitol Office:
201 W. Capitol Ave.
Room 434
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 751-3158
District Office:
4609 Paseo Blvd.
Suite 102
Kansas City, MO 64110
(816) 923-6000 |
Affordable Care Act
The federal Affordable Care Act, also known as the ACA, puts you in charge of your health care. Under this law, passed in 2010, you have the stability and flexibility you need to make informed choices about your health. <<more
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Storm Damage Could Also Damage Your Wallet
Did you know complaints against home-remodeling companies that defraud their customers are among the top 10 received by our state's Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division? Since Jan 1, 2012, there have been over 2,000 complaints; more than 330 just this year! <<more
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Small Grants for Neighborhood Improvements Still Available
As mentioned in my early April legislative column, the Neighborhood Services Division within the City of Kansas City began accepting applications for its reBUILD-KC Neighborhood Mini-Grant Program, which offers grants ranging from $500-$3,000 for various improvement projects for registered neighborhood organizations. The division is STILL ACCEPTING applications for this program. While there is no application deadline, the City will accept applications until its program funding is depleted.<<more |
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Free Teen Driver Training Program
One of the leading causes of death among teenagers in the United States is vehicular crashes. Young, and sometimes inexperienced, drivers are at a higher risk of being in an accident. This is why it’s critical we equip those on our roadways with the knowledge they need to stay safe.
Ford Driving Skills for Life is a free program that was developed in 2003 in conjunction with the Governors Highway Safety Association and a panel of experts. The event gives teens an opportunity to drive specially-equipped vehicles on road courses under the direct supervision of professional instructors. <<more
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