I’m honored to invite citizens from our area to this year’s 9th Annual District 8 Day, to be held on Wednesday, March 18 in Jefferson City starting at 10 a.m. at the Governor’s Mansion. Since the event first began, it’s been an incredible success, with hundreds of residents visiting over the years. I urge those from the 8th District to attend if possible.

As the state senator for the 8th District, one of the duties I consider most important is fostering a dialogue with the people I serve, whether through town hall meetings, emails, phone calls or visits to my office. A functioning democracy requires an ongoing conversation between voters and their elected officials. This is why I began District Days as a member of the House—to create that open discussion between myself and those I represent.

It gives constituents from home a chance to see their government in action, and also provides them a way to speak with me personally regarding their thoughts and concerns. I can’t overemphasize how important this is. I’m in the Capitol to help address the needs of our communities; the best way for me to do that is to hear from those in our communities. I’ve sponsored several pieces of legislation that have fixed a problem brought to me directly by a citizen. Never underestimate your ability to affect real change.

The event also gives participants a better look at how their state government works. Every day at the Capitol, lawmakers and elected officials make decisions that directly impact your lives. District 8 Day is a way for citizens to see, first-hand, how this takes place. Watching the legislative process in person gives one a new perspective on how government truly operates. Understanding it in theory and seeing it live are two different things. The experience can be eye-opening.

Tours are scheduled for the Governor’s Mansion, the Capitol, including the Whispering Gallery and Dome (for those interested, this tour involves a lot of steps), and a Missouri Supreme Court Tour. You will also have a chance to meet with me in the morning, and then later we will hold a question-and-answer period in the Senate Chamber after lunch.

The popularity of District 8 Day has steadily increased, so if you’re interested in attending, please reserve your spot. To do so, or for more information, email me at will.kraus@senate.mo.gov or contact the office at (573) 751-1464. We will soon mail or e-mail you an itinerary and a parking map. I look forwarding to meeting with you all.

Legislative News

Two pieces of my legislation were recently given final approval by the full Senate, moving them to the House for consideration, one dealing with children of deployed military members, and the other addressing tax law.

The Department of Revenue is one of the most powerful agencies in the state. It’s where your hard-earned dollars are collected to fund public services. Government is not cheap; many struggling families work hard to do the right thing and pay their fair share. In return, they expect the same equal treatment from the Department of Revenue.

In recent years, though, it’s come to light that this has not been the case. For several years, the department has singled-out individuals to audit decade old returns and demanding back fees. But, if it’s discovered the taxpayer is actually owed money, the department claims the refund exceeds the statute of limitations. Fair is fair. The state can’t demand money on one hand, and then deny it for no justifiable reason on the other.

Senate Bill 115 would allow a taxpayer to claim a back refund or credit for overpayment of income taxes after the statute of limitations for making such a claim has expired if that taxpayer amends or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) changes the citizen’s federal income tax return after said period of time lapses. The taxpayer has a one year window after changed occur to make a claim for payment.

The Senate also passed Senate Bill 116, based on a call our office received from a constituent. Currently, statutes waive residency requirements if a military member is deployed so that their children can go to school where the guardian (often a grandparent) lives. Senate Bill 116 extends that right to military members stationed anywhere out of the state. It’s a common-sense bill, and I’m always proud to find ways to support those who serve our nation.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions, and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 573-751-1464, or e-mail at will.kraus@senate.mo.gov.

Senator Will Kraus serves Eastern Jackson County in the 8th State Senatorial District.