The Missouri Times

Opinion: Parents Need The App Store Accountability Act

Wendy Weller — Mon, 19 May 2025 16:04:37 +0000

I’m a single parent of two children, one of which is in middle school. Balancing keeping my kids safe while also allowing them the freedom to grow, learn, and experience life on their own is a constant learning process. Especially for my youngest, who is exploring the internet and social media more and more.

Until recently, I’ve only had to worry about threats in their immediate environment – how they are being treated by classmates, what movies they are going to see at the theater, who they are going to meet in the park. Now, the ever-growing number of online apps that exist in my children’s lives creates threats that I cannot always anticipate, and the reality is that I can only do so much to keep my children safe.

Parental controls and limiting our kids’ screen time only work for so long. Every kid looks for a way around the rules – I know mine did. And, as any parent will tell you, children will only let themselves be contained so much before they actively push back. Unlimited access to the internet means children can find ways around parental locks or age restrictions published by individual app developers. Once those barriers are breached, parents lose oversight on what their kids are doing online. That is why parents need more powerful tools in our parental tool belts and why we need better partners in our mission to protect our kids.

As a parent, I’ve personally shut down the App Store altogether for my child. While this has been a temporary fix, I know that this is not a permanent solution, and I do want my child to be able to interact with their friends online in a healthy way, through apps, games and devices that I approve.

Luckily, Michigan Congressman John James and Utah Senator Mike Lee have come together to reintroduce legislation that gives parents control over what our kids can and can’t download on the app store and implements a standard process for age verification online.

Currently, children with web-connected devices have full access to app stores such as the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store, and it is only after they have installed an app that they go through an age verification process, if the app has an age verification at all. The responsibility of creating age verifications is left entirely up to individual developers, and parents only have a say in what apps their children can access if they have physically accessed their child’s device and checked what apps are installed. Parents can only control the apps their children use through asking their children not to download certain apps or by deleting the app after their children have already accessed them, neither of which is a strong solution to stopping their children from accessing harmful content to begin with.

Under the App Store Accountability Act, instead of age verification being determined by individual app developers, it would happen through the app stores. First, app developers will have to put appropriate age ratings on all apps that they upload to popular app stores. App stores will then have to verify the ages of users and will be required to receive parents’ permission before allowing minors to download an app or make a purchase. This is a major win for parents seeking stronger tools in protecting their children’s online safety.

It is no longer enough to teach our kids about stranger danger in public, check in on what material they are consuming through books or television, and secure our small, physical environment against threats. Through the internet, our kids have access to the whole world and the world has access to them. I am grateful that we as parents may have the opportunity to truly secure our children’s safety online, and I hope our legislators continue to support legislation like the App Store Accountability Act to empower parents like me.

The post Opinion: Parents Need The App Store Accountability Act appeared first on The Missouri Times.

Opinion: MU Health Care’s games are costing Missourians their health care access

Eileen Scrivner — Mon, 19 May 2025 15:53:16 +0000

Few things truly matter in life as much as your health. That’s why it’s so important that we do everything possible to preserve access to quality, affordable health care. Unfortunately, this access is being threatened not only in Columbia – but here in Jefferson City – by the University of Missouri (MU) Health Care system’s on-going battle with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.

You’ve likely seen the headlines in recent months—MU Health Care’s contract with Anthem was coming up for renewal, and MU was demanding a massive increase in payment rates. In fact, MU’s proposed increase of 18% in the first year was more than five times the rate of inflation in the medical industry. The deadline for a new contract came and went, and now more than 90,000 Anthem patients are no longer in-network for MU Health Care (which includes Capital Region Medical Center).

This is a disaster for families with Anthem coverage who live in Jefferson City. Aside from Capital Region, there is only one other hospital patients can go to; in other words, MU Health Care’s games have severely limited the options available to Anthem patients.

All this, as MU Health Care have touted taking on one of the “largest and most ambitious projects” in the system’s history: the full integration with Capital Region Medical Center. You can’t help but wonder whether this $232 million expansion isn’t the reason MU Health Care wants to raise rates on Anthem members so drastically. Either way, a big rate increase would mean that employers and families would see bigger insurance premiums. Ultimately, price hikes for insurance companies always trickle down to consumers.

Meanwhile, MU Health Care’s track record has been disturbingly poor. Its Columbia facility has below-grade quality scores (Grade C). They have scored poorly on patient safety metrics. In fact, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) give the hospital a mere 2 out of 5 stars.

This is the way it always seems to go. Big hospital systems keep expanding, which gives them more leverage to demand exorbitant rate increases from insurance companies. But MU Health Care has gone too far, and now Missouri residents with Anthem insurance are the ones being made to suffer.

It’s time for the public to push back. I’ve heard from too many friends, neighbors, and colleagues who love their doctors at Capital Region but are being forced to switch because they are now out-of-network. MU Health Care needs to stop playing games with people’s health care access and work with Anthem on a deal that Missourians can afford.

The post Opinion: MU Health Care’s games are costing Missourians their health care access appeared first on The Missouri Times.

Press Release: Compass Academy Network Announces New Program Location in Atlanta, MO

Press Release — Mon, 19 May 2025 14:37:16 +0000

Compass Academy Network (CAN) is pleased to announce its expansion to Atlanta, Missouri for the summer of 2025. The free, four-week enrichment program for middle school students will be hosted at Atlanta C-3 School from July 7 through August 1, weekdays from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM.

Atlanta is one of several new program sites that will be launching this summer. CAN now has eight locations across three states (Kansas and Oklahoma, in addition to Missouri). The program operates exclusively in rural Midwest communities, which are typically underserved by high-quality summer learning programs.

CAN supplements the education students receive during the school year, helping them to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and prevent summer learning loss. Stacie McVey, superintendent of Atlanta C-3 School District, saw the partnership as a great way to engage students. “This four-week July program will offer a unique opportunity for our district and community,” she said. “It is designed to enrich the educational experience of our high-performing junior high students, while also welcoming students from outside our district, including those in homeschool, private, and traditional school settings. We are excited to partner with Compass Academy Network to make this possible and to expand learning in new ways as part of our Hornet Family.”

Debra Humphreys, founder and CEO of Compass Academy Network, called the expansion “a great step forward for the program,” and noted that she looks forward to seeing its positive impact on the community. “These additional locations mean more enrichment opportunities for students, and more paid internships for college students interested in education.”

About the CAN Program

CAN’s mission is to support education in rural communities by providing free summer enrichment programs for middle school students, with continued year-round support, to foster a love of learning, promote intellectual curiosity, develop engaged citizens, create a foundation for academic success, and cultivate a strong moral compass. CAN also provides college students who are aspiring educators with paid internship opportunities working with veteran rural school teachers to create a strengthened network of inspirational rural educators who become leaders in their classrooms and communities.

The entire 4-week Compass Academy Network program is free for eligible students, including all materials, supplies, healthy lunches and snacks, and transportation to and from a central location. Upon completing the program, students also receive a $45 Walmart gift card for school supplies. School districts with 15 or more students who complete the summer session are eligible to receive a CAN Partner Grant of $5,000 for middle school needs.

To qualify, students must have a grade point average equivalent to a “B” average (3.0) or better as well as a recommendation from a current teacher or administrator. Preference is given to students whose families qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced lunch program.

Applications for Compass Academy Network’s summer programs are currently being accepted online. Space is limited, so interested students and families are encouraged to apply soon. For more information, please visit our website at www.compassacademynetwork.org.

The post Press Release: Compass Academy Network Announces New Program Location in Atlanta, MO appeared first on The Missouri Times.

This Week in Missouri Politics – May 18, 2025

The Missouri Times — Sun, 18 May 2025 16:00:23 +0000

Scott Faughn is joined by Representatives David Tyson, Bill Hardwick, Aaron Crossley, and Brian Seitz for an end of session review.

The post This Week in Missouri Politics – May 18, 2025 appeared first on The Missouri Times.

House Hour by Hour Thursday, May 15

The Missouri Times — Thu, 15 May 2025 15:58:21 +0000

During the last two weeks of the session, The Missouri Times will bring you hourly updates of floor activity for each chamber. Below is all the activity in the House from Thursday, May 15.

10:00 Hour

The House gavelled in shortly after 10:00 am.

The journal was approved.

Points of personal privilege.

Introduction of special guests.

Rep. Falkner moved for the adoption of SS#2 SCS HB 199, A.A..

11:00 Hour

Rep. Riley motioned for a PQ. The PQ passed 107-41.

SS#2 SCS HB 199, A.A. was adopted 136-16.

Rep. Falkner moved that SS#2 SCS HB 199 be third read and passed. The bill passed 134-16.

Rep. Hurlbert moved that SS SCS SB 133 be third read and passed. The bill passed 151-3.

Rep. Hinman moved that SCS SB 3 be third read and passed. The bill passed 131-18.

Rep. Keathley moved that HCS SS SB 221 be third read and passed. The HCS was not adopted. The bill was passed 120-20.

Rep. Diehl moved that SS SCS SB 271 be third read and passed. The bill passed 139-10-1.

12:00 Hour

Rep. Pollitt moved that HCS SS#2 SB 79 be third read and passed. The HCS was not adopted. Multiple members spoke on the bill. The bill passed 147-1.

Rep. McGaugh moved that HCS SB 2 be third read and passed. The HCS was not approved. The bill passed 151-0.

Rep. Casteel moved that SS#2 SB 145 be third read and passed. The bill passed 108-21-14.

1:00 Hour

Rep. Parked moved that HCS SS SCS SB 82 be third read and passed. The HCS was not adopted. Multiple members spoke on the bill. The bill was passed 123-16-1.

Rep. Sassman moved that HCS SS SCS SB 105 be third read and passed. The HCS was not adopted. Multiple members spoke on the bill. Rep. Riley motioned for a PQ. The motion passed 111-34.

Governor Kehoe was recognized on the dais.

SS SCS SB 105 was passed 124-19 .

Rep. Murphy moved that HCS SS SB 152 be third read and passed. The HCS was not adopted. Rep. Riley motioned for a PQ. The motion passed 99-43. The bill passed 94-47.

Announcements

The House stands adjourned until Thursday, May 29, 2025.

The post House Hour by Hour Thursday, May 15 appeared first on The Missouri Times.

Press Release: Conservative Republican Israel Baeza announces candidacy for state representative

Press Release — Thu, 15 May 2025 14:04:23 +0000

SEDALIA, MO — Israel Baeza, a proven conservative, has announced his candidacy for state representative. Running as a Republican, he hopes to replace term-limited Rep. Brad Pollitt who has faithfully served the district. Baeza will appear on the Republican primary ballot on August 4, 2026.

“I am excited to take this step towards reforming our state government to better serve We the People,” stated Baeza. “Missouri’s heart is in its rural communities. It’s in the families who live here, the farmers who work the land, and the small businesses that are the backbone of our economy. I am running to ensure that those voices are heard in Jefferson City,” Baeza said. “We need common-sense leadership that prioritizes our values, respects our way of life, and stands up for the freedoms we hold dear.”

Baeza has a proven record of standing up for Missouri agriculture and improving local infrastructure without raising taxes. His work has been grounded in the principles of rural Missouri values such as fiscal responsibility, personal freedom, and a commitment to strong families and communities. With a small government platform, he is proud of his successful efforts to reduce government waste and keep big government out of the day-to-day lives of Missourians as the current Eastern Commissioner of Pettis County.

“Less government is the best government. I’ve seen firsthand the impacts of government regulations, taxes, and overreach on our farmers, small businesses, and families. It’s time to push back against policies that hurt rural Missouri and stand up for those that have been left behind by the political elite.”

For Baeza, commonsense leadership means championing policies that strengthen the everyday lives of Missouri’s working families. The Baeza campaign is grounded in core conservative values: protecting Constitutional freedoms, defending the sanctity of life, promoting fiscal responsibility, fighting for smaller government, and reducing crime across the state. Through these priorities, Baeza is committed to creating an environment where Missourians can thrive through hard work, personal responsibility, and independence—not reliance on government.

Israel Baeza is the proud husband to Perla, with whom he has two young children. The couple enjoys raising their children in Pettis County and are active members of the Hispanic Baptist Church of Sedalia. He also serves on the board of the Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce, Sedalia-Pettis County Economic Development, and the University of Missouri Extension Council.

The post Press Release: Conservative Republican Israel Baeza announces candidacy for state representative appeared first on The Missouri Times.

Opinion: The Federal Government Should Repair Our Rural Healthcare Crisis – Not Make it Worse with Price Controls

Former Speaker Tim Jones — Wed, 14 May 2025 18:03:11 +0000

From Springfield to Hannibal, from Kansas City to St. Louis, and everywhere in between, Missourians are facing a silent crisis: a lack of access to quality healthcare.

Today, nearly every county in Missouri is experiencing a shortage of primary care providers. As federally-designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), this means that residents, especially in rural communities, are struggling to access care close to home. The shortage is made worse by a wave of physician retirements and high rates of burnout that are pushing many physicians to leave the workforce prematurely.

The common denominator in Missouri’s physician shortage? A hopelessly broken Medicare system, in which the federal government sets rates and undervalues private practice.

Over the past 20 years, physician payments under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) have fallen by 33% when adjusted for inflation. At the same time, the cost of running a practice has risen 60%, leaving physicians struggling to keep up with the rising cost of medical supplies, equipment, and overhead. We are asking physicians to do more – see more patients, work longer hours, and cope with more burnout – with less pay and fewer resources.

Unfortunately, this is what happens in countries that adopt socialized medicine schemes, and we are now seeing the consequences of artificially-low, government-set rates playing out in the U.S.

Independent physician practices have had to make difficult choices, including cutting staff or reducing the number of Medicare patients they see just to keep the lights on. While some may choose early retirement, other physicians feel compelled to leave private practice in favor of hospital-based settings. Between 2012 and 2022 the share of physicians in private practice fell from 60.1% to 46.7%. Meanwhile, the share of physicians working in hospitals as direct employees or contractors increased from 5.6% to 9.6% during that same time.

The impact is profound for small towns across Missouri, as these communities have long relied on trusted, local physicians who know their patients well and understand their needs. When those practices close or are absorbed into large health systems, this forces patients to travel farther for treatment. Further, hospital-based care comes at a higher cost and is not as transparent. To prove that point, the Show-Me Institute has found that the price of hospital services over the past decade has skyrocketed over 45%.

The crisis of health care access will not solve itself, especially since demand for care continues to increase. Chronic disease is on the rise, especially in the most rural parts of the country. Missouri’s rural residents have higher rates of cancer, diabetes, heart and kidney disease, – all leading causes of death. Yet, Missouri has fewer physicians (all specialties and primary care) per 100,000 citizens, than the U.S. as a whole.

So, how are we to reverse this trend and bring more physicians to high-need areas? To begin, Congress must reverse the 2.8% Medicare cut that went into effect at the beginning of this year, which is already straining doctors nationwide, nowhere more so than in rural communities.

To that end, lawmakers have introduced the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act (H.R. 879), which would reverse this cut and provide a 2% payment update. This bipartisan bill will help stop the bleeding for rural independent practices, will strengthen the stability of Medicare, and most importantly will boost health care access for rural patients. It would be a solid first step towards necessary and needed long-term Medicare reform that values private practice, removes price controls, and reflects inflation.

I strongly urge the entire Missouri Congressional Delegation, House Republican Leadership, and all Congressmen and women who want to sincerely solve this crisis to support the passage of H.R. 879 to meet the growing demands of our state, and that of the entire nation. The health of all rural communities in the country desperately depends on it.

The post Opinion: The Federal Government Should Repair Our Rural Healthcare Crisis – Not Make it Worse with Price Controls appeared first on The Missouri Times.

House Hour by Hour Wednesday, May 14

The Missouri Times — Wed, 14 May 2025 16:24:10 +0000

During the last two weeks of the session, The Missouri Times will bring you hourly updates of floor activity for each chamber. Below is all the activity in the House from Wednesday, May 14.

10:00 Hour

The House gavelled in shortly after 10:00am

The journal was approved.

Points of personal privilege.

Rep. Kelley moved for the adoption of CCR HCS SS SB 150, A.A.. The bill was adopted 147-2.

Rep. Kelley moved that CCR HCS SS SB 150, A.A. be third read and passed. The bill was passed 148-2.

11:00 Hour

Rep. Bandermann moved that SS SCS SBs 49 & 118 be third read and passed. Multiple members spoke on the bill.

12:00 Hour

The discussion on SS SCS SBs 49 & 118 continued.

SS SCS SBs 49 & 118 passed 85-57-5

1:00 Hour

Rep. Casteel moved that SS#2 SB 145 be third read and passed. Multiple members spoke on the bill. The bill was laid over.

The House will stand adjourned until Thursday, May 15, at 10:00am

The post House Hour by Hour Wednesday, May 14 appeared first on The Missouri Times.

Senate Hour by Hour Wednesday, May 14

The Missouri Times — Wed, 14 May 2025 16:02:01 +0000

During the last two weeks of the session, The Missouri Times will bring you hourly updates of floor activity for each chamber. Below is all the activity in the Senate from Wednesday, May 14.

10:00 Hour

The Senate gaveled in

Prayer and Pledge

Roll Call

Senator Luetkemeyer waved the reading of the journal

Senator Brown (26) was recognized for a privileged motion on SB 61

Senator Beck inquired of Senator Williams

Senator Brown (26) withdrew his motion

11:00 Hour

Senator Carter was recognized for a privileged motion on SB 243

Senator McCreery inquired of Senator Carter

Senator McCreery inquired of Senator Roberts

12:00 Hour

Senator Moon offered an amendment

Senator Moon inquired of Senator Gregory (15)

Senator Carter withdrew her amendment

Senator Schnelting brought HJR 73 before the body

Senator Beck inquired of Senator Moon

Senator Beck inquired of Senator McCreery

Senator Beck inquired of Senator Williams

Senator Williams inquired of Senator Lewis

Senator Cierpiot noticed the absence of a quorum

Senator Cierpiot stood to talk about Missouri Right to Life

1:00

Senator Cierpiot inquired of Senator Bernskoetter

Senator Cierpiot inquired of Senator Crawford

Senator Cierpiot inquired of Senator Bean

Senator Cierpiot inquired of Senator Coleman

Senator Williams inquired of Senator Lewis

2:00 Hour

Senator Williams inquired of Senator Lewis

Senator Williams inquired of Senator Roberts

3:00 Hour

Senator Roberts inquired of Senator May

4:00 Hour

Senator Nurrenbern inquired of Senator Webber

Senator Nurrenbern noted the absence of a Quorum

Quorum established

Senator Nurrenbern inquired of Senator McCreery

Senator McCreery inquired of Senator Beck

Senator Beck withdrew his amendments.

Senator McCreery offered Senate Amendment 2 to HJR 73 and moved for its adoption.

Senator Lewis inquired of Senator McCreery

5:00 Hour

Senator McCreery requested a roll call vote on the amendment.

Senator Schnelting moved for the previous question. The motion passed 22-11.

HRJ 73 passed 21-1.

Amid shouting in the gallery, the gallery was cleared.

The gallery was reopened, with a threat to close it again if any more disruptions occurred.

Senator Schnelting moved for the previous question on the naming of the bill. The motion passed 21-12. The naming was passed 21-12

Senator Bernskoetter moved that HB 567 be third and passed. Senator Bernskoetter also moved the previous question on this bill. The motion passed 22-11

HB 567 passed 21-10.

The Senate adjourned until 12:00pm, Thursday, May 22

The post Senate Hour by Hour Wednesday, May 14 appeared first on The Missouri Times.

Press Release: Remembering Senator Christopher S. “Kit” Bond

Press Release — Tue, 13 May 2025 23:59:02 +0000

It is with deep sadness that MPCA announces the passing of Senator Christopher “Kit” Bond, a resolute public servant and champion of healthcare access for underserved communities, on May 13, 2025. Senator Bond’s lifelong commitment to improving the lives of the people of Missouri and the nation was evident in his tireless work to expand access to primary care, oral health, and mental health services.

During his distinguished tenure in the U.S. Senate, Senator Bond was an enthusiastic advocate and leading voice for Community Health Centers (CHCs). These vital health centers, which serve those without access to essential healthcare, flourished under his leadership. Through his advocacy, CHCs saw groundbreaking funding increases in the late 1990s, which helped them expand and provide services to thousands of people who had been previously underserved. Senator Bond’s efforts led to a historic $60 million funding boost in 1997, followed by an even larger $100 million increase. These measures resulted in the most significant funding increases for CHCs in decades, ensuring that more individuals could receive the care they desperately needed.

In 2000, Senator Bond convinced then candidate for president, George W. Bush, to embrace CHCs as a presidential initiative if elected. George Bush visited Grace Hill Neighborhood Health Center, now known as Affinia Healthcare, in St. Louis on April 12, 2000, announcing that he would provide an additional $4billion for CHCs if he won the presidency. Bush won and through Kit Bond’s leadership, dozens of health care access points opened across rural Missouri.

Senator Bond’s commitment to the growth of CHCs in Missouri was impactful. When he retired in 2011, Missouri boasted 21 CHCs serving over 420,000 people, a marked increase from the 14 centers serving 190,000 individuals in 1999. Today, Missouri is home to 28 CHCs, providing essential healthcare to over 644,000 people, a third of whom are children. His efforts have touched the lives of countless residents in both urban and rural communities, leaving a lasting impact on the healthcare infrastructure of the state.

In recognition of his legacy, in 2009, MPCA’s Board of Directors established the Christopher S. “Kit” Bond Community Health Scholarship. This scholarship, which assists individuals pursuing careers in healthcare for underserved communities, stands as a testament to his unparalleled dedication to improving health access. The scholarship will continue to benefit future generations of healthcare professionals, ensuring that Senator Bond’s legacy lives on in the communities he worked so hard to improve.

His legacy as a tireless advocate for health care access will endure for generations to come.

Senator Bond’s devotion to his constituents and his unyielding belief in the power of community healthcare will forever be remembered.

The post Press Release: Remembering Senator Christopher S. “Kit” Bond appeared first on The Missouri Times.