It's a life sentence in the racially motivated killing of a Kansas City man. Federal jurors have opted to sentence 22-year-old Steven Sandstrom to life in federal priosn with no chance for release.
That's the same sentence handed to 21-year-old Gary Eye. Eye was the triggerman as both men murdered William McCay in March of 2005. McCay was shot and killed as he walked to work.
Witnesses described Eye as the shooter, while Sandstrom was the driver of the car the two used in the killing. Eye and Sandstrom are white while McCay is black. Both suspects were convicted under civil rights laws and could have received the death penalty.
The end of the legislative session bring, with it, the end of the legislative careers of quite a few lawmakers at the State Capitol. Among them is Senate Democratic Leader Maida Coleman (D-St. Louis) who is term limited.
Coleman says she has endured highlights and lowlights during her political career, with serving the people of the state a highlight. She says a lowlight was hearing now-House Speaker Rod Jetton (R-Marble Hill) shouting, "Release the money, Governor," during Governor Bob Holden's State of the State speech after the Governor had withheld money for education.
Asked whether she might consider running for another office, Coleman says that's not in the cards right now, but says she might consider a run sometime in the future.
The state has hung the "not welcome" sign out for illegal immigrants.
The message from the state to illegal immigrants--it will be illegal for any city to offer you sanctuary. You will not be able to get any state or local public benefits. Employers cannot knowingly hire you--and if they do they could lose their business permits and licenses. You cannot get a driver's license. If you are arrested, you will have trouble getting released on bail. And those are just the highlights of one of the major bills of this legislative session, which ended last night.
Senate leader Michael Gibbons says illegal immigration is a concern throughout the state, and not just among politicians. He says it's a state issue because Congress has missed plenty of opportunities to deal with it.
Gibbons says the bill should not be seen as an indication Missourians are not a loving and compassionate group. He says all Missourians want is for immigrants to come here legally.
Governor Blunt says the bill passed by the legislature will place Missouri among the handful of states leading efforts against illegal immigration. He knows of no reason he would not sign it.
Missouri lawmakers have lifted campaign finance limits.
The House voted mostly along party lines to approve SB 1038 . The bill removes the campaign contribution limits enacted by voters in 1994. It requires that campaign donations totaling at least $5,000 be reported electronically within 48 hours. Out-of-state contributions would have to be reported by the name of the contributor.
Democrats harshly criticized the measure during House floor debate, claiming that Republicans forced through the measure during the last hour of the last day to help their chances at the polls in November. Republicans stated that campaign contribution limits have proven to be ineffective, because crafty politicians have figured out they only need to form a number of committees to skirt the current law.
A property tax relief bill has been approved by the House and sent to Governor Blunt.
The House approved SB 711 on a 142-5 vote. The bill seeks to address a common complaint that arose after the last reassessment of property. Some county governments refused to roll back tax levies in accordance with state law.
Rep. Mike Sutherland (R-Warrenton), the House sponsor, says the outcry was heard across the state, but especially in St. Louis County. Sutherland says the bill will close a loophole exploited by local governments, including school districts, in which they reaped a windfall from reassessment, because they refused to roll back tax levies after reassessment raised property values. Sutherland says the bill will mandate that local governments roll back their tax rates.
The bill also enhances the state Circuit Breaker program. That program provides senior citizens property tax relief. The bill increases the maximum annual salary a senior citizen can earn to qualify for the Circuit Breaker from $27,500 to $30,000. The spousal exemption would double, from $2,000 to $4,000, which would allow a married couple to earn $34,000 and qualify. The maximum benefit from the Circuit Breaker would rise from $750 to $1,100.
Legislation cracking down on illegal immigration is on its way to Governor Matt Blunt (R-MO) after being given final approval in the Missouri Senate.
Among other things, HB 1549 would require applicants for state benefits to provide proof of citizenship, residency, or lawful presence in order to receive those benefits. If applicants cannot provide this proof they could sign an affidavit attesting to their status and would be eligible to receive temporary benefits until their status can be determined.
The legislation also bars employers from knowingly hiring illegal aliens, with violators subject to the suspension of their business permits and licenses. And, Senator Scott Rupp (R-Wentzville), the Senate sponsor, says employers will be subject to fines if they fail to complete the required paperwork for employees.
In addition, the Department of Revenue would not issue any driver's license to illegal aliens nor to anyone who could not prove lawful presence. Written tests for commercial licenses shall only be administered in English.
Legislation cracking down on illegal immigration is on its way to Governor Matt Blunt (R-MO) after being given final approval in the Missouri Senate.