#Proposition S

NEW POLL DROP Mace leads the latest poll from the SC Policy Council. #Scpol #Poll #chsnews This is the second poll to drop in two weeks. The Trafalgar Group poll released on Jan. 21 showed Evette and Wilson in first and second place with Mace in third.

The St. Louis Board of Police Commissioners met Wednesday and approved a resolution certifying funding next year for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD). But the city’s mayor vehemently argued against the proposal, warning that it would “cripple” the city and force mass layoffs in other departments. Mayor Cara Spencer is a member of the board, which assumed its duties following the state takeover of the department last year. Spencer was the lone vote against the proposed funding, which has not yet been finalized. Story on fox2now.com

Changes are coming to St. Louis County government buildings. County Executive Sam Page said changes are due to 2026 budget cuts.

The St. Louis County Council and County Executive Sam Page are at odds again, this time over VLTs and negotiations for their new temporary headquarters.

The 1 percent earnings tax is the highest general funding source for the city of St. Louis.

Missouri Senate debated who pays for St. Louis police misconduct: SB 1657 says the city pays for lawsuits. Mayor Spencer fought back, arguing accountability requires paying for choices. #MissouriPolitics #StLouis #PoliceAccountability #LocalGovernment #SenateBill #Government #PublicService #CivicEngagement #News #Policy

The St. Louis City police board unveiled a budget costing an extra $48 million, leaving St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer with harsh criticism of the board, saying if the budget certified by the state-controlled board is completed, it would cause significant service cuts and mass layoffs. It would cripple our ability to function as a municipal government," Spencer said during a board of police commissioners meeting on Feb. 25. "We have got to have some resolution on some of these issues, and we've got to have it quickly. Otherwise, I'm going to be looking at my streets department, my refuse department and every other city department and making massive layoffs." The budget certified Wednesday would increase the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department's budget to more than $250 million, according to the city. The mayor's office explained that does not include the required requirement costs like FICA and health insurance, which is an additional $21 million. The figure also does not include the full cost of marshals and park rangers, which the mayor's office says would add another $3 million. The city estimates the total budget would be close to $274 million. Spencer voted no to certify the budget at yesterday's Board of Commissioners meeting, which passed by a vote of 4-1. The board’s lawyer, Chris Graville, and Spencer had several exchanges regarding the way the allocation of funds was calculated and if it met the statutory percent. The police board defended its proposal, saying it reflects the department’s needs, and once they could determine the appropriate statutory percentage, they could proceed with debate over the budget. Spencer commented several times about the board not replying to questions her office had, despite the board saying it's been collaborative. The board president stressed that it was not final, and there would still be discussions with city leaders.

Smith County voters are deciding the Precinct 2 commissioner race, where two Republican candidates are outlining priorities on spending and transparency.

#LocalNews #GoVote #Election #HotOffThePress #TheSampsonIndependent

Please remember these important dates for our upcoming local elections. Share this information with your family, friends, and community networks. And don’t forget about the non partisan political forums next week. You can register free at our Linktree in our bio or see the flyer on our page. Be sure to follow us as we continue our commitment to keeping you informed about what’s happening right here in our community. Together, we can uplift, empower, and make a difference. #southcharlotteakas #adxo #maraka #aka1908 #service

From the @wshupublicradio newsroom: #Connecticut #Senate #Republicans @ctsenategop are proposing $1.5 billion in tax cuts and cost cutting measures this session. It marks a significant change from the #caucus - who have historically been in favor of keeping spending down. More at WSHU.org