By Jason Hancock | Editor-in-Chief
Good morning.
Missouri’s childcare subsidy problem now cuts in two directions.
Thousands of children are waiting for help paying for care, with no one moving off the list since it began in March. At the same time, the state is backing away from payment changes that providers were told would make the program more stable.
Gov. Mike Kehoe promised providers would be paid upfront and based on enrollment, much like private-paying families. That overhaul is not happening, and the state will not use another option lawmakers left available to reimburse additional absences.
Today’s lead story examines how a shortage of funding has left 7,389 children waiting — and why providers say the state’s decisions could push more families out of care.
(photo submitted)
by Steph Quinn
One in five Missouri children eligible for state-paid childcare services isn’t receiving help because there isn’t enough money in the state budget.
(Compiled from submitted and staff photos)
by Rudi Keller
Six candidates are running in a district redrawn to favor Republicans, but its boundaries could change after the Aug. 4 primary.
(Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)
by Ashley Murray
Nearly all of those 22 people shot at by federal immigration officers during President Donald Trump’s second term were in their vehicles during traffic stops
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