Missouri’s cash surplus is a 1-time fluke. Don’t let Parson bankrupt us with tax cuts

The long view

It appears Missouri Gov. Mike Parson is shortsighted in calling a special session of the General Assembly to push through a tax cut. (Aug. 29, 7A, “Mike Parson’s talking with Brownback’s tax ‘expert’”) A tax cut is an ear-catching phrase before an election, but this change would bring additional hardship.

Missouri has a temporary financial surplus, thanks to the federal American Rescue Plan. Tax cuts made now would be a long-term problem. Schools, infrastructure and health care all rely on taxes, and Missourians know all too well that these areas are already overdue for adequate funding. Parson’s proposal would not help most Missouri families, only the wealthy.

Tax cuts in Missouri generally cannot be undone by legislators, so the cuts would continue interminably after the surplus is gone.

Missourians deserve financially responsible legislation. Contact your state representatives. Tell them to vote no on tax cuts in the special session set to begin Sept. 14.

- Audrey Schlote, Washington, Missouri

Life-savers

As I searched for outdoor community pools this summer, I was shocked to discover many were empty, leaving neighborhoods without the valuable resource that fills summer days with fun, exercise and friendship. As I explored the reasons pools were closed, I found that for many it is a staffing issue.

We need lifeguards. Without them, the summer pools are shuttered, the space once filled with activity now devoid of the laughter, splashing and swimming that abound when the pools are open.

Lifeguards, you keep the pools alive and safe. Please keep it up and inspire your friends to join your ranks, providing an invaluable service to our communities. We need you.

- Pam Hamilton, Overland Park

Put kids first

Thank you, Dr. Dena Hubbard, for your Star guest commentary, “This is what real pro-child policies should look like.” (Sept. 7, 12A) In my opinion, you are absolutely correct.

Another pro-child policy you might have mentioned is universal high quality early learning for any children whose parents wish to take advantage of this policy. The research supporting it is strong and uncontroversial: High quality early learning makes a difference.

Please continue to advocate for pro-child policies. Our children deserve no less.

- Jim Caccamo, Kansas City

Another car danger

Although September brings a change of seasons and cooler temperatures, heatstroke for kids left in vehicles remains a very real and deadly threat. Since 1998, more than 900 children have died nationally from vehicular heatstroke, usually because of a well-meaning but forgetful caregiver.

Temperatures in the 80s and higher seem like the time to be most wary of heatstroke, but this worry shouldn’t fade with the fall. Temperatures as low as the 50s can still warm a small vehicle to a temperature that could be fatal for a child, whose body can heat three to five times quicker than an adult’s.

As a pediatrician who has witnessed the toll these preventable deaths take on the whole family, I offer some tips:

▪ Caregivers, never leave children in a car, even if the air conditioning is running or the window is open.

▪ To avoid forgetting a quieter child, try keeping a purse, wallet or other essential item in the back seat to help you remember to check before exiting the vehicle.

▪ We can all help prevent senseless tragedies by speaking up if we see a child left in a car because little bodies are affected by a little heat.

Let’s stay safe — and cool — this fall.

- Shannon Capraro, Kansas City

Road eyesores

Why is there so much trash on the streets and highways in and around Kansas City? Who is responsible for cleaning them up, and why isn’t more being done?

- Russell Williams, Lee’s Summit