senior citizens

The proposal sought a property tax to support organizations that have lost pandemic relief funding and fund services assisting seniors.

Question 1 on Jackson County's Nov. 5 ballot would increase the average homeowner’s tax bill about $20 a year and bring in $8 million for senior services like free meals and transportation.

With Jackson County's senior services already straining for lack of funding, and the senior population expected to get even bigger, advocates are asking Jackson County voters to approve a property tax this November to help older adults age in place.

Thirty-four Missouri residents — aged 11 months to 96 years — died last year due to heat-related illness, according to the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services.

A St. Louis nursing home’s overnight closure in late 2023 upended the lives of more than 170 residents and families. Advocates and politicians called for its directors to be held accountable, but a $56,000 fine from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services could be the only penalty.

After 19 seasons, outgoing Kansas City Symphony music director Michael Stern conducted his final concert over the weekend. Plus: One Kansas City opera company is bringing the show to residents of local retirement communities.

Originally passed last year, the Missouri law allows local governments to pass ordinances that would freeze property taxes for seniors. But before the recent fix, seniors who are on pensions like police officers and firefighters weren't eligible.

Missouri counties told state lawmakers that they needed more information when it comes to putting the freeze in place. Some revisions were made this year, but some lawmakers contend that it will take a third try to get the program right.

One in eight Kansas City seniors struggle with food insecurity. Meals on Wheels, run through the KC Shepherd's Center, normally supplies hot meals to clients, but recent snow and cold temperatures have been a barrier to delivers.

Under the law passed last session, Missouri counties can decide whether to enact a property tax freeze for seniors. Jackson County has already taken advantage of the law. Now, lawmakers are trying to clarify it.

Leavenworth County's Council on Aging, which provides services and programs for older adults, recently established a bucket list for aging adults. People 50 years and older are saddling up for adventures that take them high above Kansas City, zipping through treetops and out on the open water.

Thousands of senior citizens in Jackson County will soon be eligible for a property tax break following this year’s most recent assessments, which saw home values spike by 40% or more. But how will that affect schools?