Tax Amnesty Bill Passed House.

Members of the Missouri House of Representatives gave unanimous approval Friday to legislation sponsored by state Rep. Tom Flanigan, R-Carthage, that would authorize a period of tax amnesty for delinquent taxpayers. Flanigan also added language to the bill that was requested by the City of Joplin to authorize tax increment financing to assist in disaster recovery efforts.

"The state’s commitment to disaster-impacted areas is in the hundreds of millions, and this amnesty program will help to ensure that other important areas of the budget are left unscathed in the coming months," said Flanigan. "It also comes as no surprise that the full House agrees that recovery efforts will be best served by allowing our communities to have all economic development options on the table."

The tax amnesty provision of HB 2 would allow delinquent taxpayers who pay their tax bills between Jan. 1 and Feb. 29 to waive interest and penalties. The state has previously authorized tax amnesty periods that brought in approximately $74 million for fiscal year 2002 and $42 million for fiscal year 2003. Flanigan said he anticipates similar revenue numbers if HB 2 becomes law.

The tax increment financing language added to the bill would allow tax increment financing in areas that have sustained severe damage as the result of a natural disaster. Flanigan said the language was requested by the City of Joplin and would be an important component to funding the rebuilding effort in the city.

HB 2 was approved by the House by a vote of 150-0. It now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Jasper County Jail Count

? September 12, 2011

Total Including Placed out of County

I came to the conclusion several years ago that the tough part of bein’ a publisher or editor isn’t figurin’ out what to put in a publication, there’s lots a stuff that might be fit ta print. The really tough calls are figurin’ out what not ta put in.

That’s why, for instance, we don’t print letters to the editor that aren’t signed. There have been several that have arrived in unmarked envelopes that were well written, and made valid points. I just wish whoever wrote ‘em would stand up and take credit so we could print the things.

We also get suggestions ever now and then of some investigative reportin’ that oughta be done. Most are based on one rumor or another that has been embellished for effect. Some sound like interestin’ stories all right, just aren’t based on much fact.

And, after all, this is at least some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Weekly Column

To Your Good Health

By Paul G. Donohue, M.D.

Know the Signs of Heart Valve Trouble

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: For the past five years I have known that I have aortic stenosis. I have no symptoms and no restrictions on what I do. My doctor says I need no treatment. I’m happy about that. Will I have a shortened life? I’m 55. --- S.B.

ANSWER: "Stenosis" indicates narrowing. The aortic valve closes when the heart pumps blood out and into the aorta and the entire body. Closure of the valve stops blood from leaking back into the heart. Because the valve and its opening have constricted, the heart has to pump harder to empty itself. That strains the heart, and, in time, leads to heart failure.

Stenosis is relative. Its danger and its consequences depend on how narrow are the opening and valve. Doctors can get an accurate picture of the valve’s dimensions through an echocardiogram, a sound wave picture of the heart.

When the valve and its opening reach a critical size, decisions are made about the best treatment. Often, it’s surgery with the installation of an artificial valve.

If a severely narrowed valve goes untreated, three symptoms develop: chest pain on activity (angina), shortness of breath and fainting spells. Death occurs within three or fewer years unless a new valve is put in place. Surgery is usually performed well before these signs make their appearance. You might never need a correction if the narrowing process stops.

You probably wonder how you acquired the valve problem. You might have been born with a valve that had minor defects, which promoted narrowing. Calcifications could have settled on the valve. Or you might have had rheumatic fever as a child, which caused valve deformity.