Missouri lawmakers urged to extend fallen first responder benefits
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Even before the tragic death of Graham Hoffman, Missouri lawmakers had been working on a program to compensate first responders' families.
Currently, these families receive $25,000 by law. But the problem is, it will expire soon.
Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV
At this point, if the current law isn't extended or reauthorized or other bills aren't passed, Hoffman's family could be the last to receive the $25,000 under the current program.
Lawmakers may have to consider an emergency authorization so there isn't a gap in time where compensation for families of first responders isn't covered.
Families can access a network of resources when a loved one dies in the line of duty as a first responder, such as a police officer, firefighter, or paramedic.
Missouri news: Headlines from St. Louis, Jefferson City and across the Show-Me State
Metro nonprofit Answering the Call has been in business for almost 10 years. The organization provides financial aid and support to first responders and their families.
At this point, lawmakers are considering at least one bill that has passed both the House and the Senate and is now in committee. The bill proposes extending the program to 2031 and raising the benefit to $100,000.
The general assembly's annual session ends May 16.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
KC nonprofit serving seniors struggling due to federal cuts
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A home delivery of a hot meal is a blessing for people like Marilyn Driver, a retired teacher and families like John Johnico's. 'By the end of the month, that's the hardest time when you're retired,' Driver said. KC2026 provides update on FIFA World Cup tournament plans 'Without that program, we would be struggling even harder than we are now,' Johnico said. 'We're blessed to have our food delivered.' Delivering the meals are volunteers with KC Shepherd's Center, which focuses on helping seniors. 'We are the fastest growing population, we are the fastest growing homeless population, and yet funding is not keeping up at all,' Janet Baker said. Baker is the executive director of the organization. She said right now they're stretching their resources thin to keep Meals on Wheels operating. 'We're in crisis to be honest with you, and already only receiving one percent of funding,' Baker added. The Shepherd's Center is one of the largest nonprofit providers of Meals on Wheels, keeping homebound seniors on a fixed income fed. Baker said this year alone they've lost $500,000 in funding, lost one of their other programs and can now only serve 600 people, half of the number they were serving two years ago. 'You know you're going to have something to eat until that next month comes,' Driver said. 'Meals on Wheels is a lifesaver for elderly people.' 'If they were to stop it, there would be a lot of people hurting because we do need it,' Johnico added. Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV Now they're heavily relying on the community's support to continue providing some relief. 'Will you fill an empty plate? Will you provide us with the ability to deliver meals to hungry homebound seniors?' Baker asked. . All donations will go toward feeding homebound seniors in Kansas City. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
St. Landry Parish residents frustrated by sudden bridge closure
ST LANDRY PARISH, LA. (KLFY) – Residents in St. Landry Parish said they're frustrated, cut off and looking for answers after a popular bridge was suddenly closed due to structural concerns. The Bayou Portage bridge, which was rebuilt and reopened in 2022 after weeks of repairs, was closed again on April 15 following a state inspection that uncovered deeper issues with the bridge's pilings. The closure has left many in the community with few options and much longer commutes. 'We're having to drive an extra 60 miles for nothing, when it could take us five minutes,' said local resident Scotty LaGrange. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Beyond the inconvenience, residents said the bridge's closure poses a serious safety risk. 'The [other] bridge if something happens to it, all these people are trapped,' said Paul Calais. 'Hundreds of people trapped. This is their way out. This is an escape route, and it's closed.' According to Saint Landry Parish President Jessie Bellard, the issue lies in the foundation of the bridge. 'The reason for it being closed is because of the pilings underneath,' Bellard said. 'The state does an inspection on these pilings and they said it needs to be shut down. They're going to give us their review, and we haven't received it yet.' Bellard added that the parish cannot begin repairs until the state provides a formal deficiency letter outlining what exactly needs to be fixed. 'As soon as they give us that deficiency letter, we'll know what exactly the problem is. Then we can go get the repairs done,' Bellard said. If that documentation arrives soon, Bellard said repairs could be completed within four to five weeks. Still, he emphasized that safety remains the top priority. 'The decision's on our part, but I'm not going to go against engineers,' Bellard said. 'If they say it needs to be shut down, we're going to shut it down. Safety reasons are our main concern.' But for many in Bayou Portage, waiting for paperwork is not good enough. 'We need an explanation,' Calais said. 'And then let's fix it—because it's our escape route.' St. Landry Parish residents frustrated by sudden bridge closure House Republicans tee up tweaks to Trump megabill Abbeville police chief speaks on drive-by shooting video More Storms Likely For The Rest of The Week, Low End Severe Threat… Suspicious bag prompts evacuation at Lafayette Regional Airport Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Crowley dog saved from house fire by firefighter
CROWLEY, La. () — A Crowley firefighter rescued a small dog from a house fire, authorities said. According to a post on the , fire broke out in a house occupide by Bill Faulk, who was away from home at the time. Firefighter Phobee Spell went into the burning home when she learned that there was a puppy stuck inside. Faulk was not home at the time of the fire, but showed up once he got the news that his home was burning. He was relieved to learn that his small fur friend, Jiggy, made it out unharmed. No other details were released. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Liquid Glass: What is Apple's new design feature, and when is it available? Federal minimum wage would rise to $15 under Sen. Hawley bill House GOP effort to lock in DOGE cuts faces Republican resistance California Republican pushes back against Trump immigration enforcement Cameron Parish couple killed in house fire Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
