Mo. senator wants schools to get traffic fines

Friday, January 13, 2012

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A state senator wants Missouri schools to benefit from the fines levied on motorists caught on camera running red lights.

Republican Will Kraus, of Lee’s Summit, is sponsoring legislation that would direct the fines from traffic enforcement cameras to local school districts instead of city coffers.

The Missouri Municipal League is opposing the legislation. It says the cameras make roads safer and free up police to pursue other crimes.

Kraus says that if the cameras are truly about safety, then cities shouldn’t be concerned about not keeping the money. Some other senators suggested during a committee hearing this week that cities should at least be allowed to keep enough money to pay for their contracts with camera vendors.

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JCLifer 1 year, 4 months ago

Don't you really mean that the Mo Senator wants the Schools to get the REVENUES from the Traffic Fines?

My high school English teacher is spinning in her grave.

gofish 1 year, 4 months ago

Has heroin invaded the capital? I thought we were ready to be done with red light cameras in MO. Why propose legislation that's going to proliferate a burden on the average citizen who already pays property taxes and lotto revenue to the schools? It's frustrating when traffic enforcement is used as a source of revenue for underfunded entities. How about the legislature roll back some corperate welfare (aka tax credits) to pay for the cuts to school funding, instead of increasing the burden on Joe Citizen?

JCLifer 1 year, 4 months ago

If JCPS recieved the revenues from the uptown parking nazis, they would have already build three new high schools in this town!

dinger 1 year, 4 months ago

LOL thats what we called them when I worked downtown. Thought our office was the only one.

JCLifer 1 year, 4 months ago

b : one who is likened to a German Nazi : a harshly domineering, dictatorial, or intolerant person

MissouriTenth 1 year, 4 months ago

Red light cameras represent more big-government intrusion into our individual lives - thus discouraging any kind of personal responsibility. These cameras are everywhere, and I don't remember being asked if we wanted them watching me everywhere I go. But while giving money to Government school seems like a good idea - haven't we been forced to give them plenty of money already - all the while having schools that seem to grow worse all the time? Money doesn't seem to be fixing anything...

As for the police, we've gotta remember they work for us. We give them the power to enforce law and protect our community from criminal behavior. Yes, their job is to go after the "bad-guys", but we should encourage them to follow our Missouri constitution and the Bill of Rights. Missouri Tenth is currently working to implement a Missouri Constitutional Sheriff program, and has a number of resources you can share with your local sheriff. Find these at: missouritenth.com/mcs/

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