Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Translation Research Tax Clobbered
The 20-year, half-cent sales tax increase in Jackson County to fund development of “translational research” was destroyed with 81% voting against the proposal.
There was some schadenfreude that top consultant Jeff Roe was handed the disastrous defeat even though proponents spent over $1.5 million.
Meanwhile others were quick to view it as an ill omen for the floated transportation sales tax (“can’t take city voters for granted”).
Regardless of where the blame lies, and what its larger implications are, the clearest outcome is that it’s a setback for the civvies in Kansas City. The next pitch will be face skepticism. It’s tough to write checks and lose, but to write checks and be embarrassed… that takes a toll on the psyche.
Also on Local Ballots
Buchanan County: sales tax for the purpose of providing emergency ambulance services passed: Yes: 67%; No 33%.
Clay County: adoption of a new constitution went down hard: Yes: 37%; No: 63%.
Greene County: local use tax of 1.25% defeated: Yes:44%; No: 56%.
Ketcher Files Ethics IP
Brad Ketcher has filed another initiative petition. This one takes on campaign contributions. See it here. It’s said to have the support of Governor Jay Nixon. We’ll see…
Basic Proposal
From my quick read of it there are three major pieces to it:
1. Campaign limits for state senators: $1,000; state representatives: $500.
2. 2-year wait to become a lobbyist or political consultant.
3. No lobbyist gifts over $5.
Mizzou Boo Follow-Up
The minor controversy of Mizzou fan booing a reference to President Barack Obama gathered a bit of traction yesterday when Rep. Casey Guernsey tweeted, “I find booing a liar to be patriotic and rather enjoyed it. Crowds Boo Obama at Mizzou Football Game.”
Remember when respect for the office was a conservative value and vocal dissent was a liberal virtue?
Then Rep. Caleb Jones replied (via twitter) to his colleague, “UNREAL! 100% disagree RT@CaseyGuernsey...”
Lant Previews the Upcoming Session
From Rep. Bill Lant’s blog: “We went to Kansas City at the Speaker's request for a round table discussion with some concerned citizens groups. The Speaker and about ten Representatives were invited to participate in the discussion of future agendas for the Legislature. We have some pretty big issues to deal with in the coming session. The Governor is determined to make Education spending a big issue. He is saying that he wants to spend an additional $600 million dollars a year on K12 education and $250 million on Higher Ed. I think I'll wait to see which social program he is going to eradicate to accomplish that lofty goal, but you can almost bet that it's a smoke screen for something else he doesn't want us to know about. The other issues that we will have to address are Common Core, Medicaid Expansion, Tort reform, Tax Reform, and 2nd. Amendment protections. Oh, and the Speaker wants to have a vote on Right to Work. It's going to be a very interesting year!” Read it here.
Buckely for House
Fred Buckley III started a campaign committee to run for House 25 as a Republican. The current incumbent is Rep. Jeremy LaFaver.
It’s a 70-30 Dem district. Translation: LaFaver is safe.
Bits
Governor Jay Nixon will meet with legislators about Medicaid expansion. Read it here.
KC Star reports a “surprise visit” to a charter school catches attendance “inflation.” Read it here.
And, in case you don’t know, student loans are out of control… Read it here.
Help Wanted
The Office of Administration seeks flack. “The position will be responsible for developing and executing an effective communications strategy for enhancing the public perception of the office and helping to convey the accomplishments and priorities of the administration. Responsibilities will include writing media releases and speeches, coordinating press contacts and creating newsletters and graphic information to be shared with employees, media, constituent groups, boards, commissions, members of the legislature, and the general public. Travel to various events or locations for announcements may be required.” See ad here.
Lobbyist Registrations
From the Pelopidas website:
John E Scott deleted City of St. Louis.
Notes on Registrations
John Scott, a former state senator from St. Louis City, has been a long-time lobbyist for the city, though the truth is that he’s been rarely seen or heard in the Capitol in recent years. This leaves Scott with one client remaining: Harris-Stowe State College.
$5K+Contributions
Citizens for Steve Stenger - $5,001 from Hoisting Engineers Local 513 Political & Educational Fund.
Missouri Senate Campaign Committee - $6,000 from Dempsey for Senate.
Missouri Senate Campaign Committee - $10,000 from Committee to Elect Ron Richard.
Freedom Incorporated - $25,000 from Government Policies Foundation Inc.
Dempsey for Senate - $10,000 from Pyramid Home Health Services.
Notes on Money
Stenger sees first big labor check: $5K from Hoisting Engineers.
Senate leadership antes up to their campaign committee.
And Freedom gets some last minute cash against the Question 1 proposal.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Reps. Joe Runions (73) and Keith Frederick (61).
Congratulations
To Brian Millner and his wife Stessie on the birth of their daughter, Everly Rose Millner. She was born yesterday morning at 10:50am and weighed 7lbs 1oz.
MOScout News
I will finally be implementing a new email delivery system tomorrow. Let me know if it works okay. Thanks…