Friday, August 25, 2017
MCN Update
It looks more and more like the fate of Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal rests in the hands of Minority Leader Gina Walsh.
One lobbyist sums up the situation like this… “Without Gina's blessing the Republicans will neither have the political cover nor the votes to expel. The addition of Sandy Crawford could help them get to 2/3, but you have to assume that Sens. Rob Schaaf and Bob Dixon will not vote to expel, leaving them one vote short. I don't believe a single member of the Democrat caucus would vote to expel if Gina doesn't do it herself or give them her blessing...”
However
I do think that Walsh – and other Democrats – are willing to join Republicans to call in a special session to talk about removal – or censure – of Chappelle-Nadal. And once that process starts, the situation could be volatile enough that no one knows exactly how it will all play out.…
Scooplette: Tilley Clients Give to PACs
In the large contributions (below) there are three corporations each giving to four different PACs. The total amount comes to about $120,000. The only apparent connection is that the companies – Phoenix Home Care, Gardner Capital and MACO Development – is that their lobbyist is Steven Tilley.
In the wake of the Amendment 2 passage other lobbying firms have set up PACs as vehicles, and it appears that Tilley’s firm may also be part of this trend.
The PACs – Missouri Growth PAC, Missouri AG PAC, Missouri Senior PAC, and Missouri C PAC – were all formed in recent weeks.
Senate 30: Arthur Postpones Kick-Off
Subject: Kick-Off postponement
Dear Friends,
Thank you so much for the outpouring of support you have shown for me and my campaign. I have been looking forward to meeting with all of you at my campaign kick-off tonight, but I regret to announce that a personal family issue is forcing me to postpone the event. I will be contacting you all again with any rescheduling information, but until then I hope that you will understand and forgive the short notice.
With much gratitude,
Caleb Arthur
What It Means: Maybe nothing. But some folks think Arthur may be reassessing the race. After Arthur started his committee, it was noted that he has given money to Bernie Sanders during the last Democratic primary election. And recently, there’s been some question about his ability to establish residency within Senate 30. Meanwhile, Rep. Sonya Anderson is thought to be a potential candidate. And if Arthur does drop out there may be a renewed push to have former Rep. Eric Burlison – with his substantial war-chest – look at this seat. It overlaps with his previous House district and would help Republicans avoid a primary in Senate 20.
Here Come the ICF/IID Cuts
A new proposed rule amendment from the Department of Social Services is an indication of cuts coming for some service providers. This proposed amendment provides for a per diem decrease to nonstate-operated intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF/IID) per diems of 2.82% effective for dates of service beginning September 1, 2017. This per diem decrease corresponds to the appropriation granted in the State Fiscal Year 2018 budget, approved by the Governor, and is contingent upon approval by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). See it here.
This comes from two places. About half of this cut is from HCB3 veto with the money coming out of the “Senior Services Protection Fund.” The other half was a cut made by the legislature (which Governor Eric Greitens recommended) through the budget bills.
Zhand Complaint
KCUR reports that “[T]he Missouri agency responsible for investigating allegations of lawyer wrongdoing has recommended that Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd be punished for professional misconduct.” See it here.
Pull Quote: “The matter now goes before a disciplinary hearing panel – two lawyers and one non-lawyer – which will hear evidence and recommend what discipline, if any, to impose… Zahnd earlier this year was thought to be a leading candidate to become the next U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri – the chief federal prosecutor in the western half of the state. The findings by the chief disciplinary counsel, Alan D. Pratzel, are likely to cast a large shadow over his candidacy…”
Ed Martin: CNN Commentator
Ed Martin heads into the liberal lion’s den of CNN… See it here. For Martin it’s the next step in his devolving political career. As one St. Louis City political watcher puts it… How does this story arc go? Head of St. Louis City Election Board, chief of staff for Governor Matt Blunt, unsuccessful candidate for congress, unsuccessful candidate for attorney general, disputed head of the Eagle Forum, CNN commentator….?
Danforth Contra Trump
Former Senator Jack Danforth says that President Donald Trump isn’t a true Republican. See it here. “Now comes Trump, who is exactly what Republicans are not, who is exactly what we have opposed in our 160-year history. We are the party of the Union, and he is the most divisive president in our history. There hasn’t been a more divisive person in national politics since George Wallace…”
Follow-Up to MTC Funding
St. Louis Business Journal opines on the cut to the Missouri Technology Corporation’s budget. See it here.
Pull Quote: The governor, meanwhile, introduced “No MO Red Tape” to collect suggestions for cutting government red tape to make it easier for companies to do business in Missouri by reducing burdensome regulations. This is admirable but fails to address needed job creation. While unemployment is shrinking, mirroring the national trend, Missouri actually lost more than 53,000 workers from February to July, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics… If Missouri is going to be taken seriously as a hotbed for technology entrepreneurs, it needs to provide more help, not less.
Bits
In the Help Wanted (below) the Public Service Commission is looking for a Legislative Director. That’s because Robert Boone – who has served in that role for the past 12 years – is retiring.
Senator Al Franken will headline the Missouri Democratic Party’s Truman Dinner. It’s November 4 in St. Louis. Tickets start at $150.
The Sixteenth Circuit Judicial Commission selected Bert Braud, Jalilah Otto, and Janette Rodecap as their panel of three nominees for the circuit judge vacancy in Division 15 of the Jackson County Circuit Court, created by the retirement of Judge Robert M. Schieber. All the nominees received five votes in support.
Help Wanted
The Missouri Public Service Commission seeks Director of Legislative Affairs. “Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: representing the Commission before the legislature, industry-related organizations and other government agencies; developing and implementing strategies to accomplish the Commission’s legislative and budgetary goals; establishing and maintaining strong relationships with legislators, stakeholders, other policymakers and their staff; monitoring, analyzing and reporting on state and federal legislation affecting the Commission, Commission–regulated utilities and legislation on topics that may become issues before the Commission; coordinating and participating in testimony before legislative committees; coordinating the Commission’s response to legislative requests; and corresponding with individual legislators…. [Salary:] $50,000 - $70,000…” See it here.
Today’s Events
From Mary Scruggs’ indispensable calendar:
Rep. Michael Butler Golf – Highlands Golf Course, 5163 Clayton – St. Louis – 4PM.
Sen. Bill Eigel Trivia Night – KC Hall – St. Charles – doors at 6PM.
Saturday: Rep. Rob Vescovo Crawfish Boil – Vescovo home – Arnold – 3PM.
Lobbyists Registrations
David McCracken and Richard McIntosh added Defense Logistics LLC.
Richard McIntosh deleted Jim Russell & Associates.
Brandon Koch deleted Farmers Group Inc.
$5K+ Contributions
Find the Cures - $25,000 from Bradley Bradshaw.
Missouri Growth PAC - $5,700 from Phoenix Home Care.
Missouri Growth PAC - $8,750 from Gardner Capital Management LLC.
Missouri Growth PAC - $15,600 from MACO Development Company.
Missouri AG PAC - $5,700 from Phoenix Home Care.
Missouri AG PAC - $8,750 from Gardner Capital Management LLC.
Missouri AG PAC - $15,600 from MACO Development Company.
Missouri Senior PAC - $5,700 from Phoenix Home Care.
Missouri Senior PAC - $8,750 from Gardner Capital Management LLC.
Missouri Senior PAC - $15,600 from MACO Development Company.
Missouri C PAC - $5,700 from Phoenix Home Care.
Missouri C PAC - $8,750 from Gardner Capital Management LLC.
Missouri C PAC - $15,600 from MACO Development Company.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Rep. Josh Peters.
Saturday: Former Reps. Ray Salva (the big 7-0) and Anne Zerr, and Robert Butler.
Sunday: Scott Swain, Kit Crancer, and former Rep. Tom Flanigan.