Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Nixon Order Compliance With Same-Sex Ruling
The press release: Gov. Jay Nixon today signed Executive Order 15-04 directing all departments, agencies, boards and commissions in the executive branch to take all necessary measures to ensure compliance with the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which established a Constitutional right to same-sex marriage… Gov. Nixon also reiterated his call for the Missouri General Assembly to pass the Missouri Nondiscrimination Act, which would prohibit discrimination against LGBT Missourians in employment, housing and public accommodations…
Flashback from 2004
“Nixon says his opponent has distorted his record as Missouri’s top law enforcement official. While Byrd claims Nixon opposes the new state constitutional amendment ratified by voters in August banning same sex marriage, Nixon actually was one of the few top Democratic officeholders to take a public position in favor of it. Nixon says he even provided the legislature with the background information as to why the amendment was necessary to prevent Missouri courts from ruling in the future that gay couple have a constitutional right to wed…” See it here.
Governing Mag: Govs Break Tax Pledge for Transportation
Governing Magazine has an article about how the states’ desperate need for transportion dollars is leading to tax increases. See it here.
Pull Quote: Falling bridges and crumbling roads trumped anti-tax sentiment in more than a half-dozen states during this year’s legislative sessions, prompting them to increase gasoline and other taxes to address infrastructure needs. In some states, the taxes hadn’t gone up in decades.
Ashcroft Plans Voter ID Tour
On the news that his proposed constitutional amendment had been approved to collect signatures, John “Jay” Ashcroft announced a tour of Missouri.
Here’s the proposal: Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to allow a law that would require voters to identify themselves and verify their qualifications to vote by providing identification, which may include a valid government-issued photo identification?
Here’s the tour itinnery:
July 8: 3:00PM Brentwood Public Library, St. Louis with Ed Martin, former Chairman of St. Louis City Board of Elections.
July 9: 11:30AM State Capitol, House Hearing Room 7, Jefferson City.
July 9: 2:45PM Greene County Courthouse Rotunda, Springfield with Shane Schoeller, Greene County Clerk.
July 9: 4:30PM Webb City Historical Society, Webb City.
July 10: 1:30PM Roger T. Sermon Community Center (4th Floor Community Room), Independence.
July 10: 3:30PM St Joseph Public Library, Theatre Room, St. Joseph.
July 10: 7PM Steve’s Deli, Kirksville.
Haefner Kicks Off
Tonight, on her birthday, Rep. Marsha Haefner kicks off her Senate 1 campaign. It is expected to be one of just a few key Senate key races in the 2016 cycle.
Democrats wrested the seat from Jim Lembke in 2012, but their winner, Sen. Scott Sifton, is now headed to the attorney general’s race. Rep. Vicki Englund is running in his place, but she may face a primary.
Dems insist that the district has continued to trend in their favor, and that the presidential year turn-out will amplify that impact.
Furthermore, Haefner – an Aye vote on right to work this year – won’t have the support of labor that Lempke did. And Dems might make hay over her supporting John Diehl “100%” after the details of his sexting escapades were published in the Kansas City Star.
Thampy Registering?
On his Facebook page, Eapen Thampy indicates that he is registering to lobby. But it hasn’t shown up yet on the Missouri Ethics website, perhaps coming in the next day or two. Thampy as been an advocate for reforming the marijuana laws.
MCN Tussles on Facebook
Fox News reports that Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal found “profane” posts aimed at her on a Facebook page called Pro-Union St. Louis. See it here.
Reader: Make No Wake Annual Event
Not sure how much you follow Lake Ozark activity but the recent torrential rains caused the water level to be above full pool last week just prior to and including the 4th of July. This prompted the Governor to order "no wake" boating on all areas of the lake until water levels receded. By all accounts, the no wake or no wave time was a rousing success albeit for unintentional reasons. Families were able to raft, kayak, canoe, float w/o fear of being swamped by large waves and boats. People posted positive comments everywhere on social media.
Politically, the Gov and/or the General Assembly should designate one day (or more) a summer as safe boating day and require boats to run at idle speed. Designate a "No wake on the Lake" day.
New Committees
Citizens Against Spending Excess was formed to oppose Proposition Y in St. Charles. See the paperwork filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission here. Prop Y is a tax increase for the Francis Howell School District.
Help Wanted
Missouri Bar seeks Government Relations Help. “The ideal candidate will have significant prior experience working on legislation, a thorough understanding of the legislative process, and an ability to relate respectfully to persons of all perspectives and backgrounds. This position involves working with committees that propose legislation, organizing lobbying activity on proposals approved by the Board of Governors, and making recommendations as to whether legislation is within the bar’s legislative scope and what position, if any, the bar should take…”
Today’s Events
From Mary Scruggs’ indispensable events calendar:
Rep. Marsha Haefner Reception – Haefner’s in the Garden, 6703 Telegraph Rd., St. Louis.
Lobbyists Registrations
Laura Page, Steven Bunten, Lori Hoelscher, Larry Shroth, Lonna Trammell, Michael Edwards, Julie Feast, Laura Klipfel, Stephanie Robinson, Kelly Smith, Annette Sweet, and Holly Wipfler added Union Electric Dba Ameren Mo.
Jack Atterberry deleted Associated General Contractors of Missouri Inc.
$5K+ Contributions
Democratic Governors Association Missouri - $15,000 from Democratic Governors Association.
Parson for Governor - $10,000 from GCI Remarketing.
HCA Missouri Good Government Fund - $50,000 from HCA Mid America Division.
Citizens for Mary Pat Carl - $5,100 from Citizens for Jennifer Joyce.
Citizens for Mary Pat Carl - $5,100 from Citizens for Jennifer Joyce.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Rep. Marsha Haefner (64), Richard Martin, Jeff Aboussie (57), and Meg Olson (36).