Thursday, January 15, 2015

Midwives Midway to Compromise?

It’s been many years since the midwifery landscape was dramatically altered by state senator John Loudon.  In 2007, he slyly – some say deceitfully – legalized midwifery in Missouri by disguising it with the rarely used word “Tocology.”

This year, it’s possible we may see a compromise bill come forward on the issue.

It’s said that both groups agree that midwives need to be licensed.  Without licensure, there’s no accountability – no way of knowing if a baby dies during home birth and identifying who is responsible. The 2007 bill legalized the practice, without providing oversight, reporting, or regulation. Licensing would help the midwives discipline the bad actors and also give them the data they need to justify quality outcomes.

The doctors know that aren’t going to be able to fully repeal the bill and their stated intention is not to put the midwives out of business.

But the details of the compromise could be difficult.  Doctors would like the midwives under the Board of Healing Arts because they think delivering babies is the practice of medicine.  Midwives would prefer their own board made up of other midwives.

Still that OBGYNs are publicly supporting midwives – if practicing under safe standards – bodes well for a compromise.

Haefner for Senate?

On the heels of Rep. Scott Fitzpatrick being named Budget Vice-Chair, does that help push Rep. Marsha Haefner into the Senate 1 race in 2016?  Haefner was one of those thought to be a potential budget chair in the future.  But if that road is closing, it might be the extra push she needs to try to make the leap to Senate.

Senate 1 is expected to be vacated by Sen. Scott Sifton who is running for attorney general.  It’s a slight Democratic district.  Still Republicans have won enough of Dem districts in recent years to label it competitive.  And many Dems I talk to think that Haefner would be the toughest Republican candidate.

Dress Code Scold

From: Adam Crumbliss

Date: January 14, 2015 at 8:58:49 PM CST

To: _House Members and Staff

Subject: House Dress Code

Dear House Members and Staff:

I have been fielding an inordinate number of concerns recently regarding the House dress code this week.  I greatly appreciate that many have confidence in my sense of fashion and style, and have sought my advice regarding what is appropriate attire.

However, it has become increasingly apparent that many concerns regarding House rules and policy on dress code fall ‘within those grey areas’, so I will endeavor to assist House leadership over the next few months in better, more consistent enforcement of the House dress code for Members during floor and committee activity, and for staff generally.

I apologize in advance if my candor below is exceedingly transparent, but here are just a few of the comments relating to dress code I have responded to lately:

“Are dress sandals allowable in the House chamber?; What about peek-a-boo pumps?”

“I don’t think we should have to wear jackets and ties during Committee hearings.”

“You know, the dress code rule doesn’t require men to wear shirts on the House floor.”

“People should respect this building; if you can’t wear a jacket and tie, you shouldn’t be here.”

“I don’t own suits, because I’ve never needed them until this job. Can I wear sport coats with my nice jeans on the floor?”

“Why do some people get to wear sport bras and flip flops all summer?  It’s embarrassing to my staff person when he has constituents come in from the district to visit the capitol.”

“Some bolo ties cost a lot more than the ugly ties he wears.”

“Why should my staff dress up on Fridays when the House isn’t in session and we are largely working in our offices?”

“Adam, that hat makes you look ridiculous, take it off, you’re indoors.”

Per the House Rules:

“At all times when the House is seated, proper attire for gentlemen shall be business attire, including coat, tie, dress trousers and dress shoes/boots. Proper attire for women shall be dresses or skirts or slacks worn with a blazer or sweater and appropriate dress shoes/boots. This rule shall apply to all members and staff on the floor of the House and lower gallery.”

Additionally, by application, this also applies in House committee hearings...

Working in the State Capitol is an honor and privilege, and I am mindful that various people have differing means by which to judge respectfulness for the taxpayers and legislative process.  While many of these perspectives are in disagreement, I will work with Members and staff to ensure more consistent and clear guidelines relating to appropriate attire.  Please be mindful that what some view as comfort, others view as disrespect.

Thank you for your service and assistance.

Sincerely,

D. Adam Crumbliss

Chief Clerk and Administrator

Missouri House of Representatives

Road Cliff

Post- Dispatch’s Alex Stuckey reports on the Missouri Department of Transportation’s plan to deal with their soon-to-be greatly reduced budget.  See it here.

Pull Quote: Coined “Missouri’s 325 System,” the state’s Department of Transportation outlined a plan to prepare for 2017, when the state will see its construction and maintenance budget drop to $325 million. As it drops, the state will lose significant spending power because it won’t be able to match available federal dollars.  In 2014, the state had about $700 million for construction and maintenance. It needs $485 million to maintain its network of roads in the current condition.

Licklider in HER

Pick up a copy of this month’s HER Magazine to see a two-page story on LA Kathy Licklider.

New Committees

Henry Klein started a campaign committee to run for Council Person In-District District6 City of Kansas City. It is a non-partisan election.

Lobbyists Registration Changes

Mark Reading added Konica Minolta.

Mike Sutherland added Missouri Budget Project.

Carol Weatherford added Missouri NEA-Retired; and deleted Missouri National Education Association.

Caitlin Kerber added Missouri Tow Truck Association, Parents as Teachers National Center, Midwest Foster Care and Adoption Association, and The Children's Place.

$5K+ Contributions

Citizens for Stephen Webber - $5,001 from Mid Missouri Labor Club.

Webster Groves for All - $10,000 from Webster University.

Citizens to Elect Robin Harris - $15,000 from Missourians for Tim Jones.

Citizens to Elect Robin Harris - $8,000 from Cunningham Campaign Committee.

Citizens to Elect Robin Harris - $7,000 from Robin Harris.

Citizens to Elect Robin Harris - $7,000 from Richard Gans.

Happy Birthday

Happy birthdays to Virvus Jones (68) and former Rep. Esther Haywood (75).