Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Schaaf Leads Senate Budget Filibuster
Sens. Rob Schaaf, Bob Onder and Ed Emery were the prime members of an hours-long filibuster last night over HB 11 – Department of Social Services appropriations. The target of the filibuster was the budget’s plan to expand managed healthcare which they said would not lead to lower costs.
The filibuster continued through the night with a compromise coming when Sen. Kurt Schaefer allowed an “any willing provider” amendment.”
When HB 11 finally came to vote, it limped to passage after initially missing the “constitutional majority” mark by one vote. Post Dispatch’s Alex Stuckey has the story here.
As a result of the late night, the Senate will not have its morning session, but will reconvene at 3PM.
Nixon for Noranda?
The Department of Economic Development filed an Amicus Brief yesterday supporting Noranda’s effort to get a rate reduction through the Public Service Commission. See it here. The filing looks at the ten-year impact of Noranda shutting down its smelter throwing out some big numbers: “$175 million in annual Personal Income, or $1.75 billion in cumulative losses over 10 years; $230 million in annual GDP, or $2.3 billion in cumulative losses over 10 years…”
The PSC previously indicated that they don’t see economic development to be in their purview. However with the governor’s administration seemingly inserting itself in the case, and in favor of giving Noranda a break, we’ll see if that changes their perspective.
Meanwhile
Breakfast’s On CEA… The Consumer Energy Alliance is holding a “101 Legislative Breakfast” this morning.
Food at 8AM, program at 8:30AM in House Hearing Room 2. “An informative legislative briefing on important energy policy issues…”
Thielemier Moves On
In the lobbyist registrations (below), see that Brad Thielemier, who has been with the Troopers for many years, is moving on. He’s now with Three Rivers College.
Municipal Election Results Bits
In the City of Ferguson turnout jumped and two African Americans won election to the city council. See the mighty Jason Rosenbaum’s story here.
The City of Springfield repealed their recent addition of sexual orientation to their non-discrimination policy. See the story here.
MOWonk’s Brian Schmidt scored a big victory last night for West County EMS & Fire and helped secure the first tax increase in decades for the St. Louis County fire district with his voter targeting tool. Schmidty secret formula is apparently a combination of the statistical nerdiness and an exceedingly rich voter database.
Both former Sen. Jolie Justus and Rep. Kevin McManus won their races for the Kansas City Council.
Former Jim Lembke aide Jamey Murphy won a seat on the Mehlville School Board.
Former Rep. Mike Corcoran won re-election as Mayor of St. Ann.
Robin Harris won re-election to the Monarch Fire Board. Here’s former Sen. Jane Cunningham’s tweet on the results: Monarch voters do not want the Labor Union In control of government. Robin Harris wins by overwhelming margin. #mandate See the pic here.
And St. Louis Regional Chamber’s Hart Nelson lost a bid for Alderman of the City of Brentwood. Here’s his classy Facebook concession post: The results are in and unfortunately they aren't what I had hoped. But considering that I was an underdog from the start (less than 2 years in Brentwood vs. 16 years for my opponent) I'm considering my 264/390 results a good learning experience! I want to thank everyone who has been supportive over the last few months, especially my wife Valerie and my sons who didn't always understand why Daddy was "knocking doors" on the weekends. And for the 264 people who trusted me with your vote, thank you. Please know that I am not going anywhere and will continue to stay involved in Brentwood.
The whole experience has been something I will look back upon favorably and I hope that others choose to put their names on a ballot and bring their great ideas to our communities. It is scary, exhilarating, frustrating, rewarding, tiring, and most importantly humbling. Just like most things that are worthwhile.
And now it is time for me to "sailor up" and help Ward 1's newest Alderman David Plufka and our new Mayor Chris Thornton make our city a better place to live and work. I hope that you will join me.
Finally
Lobbyist Kim Tuttle gets her pic and quotes in this feel-good story on ESPN (blog). See it here.
New Committees
Matthew Sims formed a committee to run in House 133. The current incumbent Eric Burlison is termed. Sims appears to be another Springfield attorney. See his Facebook page here. Burlison has said that he expects a vigorous primary for his seat, and he doesn’t plan to endorse.
Help Wanted
The ArchCity Defenders, who have been active in uncovering the St. Louis County municipal court mess, are “seeking to fill an immediate need for a full-time staff attorney to represent the indigent in civil & criminal matters and help connect them to social services. ArchCity Defenders is a 501c3 not for profit organization that strives to prevent and end homelessness by providing holistic legal advocacy…” See the ad here.
Lobbyist Registrations
Jewell Patek added Navient Solutions Inc., Herzog Transit Services Inc., and Capitol Mill Bottom LLC; and deleted Lyft.
Brent Hemphill added Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Shanon Hawk added Beleaf LLC.
Aaron March added Octapharma Plasma, Inc.
Brad Thielemier added Three Rivers College; and deleted Missouri State Troopers Association.
Joseph Thompson deleted Tri-rinse Inc.
$5K+ Contributions
MO Republican Party - $25,000 from Herzog Contracting Corp.
Missourians for John Brunner - $25,000 from Gerald Cook.
Missourians for John Brunner - $10,000 from Gerald Cook Jr.
Missourians for John Brunner - $10,000 from Loren Cook II.
Missourians for John Brunner - $10,000 from H E Whitener II.
Missourians for John Brunner - $5,100 from Gordon Kinne.
A Better Missouri With Governor Jay Nixon - $10,000 from Kenneth and Cynthia McClain.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to former Rep. Mike Sutherland (the big 5-0) and Mike Thomson (69).