Friday, February 14, 2014

Nixon Deals With Senate

Governor Jay Nixon outlined what he’d accept in a tax cut package, and tweeted that he’s made “progress” in talks.   See Virginia Young’s story here.

Nixon’s offer: fully fund the foundation formula, reform the tax credit programs, and then he’ll agree to one half of one percent income tax cut.

If the Senate goes for this deal they are suckas… because there’s no way the House leadership would pass such a bill.  Make a deal that doesn’t involve all the players, and you don’t really have a deal. 

Speaker Tim Jones and Floor Leader John Diehl have both been vocal supporters of the low income housing tax credits and the historic preservation tax credits.  These are the heart and target of any tax credit reform. 

If the Senate passes this deal, the House will likely pass their own version.  Then we’ll have another final week compromise effort – something the two chambers have proven incredibly inexpert at pulling off in recent years.

More Impeachment

Post-Dispatch reports that Rep. Mike Moon has followed Rep. Nick Marshall in filing articles of impeachment against Governor Jay Nixon – though for different reasons.  Read it here.

Minority Leader Jake Hummel issued a statement, clearly enjoying the GOP’s descent in clownery: “On behalf of House Democrats, I thank House Republicans for filing additional articles of impeachment today against Gov. Jay Nixon that are even more ridiculous than those they filed last week. For our Republicans colleagues to go so far out of their way to help Democrats win more House seats this year is no small gesture, and we greatly appreciate it. Keep the crazy coming, boys. Keep the crazy coming.”

Hanaway: I’m Winning!!!

Here’s Catherine Hanaway’s PAC’s polling memo via Politico’s Morning Score.  Enjoy the ridiculousness of a poll 34 months out of an election, with a cherry-picked polling memo to put her in the margin of error with Attorney General Chris Koster.

Noranda Complaint Follow-Up

The Post-Dispatch tries to break down the Noranda complaints and what it could mean for consumers.  See the Jim Gallagher article here. 

In terms of what it means for Noranda and for everyone else, it seems to depend on whether one or both of their complaints are found valid by the Public Service Commission.

With one filing they would offload some of their expenses to all the other ratepayers.  That would seem to strain their coalition with consumer groups.  But by adding the second filing alleging “overearning,” consumers are mollified as they too could see a rate cut.

One observer interprets this: “That type of rate adjustment for other ratepayers will, at least temporarily, offset any increase in rates they would experience from Noranda's special rate request.  From that perspective, you should view the Noranda overearning complaint more as a good will gesture to other ratepayers that they are not going to abandon the rate battles if they get a 10 year reprieve.”

And of course, a common tattoo of modern capitalism, both behemoths – Noranda and Ameren – plead poverty.  Noranda mentions the pinch of global competition as their need to lower their cost structure; Ameren talks about the importance of upgrading infrastructure

Also

Of interest in the filings was testimony from Rep. Todd Richardson.  As expected, he’s sympathetic to the big employer in his area.  But it also highlights a strength in legislature for Noranda.  Richardson thought to be a future House floor leader and then speaker.

MEC Fines

House Democratic Victory Committee

One of the ethics complaints against the House Dems’ campaign committee was dismissed.  See the letter here.  It was dismissed because the Dems filed the reports due and paid the fine.  There is still one more complaint, filed by Eddy Justice, apparently still under investigation.

Glenn Jamboretz

Jamboretz was fined a couple months ago on unrelated election jokerisms.  You may recall he told the Ethic Commission then that he “helps people of substance who prefer to stay behind the scenes.”

This time he produced a hit piece against Sen. Rob Schaaf.  The bizarre four-page, Alice in Wonderland themed mailed depicted Schaaf as the Mad Hatter.

It did not have a proper paid for disclaimer.  Jamboretz, who is not a registered lobbyist, admitted that it was an attempt to influence legislation.  He was fined $3,000.  See the consent order here.

Senate 12 – Start Your Engines

In the large contributions below, see that Sen. Brad Lager is giving $25,000 to former Rep. Dan Hegeman to replace him.  Also, heavy Lager donor Stan Herzog is giving $50,000 to Hegeman as well.

Earlier his week Rep. Delus Johnson amended his campaign committee to show that he’s running for Senate 12 as well.   Johnson had $12,270 as of the January quarter filing.

$5K+ Contributions

Hegeman for Senate - $25,000 from Citizens for Brad Lager

Hegeman for Senate - $50,000 from Herzog Contracting Corp.

Friends of Lincoln Hough - $5,001 from Bill Foster.

Lobbyist Registrations

From the Gate Way Group website:

Jewell D. H. Patek added Missouri Association of Health Plans

Whitney ODaniel deleted CMMG Inc, and Major Brands.

Birthdays

Happy birthday to Kathryn Jamboretz.

Saturday – Former Rep. Tim Flook (47).