Friday, May 16, 2014
Welcome to the last day of session…. I got no scoop folks, just coasting to the finish line. Here are some bits, in no particular order…
Okay! To the bits…
Claire Hearts Deb
Deb Lavender tweets an upcoming fundy.. @DebLavender: “Printing this morning, invites out soon! Save the date, June 13, 5:30-7 pm join @clairecmc for Lavender for State Rep.”
That’s House 90 where Rep. Rick Stream is termed out.
Craigmyle Saves Workman
On Wednesday super-lobbyist Tricia Workman had an allergic reaction and found she couldn’t swallow and was having trouble breathing. Sen/Dr. Rob Schaaf checked her out and recommended an ER visit. Bradley Craigmyle, an intern with Sen. Eric Schmitt’s office, raced her to Capital Regional where she received two shots and was cured! Thanks Bradley!!!
Peace on the Western Front?
The legislature passed its solution to the KC border war. AP has the story. Read it here.
Pull Quote: The two states have together waived hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenues in recent years by offering specialized incentives for businesses to relocate, sometimes only a few miles across the state border. The Missouri bill passed early Thursday morning would prohibit incentives for border-jumping businesses in an eight-county Kansas City region that spans both states. The House voted 144-3 in favor of the measure, which the Senate passed in February. It now heads to Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon’s desk. If signed, it would take effect only if the Kansas Legislature or governor enacts a similar measure within the next two years.
Legislature Learning
One significant development this legislative session was the Republican majorities concluding that they their override battles with the governor were best waged during session. After getting hammered for months by the governor’s free media machine ahead of the September veto session, they were insistent this year to pass the tax cut early enough that they’d have the override vote during session.
Look for the legislature to decide its top priority or two at the beginning of next session and get it to the governor’s desk early again. And if you’re on the second floor, your playbook might need some refreshing…
Peeking Around the Corner: The Case for Keaveny as Minority Floor Leader
There doesn’t appear to be any consensus within the Democratic caucus for who will replace Sen. Jolie Justus as minority leader.
However I have had multiple people make the case that it’s the caucus’ most senior member – Sen. Joe Keaveny – who represents their strongest candidate for the job.
In short their opinion is that the job requires someone who Senate colleagues both like and respect. Keaveny has shown himself to be trust-worthy over the years, not trying to pull a fast one or mislead his fellow senators. He’s even-keeled, and unlikely to provoke or incite the Republican majority to think that the minority is being unreasonable.
And these folks think he would have the same sense of boundaries that’s served Victor Callahan and Justus so well – to know when the minority caucus can push or tug, and when it needs to retreat or let the Republican majority fight amongst itself.
As far as I know, he has expressed no interest in the job.
Student Transfer Goes to Governor
The House passed the student transfer bill yesterday. It was characterized by passionate debate that the legislators themselves were actually listening too. Quiet and attentive representatives following the personal pleads and spirited arguments, it was not the usual bellowing talking points rising above the rolling murmur of the chamber.
Medicaid Expansion
It’s dead, in case you were wondering….
New Candidate in House 110
In House 110 – where Speaker Tim Jones is termed – Dennis Broadbooks, a Republican, withdrew on Wednesday. He was the only filed candidate.
Yesterday, Kirk Mathews filed. He is a senior vice president of business development at Eagle Hospital Physicians. He also sits on the Missouri Club for Growth board of directors.
Help Wanted
The Interfaith Legal Services for Immigrants seeks an executive director. ILSI helps “local immigrants, documented or undocumented, with obtaining asylum, obtaining citizenship for those protected under the Violence Against Women Act and Project Dream, and by reuniting families.” See the ad here.
Fleishman Hillard seeks a Vice President Public Affairs. “We have an immediate opportunity at our global headquarters office in St. Louis for an experienced communications professional with proven experience in online political campaigns, public affairs, issues management, advocacy programs, ballot measures or voting referenda.” They seek a “professional with experience in managing a state-based or national public affairs campaign using social media tactics to communicate seamlessly through online and offline channels…” See the ad here.
Lobbyist Registrations
From the Gate Way Group website:
Mary Schantz deleted Kansas City Regional Home Care Association.
Dale L. Schulte deleted HD Lee Building LLC, Argyle Building LLC, and McGowen & Walsh.
$5K+ Contributions
Grow Missouri - $1,500,000 from Rex Sinquefield.
Friends to Elect Jerry Rellihan - $7,296 from Jerry Rellihan.
Free and Fair Election Fund - $10,000 from Axiom Strategies LLC.
Missouri Early Voting Fund - $15,000 from Communications Workers of America.
Birthdays
Happy birthday to lobbyist Deanna Hemphill (42).
Saturday: Rep. Doug Funderburk (58).