MOScout Daily Update: Richardson Details MO HealthNet Budget - No Bonding Dissent - VLM Hearing - Lee's CLEAN Catering and more...

Richardson Details Budget

Former Speaker Todd Richardson displayed remarkable fluency with the Medicaid budget as he presented MO HealthNet to the House Budget Committee yesterday.

Richardson is tackling the effort to “transform” Missouri’s Medicaid program.  It’s an ambitious task which has been unsuccessfully attempted in previous administrations.

The central narrative: inaction is unacceptable.  Medicaid costs continue to take a larger share of state resources.  From 20% of the state’s general revenue budget to 24% currently, climbing to 26% in 2023.  And, if a recession hits, that could jump to 30%!

Richardson’s budget beefs up on help to re-engineer a “wholesale transformation” of the program.  At the heart of the restructuring will be this buzz phrase: Value Based Payment.  “A concept by which purchasers of health care (government, employers, and consumers) and payers (public and private) hold the health care delivery system at large (physicians and other providers, hospitals, etc.) accountable for both quality and cost of care.”

Buckle up….

No Opposition to Bonding

In yesterday’s Senate Rules Committee, there was no public testimony against the resolution to enable Governor Mike Parson’s $350 million bond issue to repair bridges.  Perhaps having the pro tem carry the resolution helped mute criticism.  Still, I’m surprised no interest groups which rely on state funding spoke up.  They’ll have to fight a little harder for general revenue with annual $30 million bond payments baked into the budget cake.

Bean in Senate 25?

Word is that Jason Bean, son of former Rep. Otto Bean is considering a dive into politics.  He’s looking at Senate 25.  That’s where Sen. Doug Libla is termed, and southwest Republican powerbroker Eddy Justice formed a campaign committee last week.

See a video of Bean talking about his experience farming here.

Freshman Nerd

Am I the only one who’s slightly amazed by Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer right now?  Either he’s really doing his homework, or really well staffed – or some combination of both.  He goes into committee hearings apparently having read the bills with prepared notes and detailed, substantive questions ready.

Video Lottery/Gaming Hearing

Sen. Denny Hoskins’ proposal to bring video lottery gaming to Missouri had a hearing yesterday in Sen. Gina Walsh’s Progress and Development Committee.  The committee took two hours of testimony alternating between those in favor of it, and those opposed.

Committee reaction:

·         Chair Gina Walsh is thought to be in favor.

·         Sen. Kiki Curls expressed concern about keeping access away from kids and youth.

·         Sen. Brian Williams was focused on whether the new industry could create more jobs and more economic opportunities for his constituents.

·         Sen. Eric Burlison seemed skeptical, but open to it.

·         Sen. Sandy Crawford missed much of the hearing. 

Next

Despite these concerns, I assume that the bill (see it here) will be voted out of committee.  Then the real fight will be on the floor of the Senate.  That’s where the incumbent casinos, and the municipalities which are worried about the revenues they would lose, will marshal their senators to make a stand.

Lee’s Pitches CLEAN Catering

> : Lee's Chicken - Missouri Blvd - Jefferson City <moblvd@showmelees.com>

> Date: February 5, 2019

> To: Lee's Chicken - Missouri Blvd - Jefferson City <moblvd@showmelees.com>

> Greetings from Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken:

> 

> We have sharpened our pencil to provide you with two options that will allow you to cater meetings with State Officials and still comply with the new law limiting gifts to $5.00.

> 

> Lee’s can furnish a meal including 2 pieces of our famous recipe chicken, one of our country style side dishes, a biscuit, drink, with plates, utensils, ice and cups included for $4.99.  Orders exceeding $100 are delivered and set up buffet style in the Jefferson City area at no charge.  We also offer a delicious pot pie with drink for $4.99.

> 

Judge Apps

The 21st Circuit Judicial Commission announced the applicants for the associate circuit judge vacancy created by the end of term for Judge Judy P. Draper were: Monique D. Abby, Seth A. Albin, George Michael Archer, Michael A. Becker, Kenneth M. Brison, William A. Catlett, Heather R. Cunningham, Daniel E. Diemer, Peter W. Gullborg, Matthew H. Hearne, Heather Sandison Heffner, Terri Johnson, Julia P. Lasater, Virginia W. Lay, Amanda B. McNelley, Brandi R. Miller, Diane M. Monahan, Ryan L. Munro, Stuart L. O’Brien, Susan M. Petersen, Krista S. Peyton, Michael R. Roby, Edward J. Rolwes, Thomas L. Sandifer, Kenneth R. Schwartz, Ian C. Simmons, Dean A. Stark, Shira Truitt, Colleen Joern Vetter, and D. Kimberly Whittle.

Evans’ Resignation

Mr. Speaker,

I have accepted the opportunity to serve as the Executive Director with the Missouri Republican Party and therefore, I am submitting my resignation effective February 5th at midnight as State Representative of the 99th District.

It has been an honor to serve my constituents of the 99th District and with my colleagues in the Missouri House of Representatives.

Sincerely,

Jean Evans

Help Wanted

Kids Win Missouri seeks Director of Outreach and Engagement. “Develop and implement a comprehensive plan to grow and deepen Kids Win Missouri’s relationships with child well-being stakeholders; Educate key leaders and communities on the impacts of existing and proposed policies and gather feedback, insights and stories from families potentially or actually impacted; Assist individuals and families, communities, key leaders and stakeholders in disseminating information to target audiences.. Manage a statewide initiative focused on maintaining and expanding health coverage of children and their families, tracking and ensuring the project undertakes planned activities and achieves intended outcomes in a timely manner…” See it here.

New Committees

LGBTQ Victory Fund Federal Committee – Missouri was formed.  It’s a PAC.  Its treasurer is Karee Swiss.

Warren County Democrats was formed.  It’s a PAC.  Its treasurer is Barbara Woodruff.

STJ Business PAC was formed.  Its treasurer is Bob Wollenman.

$5K+ Contributions

BNSF Railway Company - $48,090 from RAILPAC Missouri - Federal Committee.

Lobbyists Registrations

Nathan Nickolaus added City of Peculiar, Missouri.

Sean Grove added Mallinckrodt LLC.

Angela Jones added Dexcom.

William Marrs added Missouri Automobile Dealers Association.

Nolan Sharkey added Bi-State Development Agency.