MOScout Daily Update: PP Sues to Stop HB 126 - Sweets to KCPL - Shawan Kicks Off - O'Laughlin on Credits - Greitens Talk and more...
Roeber Passes
Rep. Rebecca Roeber passed away yesterday. She had been recovering from an accident earlier in the year.
House Speaker Elijah Haahr, R-Springfield: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend, and a beloved colleague of the members of the House, Rebecca Roeber. She was a truly wonderful person and a dedicated public servant who will be greatly missed. As a former teacher and then as a member of the House, Rebecca had a passion to see our children learn and develop the tools to succeed in life. She will forever be remembered for being a champion for Missouri’s students. I join many others in praying for her loving husband and family during this difficult time.”
Governor Mike Parson on Twitter: Saddened at the passing of Rep. Rebecca Roeber. She was a dedicated public servant — 5yrs in the House and 17yrs as an educator in Raytown. Her dedication to public service was only eclipsed by her compassion for others. Please keep her husband Rick and family in your prayers.
O’Laughlin on Tax Credits
Sen. Cindy O'Laughlin on Facebook before chairing the first meeting of the Interim Committee on Tax Credit Efficiency and Reform, writes: I think there's a case to be made for economic incentive but the reality is massive amounts of tax credits result in a consequence which is lower general revenue… When you look at the picture in totality it's startling. I'd like to see greater accountability in the tax credit system and I'd like to see the credits scaled back. Scaled back a lot….
See a PowerPoint here that explains the roadmap for the committee during the next five months.
And
Also on O’Laughlin’s radar… again from Facebook: A recent Missouri Supreme Court ruling basically does not allow offenders (with no violent record) to be jailed for inability to post bond… The problem here is jail is a deterrent to crime… Most, if not all sheriffs are extremely upset about this ruling and I can understand why. I believe this needs re-visited by the Missouri Supreme Court. Like immediately.
Senate 25: Shawan Kick Off
“At [Rep.] Jeff Shawan's Senate announcement he named Dustin Mayer as his campaign treasurer. Mayer is the son of former Senate Pro Tem and current Stoddard/Dunklin Counties Presiding Judge Rob Mayer, whose family maintains strong support and respect in the region. Stoddard County produces the second highest number of republican primary votes after Butler County…”
And
See Shawan’s announcement video here. It conforms to the expectation that Republican primary candidates will be invoking President Donald Trump this election. Shawan says he’s supporting Trump’s effort to “build a wall.”
Greitens Talk
The Eric Greitens rumor mill just won’t stop. A strong source says… “Greitens has talked to people about running. One person in particular who was a supporter tried to discourage him.”
But the source also thinks…
· I doubt he [runs] because he can’t get raise money nationally like he did last time.
· [However] I think if he ran and had the money, he could win… he’d just [act like] Trump and say Parson is part of the swamp. It would work in a primary.
Medicaid Expansion Revving Up
Tipster: Medicaid initiative leaders are already meeting with business and labor groups in KC generating support. It probably will be ready to formally launch in early fall.
Sweets to KCLP
According to LinkedIn, Zac Sweets, a Holsman and Greater KC Chamber alum, is now doing local government affairs work for KCP&L. I’m told his portfolio includes cities, counties and organizations in southern Jackson County.
MEC Fines Green, Slaps Kelly
St. Louis Alderwoman Megan Green was fined by the Missouri Ethics Commission in two separate consent orders.
· She was fined $1,000 for not reporting two contributions (totaling $400) for her aldermanic campaign.
· She was fined $1,000 for not disclosing an in-kind contribution to her campaign for president of the board of aldermen.
And former Rep. Chris Kelly slapped on the wrist (no fine) for a few violations.
PP Sues to Block HB 126
Post-Dispatch reports that “Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region has sued the state of Missouri in an attempt to block an anti-abortion law set to take effect at the end of next month. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Jefferson City, seeks a temporary restraining order and an injunction barring the state from enforcing provisions of the law that ban abortions at eight weeks of pregnancy, except in medical emergencies. The new law takes effect Aug. 28… Planned Parenthood says the provisions ‘directly violate long-standing Supreme Court precedent and are the latest efforts in Missouri’s unrelenting campaign to deny patients the health care they seek and to which they are entitled.’”
Help Wanted
The Saint Louis City Democratic Central Committee is searching for someone to organize events and campaigns to raise monetary and in-kind donations for our organization. The selected individual/organization will also design promotional materials and increase awareness of STL DCC's work, goals, and financial needs.
New Committees
Conservative Future Fund was formed. It’s a PAC. Its treasurer is Mark Milton.
Madam for America was formed. It’s a PAC. Its treasurer is Dorothy McClendon.
Lobbyists Registrations
Rebecca Lohmann, Daniel Pfeifer, Greg Porter and David Willis added Verano Holdings.
Steven Tilley, Thomas Robbins, and Jake Silverman added The Opportunity Trust.
$5K+Contributions
MBA River Heritage Region PAC - $10,000 from First State Community Bank.
Keep Government Accountable - $10,000 from Arlington Homes LLC.
Ford Motor Company Civic Action Fund - MO - $50,000 from Ford Motor Company Civic Action Fund.
Missouri First - $25,000 from Altria Client Services LLC.
Missouri Leadership Forum - $15,000 from Drury Development Corporation.
Missouri Democratic State Committee - $25,000 from Operating Engineers Local 101 Political Action Committee.
PT-PAC Of Missouri - $10,000 from SSM Select Rehab St. Louis LLC.
American Dream PAC - $10,000 from Hallmark Cards Inc.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Rodney Gray, Samantha Davis, and Liz Henderson.