MOScout Daily Update: Back in May??? - Parson Postpones Muni Elections - The D-Word - Moon Against FRA - Wagner Self-Quarantines and more...
Unknown: # Of Legislative Days Left in Session
Speaker Elijah Haahr in his press availability yesterday said repeatedly that “there’s no way to know how many legislative days there are left in session.”
This big question mark is echoed on the Senate side where I was told yesterday “The very earliest we are back in session realistically is first of May. And that might be a stretch.”
The unknown future schedule is also the gist of Floor Leader Caleb Rowden’s note (below).
What It Means
The usual end-of-session negotiations and gamesmanship and back-and-forths won’t be part of the playbook this session. Anything you want to have a chance to pass must come already done (with a bow on top) with all interested parties signed off.
Rowden: Return Date is Fluid
Floor Leader Caleb Rowden wrote an update yesterday to senators and senate staff:
We are continuing our conversations with the Governor’s office, OA and attorneys re: coming back some time after Spring Break and what additional measures we can take to limit the number of individuals in the Capitol as we try to salvage part of the remainder of session. These are fluid conversations at the moment, but I hope to know more about what possibilities might exist by the middle of next week…
We plan to get on a conference call some time toward the latter part of next week with our entire caucus to discuss updates and to assess when we are likely to return to session. We will also have to take into consideration the CDC and Cole County stipulations of no more than 10-25 individuals being in one room at a time. We will evaluate the current situation when that time comes and I know we all will work together to accomplish as much as we can given the circumstances for the people of Missouri…
House Dems Frustrated
At their press availability, House Dems expressed frustration that House Republicans and the governor’s office haven’t given the coronavirus the urgency that it demands. See it here.
· Rep. Jon Carpenter called on Governor Mike Parson to begin preparations in case the hospital system is overwhelmed.
· Minority Leader Crystal Quade called it “shameful” that the House was adjourning without passing a meaningful package.
Parson Postpones Municipal Elections
Yesterday Governor Mike Parson postponed April municipal elections until June. See the executive order here. It brings much needed clarity for the local election boards.
And
In another executive order, Parson authorized “executive agencies to waive or suspend certain regulations and statutes that interfere with Missouri's response to the spread of COVID-19… The Executive Order, accompanied by steps taken by agencies, accomplishes the following: Enables doctors to diagnose and treat patients more easily through telemedicine to avoid physical contact; Extends the hours commercial drivers can operate on Missouri roadways in order to deliver essential supplies; Removes barriers to entering the education profession in order to mitigate teacher shortages.”
Waves, Not Ripples
The coronoavirus is not sending ripples across the economy; it’s waves. Big waves. That was the message from yesterday’s announcement that automakers were shutting down their domestic production.
Axios uses the D-word for the first time. In its latest repricing of the economy, the market sees the now-expected global recession caused by the coronavirus outbreak morphing into an economic depression unlike any the world has seen in generations, Axios Markets editor Dion Rabouin writes… In a research note yesterday called "The Day the Earth Stood Still," JPMorgan lowered its expectation… including a Q2 contraction of -14% in the U.S…
What It Means
Yes, there’s a lot on policy plate to deal with the healthcare aspect of this crisis, but the economic pain that’s coming as a result is a whole different order that can’t be ignored.
Congresswoman Wagner Self-Quarantines
Congresswoman Ann Wagner announced that she is self-quaratining. See it here.
“Last week I participated in a small group meeting with a colleague who has since tested positive for COVID-19. After discussions with the Attending Physician of the United States Congress, and out of an abundance of caution, I will be self-quarantining. While I feel fine and am not exhibiting any symptoms, I will follow the advice of the Attending Physician until cleared. In the meantime I will continue to work remotely through teleconference as Congress works to provide a strong and effective response for everyone impacted by this virus.”
Moon Against FRA
The House reauthorized the FRA yesterday, a tax on hospitals that allows the state to draw down hundreds of millions in dollars. Three members voted against it. Reps. Tom Hurst, Mike Moon, and Jeff Pogue.
Why It Matters
· These kind of votes that give the political establishment heartburn about the possibility of Sen. Mike Moon. Would a Sen. Moon filibuster the FRA tax and put the sustainability of Missouri’s healthcare system at risk?
· Will his primary opponent, David Cole, be able to explain what’s wrong with this vote as succinctly as Moon may be able to defend it (freedom, less gov’ment, etc)?
Campaign News
· St. Louis County Executive Sam Page hired Jon Clancy as campaign manager. Clancy was most recently the Missouri Organizing Director for Warren for President.
· Democratic Secretary of State candidate Yinka Faleti hired Forrest Richardson as campaign manager. Richardson’s most recent work in Missouri was as a member of the finance team for Chris Koster's gubernatorial bid in 2016.
New Committees
Cindy Berne formed a candidate committee (Committee To Elect Cindy Berne 2020) to run for House 106 as a Democrat. Rep. Chrissy Sommer is term limited.
Susan Shumway formed a candidate committee (Friends of Shumway) to run for House 108 as a Democrat. The seat is currently held by Republican Rep. Justin Hill.
Andrew Leighton formed a candidate committee (Leighton For MO) to run for House 147. He’s a Democrat. Rep. Kathy Swan is running for state senate.
Angela Thomas formed a candidate committee (Angela Thomas District 160) to run for House 160 as a Democrat. The seat is currently held by Republican Rep. Ben Baker.
New Candidate Filings
Aaliyah Bailey filed in House 64 as a Democrat. She’ll face Republican Rep. Tony Lovasco.
Democratic Rep. Peter Merideth filed for re-election in House 80. He is unopposed.
Brant Harber filed in House 98 as a Republican. This creates a primary for Rep. Shamed Dogan. See Harber’s biography here.
Lobbyist Registrations
James Harris added Banner Public Affairs.
$5K+Contributions
Committee to Elect John Elmore - $25,000 from John Elmore.
Campaign for Clean Water STL - $7,500 from Black & Veatch Corporation.
Campaign for Clean Water STL - $7,500 from Lutheran Senior Services.
Birthdays
Happy birthday to Kim Becking.
Saturday: Thomas Long, and Trent Summers.
Sunday: David Jackson, Nancy Giddens, Will Kraus, and Paul LeVota.
MOScout News
With the legislature taking off for Spring Break, I’m taking a long weekend. No Update tomorrow or Weekender. See you on Monday!