MOScout Daily Update: DHSS Needs More MMJ Lawyers - Hough, CC Clash - House Targets 2018 vs 2020 and more...
DHSS Seeks More MMJ Lawyers
The Department of Health and Senior Services, faced with hundreds of appeals from applicants who didn’t win a license, is once again seeking to hire lawyer to help.
From the RFP (see it here): The purpose of this RFP is to timely represent the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services in cases referred to the firm by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services regarding defense of its denials of medical marijuana facility applications and related matters.
RFPS30034902001609 was issued January 21, 2020. As a result, current contracts exist for the services being obtained via this RFP…
As a result of changing circumstances and an increase in the number cases filed before the Administrative Hearing Commission, Sunshine Law and Discovery Requests, the Department of Health and Senior Services has a need for additional providers. Consequently, RFPS30034902001920 is being issued in an effort to obtain up to five additional contractors for legal firm representation for medical marijuana…
The greatest need for the required legal services is anticipated to be based in Cole County; however the majority of the legal work may be performed from offices located elsewhere within the State. It is anticipated that most hearings before the Administrative Hearing Commission will occur in Cole County, however they may also occur in St. Louis. It is anticipated that most circuit court proceedings, if the awarded vendor were to handle any, would occur in Cole County.
The first contracts were awarded to Grayson & Grayson, and Mickes O’Toole LLC.
According to state documents, Grayson & Grayson is charging $200/hour for senior attorney work; $175/hour for junior attorney work; $125/hour for paralegal work; and $90/hour for clerical work. And Mickes O’Toole LLC’s rates are $280/hour for senior attorney work; $220/hour for junior attorney work; $180/hour for paralegal work; and $50/hour for clerical work.
Senate Debates TIME Legislation
The Senate spent hours and hours last night debating Sen. Lincoln Hough’s SB 594. It creates TIME (Targeted Industrial Manufacturing Enhancement) Zones in which 25% of withholding taxes on new jobs in the district can retain to fund improvements.
The Conservative Caucus was not a fan of the legislation. And its members began questioning the value of adding another incentive program to the already loaded arsenal of incentive programs that state and local jurisdictions possess.
Ultimately a compromise was reached around midnight. SB 594 was perfected after an amendment from Sen. Bob Onder was approved which capped the program at $5 million and cut the length of the sunset provision to end at 2024 instead of 2026.
What It Means
· This is the latest of the session’s continuing tensions between Hough and the Conservative Caucus.
· The intra-GOP fighting is potentially helpful to the super-minority Democrats, but obviously less urgent now than when CLEANER and tort reform were on the floor.
· Senate leadership stood by the bill, giving it hours and hours even after the Conservative Caucus made its filibuster intentions known. By not laying the bill over, they forced the issue: either go all night, or find a compromise.
More on Dem Targets
Reader: Interesting GOP perspective on Dems’ House targets. What it fails to account for in the 2018 margins is that (except for House 30) none of those races had serious Dem candidates.
· For example, in House 16, the 2018 Dem candidate did virtually nothing. Now, however, it’s now an open seat and the Dem is already hitting the doors. So the ‘18 margins may not be a viable way to analyze those races for this year.
· I would agree that House 10 is a stretch because Falkner is a popular guy, though his '18 opponent didn't raise serious money.
· Also after Super Tuesday the odds of Bernie being at the top of the ticket shrank considerably.
BioDiesel Mandate Fight Escalates
In the back and forth over the biodiesel mandates, legislators are receiving notice of more groups opposed to the proposal. This comes on the heels of agricultural groups championing the bill a few days ago.
I. Groups That Oppose The Biodiesel Mandates.
The following groups and companies support Missouri agriculture and Missouri biodiesel, but they oppose any and all biodiesel mandates including SB 568 and HB 1858:
►Missouri Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association (MPCA).
►Missouri Trucking Association (MOTA).
►National Association of Truck Stop Operators (NATSO).
►Missouri Retailers Association.
►American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC Action).
►Americans For Prosperity (AFP).
►Americans For Tax Reform (ATR).
►United For Missouri.
►Specific Retailers & Truck Stop Operators – Casey’s Retail Co., Kum & Go, L.C.,
Petro Stopping Centers, The Pilot Co., Travel Centers of America, Love’s Family of
Companies, Murphy USA, Inc., Deluxe Truck Stop, Fast Lane Convenience Store,
Joplin 44 Petro, and Oak Grove 70 Petro.
►Diamond Pet Foods.
►Missouri Petroleum Council.
►American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM).
II. Reasons To Oppose The Biodiesel Mandates.
1. Will Increase Pump Prices…
2. Will Increase The Price Of All Goods Shipped By Truck….
3. Will Decrease Tax Revenue….
4. Will Hurt Consumers….
5. Bad Public Policy: Picks Winners & Losers….
Razer Gets National Endorsement
The Victory Fund endorsed Rep. Greg Razer for Senate 7. The Victory Fund is "the only national organization dedicated to electing openly LGBTQ people who can further equality at all levels of government."
New Candidate Filings
Democrat Matt Sain filed for re-election in House 14.
Thomas (Tommie) Gary Bradley filed to run in House 66 as a Democrat. This creates a three-way primary to succeed Tommie Pierson Jr, who is running for state senate.
New Committees
314 Forward Together was formed. It’s a PAC. Its treasurer is Teri Powers.
$5K+ Contributions
Uniting Missouri PAC - $12,320 from The Big Blessing LLC.
Lobbyist Registrations
Gamble & Schlemeier added Kansas City Fraternal Order of Police.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Rep. Shane Roden and Paul Fitzwater.