MOScout Daily Update: Schaefer Out of CD-4 - Realtors on STL Codes - MO CASA RFP - SCOTUS DSH $$$ Case - Ruth Resigns and more...
Schaefer Out in CD-4
After a few weeks of speculation, former Sen. Kurt Schaefer announced he won’t run to replace Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler for CD-4.
“I am honored and humbled by the encouragement I have received from so many people to consider running for Congress in 2022. After prayerful consideration with my family, we have decided the timing is not right for me to run for Congress. I love Missouri, and be assured that I will continue to work hard to make Missouri a better place to live and work, for my children and yours.”
· That leaves five candidates vying for the job: Mark Alford, Rick Brattin, Kalena Bruce, Taylor Burks, and Sara Walsh.
· A fair chunk of MOScout’s lobbyist focus group (Hallway Index) had picked “someone else” when pondering who would ultimately win this race. That’s because they feel like the field is weak enough that it will attract other candidates.
· Rep. Mike Haffner is still said to be mulling a bid, even as he pursues the House floor leader position. I’m told that he’s unlikely to make a final decision without seeing the new congressional maps.
Driving the Day: Realtors Release Report
St. Louis REALTORS are releasing a report today that calls the various building codes used across St. Louis County’s different municipalities “are inconsistent, outdated and wastefully duplicative.”
While they stop short of endorsing a specific action, the Realtors appear to be ready to back any attempt at creating a countywide building code.
“St. Louis REALTORS® does not have a specific proposal and we are open to constructive ideas. But the status quo is wasteful and frustrating to both residents and businesses. That is why St. Louis REALTORS® has been reaching out to local officials and other stakeholders to discuss building a coalition around achieving consistent building codes,” Berry said. “We are leading good-faith conversations about achieving consistent building codes, because our neighbors and businesses across St. Louis County deserve consistent, equitable access to reliable, updated codes.”
Help Wanted
The Missouri CASA Association (MOCASA) seeks contract lobbyist. “In 2007, MOCASA began receiving $300,000 in state funding through a line item in the court budget. This funding increased to $500,000 in 2017. MOCASA is requesting proposals to contract with a registered lobbyist to represent its primary goal for the 2022 legislative session: to advocate for an increase to our current state appropriation. A contract would run approximately from January 2022 through June 2022, with the possibility for renewal. MOCASA seeks an effective lobbyist with existing relationships in the state legislature, sound knowledge of budgetary issues, child welfare and human services, and experience building new relationships on behalf of institutional clients… Submission Deadline: December 21, 2021.”
SCOTUS Case on DSH Dollars
One MOScouter says to keep an eye on Becerra v. Empire Health Foundation on the US Supreme Court docket. It could impact how DSH payments are calculated.
Read an explainer here. It includes a thorough history of the difference between “entitled to” and “eligible for.” I had no idea this was even a thing…
Many aspects of the DSH payment process have been challenged over the last three decades, but the issue in Empire Health is how to interpret the phrases “entitled to” and “eligible for” in the Medicare and Medicaid fractions.
Omicron Delays Gov’s Trip
Press release: Governor Mike Parson's international trade mission to Israel and Greece has been postponed due to recent travel restrictions. Efforts to reschedule the trade mission are underway, additional details will be released once confirmed.
· And as we wait to see if the Omicron variant changes the COVID landscape, Missouri’s population is now 51% fully vaccinated according to the state dashboard.
Ruth Resigns
After a few weeks of rumors, Becky Ruth has officially resigned. The move changes the landscape of the Jefferson County state senate.
· Ruth’s exit deprives the educational establishment of a candidate who didn't vote against ESAs.
· Without fear of a moderate winning a plurality against three conservatives, Rep. Rob Vescovo, the fundraising leader, tightens his grip as the favorite.
· Rep. Mary Elizabeth Coleman may get some demographic boost as the only woman in the race.
And
Ruth is expected to be named the director of the Office of Child Advocate. She’ll take the place of Kelly Schulz who has announced that she’s joining the YMCA as their director of policy.
eMailbag: Who’s Conservative?
· Where’s the outrage??? I’ve been waiting for the chaos caucus to come out and disown Rick Brattin and call him a RINO and make Facebook post and tweets… where’s the outrage over agreeing to a 6-2 map? Doesn’t seem very conservative…
· Why do you rightfully call Ruth a moderate but always refer to the sitting moderate senators as "regulars".
New Committee
Paladin PAC was formed. Its treasurer is Janie Arnold.
Lobbyists Registrations
Maggie Olivia Edmondson added NARAL Pro-Choice Missouri.
Henrio Thelemaque added Assisted Recovery Centers of America.
Steven Tilley and Brittany Robbins added Blue Pearl Aviation.
Brian Wingbermuehle terminated his lobbyist registration.
$5K+ Contributions
XCALIBER MOPAC - $15,000 from Bruce Taylor (Pryor OK)
XCALIBER MOPAC - $15,000 from Lee Levinson (Tulsa OK)
Missouri Senate Campaign - $10,000 from Xcaliber International LTD LLC.
Missouri Senate Campaign Committee - $15,000 from Missouri Soybean Association.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Alison Gee, Lara Granich and Josh Schisler.