MOScout Daily Update: Derges Goes National - Ruth Files Gas Tax - Schupp and Gannon Team Up - Greitens Disses Blunt and more...
Derges Story Going National
The story of Rep. Tricia Derges’ indictment is going national… A quick Google this morning:
NYTimes: Lawmaker Promoted Stem Cell Therapy for Covid-19 in Fraud Scheme, U.S. Says
USA TODAY: Missouri lawmaker accused of selling fake stem cell treatment she said could cure COVID-19
CBS: Missouri lawmaker asked to resign after allegedly selling fake stem cell COVID treatments
NYPOST: Missouri lawmaker indicted for promoting fraudulent stem cell treatment
What It Means
It’s probably time for other Republican leaders to follow Speaker Rob Vescovo’s lead in calling for Derges’ resignation. Governor Mike Parson didn’t mention her at yesterday’s press conference, and no one asked for his opinion on the situation.
Ruth Files Gas Tax – With Rebate
Rep. Becky Ruth, chair of the House Transportation Committee, filed a bill to increase Missouri’s gas tax by ten cents. Her proposal – like Sen Dave Schatz’ bill – would have a five-year phase-in.
But Ruth also included a rebate in her bill. HB 1044 outlines the process for Missouri residents to claw back whatever they pay in the new tax…
The refund claim shall be filed with the department no later than one year after the date of the applicable motor fuel purchase or April fifteenth following the year of the applicable motor fuel purchase, whichever is later. The written statement shall be supported by the original sales slip, invoice, or other documentation… Claims for refunds authorized under this section shall not be sold, transferred, assigned, or otherwise conveyed… Every claimant shall maintain and keep for a period of three years records to substantiate all claims for the refund authorized under this section, together with invoices and other pertinent records…
South Carolina included a similar provision when they raised their gas tax in 2017. They found that it helped erode resistance to the tax increase, and also that few residents took advantage of the rebate.
Sen. Schatz has indicated he plans to include a similar provision on his bill as it works its way through the process.
Bipartisan Contraceptive Bill
Sen. Jill Schupp filed SB 472 yesterday. It “requires health benefit plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2022, that provide coverage for prescription contraceptives, as defined in the act, to cover a supply of the contraceptives which is intended to last up to 13 months.” Sen. Elaine Gannon is a co-sponsor.
While co-sponsors are not unheard of in the Senate, they are not frequent occurrences. The bipartisan sponsorship might give this bill a little extra oomph this year. Schupp filed similar legislation in 2019, but the bill never received a hearing.
Readers Respond to Ed Establishment “Advice”
Yesterday I published a blurb from a reader suggesting that education reformers were effective in committee hearings because they brought in ordinary folks to speak to the legislation’s impact – and that the educational establishment should try the same tactic. I received two thoughtful responses. Here they are (lightly edited)…
· We’ve been talking a lot about the trouble with school choice advocates having powerful parent testimonials and the districts having wonky analysts and lobbyists. Unfortunately, the nature of the argument leads to that too. The choice side has parents advocating specifically for their own kids’ interests - wanting the freedom to do something different with them and as many taxpayer dollars to follow their kid as possible. The district argument is one more of equitability for all, especially those without parents actively choosing their educational options. It’s a less self-interested position and a more community-based position, and therefore harder to get individuals able or willing to make the sacrifice to be here or tell a story about their own kid.
· I am part of a school district [with thousands of students]. Our students are going to school every day; they attend before and after school programs in our elementary schools and go to basketball and cheerleading practice in our middle and high schools. They are working jobs, as are their parents. Why would we ask parents to take time off work and pull their kids out of school to drive over 200 miles one way to the state capitol to defend a school system they didn’t know needed defending? There are hundreds of thousands of school students in this state that are getting an excellent education in their public schools. These students are happily planning for their next choir concert, proms, graduations, and their futures and do not have the time or ability to go and testify before a House or Senate committee. They expect the adults running our districts to do that kind of work for them. I respect the opinions of those wanting education reform. It concerns me that there is little respect shown to those that educate students in our state in a more “traditional” manner. Please do not think because superintendents, elected board of education members, and lobbyists appear at the hearings, there is a lack of community, parent, and student support for public education. That is not the truth.
And
It's not necessarily an either/or approach. Reformers can get in the weeds and wonky too arguing about various provisions. For example, this letter from attorney Josh Schindler to the Committee concerning testimony on Sen. Bob Onder’s SB 95. Truth is: these education battles are hack-and-slay, hand-to-hand combat.
Greitens on 2022
The mighty Jason Rosenbaum points out this clip of former Governor Eric Greitens answering a question about his 2022 intentions. See it here (3-minute mark).
The fact is that the people of Missouri deserve to have representatives who are gonna to work for them, and not for lobbyists. And the people of Missouri deserve to have senators and representatives who are gonna go up to Capitol Hill and are gonna fight for them. Unfortunately, we’ve seen Senator Blunt out there criticizing President Trump, criticizing his administration, embracing Joe Biden. That’s not where Republicans and conservatives are in the state of Missouri. They’re supportive of the president. They’re supportive of the America First agenda.
They support the idea that we need to have leaders in office who are willing to fight for them…
Gubby Appts
Governor Mike Parson nominated two former state representatives for appointments yesterday. He appointed former Reps. Marsha Haefner and Pat Yaeger to the St. Louis County Board of Election Commissioners.
Other appointments yesterday…
· Randy Alewel, Steve Maples, and Kelly McClelland was appointed to the Missouri Veterans Commission.
· Bob Chambers was appointed to the St. Louis County Board of Election Commissioners.
· Mike McMillan and Deborah Price were appointed to the Harris-Stowe State University Board of Regents.
· Reginald Townsend was appointed to the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority.
Help Wanted
City of Webster Groves seeks Director of Public Affairs and Engagement. “Under executive direction and policy, performs complex administrative, professional, technical and analytical duties in support of the City's communications, public engagement, and government affairs functions. This position works under the direction of the City Manager and is a member of the City Manager’s senior management team… Salary: $89,677 - $125,548 a year.” See the ad here.
Lobbyists Registrations
Jonathan Michael Hensley added Rockwood Management Corporation.
Paul Mouton added Missouri Ambulatory Surgery Center Association.
Andy Arnold added Pollard Banknote Limited.
$5K+ Contributions
American Property Casualty Insurance Association Political Account - $53,689 from American Property Casualty Insurance Association.
Together KC - $40,000 from Hallmark Cards Inc.
One St Louis PAC - $25,000 from David Steward.
314 Forward (Pro-Tishaura Jones) - $15,000 from Michael Holmes.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Rep. Allen Andrews, Teresa Hensley, and Steve Hobbs.