MOScout Weekender: Parson Narrows State of Emergency - Missourians Like Voter ID - Hallway on No Special - WWTW and more...

Parson Narrows State of Emergency

Press release: Governor Mike Parson terminated Executive Order 20-02 ending the State of Emergency that had been in effect since March 13, 2020.

Upon the termination of Executive Order 20-02, Governor Parson issued Executive Order 21-09, which represents a more targeted State of Emergency declaration that acknowledges the continued needs of Missouri's health care system. While Missouri's economy has improved, the health care system is still experiencing strain due to current staffing shortages being exacerbated by COVID-19.

Executive Order 21-09 invokes the Governor's emergency powers pursuant to Section 44.100 and activates the Missouri National Guard for continued mission support in recovery operations, if needed. The order also keeps in place provisions related to remote notary services and telehealth, and it allows state agencies to request waiver of certain statutory and regulatory requirements that would otherwise hinder the state's response to ongoing COVID-19 challenges.

Any statutory or regulatory waiver approved under Executive Order 20-02 that is still in effect as of the date of the new order will remain in place. Approval of any new waivers will be aimed at supporting Missouri's health care system and response to COVID-19. New requests will be subject to approval from the Governor's Office.

See Executive Order 21-09 here.

Meanwhile

Missourians in the ICU with COVID hit another record high this morning, 693, according to the state’s dashboard.

Remington/MOScout Poll: IP “Reform”

Survey conducted August 25 to August 26, 2021. 814 likely 2022 General Election voters participated in the survey. Survey weighted to match expected turnout demographics for the 2022 General Election. Margin of Error is +/-3.3% with a 95% level of confidence. Totals do not always equal 100% due to rounding. Survey conducted by Remington Research Group on behalf of Missouri Scout. See the full results here.

Q1: There is a proposal to change the state’s initiative petition process so that a constitutional amendment would need two-thirds majority vote for passage instead of the current simple majority vote. Do you support or oppose this proposal?

Support: 31%

Oppose: 35%

Not sure: 34%

Q2: There are various proposals to change the state’s initiative petition process to increase the number of signatures required to put a question on the statewide ballot.  In general, do you think more signatures should be required to put a question on the statewide ballot?

Yes, more signatures should be required: 27%

No, the current number of signatures is about right: 58%

Not sure: 15%

Q3: How confident are you in the integrity of Missouri’s elections?

Very confident: 40%

Somewhat confident: 34%

Somewhat unconfident: 13%

Very unconfident: 7%

Not sure: 6%

Q4: In 2020, Missouri allowed voters to request mail-in ballots, so they didn’t have to vote in person. Should this be allowed in 2022?

Yes, it should be allowed in 2022: 50%

No, it should not be allowed in 2022: 45%

Not sure: 5%

Q5: Should Missourians be required to show a photo ID when they vote?

Yes, a photo ID should be required: 72%

No, a photo ID should not be required: 23%

Not sure: 5%

MOScout’s Hallway Index: Impact of No Redistricting Special

I asked, “How will no special session on redistricting impact next session?”  22 replies…

RESULTS

1. Increases likelihood of early session PQ… 4.5%

2. Increases conflicts between Republicans… 59.1%

3. Increases horse-trading with other legislation… 22.7%

4. Not that big of a deal; there's always drama in the building anyway… 13.6%

Sample of Comments

·         The Republican Senate will start session by eating itself. It usually takes time for that to build.

·         I think a lot of this depends on whether or not Rowden is running for Congress...

·         Let the deals begin, nothing gets a select few legislators more dug in and irrational than obstacles to their own political path

·         Everyone hates everyone during redistricting.

·         3, 2, 1 ... BOOM!

·         It will be a disaster during session.

Who Won the Week?

CD-7 Republicans – There’s a hot primary a-bubblin in the southwest part of the state.  Dr. Sam Alexander jumped into the race with Jay Wasson and Mike Moon reportedly making calls.

Children advocates – The state’s new Office of Childhood is launching.  It puts all the state’s programs and resources aimed at childhood under one roof instead of being dispersed across multiple agencies.  It’s “a super big deal for early childhood in Missouri.”

COVID Vaccination effort – With the FDA’s full approval this week, there was a round of announcements from companies and schools making vaccinations necessary for their institutions.

Eric Schmitt – Continues to use the AG’s office effectively to raise his profile in the US Senate race.

Find a downloadable version here.

$5K+ Contributions

House Democratic Campaign Committee - $10,000 from Ameren Missouri.

House Democratic Campaign Committee - $10,000 from HealthPAC.

Birthdays

Happy birthdays to Rep. Shamed Dogan, John Diehl, and Percy Green II.

Sunday: Robin Smith.