MOScout Daily Update: Sens Call for McKenna's Ouster - 100 PAC Calls for Rowden's Ouster - Reps Drawn in Same Districts - Budget Takeaways and more...
Exclusive: Senators Call for McKenna’s Removal
Six Republican senators sent a letter to the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission calling for the removal of MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna.
The senators accuse McKenna of executing a “bait-and-switch” with the legislature, “diverting the state’s road and bridge dollars to pay raises and personnel.”
They ask the commission to either fire or force the resignation of both McKenna, and the deputy director (though he isn’t named), Ed Hassinger.
The letter, written on the letterhead of Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin’s office, is signed by Sens. Justin Brown, Bill Eigel, Dan Hegeman, Andrew Koenig, and Bob Onder, in addition to O’Laughlin.
One observer noted that Brown and Hegeman signal particular trouble for McKenna in his dealings with the Senate. Brown is chair of the Transportation Committee, and Hegeman heads the Appropriations Committee.
New House Districts Set
The House Bipartisan Commission approved a map for the House legislative districts. See the map here.
Obviously, there’s going to be a lot to dig in here as we look toward the 2022 cycle. But the big takeaway: the map creates more competitive districts.
The compromise was possible because Dems want a fighting chance to win enough swing districts to claw their way out of the superminority. That’s the next bar of relevance they’re seeking. They want to be necessary for veto overrides, and have enoughvotes to play in more legislative issues.
Republicans bought the compromise because they feared that the court could give them something worse – and they have a track record of winning swing districts and close races. They’ve had the wind at their backs for the past decade as Missouri has turned more conservative. And they have a professional operation running their campaigns. They like their odds on 50-50 districts.
Paired Incumbents
Here are the reps that got drawn into districts together. Party officials and consultants will try to a workable accommodation (can someone move, get an appt, seek a local office, etc), but we’ll see…
Democrats
· Reps. Gretchen Bangert and Paula Brown.
· Reps. Ian Mackey and Sara Unsicker.
· Reps. Mike Person and Raychel Proudie.
Republicans
· Reps. Rusty Black and Peggy McGaugh.
· Reps. Jeff Knight and Suzie Pollock.
· Reps. Jeff Porter and Bruce Sassman.
Parson Unveils Budget
Governor Mike Parson unveiled his 2023 budget. See all the details here.
The winners…
· MOSERS – the state employee retirement fund gets a $500 million infusion that the governor’s office says will bring it to being 63.2%. With plenty of money available, this is perfect time to shore up the fund.
· Higher Ed – Universities usually fund their budgets on the chopping block during lean budget years, so it’s only appropriate that they get a little something back during the fat days. Core funding for higher education was increased by over $50 million. Plus nearly $470 million in capital projects through ARPA funds.
· Workers at the bottom of the pay scale – The governor funds his pay increase for state workers. And also budgeted $22 million to provide matching funds for local schools to bring teacher salaries up to a minimum of $38,000/year.
· Rural Missouri – It’s almost ridiculous to tout $100 million for “low-volume” roads. It’s clearly not the biggest bang for the buck you can get in terms of spending infrastructure dollars to make Missouri a logistical hub. But rural Missouri needs maintenance too, and the governor’s budget delivers.
A few things to watch…
· Tough sell to fiscal hawks? - The governor’s budget allocated the entire $2.6 billion in ARPA funds. Some conservatives had suggested not spending it all to “save” the federal government money. The governor doesn’t buy that argument.
· Details, details, details – A lot of big picture ideas with little details on how they’ll be implemented. The budget allocates $250 million to rural broadband “grants” to increase accessibility. How will those grants be assigned and how effective will they be? Similarly, Parson proposes $250 million for matching funds for “local community development and revitalization projects.” No word on the criteria for projects, if there’s geographic quotas, etc.
House Passes Congressional Map
The House passed the congressional map. It drew hoots from some Republicans who want to see a “7-1” map. That divide will play out over numerous battlegrounds.
· Eric Greitens tweeted at Senate Floor Leader Caleb Rowden about the map.
· The 100 PAC (a Jim Lembke/Bill Eigel vehicle) lists it as one of their grievances – apparently now calling for Rowden’s removal as floor leader.
· In the St. Charles state senate primary: Rep. Nick Schroer argued on the floor for a 7-1 map; Speaker Pro Tem John Wiemann voted for the map and decried Schroer’s “incompetent” map on twitter.
· In the Jefferson County state senate primary: Rep. Dan Shaul carried the map; Rep. Mary Elizabeth Coleman was absent from the vote.
What It Means
Besides it becoming a campaign issue in these various races, the main impact is that the map will be a struggle to get through the Senate. I think it will get through. But it will require waiting out the senators that decide to stand. It will be a slog.
More January Quarter Talk
· Rep. Shamed Dogan turned heads by raising more money than incumbent Sam Page. Dogan raised $70,497 to Page’s $62,326. Page still maintains a lead in cash on-hand, but Republicans were cheered that their candidate is running competitively.
· Sen. Lincoln Hough put up some good numbers – perhaps as insurance against a possible right-side primary challenge. Hough raised $99K in his candidate committee, plus another $158K in his PAC. Together he’s sitting on over $600K.
Capitol Moves
· Adam Rapert has left Sen. Dave Schatz’ office and is now working for lobbyist Steven Carroll.
· Sen. Karla May has joined the Senate Appropriations Committee, taking the place of Sen. Greg Razer.
Lobbyists Registrations
Gamble & Schlemeier deleted 1-800 Contacts.
$5K+ Contributions
UAW Region 5 Midwest States Political Action Committee (PAC) (MO) - $6,000 from UAW Region 4 Exchange Account.