MOScout Daily Update: Time to Update Foundation Formula? - Hudson Shakes Fist at Casinos - Kehoe Adds Bax - Cape Weighs In on Speaker and more…
Aligned Eyes Formula
Aligned released their legislative priorities for 2025. Interestingly, among the list is “School Finance Reform.” That seems to be tiptoeing into the subject of writing the “foundation formula,” the framework by which the state divvies up billions of dollars of aid to school districts.
There’s been some talk recently about the need to make adjustments, but it’s a huge undertaking because everyone – every single legislator – has a stake in the outcome.
Aligned’s first steps…
· Convene stakeholders to explore options to modify the formula to address system inequities
· Propose policies that benefit all public districts and charter schools
· Identify legislative champions to support changes…
Rumorville: Campbell Exits Treas Office
Tipster says that Deputy State Treasurer Clayton Campbell announced to staff on Monday that he is resigning at the end of the year.
Cape GOP Against JP, But Not For Sparks
The Cape Girardeau County Central Committee passed a resolution opposing Jon Patterson as speaker. But interestingly, rejected another resolution supporting Justin Sparks for that position.
What It Means
· These central committee resolutions don’t seem to be getting much traction in terms of changing the minds of the state reps who will decide who the next speaker will be.
· But… they could be laying the narrative for a “throw out the RINOs” movement in 2026.
Hudson Rails Against Casinos
Sen-elect Brad Hudson railed against “casinos and their lobbyists” who have taken out digital ads attacking Hudson.
Hudson’s SB 73 would bring regulations to the video slot machine territory. But the bill’s cap of 12 VLTs per site is obviously deemed too lax for opponents. Ironically, the bill might also be opposed by the gray machine purveyors themselves who have flourished under no regulations.
What It Means
The proliferation of video gambling continues to vex many lawmakers, but there’s no critical mass yet insisting on finding a workable compromise.
Kehoe Appts Bax To Lead DSS
Press release: Governor-Elect Mike Kehoe announced the appointment of Jessica (Jess) Bax as Director of the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS). Bax will assume the role of DSS Director effective January 13, 2025, and await Missouri Senate confirmation.
· Bax currently serves as the Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities for the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH). Prior to joining the Department of Mental Health, Bax served for three years as the Director of the Division of Senior and Disability Services for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, with responsibility for Medicaid Home and Community Based Services, Adult Protective Services, and Older Americans Act programs…
Fitz’ FH Audit
Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick released an audit of the Francis Howell School District, dinging them with a “poor” rating. See the audit here.
While Fitz’ team found not shortage of problems, most of the report deals with the District’s use of “Prop S,” a bond issuance approved by voter.
The district publicized unrealistic construction costs and project projections prior to the bond vote, costs were significantly higher than projected, and now fewer projects will be completed with bond funding than advertised to voters.
Gomez for Congress (In Texas)
Valentina Gomez, who ran for secretary of state last cycle by making outlandish accusations on social media, announced that she’s running for Congress… in Texas.
I’m running for Congress in Texas. I don’t fear pdfs, criminals, or the crooks in DC. I only fear God... Missouri wasn’t ready for me, so I’m going to fight for Texas.
· Gomez placed 6th in the SOS primary, but also accumulated 350,000 Twitter followers in the process.
Lobbyist Registrations
Travis Couture-Lovelady added National Rifle Association of America.
Noah Reandeau added Kids Read Now Inc, and Credentialing Integrity Action Alliance.
Kelli Richardson added The Arc of the Ozarks.
$5K+ Contributions
MIC PAC - $25,000 from The Travelers Indemnity Company (Hartford, CT).
Missouri Energy Development Association Political Action Committee - $51,917 from MO Energy Dev Association Gateway Political Action Committee.
Missouri Energy Development Association Political Action Committee - $53,039 from MO Energy Dev Association State Line Political Committee.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Sen. Nick Schroer, Josh Haynes, and Greg Porter.
MOScout Schedule
No MOScout this weekend. And next weekend I’ll be heading into an abbreviated year-end, holiday schedule which will likely be Monday and Tuesday and then off the rest of the week.