MOScout Weekender: Senate Dem Cracks - PFD Database - Hallway on Budget Outlook - Crime and Weather - WWTW and more…

Senate Dem Cracks

It’s not a strong start for Senate Dems as there seemed to be cracks showing in their caucus after their first dust-up with Republicans on the floor.
Some were upset that Minority Leader Doug Beck “folded” by trading the transgender sunset for a deal on the FRA sunset.  “No fight, no strategy—just a quick sellout to clear the issue and no clear reason why.”  Sen. Tracy McCreery and three freshmen – Sens. Patty Lewis, Maggie Nurrenburn, and Stephen Webber stepped up to stop the bill.

• For Beck, it’s an early signal that leading his caucus may require more work to make sure everyone is onboard when he cuts deals.

New MOScout Feature: PFD Database

I’ve added the most recent personal financial disclosures from legislators to a new database.  Find it here.

PFDs can be very useful for basic research on a legislator as they list employment for themselves and their spouse as well as businesses they own.

·       On my ethics wish list would be that liabilities were included in these reports also.  Debts and personal loans are as much a source of potential conflicts of interest (maybe more so) than assets.

MOScout’s Hallway Index: Hallway on Budget Outlook

I asked lobbyists, “What best describes your view of the state budget outlook?” 25 replies…

RESULTS

1. Withholds will be coming sooner rather than later… 28%

2. In a couple years, when the fund surplus runs out, we'll be in trouble… 52%

3. As long as there's no recession, no budget troubles ahead… 20%

Sample of Comments

·       Education commitments coming due.

·       I think those in charge are savvy and responsible enough to recognize the good times are coming to an end.

·       It's fun to be a fiscal conservative when you have the ability to cut surplus spending. When you are forced to cut, things get serious. The legislature is going to have some lean years ahead.

·       We’ve got some surplus now. But it’s not going to last, and we’re looking to cut more taxes. If I was a small school or school district (or a small university in Northwest MO), I’d start worrying about consolidation.

·       We are in trouble now, good times come to an end eventually.

·       I think we are in a plateau phase for the next 2 years. It will be the following 2 years that will be challenging. Lots of variables, of course, not the least of which is the wild card in the White House. So much of our budget is filled by federal block grants, fed drawdowns etc. The impending phase in of sb727, inflation woes will certainly play a role. And finally, let's be honest that MO does a good job of balancing the budget, however, in many regards that means lagging behind the curve on keeping up with actual cost on big items year after year. So our starting point is a little bit from a lower position leaving little room for necessary increases and even less room for decreases.

·       We have a cliff coming

·       Even when we had ARPA in the coffers moleg could hardly get it appropriated and out the door - with two years - supplemental - and closed door meetings/no conference.

·       For those who have been paying attention to DC - what money will there even be to give out - and who can it go to?

·       A recession would be difficult. Current situation is not good for new lines and capital spending but basic operations should be fine.

Who Won the Week?

Mike Parson – Mizzou Board of Curators announced the naming of the Michael L. Parson Meat Science Education and Training Laboratory which will open in 2026.

Darin Chappell – Proud uncle as his niece, Chappell Roan, won Best New Artist at this week’s Grammy Awards.

Bill Eigel – Yes, he lost to Peter Kinder but he once again outperformed expectations showing strength as he heads into his St. Charles County Executive race.

Melanie Stinnett and the Missouri Association of Public Administrators (MAPA) – House Committee on Health and Mental Health hearings are tackling tough conversations on better serving Missouri’s most vulnerable.

Find a downloadable version here.

eMailbag on STL Crime Stats

Tishaura Jones might be the only politician I've ever seen whose plan to reduce violent crime involves praying for more snow.  The January vs January comparison is absolutely preposterous to anyone who understands crime and/or weather.

$5K+ Contributions

A Brighter Future for St Louis PAC (pro-Spencer) - $20,000 from John P Kujawski.

A Brighter Future for St Louis PAC - $19,344 from Clayco Inc.

A Brighter Future for St Louis PAC - $10,000 from Robert G Brinkmann.

YES for KC Kids - $15,000 from Revolucian Educativa.

Progress PAC - $10,000 from L.I.U.N.A. LOCAL 110.

Ameren Missouri Political Action Committee - $8,674 from Ameren FEDPAC (Washington, DC).

Birthdays

Happy birthdays to Terry Swinger.

Sunday: Jered Taylor, Larry Davis and Ryann Summerford.