MOScout Daily Update: Eigel Antes $100K - March Revenues Dip - Schatz Watch - Jones Gets Boost - Tax Assessment Ruling - Hummel Honored and more…

Eigel Antes $100K

In the large contributions (below), former Sen. Bill Eigel anted $100K of his own cash into his campaign account, and lassoed a large check to his PAC.  Eigel is prepping for a spirited Republican primary in 2026 for the St. Charles County Executive race.

What It Means

·       Eigel will likely have all the resources he needs to run a competitive race.

·       Team Eigel notes that “Eigel has never lost an election in St. Charles County, even winning 46% of the vote during the 3-way governor’s primary despite being vastly outspent.”

March Revenues Dip – Again

March was another weak month of state tax receipts.  Revenue for the month dipped, down 2.2% compared to March 2024.  This brings the fiscal-year-to-date number to -1.44% or about $134 million less than this time a year ago.

·       April, obviously, is a big month for state tax revenues.  So, I will give some updates as we move through the month, with the caveat that the daily reports can be extremely volatile.

And

Missouri Independent reports on yesterday’s action in the building.  Read it here.  Short story: no big changes to the budget on the House floor; Senate spun in wheels while debating the capital gains tax cut again.

Schatz Watch

After a week of on and off, former Senate Pro Tem Dave Schatz is scheduled to have his appointment as Franklin County Commissioner come before the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee today (10AM).

·       Word around the hallways is that his past scuffles with the Freedom Caucus during his leadership reign had been causing the bumps.  We’ll see if that’s all smoothed out…

Today in the Building

Kids Win Missouri will rally in the First Floor Rotunda with child advocates from across Missouri to advocate for strong investments for children in the second half of the legislative session.

·       Rally starts at 9:15AM, featuring remarks at the rally from Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin and Sen. Brian Williams.

Missouri Prison Reform will be lobbying to build momentum for independent oversight of DOC facilities that will ensure greater accountability, transparency, and protection for incarcerated individuals across the state.

·       Press conference at 3PM, First Floor Rotunda.

Jones Gets Boost

Post-Dispatch reports that St. Louis Recorder of Deeds Michael Butler is endorsing Mayor Tishaura Jones ahead of next week’s run-off election with Cara Spencer.  Butler placed third in the primary.  Team Jones hopes this gives her a boost with Butler voters migrating to Jones. 

·       However, with approval voting, it’s difficult to guess how many “Butler” voters there are as opposed to Jones-Butler or Spencer-Butler voters.

And

More than one capitol denizen was surprised to see Republican David Barklage as a donor to Jones on her 8-Day report.  It was a modest $100 contribution.  Still, the veteran consultant, who helped the GOP take control of the Senate decades ago, doesn’t seem to fit the profile of a typical St. Louis City mayoral donor.

Tax Assessment Decision

The Circuit Court of Jackson County delivered a ruling in favor of the State Tax Commission over the Jackson County Assessor. Read it here.

Attorney General Andrew Bailey, State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick, and Speaker Jon Patterson all cheered the decision…

·       Bailey: “Today’s ruling ensures that the people of Jackson County will not be subjected to illegal tax hikes. We will continue to fight for fairness and accountability to ensure local officials aren’t breaking the law and exploiting working Missouri families in Jackson County.”

·       Fitz: “I strongly encourage county officials to refrain from appealing this decision, comply with the State Tax Commission's August 2024 order, and accept that the serious issues we identified over a year ago should invalidate all increases of more than 15 percent. This has been a long and drawn out saga for the people of Jackson County and they deserve for this to come to an end…”

·       JP: “What the unelected Jackson County assessor did was inexcusable.  The House remains committed to advancing legislation that improves accountability, cuts property taxes, and ensures this overreach never happens again.”

Hummel Honored

Former Sen. Jake Hummel will be honored at his high school’s annual gala…

Jake’s leadership extends to education, where he played a pivotal role in securing funding for St. Mary’s groundbreaking Pre-Apprenticeship program, now in its second year. This program is revolutionizing secondary education by emphasizing career opportunities in the trades. As a current member of the St. Mary’s South Side Catholic High School Board of Directors, Jake continues to shape the future of our school and community. His dedication to St. Mary’s and the city of St. Louis is unmatched, and we’re proud to celebrate his incredible impact at the Gala on Grand.

$5K+ Contributions

Eigel for Missouri - $100,000 from Bill Eigel.

Believe in Life and Liberty - BILL PAC - $5,500 from Elster Law Office.

Lobbyist Registrations

Claudia Alley added YWCA Metro St. Louis.

Joshua Klarich added My Missouri. 

Garrett Webb deleted Binti, Inc.

Birthdays

Happy birthdays to Wes Sutton, Winston Calvert, and Tony Monetti.