MOScout Daily Update: Aune Praises Deaton - What Market Meltdown Means for MO - House Ethics Report - Pics from the Week and more…
Quick Friday update…
Dems Heart Deaton
Minority Leader Ashley Aune had high praise for House Budget Chair Dirk Deaton. See it here.
I first want to commend my Ranking Minority Member on Budget Betsy Fogle and the House Budget Chairman Dirk Deaton. They have made this week’s budget process the smoothest and most congenial budget process that I have ever experienced certainly in my five years in the House. The change in tenor from recent years is due to the fact that we have a Budget committee chairman who’s willing to find compromise with House Democrats. The respect level that we’ve seen out of this committee this session has been much higher than I’ve seen in years past. As a result House Democrats were able to make a number of changes to the budget for the betterment of their communities and the state. It was a refreshing change from what we’ve endured in recent years…
Market Watch
After yesterday’s stock market blood-letting, it appears we’re headed for a second day of declines with news that China is retaliating on tariffs.
The market itself isn’t a concern for Missouri policy-makers. But they have to be alert to the warning signs that the market is sending: a slowing economy. This will impact state revenues in the coming second half of the year….
House Ethics Report
The House Ethics Committee unanimously issued a report in an ethics complaint against Rep. Justin Sparks. Read it here.
The Committee determined that you took one to three votes with an apparent conflict of interest… you did not file a written report of a substantial personal or private interest in the appropriation bills with the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives before voting on such legislation. Filing such a report, as provided for in Section 105.461, RSMo., would have helped prevent the appearance of conflict of interest…
And
On the heels of this report, another representative alerting the body to a possible conflict-of-interest…
Re: Possible Personal Interest in Legislation
Dear Mr. Clerk,
Pursuant to Section 105.461 RSMo, I hereby submit a written report regarding a possible personal interest in legislation on which the House of Representatives may vote during this legislative session.
I am a part-time Public Safety Officer for Phelps Health.
In compliance with Section 105.461, please publish this letter in the Journal of the House.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
/s/ Bennie Cook
State Representative
143rd District
Women’s Networking
Wednesday evening while Sen. Mike Moon was filibustering Dave Schatz’ nomination, The Women’s Policy Network of Missouri held an event at the Governor’s Mansion.
Linda Rallo, Christine Page, and Kara Corches spoke about the importance of women supporting each other in the building, and cheered the impact that women were having in leadership positions in the House, Senate, and Supreme Court.
Ellie Harmon introduced Leann Chilton, who was honored for her years as a trailblazer in the government relationship industry. Chilton and Governor Mike Kehoe gave emotional tributes to the power of relations.
From First Lady Claudia Kehoe twitter feed...
Fire Alarm
Cleaning out my in-box… one reader sent me this photo of a fireman who responded to the capitol on Wednesday when a fire alarm emptied out the building. I’m told the culprit was a candle in the office suite of Reps. Josh Hurlbert and Sean Pouche….
eMailbag on Cupps’ Bingo Game
What is the down side of acting out in the House?
$5K+ Contributions
Ameren Missouri Political Action Committee - $8,640 from Ameren FEDPAC.
Parents for KC Kids - $5,166 from MO Jobs with Justice.
Renew Action PAC - $9,000 from Renew Action.
American Federation of Teachers Local 420 AFT St. Louis COPE - $10,000 from AFT St. Louis Local 420 COPE.
Lobbyist Registrations
Catalyst added Oak Point Partners, LLC.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Jessica Petrie Thelemaque, Theresa Garza, and former St. Louis City Alderman Matt Villa.