MOScout Daily Update: Trump Says MO Redistricting is Happening - Brown Resigns - Abortion Polling - Fitz Eyes Hickman and more…
Quick Friday update…
Trump Says MO Redistricting Is a Go
President Donald Trump, on social media, proclaimed that redistricting was going forward in Missouri. It took Governor Mike Kehoe and other Republicans by surprise.
The president’s love of the spotlight manifests itself in frontrunning announcements. Kehoe tried to walk the president claim back, but I think the message was delivered. It’s game on whether legislative leaders will admit it or not.
Why not just come out and say it? Because there’s already angry Missourians swelling up…
“Many in the crowd took heated aim at Missouri House Speaker Jon Patterson, a Lee's Summit Republican.” Source: KCUR
Unlike the normal redistricting process where there are public meetings across the state, this is will be what one staffer called a “hurry-up offense.”
· When you know something’s going to look bad, get through it as quickly as possible.
Brown Resigns
I didn’t realize that the new position Rep. Donnie Brown was taking with MoDOT would require his exit from the House. But he wrote on Facebook yesterday… “It has truly been an honor to serve the great people of District 149 as your State Representative. It is definitely bittersweet to resign from that position, but the opportunity to serve the state of Missouri in this new role is a tremendous blessing for me and my family. MODOT has an amazing team in the Southeast District and I am very excited to be a part of it…”
Abortion Poll
It’s interesting that someone polling the HJR 73 which won’t be on the Missouri ballot until November 2026. It appears the poll was done by Luce Research.
Fitz Gets Interested in Hickman
Press release: State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick announced that his investigation of the Hickman Mills School District has uncovered potential improper governmental activity that warrants a performance audit of the district…
“School-funded trips to Ghana and China raised red flags for many parents and taxpayers in the Hickman Mills School District… At a time when the school district is struggling to gain full accreditation, it’s best they use the hard-earned tax dollars of district residents on providing a foundational education that prepares students for the future. Our initial investigation indicates that isn't the case which is why we are elevating this review to a full audit to dig even deeper and uncover other issues that may exist…”
· Hickman Mills School District is located in the districts of Sen. Barbara Washington, and Rep. Mark Sharp.
New Committees
Boykin for All PAC was formed. It’s in support of Rep. Stephanie Boykin. See the filing here.
Lobbyist Registrations
David Sweeney added AshBritt Inc.
$5K+ Contributions
Missouri Voices - $5,150 from Margaret Donnelly.
Missouri Voices - $5,100 from Shayn Prapaisilp.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Kara Corches, Ted House, Annie Rice, and Glenn Burleigh.
Saturday: Gordon Kinne, and Neil Swanson.
Sunday: Bob Holden, Dan Stacy, and Mary Cottom.
MOScout Schedule
No MOScout this weekend. Back in your in-box on Monday.