MOScout Daily Update: Clemens Pivots, Reuter Pivots, Deaton Declines - $260M Changes Nothing - PBMs in Spotlight and more…
I’ve updated the 2026 Watch spreadsheet…
Senate Races Shake Out
· Senate 14… Rep. Doug Clemens is pivoting out of this crowded Democratic primary and will run for St. Louis County Assessor. The move comes after the current incumbent, Jake Zimmerman announced for St. Louis County Executive. Clemens thinks the assessor office is a better fit for his skill set.
· Senate 22… Rep. Renee Reuter announced that she’s “officially withdrawn from the State Senate race and is pursuing a judicial seat instead.” She endorsed Jim Avery, the only declared candidate left to replace Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman. That’s a remarkable change from last spring when we had four candidates in this primary.
· Senate 32… Rep. Dirk Deaton is telling folks that he’s decided not to primary Sen. Jill Carter, leaving her uncontested for re-election.
$260M More – But Nothing Changes
Kurt Erickson reports that “Dan Haug, director of the governor’s budget office, told members of the House Budget Committee that he miscalculated a line in Kehoe’s proposed $54 billion spending plan. Correcting the mistake will result in the state ending the year with an unspent balance of $265 million, rather than the original projection of $4.7 million.”
· But… “Haug urged members of the panel to not spend the ‘extra’ funds… “Ultimately, this is good news for the budget,” Haug said, adding “Spending this money would make it even worse.” Rep. Dirk Deaton, R-Seneca, chairman of the House Budget Committee, concurred…
And
Haug gave a shout-out to House Budget staffer Glenn Fitzgerald who spotted the error.
PBMs In the Spotlight
This morning in the Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee (10:30AM, SCR2) two bills will be heard which seeks to regulate pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs).
· SB 984 (Sen Jill Carter)
· SB 968 (Sen. Travis Fitzwater)
This comes one the heels of a suit filed by Attorney General Catherine Hanaway last week. “While the PBM Defendants represent that they perform their services on behalf of their clients (including Missouri payors) and diabetics to lower drug prices, increase access to affordable drugs, and promote diabetic health, these representations are false.”
· But… PBMs won’t be taking it lying down. Former Rep. Phil Christofanelli, now a lobbyist for PBM trade organization, Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA), was in the building yesterday.
MAPA Backs Bean’s VLT Bill
In a letter to Governor Mike Kehoe, the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys (MAPA) says they support SB 862, “to establish a regulatory framework for Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs).” SB 862 is sponsored by Sen. Jason Bean. See the letter here.
[W]e have witnessed firsthand the proliferation of illegal “gray market” gaming devices across our state. These machines operate outside any legal framework, creating significant enforcement
Challenges… This legislation provides the clarity we need by drawing a bright line between lawful, regulated VLTs and unlawful devices… this legislation is not an expansion of gambling - it is a long-overdue effort to regulate activity that is already occurring illegally and unchecked across our state.
Why It Matters
There continues to be a push to legalize and regulate VLTs. It’s come from operators who want to enter the business as well as communities that want to rein in the ever-proliferating “gray machines.” But recently lawmakers have expressed interest in the potential to raise revenues. And now – prosecutors are adding a law enforcement angle.
· But… casinos are vehemently against any proposal that would essentially turn every gas station and convenience store into a competitor.
IE PAC Update
I went through and updated the listing of Independent Expenditure political action committees, taking out ones which have been terminated and adding in new ones as we look toward the 2026 cycle. Find the database here. It also lists each PAC’s current cash on-hand.
· For new subscribers: IE PACs are set up to support a politician. The PACs can accept donations of any size as they are not subject to the contribution limits that constrain candidate committees. Politicians can raise money for the PACs, but can’t direct how the funds are spent.
Lucas Looking At Higher Office?
One veteran observer watching Mayor Quinton Lucas’ social media output believes the mayor is positioning himself for higher office.
· Talking to CNN about the National Guard in American cities.
· Talking about housing and affordability.
· Visiting Springfield, Missouri.
We’ll see…
CMT Bemoans Gov’s Budget
Among the services getting hit in the governor’s budget is public transportation. Citizens for Mass Transit laments, “His FY27 budget recommendations include a catastrophic loss for public transit in Missouri. After reducing state transit funding by 42% last year, the Governor now proposes to cut an additional $5 million from general revenue leaving just $1.7 million to be split among 30 transit providers statewide for operating assistance. Per capita spending has already dropped from $1.89 to $1.08 – among the lowest in the nation – and would drop to less than 25 cents under this proposal.”
Help Wanted
Consumers Council of MO Inc seeks Executive Director. The ED oversees daily operations, drives strategic initiatives, manages staff, and fosters key relationships with stakeholders, legislators, and the public to promote consumer education, awareness, affordability, and protection... Compensation: $110,000-130,000 annually. See the posting here.
$5K+ Contributions
Conservative Justice for Missouri PAC (pro Hanaway) - $10,000 from Anheuser Busch Companies.
Real Action PAC (pro-Christ) - $10,000 from Douglas Albrecht.
Missouri Gaming PAC - $17,000 from IOC - Cape Girardeau.
Missouri Gaming PAC - $17,000 from IOC – Caruthersville.
Lobbyist Registrations
Margaret Ellen Baumer added Hanger, Inc.
Thomas ‘Shad’ Burner added Missouri Soybean Association, and Viserion Grain.
Cameron Douglas added Cicero Action.
Tom Greene added SAS Institute Inc.
Michael Henderson and Doug Nelson added National Fire Sprinkler Association.
Dan Shaul and David Overfelt added Midwest Retail and Grocery Alliance.
Zach Pollock added Missouri Action for Kids.
Liz Henderson added Unite Here Local 74, UFCW Local 655, and UFCW Local 88; and deleted J&J Ventures Gaming LLC.
Ryan DeBoef added V3 MO Vending 5 LLC.
Jay Hahn and Ryan DeBoef deleted Missouri Solar Energy Industries Association (MOSEIA), and Codefi LLC.
Happy Birthday
Happy birthday to Farrah Fite.
One Last Thing
From the Wall Street Journal…
