Session Issues: VLTs
Here’s a quick look at how the elections changed the landscape for the issue of video lottery terminals (VLTs).
For starters, the looming budget crisis is expected to boost the appeal of legalizing these devices. Folks are already talking about using one-time money to help plug a possible $1 billion budget hole. The idea that a new recurring revenue stream is available to be tapped will be alluring. The pushback will be that using VLTs to help close a budget gap probably amounts to implementing a regressive tax on the state’s more vulnerable population.
Secondly, leadership is supportive this year. Whereas Senate Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin created and chaired the committee that killed the bill last session, the next pro tem, Sen. Jason Bean, sponsored the VLT legalization bill himself. Sen. Nick Schroer is also a proponent. On the House side, both incoming Speaker Alex Riley and House Floor Leader Darin Chappell voted in favor of the bill.
Against that favorable backdrop, however, the issue is still a dogfight in both chambers.
· The House – Last session the bill passed 83 – 66, only one vote above the required 82. Supporters included Reps. Brad Christ, Philip Oehlerking and Ben Keathley who lost their elections. Opponents lost seats too, so newcomers’ positions matter more than the partisan totals.
· The Senate – Results from the election were mixed. Senate 8 and 30 went against VLTs, and Sen-elect Lori Rook’s primary win over Curtis Trent was another setback for legalization. But the ascension of Rep. Bill Hardwick to the Senate brings a forceful supporter.
Given leadership’s interest, I’d expect a strong push and a real possibility of a bipartisan filibuster fight. This will be a real test for the new leadership team to see if they can find a compromise on a thorny issue.
Myers Exits SBOE?
Robbie Myers is no longer listed as a member of the State Board of Education.
· Governor Mike Kehoe appointed him to succeed Mary Schrag in June 2026. DESE’s roster now lists the seat as vacant.
Why It Matters
The SBOE has been feeling a little chaotic lately… not asking for full foundation formula funding, A-F rollout was stutter-stepped, rumors of a pre-decided next chief, the sudden resignation of Stacey Preis. Now a board member exits after six months?
Preis Joins Aligned, PRiME
Meanwhile, the former interim head of DESE, Stacey Preis, is jumping back into the policy work that made her an appealing leader of the department to begin with…
· Press release: Aligned is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Stacey Preis as its new Vice President of Education Programs... In this newly established leadership role, Dr. Preis will lead the development, implementation, evaluation, and expansion of innovative education initiatives designed to strengthen Missouri school district operations, improve educator effectiveness, and drive student achievement.
· Press release: The PRiME Center at Saint Louis University is excited to welcome Dr. Stacey Preis as a Senior Fellow. This announcement marks a reunion for Dr. Preis and the PRiME Center. Dr. Preis served as the Director of Outreach when the center launched in 2019, and she co-authored PRiME’s very first policy brief.
Hawley Declares 1-Hour Fast
U.S. Senator Josh Hawley, on Twitter, said that in response to the election he’ll host “a time of fasting and prayer.” What happened last Tuesday was shocking and historic. It calls for a historic response. Christians need to gather and seek the Lord. I’m going to host a time of fasting and prayer for the nation on Tuesday, December 15 from 12 to 1 at the Capitol. Meet me there!
· One MOScouter guffawed at the idea of a one-hour fast. So, we’re eating lunch at 1:15 that day?
Robinhood, Polymarket Follow Kalshi Suit
Two more prediction market purveyors filed lawsuits in federal court seeking an injunction against Attorney General Catherine Hanaway’s action against them. See the Robinhood Derivatives lawsuit here, and the Polymarket lawsuit here.
· Husch Blackwell LLP is representing Robinhood, and Dowd Bennett LLP is representing Polymarket.
Ealy Statement
On Facebook, Rep. Anthony Ealy released a statement on his arrest…
Tim Jones Will Save MO?
That’s his thinking. From Twitter…
When I termed out of the Missouri House as Speaker in January 2015, I left the General Assembly in better shape than I first found out, capped off by creating the first ever House GOP supermajority in state history.
Been receiving many contacts & communications asking me to consider running for office again. To do what I can to save our state from the invading leftist horde & their allies.
Gubby Appts
Governor Mike Kehoe announced two new appointments…
· Jeffrey Coleman, of Arnold, was appointed as Circuit Judge for Jefferson County in the 23rd Judicial Circuit.
· Lucas Null, of Arnold, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for Jefferson County in the 23rd Judicial Circuit.
Lobbyist Registrations
Jay Reichard deleted Stages St. Louis.
Eapen Thampy deleted Shaman Botanicals, Shaman Pharma LLC, and Great State Strategies, LLC.
$5K+ Contributions
Vote Yes on Amendment 6 - $124,452 from Missouri AFL-CIO.
Clay Dems Political Action Committee - $30,000 from UAW Region 4 Midwest States PAC - MO (Ottawa, IL).
Vote Yes on Amendment 6 - $11,313 from Missouri AFL-CIO.
Birthdays
Happy birthday to Chris Schappe.