MOScout Daily Update: New Royals Package - Endorsement Watch - House Passes Suppressors - Farm Bureau Plan and more…
Royal Stadium Package
Kansas City Business Journal reports that “Mayor Quinton Lucas proposed a funding framework that could reach $600 million in city tax incentives for an estimated $1.9 billion Kansas City Royals ballpark project at Washington Square Park.”
· "The new Royals downtown stadium is not just a stadium development. When completed, it will be the largest single economic development project in the history of downtown Kansas City," Lucas said in a release
But
Congressional candidate Nathan Willettdistanced himself from the plan: “Public feedback is crucial before voting on any stadium proposal. I did not join my other colleagues in sponsoring the proposed legislation. Any proposal should be approved by the taxpayers of Kansas City. In the meantime, I will make sure the details of the proposal do not harm police & fire budgets.”
Meanwhile
One MOScouter says to keep an eye on former Rep. Wes Rogers for KC mayor! “There is still a lot to be done with the downtown baseball stadium but Wes has been quietly working all the angles in both Jeff City and Kansas City to keep folks on the same page. He continues to set himself apart as a no-nonsense mayoral candidate who can get big things done without worrying who gets the credit. Super impressive and honestly I’m excited to watch his campaign ramp up.”
· That election about one year from today.
House Passes Suppressor Bill
The House passed Rep. Mike Costlow’s HB 1730 which legalizes gun suppressors in the state. It was a party-line vote which surprised me. I thought there’d be some Republicans in purple districts eying tough races in November that would be wary of the Democratic messaging on this vote. But apparently not!
Grumpy Murphy to AT&T: I’ll Vote Yes, Grumble Grumble
The House passed Rep. Dane Diehl’s HB 2711 which would cut property taxes for new broadband and fiber equipment, to encourage companies to expand internet service in Missouri
· Before casting his Yes vote, Rep. Jim Murphy shook a fist at AT&T… “When we have a problem and call you and say our broadband’s out, we sit on hold for two or three hours… I will vote for this bill, but AT&T, get your act together!”
Burks Hits $1M
Congressional candidate Taylor Burks issued a press release touting $1 million raised toward his campaign. “Reaching this milestone is a testament to the strength of our boots-on-the-ground campaign,” said Burks. “Missourians are ready for new leadership, not career politicians, and they’re stepping up to help us take this fight to Washington.”
What It Means
That’s a strong start in this sprint of a race. But I won’t be surprised if outside money ends up being the largest factor in this race.
Endorsement Watch
· Americans for Prosperity Missouri (AFP-MO) endorsed Rep. Mike Jones for Senate 34, calling him a “champion for parental rights, and a true fighter for seniors and working families.”
· Congressman Eric Burlisonendorsed Sen. Rick Brattin for CD-5. “We need more people like him in Washington.”
· CD-6 candidate Nathan Willett is pulling in some heavy support. His April 22 fundraiser features a host committee of Heather Hall and Sheriff Will Akin.
500+ Applications to New Farm Bureau Plan
Kaiser Foundation Health News reports on the new Farm Bureau health plan. Read it here.
· As of this year, Missouri is one of 14 states that allow health coverage through state farm bureaus, grassroots membership organizations that advocate for the agricultural industry and rural interests…
· Crucially, farm bureau plans don’t have to accept everyone who applies for coverage. People must pass underwriting first, a process in which plans evaluate applicants’ medical history and health conditions and decide whether to offer them coverage. This practice was routine before the ACA passed, and people were often rejected due to preexisting medical conditions.
· Because farm bureau plans can turn down people with expensive chronic conditions… plans may be 30% to 50% cheaper than unsubsidized marketplace plans, plan managers say.
· Missouri Farm Bureau president Garrett Hawkins said he’s pleased with the interest the plans are generating. People could apply for coverage through the website starting Jan. 1, and by mid-March, 520 people had submitted applications, he said.
Making July 4 Plans…
It’s the hottest ticket in recent memory! Missouri’s 250 commission gets big time Missouri country music artist Chris Janson for a free concert on July 4, on the Capitol lawn.
· Kudos to Pat Thomas for having a vision and pulling people together for this one.
New Candidate Filings
House 2 (Mazzi Christensen withdrew) – Phil Fox (Republican) and Brandon Harvey (Republican) filed.
$5K+ Contributions
Lake of the Ozarks Community Gaming - $250,000 from Signature GLP LLC.
IAFF FIREPAC VIC Missouri - $100,000 from International Association of Fire Fighters Interested in Registration and Education PAC (Washington, DC).
MO State Teachers Assoc Legislative Impact Co - $7,500 from Central Region Teachers Association.
Lobbyist Registrations
Tom Dempsey and Dave Berry added Great Rivers Habitat Alliance.
Ron Berry added Medea.
Jonathan Dalton added Hampton Manor of Wentzville - Wentzville, MO – ALF.
Stephen Schroeder added Ehawk, Inc.
Chase Stephen added Aypa Power Development LLC.
Dustin Backes deleted Varidon.
Happy Birthday
Happy birthday to Judy Baker and Eric Greitens.