MOScout Daily Update: SBOE Grab Reins - Gregory Fundy for Hanaway - Hawley Invites Pastors to DC - Shore Profile and more…
SBOE Grabs Reins
The biggest takeaway from the State Board of Education meeting last week is that the new board has a managerial spirit, and is much more interested in taking an active role in setting the agenda of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
The members repeatedly rejected the old model in which staff develops the budget, legislative platform and accountability policies and the board approves them near the end.
They insisted on inserting discretion for the budget request, not just using the formula calculation. They are considering putting off approval of a legislative agenda until they’re ready.
In short, they want a board-written strategy, a board-prioritized budget, and a commissioner hired to execute that direction.
The board expects to select a permanent commissioner by December 15, but the new commissioner would not start until June or July 2027.
Meanwhile, the board expects to finish its own strategic plan early next year. The implication is that the new commissioner is being hired largely to execute the board’s plan.
· Governor Mike Kehoe has appointed seven of the eight members of the SBOE.
Gregory To Host Hanaway Fundy
Sen. David Gregory is hosting a fundraiser at his house in October for Attorney General Catherine Hanaway. See the invite here.
It’s interesting for a couple of reasons…
Gregory has already demonstrated an unusual willingness to invest significant personal resources in his own political career. For example, he tossed two six-figure checks into his Senate 16 race in 2024. His law firm recently won a $27 million verdict, which could further increase the funds he will devote to political endeavors.
Gregory appears to be expanding his political role: from candidate to donor, fundraiser and political benefactor for other candidates.
Also notable is that Joe Patterson, one of Gregory’s closest political allies, is a co-host of the Hanaway event. As a leader of the St. Louis County Police Association, Patterson occupies an influential position in one of the more sought-after police endorsements in Missouri. Patterson is also treasurer of MFR PAC, which has $455,000 on-hand as of its July report.
· The Gregory-Patterson relationship could be a new power axis.
Hawley Invites Clergy to DC
U.S. Senator Josh Hawley is inviting Missouri clergy to the “First Annual Missouri Prayer Breakfast.” “Missouri pastors are invited to join us as we gather in prayer for our nation, our state, and for the protection of the unborn.”
The event is September 16 in Washington DC, which irked one Republican who’d rather Hawley would have the event in Missouri and help rally support for Amendment 3…
· At a time when other GOP electeds like Mike Kehoe are rallying leaders from around the state to support Amendment 3, Josh Hawley is inviting Missouri-based pastors to join him for a "Missouri Pastors" prayer breakfast to protect the unborn, only problem is they have to travel to WASHINGTON, DC to do it!!
Hancock Profiles Shore
MOIndy topper Jason Hancock profilesSophia Shore…
Her candidates tend to come from the GOP’s insurgent right, and they rail against lobbyists, corporate incentives and Republican leaders they believe have become too comfortable in Jefferson City.
This year, she managed Senate campaigns for Jim Avery, Lori Rook, Dusty Blue, Ike Skelton, Sam Alexander and Bill Hardwick, often against opponents backed by larger firms, better-funded political committees and prominent Republican officeholders.
Avery cleared the primary field, while Rook, Alexander and Hardwick emerged victorious on Aug. 4. The results have made Shore, 28, a new force in the fight over the direction of the Missouri Republican Party.
But… David Barklage notes “there’s a wrinkle in the outsider-versus-establishment story.”
Shore’s candidates may campaign against the influence of business groups and lobbyists, he said, but some have benefited from another powerful interest. Trial attorneys, who were once a major source of money for Missouri Democrats, have become important financial allies of the Senate’s conservative insurgents.
What That Means
Tort reform, once a reliable component of the Missouri Republican legislative agenda, will remain sidelined for the foreseeable future.
Another Job for Ed
Politico says that Ed Martin“is leaving the Justice Department to take on outside legal work for the upcoming midterm and presidential elections.”
“Ed Martin has been with me from the very beginning, and done an incredible job as an Attorney, Director of the Weaponization Working Group, and the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia,” [Donald] Trump said on Truth Social. The president added that he believes Martin will “ensure Free, Fair, and Honest Elections, and strongly advance our Constitutional Rights.”
Menstrual Product Tax Cut Reaches Consumers
A new working paper from Texas Tech University examining 18 states finds that between 94% and 100% of sales-tax exemptions for menstrual products translated into lower consumer prices. Missouri’s exemption took effect last August – too late to be included in the study – but the results suggest retailers probably did not pocket the state’s tax cut.
Data Centers Gobble Energy
Axios, this morning, on the impacts of the massive data center buildout…
eMailbag: Rural MO Shaking Fist at Trump
This could be an issue in Congressional District 5. Rick Brattin is now squeezed between Donald Trump and cattle farmers.
Lobbyist Registrations
Jay Reichard, Amy Blunt, Olivia Wilson, and Gunnar See deleted J & J Ventures.
Jay Reichard and Olivia Wilson deleted Microsoft Corporation, and OnMed.
Olivia Wilson deleted Navigate Building Solutions, and Advanced Power Alliance.
Alex Tuttle deleted Missouri State High School Activities Association.
Shawn Rhoads deleted MNJ Tech LLC, and Knox Company.
$5K+ Contributions
We the People Priorities PAC - $24,087 from Republican Accountability Project.
MO Bankers Association State PAC - $10,000 from First State Community Bank.
Let's Go Brandon PAC - $25,000 from NEMO Leadership PAC.
MoCannTrade PAC - $10,000 from V3 Holdings Missouri, LLC.
MoCannTrade PAC - $10,000 from GRC Moberly LLC.
Missouri Democratic State Committee - $27,400 from KERI PAC.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Jessalynn Cairer, Robyn Schelp, and Josh Peters.