Bowlin Plunks Down $100K on Senate Race

In the hot Senate 15 Republican primary, Jim Bowlin, mayor of Wildwood, tossed in $100K of this own money.  Today is the last day of the fundraising quarter.

Senate Debates IP Reform

The Senate spent several hours debating the House version of initiative petition reform.  It was filibustered by Dems and laid over for future debate.

Budget Bits

The House perfected the state budget yesterday.  They got a late start and wrapped up around 10:30PM. 

Garrison to ADFL

Tim Garrison on Facebook says he “excited to get to work as Senior Counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom, the world's largest legal organization protecting religious freedom, free speech, parental rights, marriage and family, and the sanctity of life…”

Budget Week in the House

The House is expected to work through the budget bills on Tuesday.  The budget has become a flashpoint between the House and the governor’s office. 

1. Fed as backstop.

2. Aging population.

3. Robots coming.

4. And drones.

5. And scams.

6. And cyberwars?

7. But not green energy projects?

Survey conducted Remington Research Group March 22, 23. 1,478 likely 2024 November Election voters. MoE: +/-3%.

Q2: Do you approve or disapprove of Mike Parson’s job as governor of Missouri?

Approve: 48%

Disapprove: 35%

Unsure: 18%

1 Big Thing: Ugly Senate GOP Primaries Ahead

Regardless the cause: it looks like we’ll be in for another rowdy round of primaries in 2024.  Buckle up.

1 Big Thing: Eruptions on Senate Floor

On the Senate floor yesterday, Sen. Bill Eigel got hot at Sen. Mike Cierpiot for “killing” his bill through “a trapdoor committee.”

Cody Cuts

Yesterday, Budget Chair Cody Smith walked the committee through his recommendations. One of the big shockers was deep cuts to the proposed early childhood initiatives.  Smith zeroed out the $56 million for pre-kindergarten expansion, and the $78 million for childcare subsidies. 

Senate Filibuster, House Sprints

The Republican legislature wasted no time, tackling a number of their remaining priorities.

The House perfected the controversial “landfill” bill, tax cut bill, and sports betting bill.  And the Senate immediately returned to their debate on transgender issues.  That led to a filibuster which proceeded through the night and is ongoing right now.

And we’re back from a 3-day weekend….

Bozarth to Treas Office

Tipster says that Ray Bozarth is joining the State Treasurer’s office.  He’s the new chief of staff. Bozarth was previously State Deputy Director for US Senator Josh Hawley.

Where Things Stand At Midpoint

It’s surprising, given the lack of open conflicts how very few major issues appear to have an easy path to passage…

Voting With the Speaker

A look at third-read votes in the House shows about a third of Republican House members (34) voting 100% with Speaker Dean Plocher as of the session’s mid-way point.

Abortion IPs Filed

Missourians for Constitutional Freedom filed 11 initiative petitions with the SOS office. 

All the IPs would create a new section in the constitution entitled “The Right to Reproductive Freedom Initiative” and begin with the declaration that “the Government shall not deny or infringe upon a person’s fundamental right to reproductive freedom…”

Senate Adjourns for Break

The fragile peace between the former conservative Caucus crowd and regular Senate Republicans seemed to strain yesterday as the majority caucus struggled over how to confront a Democratic filibuster on transgender reassignment.

MSIP6 Scores Fallout

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released the latest Annual Performance Report.  This was the first report based on a new scoring system, Missouri School Improvement Program 6.

Luetkemeyer-Gaetz Feud

A clip on Twitter was getting passed around yesterday.  Missouri Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer takes a swipe at Congressman Matt Gaetz on Stephanie Bell’s 93.9 KWOS talk program. 

The Week Ahead

Both chambers are expected to be sprinting this week ahead of next week’s Spring Break…