Missouri Foundation for Health released a report that Medicaid expansion would “lead to large-scale economic growth. On a yearly average, Missouri would see a $2.5 billion increase in economic output (averaging approximately $16,500 per Missouri business), a $1.6 billion increase in gross domestic product, and a $1.1 billion increase in personal income. The personal income increase averages to more than $500 per Missouri household every year.” See it here.

Hemphill: COVID Emergency Was No Test Run for Virtual Ed

This is in response to today’s comments pulled from a WSJ article calling the coronavirus remote classes a “forced test-run to the long-promised notion of virtual schools.”

Virtual learning is a great tool and absolutely has a place within the education system… To expect teachers to completely change their lesson plans with almost no notice does not qualify this experience as a “test run” of virtual learning.

The No Campaign

No on 2 August was formed to oppose Medicaid expansion. See its paperwork here. Its treasurer is Debra McClelland. 

1. Lifetime risk of being killed by police.

2. Mainstream police reforms.

3. Geography of police killings.

4. Urban-rural divide.

5. Attitudes on coronavirus.

6. MO’s stagnate population.

7. State tax receipts.

MOScout’s Hallway Index: Costs of MedEx

There’s skepticism in the lobbying corps that Medicaid expansion would actually save the state money. I asked: “In your opinion, would the proposal to expand Medicaid…?”  

Governor Mike Parson signed SB 631 which among other things allows absentee voting for folks at high risk of the coronavirus.

May Revenues Down 22%

Although I haven’t seen an official release from Budget and Planning yet, according to the daily revenue sheets, May’s state revenue totals were 22.48% lower than May 2019.

That brings the fiscal year-to-date number at the end of May to negative 7.38%, $642 million below 2019.

Election Results

· Victory Enterprise was a consultant on Randy Feenstra’s win over right-wing lightning rod, 9-term congressman Steve King.

· Axiom’s Aaron Baker was elected to the Atlanta school board, leading the field with 135 votes.

Senate 25: Pro-Bean PAC

In Senate 25, Jason Bean has followed the practices of his primary rivals and started an independent expenditure PAC.  Conservative Leadership for Southeast Missouri was formed.

Parson Declares Emergency

The press release: Governor Mike Parson today signed Executive Order 20-11 to declare that a State of Emergency exists in Missouri due to civil unrest. The Missouri National Guard and the Missouri Highway Patrol stand ready to support local authorities.