What Will Next Year (As In, Next Month) Look Like

Folks are considering how COVID will shape the political year ahead. I’ve written before about the question of Governor Mike Parson’s inauguration. There still hasn’t been any indication how it will be handled in this time of COVID. Public health officials would surely recommend against an indoor party/ball. But Parson has been reluctant to abandon traditions this year. It fits his general orientation of “learning to live with the virus.” It wouldn’t surprise me to see a traditional inaugural ball – masks optional.

1. More Americans confident in COVID vaccines.

2. But Pfizer vaccine protocol will take about a month.

3. Missouri’s sharp drop in labor force is not unique. It’s happening nationally.

4. Wentzville gets workers from closed GM plant in Ohio.

5. Local sales and use tax collection nears state sales and use tax collection.

6. License plate requirement by state.

7. Which gun laws actually reduce violence.

8. If “did not vote” were an electoral college candidate.

WSJ on Farr

Wall Street Journal published a long and in-depth article about Emerson CEO David Farr’s navigating the COVID crisis. It’s full of lots of color.

· This could all be managed, Mr. Farr thought. Seeing the Chinese government deal with the virus early in the year and reopen without major outbreaks gave him some confidence. “I got into a lot of heated battles around here in St. Louis because I had the opinion that you can live with this virus,” he said.

Targeting SuperPay

Among the pre-filed bills, Rep. Jered Taylor’s HB 93 would put a salary cap on school superintendents. “The total compensation provided to a superintendent under this section shall not exceed three and one-half times the average total compensation provided to all teachers who are certified under section 168.021 and employed full time by the school district.”

How Red is MO Now?

Missouri now a redder state than Kansas? Nate Silver tweets “Kansas (Trump +14.7) now less red than Missouri (Trump +15.4)”

Gov Retreats on COVID Liability

Just weeks after expanding the special session to include COVID liability, Governor Mike Parson did an abrupt U-turn and yanked the topic.

COVID liability will now join a thousand other bills at the start of the new session, subject to the same competition for attention, and subject to the same hostage and horse-trading scenarios.

Driving the Day: Pre-Filing Day

Today legislators will start pre-filing their bills for next month’s session.It’s worth scrolling through the list at the end of the day

Coming: Renewed Push for Transportation Funding

Look for a new effort to increase the state’s transportation funding. Two years ago, voters rejected Proposition D, a gas tax proposal. 46% voted in favor and 53% against.

Still, there’s some optimism that with a longer “education campaign,” voters would be more amenable.

Vaccine Website

Governor Mike Parson announced a new website, to give Missourians facts about COVID vaccinations.

See it here.

House Floor Leader seeks Legislative Director. “The Legislative Director, together with the Majority Floor Leader’s staff, will advise the Majority Floor Leader on all legislative areas. The position assists the Majority Floor Leader in managing the legislative schedule and floor debate procedures. The selected candidate must be available to work extremely long hours during the legislative session from January through May….

Waiting on MO GOP to Accept Election

MOScouter: “I feel like it’s a pretty big deal that only two state reps [Reps. Shamed Dogan and Doug Richey] have had the courage to acknowledge who won the presidency. The US Senators and other statewide office holders… are clearly avoiding saying it out of fear of a primary opponent from Trump’s base.”

Parson Extends Emergency, Outlines Expectations

Governor Mike Parson extended the state of emergency in Missouri through next Spring.

He also issued new “public health warning.” The document sets “expectations for all individuals living and/or working in Missouri” that they will wear a mask when they can’t socially distance, wash their hands etc.

Krewson Won’t Run Again

Mayor Lyda Krewson announced that she won’t seek another term.The last four years were not easy times to govern.She faced a series of crises.There was unrest surrounding police misconduct, a pandemic, and an economic collapse.Yet Krewson never seemed overwhelmed.

Parson Battles Lecture Fatigue

Scott Chartonon Twitter notes that Joplin’s death count from COVID is now about the same as it was from the Joplin tornado.While I usually avoid the death comparison between dissimilar events (9-11 vs auto fatalities etc), I do think the invocation of Joplin is relevant because COVID will be the defining event of Parson’s administration.

COVID Outbreak Delays Special Session

The Senate was scheduled to go into session this morning. Instead they’ll wait. Floor Leader Caleb Rowden tweeted: “Due to a number of positive COVID-19 cases among members and staff, the Missouri Senate will postpone action related to the special session until after the Thanksgiving holiday. This decision was not made lightly and, although disruptive, is in the best interest of protecting members, staff, and the public.”

Kendrick to Razer

Press release: Senator-elect Greg Razer (D-Kansas City) announces that Kip Kendrick will be joining his office to serve as his Chief of Staff… Razer and Kendrick have served together in the Missouri House of Representatives for the past four years. They served together on the Budget Committee for three of the four years. Kendrick, who currently represents District 45 (Columbia) in the Missouri House, will not be sworn in to his final term and will instead assume the role as Chief of Staff in January 2021…

1. Spending on the election.

2. Missouri electoral votes about right.

3. Imagine if America had more than two major political parties.

4. GOP dominance of state legislature.

5. COVID restrictions across America.

6. Missouri is in the red zone for taxing districts.

7. Marijuana across America.

8. MO is a good state for veterans.

9. The K-shaped recovery.

10. Trump shut down immigration.

11. Perception of the economy is becoming a partisan thing.

12. Common car colors.

Long Will Run Again in 2022

This week, I’ve mentioned a few possible successors to Congressman Billy Long who pledged to only serve six terms during his first campaign for office. In response one insider close to the campaign says definitely: Billy Long is running again.

COVID Liability

Governor Mike Parson formally expanded the special session to include COVID liability protection for health care providers, manufacturers and businesses. See the proclamation here.

Driving the Day: Gov Presser

9AM: “Governor Mike Parson will hold a briefing to provide updates on COVID-19, vaccine developments, K-12 school guidance, and special session.”