Framework for New Economy

Sen. Lincoln Hough and Rep. Travis Fitzwater had hearings for their bills to create a regulatory framework for “tiny delivery machines.”

Testifying in favor of the bill were two lobbyists representing companies that are interested in using the robotic delivery in the future…

Declining COVID Deaths

Missouri’s death rate from COVID is declining. Because of the reporting lag between deaths and when they show up on the state’s dashboard, it’s impossible to quantify the rate of decline. However, by following the numbers each day, it’s clear that fewer Missourians are now dying from COVID. Hopefully, as more high-risk Missourians are vaccinated, this trend will continue.

Evans Registers to Lobby

Jean Evans, former executive director for Missouri Republican Party, registered over the weekend as a lobbyist. Before her role with the MRP, Evans was a state representative from St. Louis County in a swing district.

1. MO’s slow growth.

2. Rents have held up in Missouri.

3. Death of trust?

4. Educational attainment across the country.

5. Educational attainment in MO.

6. MO’s incarceration rate.

7. EV ranking.

8. Cost of Superbowl ad.

9. Superb Owl.

Sifton Starts Federal Committee

Former Sen. Scott Sifton filed paperwork with the FEC to form a campaign committee to run for US Senate in 2022 as a Democrat.

Ruth Files Gas Tax – With Rebate

Rep. Becky Ruth, chair of the House Transportation Committee, filed a bill to increase Missouri’s gas tax by ten cents. Her proposal – like Sen Dave Schatz’ bill – would have a five-year phase-in.

But Ruth also included a rebate in her bill.

Vescovo Tells Derges To Resign

House Speaker Rob Vescovo said in a statement yesterday that he’d spoken with Rep. Tricia Derges and asked her to resign. So far, she’s hasn’t done anything.

Senate Filibuster

Just minutes before hitting “send” the Senate – which worked throughout the night – was coming to a conclusion on the COVID liability. The bill was perfected around 5:10AM. The debate started around 2PM yesterday.

Derges Indicted

Rep. Tricia Derges was indicted on 20 counts yesterday. US Attorney Tim Garrison unveiled the allegations at a press conference. She’s accused of lying to patients, telling them they were receiving stem cell treatment when they weren’t, as well as illegally prescribing medicine, and lying to the FBI.

CMC to Europe?

Axios reports on possible ambassadorships under President Joe Biden… “Biden is most likely to reward loyal politicians and former aides, with talk about former senators like Claire McCaskill headed for a gilded post in Europe…”

Parson Vents

In sign of great tension between the governor and House leadership, Governor Mike Parson has apparently sent a letter to Republican legislators venting about his State of the State speech being shunted over to the Senate.

1. V-shaped recovery comes up short.

2. Fewer Black people getting vaccinated so far.

3. Only one capitol riot arrestee from MO.

4. Republicans and Democrats want to focus on different things.

5. Smoking decline stopped last year during COVID.

6. Maybe money can buy happiness?

Remington/MOScout Poll

Survey conducted January 27 through January 28, 2021. 1,070 likely 2022 General Election voters participated in the survey. Survey weighted to match expected turnout demographics for the 2022 General Election. Margin of Error is +/-3%.

Q1: How would you rate the distribution of the COVID vaccine in Missouri so far?

Excellent: 12%

Good: 12%

OK: 18%

Not good: 24%

Terrible: 35%

Vaccine-gate

Governor Mike Parson started off his press conference yesterday dinging Dems who got vaccinated earlier this week. “Really what happened is people just went over there and tried to use their positions to jump the line is the simple truth of what happened.”

Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell at the end of his press conference yesterday (see it here, at about the 55-minute mark) summed up how to help the economy: “That is really the main thing about the economy is getting the pandemic under control, getting everyone vaccinated, getting people wearing masks and all that. That’s the single most important economic growth policy that we can have.”

Vescovo Eyes Auditor’s Race?

In what could potentially shake-up the Republican primary for state auditor, Speaker Rob Vescovo amended his campaign committee paperwork to state that he’s seeking a “statewide” office in 2022.

Pay Raise Issue Rises Again

Today in Chair Phil Christofanelli’s Rules - Legislative Oversight, Rep. Andrew McDaniel’s HCR 7 will have a hearing. This would disapprove the proposed 5% pay raise for state legislators.

Driving the Day: Will There Be a SOTS?

Speaking of State of the State… will it even happen? And in what form? It’s scheduled for Wednesday at 3PM, and normally takes place before a joint session.

· But one building denizen points out that the governor has “not been invited to give a State of the State Address? The Floor Leader [Dean Plocher] has yet to offer the House Resolution.”

1. “Excess” deaths in 2020

2. COVID impact on quality of life

3. St. Louis Black businesses

4. MO coal

5. Indicator of R&D leadership.

6. DUI by car model

COVID Fears Ripple Across Senate

Sen. Andrew Koenig acknowledged yesterday that he’s tested positive for COVID. This comes after a week of hearings in the Senate in which Koenig was often engaged in heated exchanges.