Big Smith Fundy Tonight

There’s a big fundraiser tonight in Joplin for Budget Chair Cody Smith. At the home of Lance Beshore, it will feature both Speaker Rob Vescovo and Speaker-elect Dean Plocher as “special guests.”

McCreery Hits Hruza

In her new commercial, Rep. Tracy McCreery attacks George Hruza over his position on abortion. McCreery and Hruza facing each other in Senate 24 (St. Louis County) where Sen. Jill Schupp is termed out.

1. Dems view of socialism by age.

2. Aging leaders.

3. Childhood obesity.

4-5. Prices.

6. Disconnected Youth.

7. Elizabeth Mary.

Remington/MOScout Poll: Senate 30

Q3: Generally speaking, which party do you think does the best job handling the issue of education?

Democrats: 46%

Republicans: 47%

Not sure: 7%

Messaging Crime for the Midterms

While Dems would like to focus on extreme reproductive laws, and Republicans are talking about the impact of inflation on household budgets, there’s also the issue of crime.

Special Session Continues

The legislature continued moving the tax cut and tax credit bills forward.

Senate Perfects Bills

It was Throwback Tuesday in the Senate. Sens Bob Onder and Dave Schatz trading barbs… Sen. Mike Moon reading a story about Daniel Boone because the rest of his colleagues just don’t get it… and progress sometimes coming painfully slow.

Senate Compromise

The Senate Appropriations Committee voted out a compromise version of the tax cut. It brings the state income tax rate down to 4.8%, and then adds triggers allowing the rate to eventually fall to 4.5% if state revenue targets are met.

Special Session Bills Get Hearings Today

The special session starts in earnest today….

1. Teacher pay.

2. Sports betting.

3. Labor market shifts.

4. Wealth by profile.

5. Resettled refugees in US.

6. Housing prices

7. Drive time to Sunday dinner.

Remington/MOScout Poll: Senate 24

Q3: Generally speaking, which party do you think does the best job handling the issue of education?

Democrats: 50%

Republicans: 43%

Not sure: 7%

Inflation Impact

When watching the state’s sale tax revenue (or income tax revenue for that matter), it’s important to note that inflation is going to drive some of the gains we see. And that’s equally important to keep in mind as the legislature considers any non-indexed “triggers” for future tax cuts.

Special Session Starts

No big fireworks as the legislature reconvened. But no grand compromise yet either.

The Senate bills filed gave us an initial look at the contours of the debate.

Veto/Special Sessions

Today both chambers will convene for their regularly scheduled Veto Session, as well as for the governor’s extraordinary session. 

McCreery on the Air
Rep. Tracy McCreery’s campaign has released their first TV ad.
Most families want the same thing. Great schools, good jobs, and a fair chance to get ahead. As someone who has a reputation for working with members so of both parties. I stand with those families.

Eigel Announces Exploratory Campaign for Governor

In a Facebook ad, Sen. Bill Eigel says that his team is setting up “exploratory campaign committee and the infrastructure for a possible statewide campaign for Governor.”

1. Age limits for politicians?

2. Immigration policies.

3. US vets.
4. Gun deaths.

5. The death of the English major.

6. Unions approval

7. Japan tourism.

Q2: Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to authorize laws that increase minimum funding for a police force established by a state board of police commissioners to ensure such police force has additional resources to serve its communities?

Yes: 64%

No: 20%

Not sure: 16%

Special Session Talk

Emily Manley reports that Senate Floor Leader Caleb Rowden informed his colleagues that they should plan to be in session the week after next to deal with the special session.

Eigel Eyes 2024

Sen. Bill Eigel is eying a statewide run in 2024. It seems right now he’s considering running for governor or lieutenant governor.