Parson to Sign Special Session Bills

Press advisory… October 5 at 10:15 a.m., Governor Mike Parson will hold a press conference and sign agriculture tax credits and income tax cut legislation recently passed by the Missouri General Assembly during special session.

Senate To Finish Special Session Today?

The expectation is that the Senate will close out the special session today by passing the House’s bill dealing with agricultural tax credits.

End of An Era: Wagner To Retire

Ray Wagner, Senior Vice President of Enterprise Holding’s Government & Public Affairs, has decided to retire at the end of the year.

1. Corn yields.

2. Text spam.

3. Labor shortage.

4. Housing affordability.

5. Commuting.

6. German raccoons.

Rowden Says No Drama Ahead

Senate Floor Leader Caleb Rowden tweeted yesterday that he sees a quick finish to the special session. “The Senate plans to come in Monday and Tuesday to pass the House’s agriculture package and finish up this productive special session.”

Income Tax Done

On the House floor yesterday Budget Chair Cody Smith striped the provisions his committee had added to the Senate income tax cut bill.

First in MOScout: Hruza Launches First Ad

Republican George Hruza is set to launch his first commercial.

Special Session Continues Today

The House Budget Committee today (Noon) will hear the Senate’s income tax cut bill, as well as a couple of their own. According to the notice, they’re expected to vote on the bills as well – and a Rules Committee is scheduled for this afternoon.

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.