Survey conducted Remington Research Group March 22, 23. 1,478 likely 2024 November Election voters. MoE: +/-3%.

Q2: Do you approve or disapprove of Mike Parson’s job as governor of Missouri?

Approve: 48%

Disapprove: 35%

Unsure: 18%

1 Big Thing: Ugly Senate GOP Primaries Ahead

Regardless the cause: it looks like we’ll be in for another rowdy round of primaries in 2024.  Buckle up.

1 Big Thing: Eruptions on Senate Floor

On the Senate floor yesterday, Sen. Bill Eigel got hot at Sen. Mike Cierpiot for “killing” his bill through “a trapdoor committee.”

Cody Cuts

Yesterday, Budget Chair Cody Smith walked the committee through his recommendations. One of the big shockers was deep cuts to the proposed early childhood initiatives.  Smith zeroed out the $56 million for pre-kindergarten expansion, and the $78 million for childcare subsidies. 

Senate Filibuster, House Sprints

The Republican legislature wasted no time, tackling a number of their remaining priorities.

The House perfected the controversial “landfill” bill, tax cut bill, and sports betting bill.  And the Senate immediately returned to their debate on transgender issues.  That led to a filibuster which proceeded through the night and is ongoing right now.

And we’re back from a 3-day weekend….

Bozarth to Treas Office

Tipster says that Ray Bozarth is joining the State Treasurer’s office.  He’s the new chief of staff. Bozarth was previously State Deputy Director for US Senator Josh Hawley.

Where Things Stand At Midpoint

It’s surprising, given the lack of open conflicts how very few major issues appear to have an easy path to passage…

Voting With the Speaker

A look at third-read votes in the House shows about a third of Republican House members (34) voting 100% with Speaker Dean Plocher as of the session’s mid-way point.

Abortion IPs Filed

Missourians for Constitutional Freedom filed 11 initiative petitions with the SOS office. 

All the IPs would create a new section in the constitution entitled “The Right to Reproductive Freedom Initiative” and begin with the declaration that “the Government shall not deny or infringe upon a person’s fundamental right to reproductive freedom…”

Senate Adjourns for Break

The fragile peace between the former conservative Caucus crowd and regular Senate Republicans seemed to strain yesterday as the majority caucus struggled over how to confront a Democratic filibuster on transgender reassignment.

MSIP6 Scores Fallout

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released the latest Annual Performance Report.  This was the first report based on a new scoring system, Missouri School Improvement Program 6.

Luetkemeyer-Gaetz Feud

A clip on Twitter was getting passed around yesterday.  Missouri Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer takes a swipe at Congressman Matt Gaetz on Stephanie Bell’s 93.9 KWOS talk program. 

The Week Ahead

Both chambers are expected to be sprinting this week ahead of next week’s Spring Break…

1. GOPers and the Biden economy.

2. Martha Washington.

3. Mortgage payments.

4. Monkey inflation.

5. Globalism pause.

6. Far right protests, by topic.

7. NFL Players Association survey.

Q6: What do you believe should be the city’s top priority? 

Creating jobs: 11% 

Improving education: 11% 

Reducing crime: 67% 

Something else: 4% 

Not sure: 6%

1 Week Until Spring Break

We’re nearing the end of the first half of this legislative session. 

1 Big Thing: The Rise of Pro-MATA GOPers

The Senate’s tort reform bill, SB 117 sponsored by Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, was greeted by a bipartisan filibuster.

Rumorville: Riley for Floor Leader?

Word is that Rep. Alex Riley is mulling a bid for House Floor Leader.  If true, he’d be joining Rep. Jamie Burger in that race.

Bad Moon A-Rising

Sen. Mike Moon defied Floor Leader Cindy O’Laughlin and refused to “lay over” his SB 49, a bill about gender transition.