1 Big Thing: Pessimism Reigns

This will be the 18th session I’ve followed while writing Missouri Scout.  And it has the lowest expectations of any session I remember.

End of Year Gratitude

I’m closing the books on this year and just want to say thank you for reading. 

Burger Revaluates Senate 27

Rep. Jamie Burger has begun making calls this week to Senate 27 Republicans gauging support for a campaign if he would jump into the Senate primary to replace Holly Rehder.

Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe recorded a $250,000 contribution from SNK Real Property Holdings LLC.  

Plochers’ Pantry

Missouri Independent reports on Speaker Dean Plocher’s renovations…

Malek’s Next Move?

One building denizen thinks that State Treasurer Vivek Malek should turn his anti-China eyes toward MOST.

Eigel Contra DESE

Springfield News Leader reports on Sen. Bill Eigel’s SB 1005 which would abolish DESE.

The department of elementary and secondary education is abolished, and its powers, duties, personnel, and property shall be transferred as part of a reorganization plan of the governor…

Annual Performance Report

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is publicly releasing the annual performance reports (APRs) for Missouri schools. 

1. Haley supporters OK with compromise, Trump supporters not so much.

2. Personal finance requirements by state.

3. Salary and divorce rate.

4. We ate our way through the pandemic.

5 – 11. Christmas graphics

Big $$$ into Osage Casino Effort

Two $250,000 checks were received by the Osage River Gaming and Convention.  That committee was formed yesterday.  It’s stated purpose is to work on the initiative petition to “allow the Missouri Gaming Commission to issue one additional gambling boat license to operate on the portion of the Osage River.”

Smith Decides Against Senate Run

Rep. Travis Smith has decided not to run for Senate 33 where Sen. Karla Eslinger is vacating her seat at the end of session to become the new commissioner of education.

More Bell Labor Endorsements

Later today, Wesley Bell will announce new more labor endorsements, Sheet Metal Workers SMART Local Union 36 and United Food and Commercial Workers Local 655. 

Ag-ing Up the PSC

Sen. Mike Bernskoetter and Rep. Mike Haffner have bills which would require the addition of Public Service Commissioners who are “actively engaged in production agriculture.”

MRL Endorses Onder

Missouri Right to Life PAC gave Bob Onder its sole endorsement in the lieutenant governor’s race. 

MKLDC Backs Bell

Later today the Missouri-Kansas Laborers’ District Council (MKLDC) will announce that they’re endorsing St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell for Congress over incumbent Congresswoman Cori Bush.

1. US maternal death rate.

2. MO Smokers

3. MO cash.

4. Eric endorses conservative.

5. Obesity prescription drugs = fat profits.

6. More money = less stress.

Onder Makes It Official

Former Sen. Bob Onder announced on NewsTalkSTL yesterday that he was officially jumping into the lieutenant governor’s race. 

Quade Removes Unsicker from Committees

Minority Leader Crystal Quade removed Rep. Sarah Unsicker from House committees following social media posts with Charles Johnson.

Greitens Rebrands

After lying low following his US Senate primary loss, it looks like Eric Greitens is shedding his political skin and rebranding himself. 

November Revenues Slide

State tax receipts showed more weakness in November.