Anthem Drops Policy

Anthem announced they are pulling back on a policy that was supposed to take effect in March, which would have reduced payments for a specific billing code that reimburses physicians for performing multiple procedures in one visit. The MO State Medical Association, MO Dermatological Society and several other provider groups have pushed back hard over the last several months, as Sen. Bob Onder and Rep. Mike Henderson introduced the first legislation in the country on this issue. This signals a big win for MSMA lobbyists Jeff Howell, Heidi Geisbuhler Sutherland and the rest of the provider community.

Originally in February 26 MOScout.

Help Wanted

Missouri Republican Party seeks Regional Field Director’s (RFD’s).  “RFD’s will work with Field Organizers in communities across the region, activating and engaging with grassroots supporters for Republican electoral success in 2018… Managing Field staff within their region; Achieving regional goals by tailoring statewide plans to match regional needs; Managing Victory Centers; Direct oversight of volunteer growth and development - Primary interface between down-ticket candidates and the national field program…  Contact: RLI@mogop.org”

Originally in February 27 MOScout.

Moon Takes Aim at ELMS

CCJ Digital reports that “legislators in at least four states have introduced proposals in recent weeks to stymie enforcement of the electronic logging device mandate, either by suspending funds for enforcement within their state’s borders or by asking the federal government to reconsider the mandate, enforcement for which began in December. The bills mostly cite concerns of small business truckers as the reasons to repeal the mandate or suspend its enforcement, as well as the potential for the mandate to drive up prices of goods for consumers. Legislators in South Dakota, Missouri, Tennessee and Idaho have introduced resolutions taking aim at the mandate…”

In Missouri, Rep. Mike Moon has filed HB 2437 which “prohibits the state and its agencies or political subdivisions or any employees of these entities from enforcing, or keeping records to show compliance with, the federal electronic logging device mandates under 32301(b) of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Enhancement Act of 2012.  Individuals and businesses are free to cooperate with federal requests involving electronic logging devices.”

It hasn’t been referred to committee yet.

Originally in February 26 MOScout.

Mantovani on TV

Last week Mark Mantovani’s campaign released its first TV ad.   “Hometown,” an introductory 60-second TV ad highlighting Mantovani’s roots growing up in Affton, raising his family here in St. Louis County and his experience helping grow a tech business – creating hundreds of jobs in the region.

See it here.  The tagline: Imagine what’s possible.

See Mantovani’s website here.

Originally in February 26 MOScout.

Bits

Reuters reports on the nascent attempts to regulate disclosure of political ad buys on the internet.  Read here about what the City of Seattle requires from Facebook. Facebook must disclose details about spending in last year’s Seattle city elections or face penalties, Wayne Barnett, executive director of the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission, said in a statement… Legislation is pending to extend federal rules governing political advertising on television and radio to also cover internet ads, and tech firms have announced plans to voluntarily disclose some data….

The Missouri Ethics Commission dismissed a complaint against Columbia Mayor Brian Treece and others concerning public use of funds.  See it here.

Originally in February 7 MOScout.

Untested Rape Kits

Washington Post has an article about untested rape kits.  “A Wrenching Dilemma. Across the country, decades’ worth of rape kits are finally being tested, but no one can agree on what to do next. A story of good intentions — and government blunders…” See it here.

In Missouri two relevant bills: Rep. Cora Walker’s HB 2462; and Sen. Jeanie Riddle’s SB 958.

Originally in February 22 MOScout.

Fed Tax Cut To Hurt Affordable Housing Incentive

Governing Magazine reports that the change to the federal tax law will likely reduce the incentive to create affordable housing.  See it here.

“[B]ecause of the new tax law, the affordable housing shortage is expected to get worse.  By one estimate, developers will build nearly 235,000 fewer affordable rental units in the next decade. The reason? Congress diluted tax incentives that fueled the construction and rehabilitation of low-cost rental housing…

The primary way that all levels of government (federal, state and local) facilitate the production of affordable housing is through the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit, which Congress created in its last major tax package under President Ronald Reagan. Between 1995 and 2015, the tax credit spurred the creation of more than 2 million affordable housing units, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that Congress passed just before Christmas, however, makes that tax credit less attractive. Now that the corporate tax rate is only 21 percent (down from 35 percent), affordable housing investors (which are mostly banks) will owe significantly less in taxes and have less of a need to buy tax credits from developers…

Originally in February 22 MOScout.

Moley for County Collector

On Twitter former Rep. Chris Molendorp‏ announces… “I’m thrilled to announce I’m filing Tuesday morning for Cass County Collector!  I’m excited to serve our community.”

Originally in February 22 MOScout.

MCN Calls Walsh “Judas Dixiecrat”

Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal kicked SB 892 of the consent calendar.  Its sponsor is Sen. Gina Walsh.  From Chappelle-Nadal’s letter to the Secretary of the Senate: “I find myself cast out in the cold by a Judas Dixiecrat… I will never give up the fight for progressive Democratic values. I ask you to remove the SCS/SB 892 from the Consent Calendar, as it calls for prosecuting attorneys to receive full time privileges, while I am denied the full benefits of my position. It is in the best interest and reputation of this body I speak out against this double standard…”

Originally in February 22 MOScout.

Help Wanted

Missouri Veterans Commission seeks General Counsel.  “The responsibilities of General Counsel include: Evaluating and providing counsel regarding Commission goals, policies, procedures and work processes to ensure such activities comply with applicable laws, policies, and regulations; Research issues and provide legal advice to management and staff; Judge the merits of major court cases filed against or on behalf of the Commission and work with managers to define a strategic defense… Review and analyze current federal and state legislation and fiscal notes; drafting proposed legislation and regulations as requested by the Executive Director….”  See it here.

Originally in February 21 MOScout.

Schupp Seeks Help

Jill Schupp for State Senator seeks Volunteer Coordinator.  “The Volunteer Coordinator will work closely with the Field Director to identify, recruit and manage hundreds of volunteers to help with various campaign activities… This full-time position starts April 1, 2018 with an end date of November 15, 2018…”

Jill Schupp for State Senator seeks Relationship Director.  “Reporting to the Field Director, the Relationship Director will identify, manage and grow one-to-one voter contact programs within the campaign…”

Jill Schupp for State Senator seeks Voter Contact Director.  “The Voter Contact Director is in charge of getting the campaign’s key messages out through direct voter contact…”

Apply to Jim Ross at jeross1313@gmail.com.

Originally in February 21 MOScout.

Appts

Governor Eric Greitens appointed Kurt Killen to the Platte County Election Board, and Nicole E. Wood, Republican, as a member of the Conservation Commission.

House Minority Leader Gail McCann Beatty appointed Rep. Barbara Washington as the Minority Ranking Member to the House Special Committee to Improve the Care and Well-being of Young People.

Originally in February 15 MOScout.

Otto in House 65

In an email blast, former Rep. Bill Otto announces that he will seek to return to the state House.

Folks,

Friends, neighbors, and colleagues have asked me to serve once again in the Missouri House of Representatives, this time in District 65.  District 65 includes most of the City of St. Charles and extends north to the confluence of the Missouri and the mighty Mississippi.

After a lifetime of service starting when I was a teen in the Navy and continuing through 20 years as an Air Traffic Controller at Lambert, followed by 4 years of service in the Missouri House of Representatives, I’m honored to announce that I am ready, willing, and able to represent you.

But politics is not about me, it’s about you…. 

Otto previously represented House 70.  In 2016, he opted to run for congress (unsuccessfully against Ann Wagner) instead of running for re-election.

Rep. Tom Hannegan currently represents House 65.  I have always thought of St. Charles as a Republican stronghold.  However Dems are hopeful that the environment this year will put these seats in play.

Originally in February 13 MOScout.

Help Wanted

Equifax seeks Regional Director, State Government Relations.  “Equifax is seeking a Regional Director, State Government Relations to develop, execute, and manage state and local government relations objectives for Equifax within several Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states to include: Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. The Regional Director will be responsible for direct lobbying, developing trusted relationships with legislators, governors, regulators, and state agencies to influence policy/legislation involving issues consistent with Equifax business interests and objectives. The Regional Director will also be accountable for identifying business risks and opportunities and developing strategies to ensure advancement of business priorities and public policy goals.

This role will have a continual focus on increasing the presence and reputation of Equifax across assigned states, while finding strategic alignment between business objectives, government programs and other trends. The Regional Director will be responsible for managing state government relations priorities in their region, providing sound legislative and regulatory advice, collaborating with other Regional Directors and business leaders, as well as other activities as directed by the Senior Director, Government Relations. This position will be based in St. Louis, Missouri, or remote from a state within the assigned region…”

Originally in February 12 MOScout.

Meet America First MO

Annette Read is the executive director of a new political action committee, America First MO.  “Formerly Show-MeTrump, we remain dedicated to furthering the vision and goals of the President… Our office will be located in St. Louis County and open in early March. You can find further information at our website here.”

Originally in February 12 MOScout.

Ausmus Sues for Age Discrimination

Mark Ausmus filed a lawsuit earlier this month alleging that he was terminated from the Department of Revenue because of his age.  The termination occurred in March of 2017.  The lawsuit claims that Ausmus was, at age 61, one of the oldest attorneys at DOR at the time of his dismissal.

Ausmus was chief of staff to Speaker Bob Griffin decades ago.

Originally in February 14 MOScout.

“New Approach Approaching Target” is locked New Approach Approaching Target

According to WeedNews, New Approach passed a signature milestone in its efforts to put medical marijuana on the ballot.  See it here.  “After pushing through some bad weather the first couple weeks of the year, our petition drive to place medical cannabis on the November ballot has rocketed into 2018. Last week, our paid petitioners posted their best week of the campaign so far, and we have now collected more than 175,000 signatures of the roughly 280,000 we will need to submit! Equally impressive, nearly 100,000 of those signatures were gathered by volunteers!”

Originally in February 1 MOScout.

Help Wanted

The Conservation Federation of Missouri seeks Director of Development.  “The Director of Development is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the Conservation Federation’s fundraising, including: the major gifts program, planned giving, Business Alliance, select donor events and capital campaigns. The Director of Development reports to the Executive Director and works closely with the Board of Directors in all development and fundraising endeavors… Starting Salary: $50,000…”  See it here.

The Conservation Federation of Missouri seeks Membership Development Coordinator. “Develop, execute, and measure promotional plans and campaigns intended to engage, recruit, and retain members/membership; lead membership marketing strategy, development and execution; Track and identify opportunities, through research and analytics to increase future campaign success, engagement of members and the public; use data to develop appropriate membership acquisition and retention strategies by identifying potential membership markets, and monitoring trends… Salary Range: $35,000 – $40,000…”  See it here.

Originally in February 1 MOScout.

Cort Goes Indy in Senate 30

The press release: David Cort, a candidate for Missouri’s 30th State Senate District, has announced a formal break from the Republican Party. Cort will run for the Springfield State Senate seat as an Independent… The move leaves Greene County Commissioner Lincoln Hough as the only candidate who has declared for the Republican nomination for this seat… Mike Moon, Republican Representative from the 157th District, said of Cort, “He is a thinker. Dave understands the problems facing our state and will work hard to find appropriate solutions. I look forward to working with Dave Cort in Jefferson City. I must say that this has been a hard decision to make. But I know it’s the right thing to do, it’s the principled thing to do. You cannot identify the Republican Party as part of the problem and then ask to become part of the problem.” 

Originally in February 7 MOScout.

New Committees

Adam Schwadron formed a candidate committee (Friends of Adam Schwadron) to run for St. Charles County Director of Election as a Republican.

Sara Lampe formed a candidate committee (Sara Lampe For Greene County) to run for Greene County Presiding Commissioner as a Democrat. Lampe is a former state representative.

Southern Missouri Conservative Fund was formed.  It’s a PAC.  Its treasurer is James Murphy, Sen. Paul Wieland’s chief of staff.

Matthew Becker formed a candidate committee (Becker For Prosecutor) to run for Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney as a Republican 

Originally in February 6 MOScout.