Missouri Times - January 28, 2019 by Missouri Times

The Missouri Times

JANUARY 28, 2019

Statesman of the Year

GOVERNOR MIKE PARSON PHOTO/AARON BASHAM - THE MISSOURI TIMES

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Title IX investigations are medieval in their lack of due process Rep. Dean Dohrman

What sets the United States apart from many other countries is the emphasis that government works for the people, not the other way around. Very early in our existence this became standard for all citizens in the Bill of Rights, but unfortunately, not everyone reveres these rights as sacred. Emerging from the English tradition, American patriots were cautious to preserve their freedoms. They knew the dangers well, as kings were known to lock people in a room, such as the Star Chamber, to defend themselves against charges they did not fully comprehend without a right to face their accuser. Parliament abolished the tribunal in 1641, and Americans were determined they would not follow suit in their new country. They therefore enacted the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Amendments, all ensuring that certain rights would remain for them and their posterity. Central to individual protection under the law in the Bill of Rights is the 5th Amendment and its provision of due process. The right to face your accuser, to be presented with the evidence against you, the right of appeal, and most importantly, the presumption of innocence until proven guilty are embodied in this constitutional concept. Past generations were so supportive of this principle of due process they repeated it in the 14th Amendment to make certain that individual states upheld this fundamental principle. However, something happened under the Obama administration that has threatened this bedrock of the American legal system. Title IX became an issue because of the Dear Colleague letter produced by the Obama administration in 2011. The letter targeted investigations on sexual assaults claims

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made on college campuses, and threatened ominous consequences if results were not obtained. As a result, the system became streamlined, often with the removal of due process from these proceedings. If you are unfamiliar with this process, many Title IX proceedings mirror the Star Chamber: the accused will be called in without prior notification of the charge, no specific allegation will be written, the accuser will not appear, there is no cross-examination, and no legal counsel is allowed to be present if a cross-examination occurs. In response to these late medieval litigation procedures, I have filed HB X to make certain this short-circuit of justice is short-lived. Proponents of the Obama provisions argue that these measures are necessary to achieve justice in sexual assault and harassment cases. To have the accuser subjected to cross-examination would be problematic, as the defendant has no clear ability to defend him/herself. Often, they are given the “opportunity” to leave school without further action. The problem here is trying to re-enter school elsewhere, which puts a damper on trying to ignite a career. And the cost to go to court and fight the allegation is in the neighborhood of $250,000. Talk about student debt! Fortunately, U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVoss has proposed changes to right the wrongs of the Obama-era proceedings. The problem is that these rules are not permanent. Down the line, another administration may go back to the Obama administration’s favoring of denying due process. As a consequence, this legislation is long overdue and is being filed to put an end to the circumvention of legal protections which have become prevalent

in Title IX cases. In these administrative tribunals, basic rights, such as crossexamination, the right to face your accuser, the right to a copy of the actual complaint, the right to present evidence including testimony from witnesses, and the right to active legal counsel will be restored. The rights of due process are worth preserving. Justice is a balance, but at the moment, balance has been lost in Title IX cases. My bill does not plow new constitutional ground, it simply re-states protections which every American expects and deserves. The recent confirmation hearings for Justice Brett Kavanaugh should have demonstrated to us that America will become a very scary place for everyone if we simply accept every allegation that is made as truth. HB X applies due process to both sides equally, so the legislation does not favor the complainant or the respondent in a Title IX case. When an allegation of sexual assault/harassment is made, the stakes are high for the accused. Expulsion or suspension along with the scarlet letter of being accused of sexual misconduct can destroy a young person’s career and carries lifelong consequences. Under this legislation, if the complainant doesn’t believe the university will take their complaint seriously, they can request a hearing in front of the Administrative Hearing Commission instead of the school's tribunal. For justice to be served, due process must be applied. This right is not merely an option for the select few. These protections must be in state statute to ensure they cannot be changed at bureaucratic whim. Our college students deserve the same rights as everyone else in society when allegations of sexual misconduct are made. After all, they are our future.

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HOT LIST SNEAKERS DAY!

On Tuesday, January 29, wear your sneakers to the Capitol and to the Statesman of the Year party to show your support for the ALS Association - St. Louis Regional Chapter. Of course, also on the hot list are two majority floor leaders who are quick to embrace a good cause.

KAY HOFLANDER

The new Missouri Republican Party chair is a woman who activated grassroots in her own backyard and can be expected to emphasize grassroots for Republicans going into 2020. She is a talented, genuine woman who will only complement and enhance the evolution of Missouri Republicans over the last year. Expect polish and embracing political innovation, but stability and constant progress forward.

STATE SENATE 2020

Rep. Doug Beck is in in SD1, Rep. Robert Ross is in for SD33, and Reps. Kathy Swan and Holly Rehder are in for SD27. What a time to be in politics!

LOBBY DAYS

In spite of constant discomfort and uncertainty from new ethics laws, groups are back in and around the building, session is in full swing, and things feel right again in Capitol. Feel at ease knowing many are constantly working to clarify and develop the new normal of Missouri politics.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Carrie Tergin @CarrieTergin Great seeing MSU friends in #JCMO Springfield Area Salute to Legislators #MissouriState #SelfiewiththeMayor #SelfiewiththeLtGov

Tweets of the Week Highlights in 280 characters or less.

MaryElizabethColeman @meaccoleman Tonight my 7 year old prayed for “all the Representatives helping the people” I’m not crying. Nope. Not me. #MoLeg

Alex T. Eaton @alexteaton We have reached the point where members of Congress are calling for a replay of a sporting event. Our country is screwed. Brooke Foster @lonesometoast Hi. I’m a communications consultant. You may know me from my greatest hits: “(Please Don’t) Mass Distribute That Press Release” “No You Can’t Just ‘Wing It’ on Camera”“This Call Should’ve Been an E-mail (feat. My One-Year-Old Son)”

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GOV. MIKE PARSON IS STATESMAN OF THE YEAR Alisha Shurr Mike Parson’s ascension to the post of Missouri’s chief executive certainly was not through traditional means, yet he has taken on the task of Governor with a steady hand and integrity. Due to his steadfast services to the people of Missouri and his commitment to service, Parson will be honored at the 2nd annual Statesman of the Year party hosted by the Missouri Times. The event will be held on January 29, 2019, at 7 p.m. at the Millbottom. The event will also honor the 2018 Best of the Legislature and recognized the preceding Senate President Pro Tem with a legacy award. “The Statesman of the Year event in 2018 was an overwhelming success,” Rachael Herndon Dunn, editor of the Missouri Times, said. “The first Statesman party was packed from wall to wall as we honored now-Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe. We had amazing sponsors to make it happen, and it gave us a great reason to honor a nonprofit and we’re doing again. This year, we’re honoring Gov. Mike Parson for the undeniable efficient stability he brought to Missouri politics after a rough year. The Governor and his team have worked together with the legislative supermajorities to execute a clear vision of priorities. He may be proposing bold solutions, but we’ll be at the Millbottom on Tuesday honored to honor a bold Governor with 400 – or more – of our closest friends.” The 62-year-old Republican stepped up to take the place of scandal-plagued Eric Greitens, who resigned as Missouri’s governor on June 1, 2018. “Governor Parson came into office in an unenviable way, but he has governed with a steady hand and integrity,” said Scott Dieckhaus, partner at Palm Strategies. From a rural background and with decade of experience as a Missouri lawmaker, Parson set the tone for his

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tenure as the state’s chief executive during his swearing-in ceremony. Parson called for Missouri to come together, to work together, and to help one another while he pledged to work hard each and every day, to bring honor, integrity, and transparency to the governor’s office. The media was given the opportunity to ask Parson questions after his speech as governor. His communications staff provided the media with the governor’s schedule during his first week in office and earmarked time for folks to ask questions and get a sense of what it happening. That openness and transparency was a welcome relief and is something Parson and his staff has maintained through his tenure. Six months into the job, Missouri’s 57th Governor has assembled a great team, established stability in a politically tumultuous time, brought folks from all over and all political standpoints to the table, navigating rough times with the duck boats and drought, and made three statewide appointments. Parson has travelled the state pushing for an investment in infrastructure and workforce development. Following a ballot failure to fund roads and bridges, he didn’t shy away from the issue moving forward. Instead he listened to the voters and discovered another way to address the issue. “I can think of no better person to be named Statesman of the Year than Governor Mike Parson. He rose to the occasion when called to duty, and he has done an excellent job righting the ship of state,” said James Harris. “He has sought to mend fences in the Capitol, bringing all sides to the table to work on the issues facing Missouri. He has also been clear that his goal is to serve the people of our state, not build his political brand, and

I think he made that clear by using the State of the State not to court headlines, but to put forward realistic policy goals that will have a tangible impact for the people of our state.” Born in 1955 in Wheatland, Missouri, Parson grew up on a farm and graduated from Wheatland High School in 1973. He joined the U.S. Army at 19-yearsold where he served two tours — one in Germany and one in Hawaii — in the military police corps. He worked his way up into the criminal investigation division of the Army. From 1993 to 2005, Parson served as the elected Polk County Sheriff. At the same time, he ran a small farm in Bolivar and ran two gas stations. Following his tenure as sheriff, he entered the Missouri House of Representatives and then the Missouri Senate. In his time in the legislature, he fought to strengthen laws protecting farmers, the use of deadly force to ward off attacks, and was an outspoken opponent of abortion. As lieutenant governor, Parson led the effort to overhaul Missouri’s board and commissions and has highlighted problems at veterans homes. He came out in support of raising taxes for transportation infrastructure and was opposed to Greitens’ move to freeze lowincome housing tax credits. And as Governor, he offered a much needed stability to state government. “Congratulations to Governor Mike Parson on being named Statesman of the year. It is great to work with him! He is smart, he listens, he’s genuine, and he understands the the success of Missouri is closely tied with the success of the St Louis region. Congrats - this is a well deserved honor!” said St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson.

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DOR BLASTED FOR LACK OF COMMUNICATION ON WITHHOLDING ERROR 15-year-old formula error exposed following standard deduction changes Alisha Shurr The Missouri Department of Revenue was in the hot seat as the House Budget Committee sought answers as to why revenue collections to date are lagging by more than $500 million. On Wednesday, some members on the committee lambasted the department for a lack of communication on the matter.

They noted that humans make errors occasionally, but that the frustrating part was that the issue was the department did not communicate the problem to businesses and taxpayers. To date, the state has collected $532 million — roughly 10 percent — less in tax revenue than in the same time

frame in the previous year, not taking into account that there is a projected revenue growth for FY 2019, the current operating year, of 1.7 percent. Yet, Joel Walters, the director of the Missouri Department of Revenue, said he still expects general revenue collections to grow to the projected level. He stated

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he believes that the state will still meet the 1.7 percent revenue growth when all is said and done “I am confident of that,” Walters told members of the budget committee. And that confidence comes from why the revenues are lagging. The reason for the current collection decline is due to a

withholding error and changes made in the federal tax code. But for several members of the committee, the frustrating part isn’t the errors, but the lack of communication from the department. “It’s a lack of communication,” said Rep. Kip Kendrick, ranking member of

The Missouri Times the budget committee. “I’m going to have very upset constituents — everybody in this room will have very upset constituents — and somehow we’re all crossing our fingers right now hoping they’ll owe us money. That’s terrifying.” For Rep. Robert Ross, who is on this fourth term in the House, the lack of communication has been a pattern with the Department of Revenue for years. “Director, I appreciate you being here to answer some questions today. I am going to preface this by telling you I am frustrated,” said Ross. “There is a history of dropping the ball and bungling issues.” He pointed to 2013 when the Department of Revenue gave the concealed carried weapon list to the Social Security Administration. Ross noted the department denied it and misled the General Assembly and the

know what is coming. “If you would communicate that. We are all human, we all make mistakes. I understand that. But I don’t understand, could you tell me why you are not willing to communicate with Missouri taxpayers?” Ross asked Walters. “Failing, failing to disclose this to the Missouri taxpayer…is going to be the issue.” The withholding miscalculation comes from an error in the actual formula used to do the calculations. The error in the formula has been there as far back as the department of revenue has found. “This error has actually been in the tables for 15 years,” said Walters. “It’s been in there for 15 years, no one had ever noticed that this error was in there because the impact was relatively small.” The formula was failing to correctly take into account the standard deduction, Walters noted. He said the individual income tax deduction was wrong, but by a small amount — $3 per pay period for someone making $30,000. The issue was exacerbated when the standard deduction was doubled. “So what happened was, this error that no one noticed because it was small for 15 years, suddenly became a bigger number because the standard deduction — which was the error in the calculation — became more material,” said Walters. That issue was discovered in September 2018 and the department issued new withholding tables. But they are unclear how many businesses actually changed the withholdings to the new tables because they knew the state would be issuing new tables in January 2019. The withholdings for state employees were not updated to the new tables after the error was discovered. The other part of the revenue lag is changes made in the 1,100-page federal tax bill that went into effect January 1, 2018. Part of the legislation involved moving individuals away from itemized deductions and towards the standard deduction, which they doubled. In doing so, it affected individuals who previously had more than necessary withheld in order to get a substantial tax return. Because of the changes, those individuals will not be getting the sizeable return they intended since the withholdings are more accurate for their income level. In 2018, Missouri issued $1 billion in tax returns. Walters projects 2019 returns will be considerably less. Walters noted that other states, such as Idaho, are having similar issues. Federal tax revenues are showing the same problem as Missouri’s, he said.

“I am going to preface this by telling you I am frustrated,” said Ross. “There is a history of dropping the ball and bungling issues.” public. Then in 2018, there was a fiscal note error on a bill that was roughly $50 million off. Ross had more examples where he felt the department dropped the ball. “I say all that to say this: we understand this was a formulaic error…the error existed in the tables and the federal changes exposed the error,” said Ross. “In each of the issues before, the problem, the major thing that made everyone of those scenarios worse was communication, a lack of communication…When we unveiled the new license plate, there was a major media campaign on that. Had press releases that went out with here’s what is coming, Missouri’s should be proud of what their new license plates will look like. But that is not the same level communication we have seen with this particular issue.” He noted that even though taxpayers will have a lower tax liability in total, many are going to be hit with “an April surprise,” where they owe the state money. Ross said that many taxpayers are completely unaware of the issue and don’t

SNEAKER DAY AT THE CAPITOL TUESDAY, JANUARY 29

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THANK YOU TO MAJORITY FLOOR LEADERS ROWDEN AND VESCOVO FOR MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO SUPPORT SUCH A GREAT CAUSE.

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SPRINGFIELD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SALUTE TO LEGISLATORS

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Lawmakers consider designating the Chiefs as Missouri’s official NFL team Alisha Shurr

Missouri lawmakers are mulling over making the Kansas City Chiefs the official NFL team of the Show-Me State. On Tuesday, the Senate Committee on Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions, and Ethics heard the proposal by Sen. Kiki Curls, SCR 4, to recognize the team that has resided in Missouri for nearly six decades. SCR 4 would designate Kansas City Chiefs as the official professional football team of the state of Missouri. “They are obviously worthy,” said Senate Pro Tem Dave Schatz, who questioned what would happen if anything team decided to locate in the state. The Chiefs are the only NFL team that residents in Missouri since the Rams left St. Louis several years ago. Curls noted that Lamar Hunt was instrumental in the creation of the

Kansas City Chiefs when he brought the franchise to Kansas City from Dallas, Texas, in 1963, when the team was known as the Dallas Texans. It was a fan contest that determined the name “Chiefs” in honor of the nickname of Mayor Harold Roe Bartle, who persuaded Hunt to bring the team to Kansas City. It was also noted that the Chiefs won the first Superbowl following the merger of the National Football League and the American Football League. The team has had several very successful seasons including the most recent season where they made won the American Football Conference West division title. “Kansas City loves our Chiefs,” said Curls. “We are one of the biggest tailgating teams in the country and is considered the loudest stadium in the world. The Chiefs’ most recent game, where

they narrowly lost to the New England Patriots, sparked a variety of jokes. Sen. Denny Hoskins wonder if they could add an amendment that, “says you actually have to hit the quarterback to call it pass interference.” “This is still very raw,” noted Sen. Caleb Rowden, referring to Sunday’s loss. No member from the team was present, though the Chiefs’ government advocate did testify in support of the resolution. The committee ultimately took no action on the proposal. The committee also held a public hearing on a resolution to replace the statue of Thomas Hart Benton in the Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol with a statue of Harry S. Truman. The proposal passed the General Assembly during the 2018 regular session but due to clerical issues failed to cross the finish line.

institutions to be part of this conversation to fix this problem. False accusations cause Title IX to lose value. Without due process, the law loses its purpose. Our bill restores the seriousness of Title IX protections.” “Due process is vital in both civil and criminal proceedings and Title IX proceedings are no different,” said Dohrman. “I have filed this bill to restore credibility to Title IX and protect all students by making sure both the accuser and the accused are in a just proceeding. Like my Senate colleague, I welcome all parties to the table to discuss the state of Title IX and how it can better serve all students.”

The bill would enable students in an institute of higher education that, past or present, has received a disciplinary action in a Title IX to appeal to the Administrative Hearing Commission. It sets forth hearing procedures for Title IX formal complaints. Under the legislation, the decisionmaker or decision-makers shall apply the clear and convincing evidence standard to reach a determination. “This bill is about protecting the rights of all involved,” Romine said. “If you’re harassed, we want you to have a path to justice. If you are accused, we want the process to be impartial. It is the only way to protect the reputations of both parties.

Alisha Shurr Two Republican lawmakers have filed a bill that would require all higher education Title IX proceedings to use due process. Sen. Gary Romine and Rep. Dean Dohrman filed nearly identical bills in their respective chambers. HB 573 and SB 259 provides students in higher education due process protections and allows students to request that Federal Title IX procedural hearing be heard before the Administrative Hearing Commission. “This is a really important issue right now,” Romine said. “I’m a great supporter of education and the institutional value to Title IX. In this spirit, I have invited

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Senate committee approves several interim gubernatorial appointments Alisha Shurr The Senate committee charged with considering gubernatorial appointments got down to business on Wednesday, starting the process of vetting Gov. Mike Parson’s interim appointees. The Senate Committee on Gubernatorial Appointments, chaired by Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz, held a public hearing for nearly two dozen Missourians appointed to various boards and commission while the legislature was not is session. The Senate has 30 days from the start of session to confirm all appointments made in the interim. The committee gave unanimous approval to all appointees they vetted on Wednesday morning, sending them to the Senate floor of confirmation. Of those before the committee, Schatz intently questioned the three appointment to the Missouri State Board of Nursing and the Director of the Department of Natural Resources was in the hot seat for two back-to-back appointments. Carol S. Comer, who has headed the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for roughly two years, was appointed by Parson to the Interstate Mining Commission and the Midwest Low-Level Radioactive Waste Compact Commission. “I never seen anything like this before,” said Sen. Jamilah Nasheed. She raised the question on why Comer was appointed to the two commissions back-to-back. Comer noted that it is custom for the natural resources director to sit on the Interstate Mining Commission. She noted that the Midwest Low-Level Radioactive

Waste Compact Commission was a “relic of the 80s” and only meets once a year. Larry J. Lehman will also serve as a member of the Interstate Mining Commission and Tiffany Drake will serve as an alternate member of the Midwest Low-Level Radioactive Waste Compact Commission. Robert P. Walsh, Shelia Barrett Ray, and Julie A. Miller were all appointed to the Missouri State Board of Nursing. Jon M. Kempker was appointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board. James Leo Gray, III, was appointed to the State Board of Pharmacy. Randy Huffman, Republican, was appointed to serve as Commissioner of the Sullivan County Western District and Stephanie Gooden, Republican, was appointed to serve as Commissioner of the Saline County Northern District. Jerrod L. Hogan was appointed to the Missouri Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors, and Professional Landscape Architects. Linda J. Scorse was appointed to the Missouri Veterinary Medical Board. Maynard “Bill” Jones was reappointed to the board. Timothy D. Larson was appointed to the Missouri Dental Board. Leroy C. Tieman was appointed to the Missouri Western State University Board of Governors. Andrew T. Moore was appointed to the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors. Robert J. Whelan was appointed to the Missouri State Board of Accountancy. Phillip L. Slinkard was reappointed to the board.

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Rep. Cloria Brown honored with first bill out of the House Alisha Shurr

The first bill taken under consideration for the 2019 regular session has unanimously been given the Missouri House’s stamp of approval. The measure honors a former colleague who died while in office. In a 150-0 vote on Wednesday morning, the Missouri House approved a measure that would rename part of South Lindbergh Boulevard “Rep. Cloria Brown Memorial Highway.” Brown lost her battle to cancer in March 2018. HB 448 and 206, introduced by Reps. Patricia Pike and Jim Murphy, passed out the House transportation committee last week and moved quickly through the chamber.

During the perfection debate, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle praised Brown for her work in the General Assembly. While in the legislature, Brown fought to combat sex trafficking, introduced a measure to ban texting while driving, and supported a statewide prescription drug monitoring program. A bill first introduced by Brown in 2015 mandating that certain businesses display posters with the phone number to a national human trafficking hotline passed the General Assembly in 2018. It was signed into law by then-Gov. Eric Greitens on March 1, 2018.

HOUSE DEMOCRATS FILE PLETHORA OF EDUCATION BILLS Alisha Shurr

Democrats in the House filed several pieces on legislation they are touting as policies that will strengthen Missouri’s K-12 education system. Led by House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, Democrats filed four bills that alter the school lunch system, charter school accountability, and the funding formula for public schools. One bill would put a constitutional amendment on the ballot seeking to ensure all Missourians have the right to an adequate and equitable education. “Local public schools form the foundation of every Missouri community, and when that foundation cracks, the whole community feels it,” said Quade. “For our communities and state to thrive, we must strengthen the public education foundation and avoid policies that could cause it long-term harm.” According to Quade, the package of legislation introduced on Tuesday is aimed at strengthening the public education system and ensuring local schools have the resources needed to successfully carry out the vital role of providing a quality education for every Missouri child.

One measure targets the practice of “food shaming.” HB 618 and HB 627 — sponsored by Reps. Raychel Proudie and Ian Mackey — would end the trend of shaming children whose parents are behind on their school lunch bill. The bills would require schools to provide a lunch to any student who requests one, regardless of whether the student can pay for it or owes a debt for previous lunches. They also would prohibit schools from publicly identifying or stigmatizing a student who owes debt on meal or force a student to discard food due to inability to pay. Mackey noted that the bills would require schools go through parents, instead of children, for any unpaid balances.

“Unfortunately, there are instances where our scholars are unable to get a meal, or are shamed with meals not fit for the condemned due to an inability to pay. No child deserves such t r e a t m e n t ,” P r o u d i e said. “There should be no child in the greatest state in the country, in the greatest country on Earth ought to be ostracized for needing a little grace.“ A key component to the legislative package is changes to charter school regulations. HB 629, filed by Quade, would allow for the expansion of new charter schools only upon the approval of voters in the school district in which the new charter school is proposed.

“Local public schools form the foundation of every Missouri community, and when that foundation cracks, the whole community feels it.”

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HB 424, filed by Rep. Bruce Franks, would prohibit the sponsor of a substandard charter school from sponsoring another charter school. The bill also would require local voter approval to renew a school’s charter. “The legislature imposed charter schools on Kansas City and St. Louis without giving local residents a say in the matter,” Quade said. “That is a mistake that can’t be repeated. If charter schools are an option a community wants, then they should have it, but only if clearly expressed at the ballot box and not dictated to them from on high.” Another major issue Democrats are pushing is funding public schools. Rep. Kip Kendrick noted that the legislature altered the education formula a few years ago, which enables Republicans to say they are “fully funding” education. The ranking member of the House Budget Committee also noted the state’s share of student transportation will remain $188 million underfunded under Gov. Mike Parson’s budget recommendation. “No matter what some politicians say, Missouri isn’t meeting its obligations to

adequately fund local public schools,” said Kendrick. “The more the state shortchanges student transportation costs, the more local districts have to take drastic measures, like going to a four-day school week, to make up the difference.” HJR 26, filed by Rep. Judy Morgan, would raise the constitutional K-12 funding minimum from 25 percent to one-third of state revenue. If approved by the General Assembly, HJR 26 would go on the November 2020 ballot for voter approval. “Although it is a longstanding practice to appropriate one-third of revenue for schools, education will be better protected with this standard set in the constitution,” Morgan said. “Plus, raising the constitutional bar on K-12 funding will give future lawmakers the incentive to exceed it, pushing education spending beyond the one-third that is currently standard.” House Democrats expect to file additional bills supporting public education in the coming weeks.

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AG SCHMITT ANNOUNCES SAFER STREETS INITIATIVE Danielle Mae Franklin

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt held a conference on Tuesday announcing his Safer Streets initiative. The initiative aims to cut down on the alarming violent crime rates in the ShowMe State’s cities. “I cannot stand idly by as our communities and lives are torn apart by violence, making people feel unsafe,” Schmitt said. “We’re here today to be part of a solution to violent crime in St. Louis.” Schmitt, along with U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen, Deputy Attorney General Cris Stevens and Chief Counsel Christine Krug, joined together in St. Louis to explain the logistics and timing of the initiative and how the partnerships between the Missouri Attorney General’s Office and the United States Attorney’s Office will work together to protect the

city’s streets. “In this partnership, assistant attorneys general on my team will be specifically designated to ensure the Attorney General’s Office can more fully prosecute violent crimes. These special prosecutors will handle all types of cases, specifically homicides, carjackings, and gun crimes,” Schmitt said. “They will work hand in hand with our federal partners to effectively prosecute violent crimes. These experienced prosecutors, under the direction of Stevens and Krug in our office and in partnership with U.S. Attorney Jensen and his excellent team, will focus on areas in the city where crime is most rampant.” Schmitt noted that in 2018 there were over 180 homicide incidents. The City of St. Louis also experience 378 carjacking incidents,

with more than one reported carjacking every day, stated by the data from the St. Louis City Police Department. “These are not just alarming statistics,” Schmitt said. “Instead each of these crimes represents a person’s life that has been senselessly taken away or violently interrupted.” Schmitt reiterated that it is his job and number one duty to keep Missouri families safe. He said that he wants families living in the region to feel like their children can continue to grow up safely while pursuing their dreams. “We had some success last year within Chief Hayden’s rectangle of murders [that] went down about 20 percent. We’re developing [other areas] now in the city and the county where we can do more,” Jensen said. “We can really use some

dedicated, experienced prosecutors to help us…” Through the initiative, Schmitt said they plan to have three to five attorneys general assistants who will handle all types of federal cases, specifically homicides, carjackings, and gun crimes. According to Jensen, this will typically add 150 to 200 cases depending on the crime rate. Funding for the initiative’s attorneys will be through the Attorney General’s Office but supervised by the Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in a joint effort. Not only will the effort focus on Chief Hayden’s rectangle, which is considered to be a dangerous area for the region, but there will be increased prosecutorial support with local law enforcement in the city and the county. Schmitt noted that he has spoken with and offered services to

assist Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner and St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell and plans to continue those conversations. “I know that there has been a lot of tension on this issue but I thought it was important to actually take action early and signal that this is a really important thing for our offices and part of the solution to really crack down on crime,” Schmitt said. Schmitt’s plan for the initiative is that the prosecuting services will be available in both St. Louis City and St. Louis County where numerous violent crimes have occurred. “We want to be part of the solution, we met with the chief and the mayor,” Schmitt said. “I think these partnerships can really move this region forward.”

or solicit prospective employers or clients to represent as a paid lobbyist during the time of such service until the expiration of two calendar years after the conclusion of the session of the general assembly in which the member or employee last served…” It also contains the following prohibition: “No person serving as a member of employed by the General Assembly shall accept directly or indirectly a gift of any tangible item, service, or thing of value from any paid lobbyist or lobbyist principal in excess of five dollars per occurrence.” The commission unanimously voted to ask the attorney general’s office, “if Section 105.957.1(6), RSMo, authorizes the Missouri Ethics Commission to accept complaints regarding alleged violation of these provisions and to issue advisory opinions pertaining to these provisions.”

At last week’s meeting, the Missouri Ethics Commission also added a notice to a previous advisory opinion on an executive order signed by then-Gov. Eric Greitens. The commission noted that the lobbyist gift ban did include informational publications only while the executive order was in effect. Executive Order 17-02 prohibited all executive branch employees from taking lobbyist gifts. The ban was in effect from January 9, 2017, until November 20, 2018, when Gov. Mike Parson revised the order. The January 2018 advisory opinion notes that some informational publications fall within the definition of “gifts.” That notice now attached to the opinion, notes that it is only limited to the time frame Greitens’ executive order was in effect — January 9, 2017 through November 20, 2018.

TREASURER FITZPATRICK RETURNS FIRST $1 MILLION IN UNCLAIMED PROPERTY Missouri State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick today announced that his administration has returned its first $1 million in Unclaimed Property to Missouri residents since taking office nine days ago. This is the fastest any Missouri State Treasurer has returned their first $1 million. The previous record was 11 days, set in 2017. The two biggest claims were for accounts in St. Louis County. One St. Louis County resident received a payment of $225,000 while another account received a payment of $130,765 as a result of unclaimed property. “Returning Unclaimed Property to Missouri residents is a priority of this Office and I encourage all Missourians to visit our website and check to see if they are entitled to Unclaimed Property,” Treasurer Fitzpatrick said. “I am proud of the hard work of the Unclaimed Property Division. This record-breaking million dollars is a reflection of their dedication—especially given that the time period included a State holiday!”

State law requires financial institutions, insurance companies, public agencies and other business entities to turn over assets, including cash and the contents of safe deposit boxes, to the Treasurer’s Office. This is required after there has been no documented transaction or contact with the owner after a statutorily-defined period of time, generally five years. Most Unclaimed Property consists of cash from bank accounts, stocks, bonds and contents of safe deposit boxes that have been abandoned. It can also include uncollected insurance policy proceeds, government refunds, utility deposits and wages from past jobs. Treasurer Fitzpatrick currently manages over $1 billion in unclaimed assets in more than 5 million owner accounts. One in ten Missourians have Unclaimed Property, and the average return is nearly $300. Unclaimed Property can be searched for and claimed on ShowMeMoney.com.

Alisha Shurr The Missouri Ethics Commission has reached out to the state’s attorney general’s office to know just what their authority is regarding recently passed ethics changes. The commission charged with overseeing Missouri’s ethical standards has reached out to the state’s top legal enforcement office for an advisory opinion regarding voter-approved Amendment 1, the so-called Clean Missouri Amendment. The question being posed to the attorney general’s office is whether or not the Missouri Ethics Commission has the authority to accept complaints and issue advisory opinions regarding the two constitutional changes related to the General Assembly. Amendment 1 proved that “no person serving as a member of or employed by the General Assembly shall act or serve as a paid lobbyist, register as a paid lobbyist,

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The Missouri Times

ALS Association Capitol securing funding, Calendar CHECK ANY TIME AND SIGN UP TO RECEIVE THE CALENDAR IN YOUR EMAIL WEEKLY AT THEMISSOURITIMES.COM/CALENDAR

28 Missouri Soybean Association Annual Meeting – Millbottom, Jefferson City – 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. 28 Missouri Soybean Association Legislative Reception – Millbottom, Jefferson City – 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 29 Missouri Society of Anesthesiologists Legislative Day 29 MCTA Beyond Cable – Rotunda – 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 29 ALS Association – Greater St. Louis Chapter SNEAKERS DAY! 29 Missouri Times Statesman of the Year Party – 6:00 p.m. – The Millbottom 30 Sheltered Workshops Legislative Breakfast – HR2 – 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. 30 Common Sense Economics: Education for Legislators and Voters – Third Floor House, Alcove – 8:00 – 10:00 p.m. February 2 Midwest March for Life 4 Missouri’s Electric Cooperatives Reception – Capitol Plaza – 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 5 Lincoln University Lobby Day

5 Citizens Commission on Human Rights of St. Louis Displays 5 Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence Lobby Day 6 Missouri Society of Respiratory Care Breakfast and Lobby Day 6 The State Historical Society of Missouri Lobby Day and Reception 6 Missouri Citizens for the Arts Lobby Day 6 Missouri Section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Advocacy Day 12 MRTA Legislative Day/Blitz – First Floor Rotunda – 10:00 a.m. 12 MCADSV Lobby Day 13 Missouri Dental Hygienists Association 15 Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy Reception 20 Missouri Occupational Therapy Association Lobby Day 21 Missouri Insurance Coalition Annual Legislative Meeting – Jefferson City 26 Missouri Chiropractic Physicians Association Legislative Day 27 Alzheimer’s Associa-

tion Missouri Memory Day – Capitol, Jefferson City – 10:00 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. 28 NFIB Small Business Day at the Capitol March 1 Last day to file Senate Bills (Rule 48) 1-3 Missouri Lincoln Days – Sheraton Westport Chalet, St. Louis 5 Catholic Charities Lobby Day 5 Missouri Coalition For Fair Competition (HVAC) – Day at Capitol and Continental Breakfast – Capitol Rotunda – 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. 6 Missouri Health Care Association Lobby Day 6 American Planning Association Lobby Day and Luncheon 7 Missouri Chamber Foundation Reception 12 Missouri Right to Life Pro-Life Action Day 12 Missouri Psychiatric Physicians Association Legislative Day 13 VOYCE Missouri Association of Longterm Care Lobby Day 14 Last day to place Senate Consent Bills on the Senate Calendar (Rule 45) 14 Spring break upon

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE MISSOURI SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION.

serving those with Lou Gehrig’s Alisha Shurr

An organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of folks with progressive neuromuscular disease is working to fund new and innovative technological solutions that will increase the quality of life for those with ALS. The ALS Association - St. Louis Regional Chapter helps people with ALS live longer and stronger through a comprehensive network of in-home services, all while searching aggressively to find treatments and a cure. “We have been making a difference in the lives of people with ALS for 35 years, coordinating services with care and compassion, ensuring that individuals receive the highest level of support possible to maintain their dignity and independence,” said Maureen Barber Hill, President and CEO of the ALS Association - St. Louis Regional Chapter. ALS is a progressive neuromuscular disease. People with ALS typically experience a rapid digression from a normal, healthy life to one of total paralysis, where in essence, because their brain is still intact, they become prisoners in their own bodies. The average life expectancy for someone with ALS is 2 to 5 years and there is no cure. Only 10 percent of all cases of ALS are genetic in nature. 90 percent of the time, ALS strikes without regard to age, race, gender or socioeconomic status, Hill noted. She mentioned that military veterans, however, are twice as likely as the general public to die from ALS – no matter what branch they served in, or whether they served during peacetime or at war. “ALS may be diagnosed specifically to an individual, but make no mistake, it is a disease that impacts the entire family,” said Hill. “Our programs and services are geared to help families remain physically and emotionally healthy and intact for as long as possible.” The ALS Association provides folks with ALS items that are essential to daily living. Items such as wheelchairs, nutrition, and technology to assist speech,

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as well as counseling, case management, and caregiver relief programs that give ALS caregivers a break. Hill said that it can cost nearly $250,000 a year in out of pocket expenses to care for someone with ALS in the latter stages of the disease. The associations’ programs and services – all free of charge – are all designed to give people with ALS the support they need to live life to the fullest. Each family is assigned a care service coordinator that helps them

ensured that people with ALS have access to wheelchairs and complex rehab technology, and successfully advocated for passage of the Steve Gleason Enduring Voices Act. In 2017, 703 people with ALS and their family members received guidance and support from a care services coordinator, caregivers in need of a break received 2,700 hours of temporary in-home care, almost 300 hours of counseling was provided for people with ALS and their spouses and children, 206 individuals received care from an ALS-specific multi-disciplinary healthcare clinic, and people with ALS who can no longer chew or swallow received 746 cases of nourishment. The association also established relationships with two new clinical partners, Washington University in St. Louis and John A. Cochran VA Center. In 2018, The ALS Association launched Project Revoice, giving those in the ALS community the opportunity to record and digitally recreate their voices. This cutting-edge voice technology – in combination with Augmentative/ Alternative Communication (AAC) devices – will give ALS patients the ability to communicate with their own voice, even after they can no longer speak. “Our primary and continuing focus is on increasing the quality of life for people with ALS and their families. To that end, we are working to fund new and innovative technological solutions that will allow families to remain physically and emotionally healthy, together, safely in their own homes, and to help them to live a life beyond ALS,” said Hill. “We are committed to continuing our support of ALS caregivers through expansion of our in-home caregiver relief program, and we will continue to fight for and fund global research efforts to eradicate ALS entirely.” The ALS Association - Greater St. Louis chapter was chosen as the Missouri Times nonprofit spotlight for 2019.

“Our mission to discover treatments and a cure for ALS, and to serve, advocate for, and empower people with ALS to live their lives to the fullest,” said Hill. navigate their journey with ALS and guides them along the way. “Our mission to discover treatments and a cure for ALS, and to serve, advocate for, and empower people with ALS to live their lives to the fullest,” said Hill, reiterating that ALS is 100 percent fatal. “We are the only national not-forprofit organization entirely dedicated to fighting ALS.” So far they have helped make progress through research, advocacy, and family support. The FDA in 2017 approved Radicava, the first new treatment for ALS in two decades. Five new genes have been identified since 2014. And two new antisense drugs are in development. They have helped secure $1 billion in funding for ALS specific research,

The Missouri Times

Lobbyist Moves Courtesy of the Gate Way Group

Policy panel rallies over school choice Kaden Quinn

Educational panelists gathered on district 63021 and it’s night and day so believe there is no one size fits all Wednesday night to promote school we’re in one of the best school districts approach to educating children,” choice as session begins. in the country. Kids, no matter what Engen said. “Public school works Dr. James V. Shuls moderated zip code they grow up in, ought to be great for some students and it doesn’t a conversation between leading able to access an excellent education.” work great for others and I think advocates of school choice. Rep. Gill then spoke of how five grant that parents, not administrators or Shamed Dogan, Institute for Justice students couldn’t enroll due to tuition government officials, know so much Fellow Rachelle Engen, Showcosts. This caused Gill to think more better the needs of a child. You can Me Institute’s Susan Pendergrass, critically about how more students truly create the education that is best and Summit Christian Academy’s could attend the school they had for your child and give them the tools Kimberlee Gill all provided insight on chosen. they need to succeed well into the the matter to promote a school choice “When I had learned 29 other future.” rally at the Capitol. Pendergrass remains The panelists were open to all forms of brought together for choice whether it be the Children’s Alliance home schools, private of Missouri (CEAM)’s schools, charter 2019 Education Policy schools, or otherwise. Panel. Here, the For Pendergrass, it's speakers distributed the government’s information as well responsibility to pay as shared their own for the school, but not experiences with necessarily provide it. Missouri’s own lack "I think as we of school choice. continue to press for this Introducing his peers, and as parents continue Shuls praised CEAM’s to press for it that our ability to educate system of education, in parents and students general, will continue to for school choice in improve," Pendergrass Shuls, Gill, Engen, Dogan, Pendergrass Missouri and highlighted said. why his fellow panelists supported states in our great nation had already Continuing the school choice. figured this out, it ticked me off,” Gill conversation, Shuls and Pendergrass Dogan shared his own experience said. “My state can figure this out. discussed the important programs with education during his schooling, What can we do?” and policies coming out of school stating that he went from the laterSince then, Gill has organized a choice states. Florida's choice-rich unaccredited Normandy School 700-attendee rally to advance school environment provides a model for District to private education for the choice in Missouri. many states with beneficial policies. last three years of his education. Engen explained that her Tax right scholarships, education “It really does come down to organization works nationwide to savings accounts for children individual students and individual create and defend legislation for with special needs, and tax right families choosing a school that’s right programs to advance school choice. scholarships for people who are for them,” Dogan said. “Now being an Engen later went on to explain her bullied. The state also offers an ESA adult and having kids of my own, I personal philosophy to education. for third, fourth and fifth graders moved from the zip code 63121 to the “My driving factor is that I truly where students can receive $500 to

spend in the marketplace for tutors or online classes. After the discussion ended, the floor was open to questions and answers for audience members. Here the speakers were pressed on whether on or not they could be able to successfully pass legislation advancing school choice as well as the history of and why people oppose school choice. With more vocal support from senators and representatives, Dogan made clear to the audience that it would still be an uphill battle to advance legislation, however, one battle with more visible support. “I think we’re in a unique position this year because we stayed about even in terms of the number of people who support school choice but it seems like some of the folks who've come on board in the Senate are a lot more vocal than their predecessors," Dogan said. “Although I think the Senate has a couple of really big roadblocks. Just the feeling that I've gotten from the first few weeks of session and everything I've heard from people in leadership…is that this going to be a really tough environment to pass a lot of big-ticket items.” The panel concluded with a short educational film called “Zoned” demonstrating how damaging it is to be confined to one district educational or otherwise. It can be found on the Show-Me Institute official website. The panel itself can be found on the Children's Education Alliance of Missouri's official Facebook page as it was live-streamed throughout its duration.

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The Missouri Times

TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2019

7:00 P.M.

2ND ANNUAL

STATESMAN OF THE YEAR EVENT HONORING

GOVERNOR

MIKE PARSON THE MILLBOTTOM

MADE POSSIBLE BY

THE MISSOURI TIMES WILL MATCH DONATIONS MADE TO THE ALS ASSOCIATION ST LOUIS REGIONAL CHAPTER DURING THE STATESMAN OF THE YEAR PARTY. www.missouritimes.com