Missouri Times - February 19, 2019

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The Missouri Times

SENATE REACHES HOUSING COMPROMISE FEBRUARY 19, 2019

HUNDREDS ATTEND MMJ RULES FORUM

EIGEL PROPOSES INCOME TAX CUT E VA N S T O M O G O P www.missouritimes.com

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The Missouri Times

OPINION 225 Madison, Jefferson City, MO | (573) 746-2912

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Scott Faughn, Publisher | scott@themissouritimes.com | @ScottFaughn Rachael Herndon Dunn, Editor | rachael@themissouritimes.com | @TheRachDunn Alisha Shurr, Reporter | alisha@themissouritimes.com | @AlishaShurr Kaden Quinn, Reporting Intern | kaden@themissouritimes.com Aaron Basham, Multimedia Producer | aaron@themissouritimes.com

PROTECTING THE UNBORN MEANS JUSTICE FOR ALL At stake in this argument is the soul of our country Eddy Justice Even in our elementary schools, we pledge allegiance to a flag that stands for freedom, liberty, and justice for all.

Unfortunately in some states, those rights only extend to those deemed old enough and “viable” enough to survive under Democrat rule.

There is something deeply wrong with our society when there are states that brandish the death penalty against children up to the moment of birth; where the sanctity and dignity of life is denied even up to moments before birth. Recent laws passed by New York and proposed legislation in Virginia is a testament to this. Democrats will deny the preciousness of life and of infants so long as they remain in the womb.

This insistence that fully viable children, even those in the third trimester, should be sacrificed is tantamount to infanticide in some cases. They claim that these most-recent laws are narrowly tailored to only cover cases where the health of the mother is at risk, but this opens the floodgates of opportunity for doctors to push for

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late-term abortions for scared women with a dichotomous choice of “it’s your child’s life, or yours”. The irony is lost on them that in the State of New York it is illegal to administer the death penalty to murderers and criminals, but celebrated to do so to an unborn child.

By allowing such an egregious bill to become law in their state, Democrats are further denying the fundamental right to life. Without being graphic, this extends to a mother in dilation or a young child crowning at birth.

I am unabashedly pro-life. I am against abortion. It does not stem from a desire to enforce my opinions on others.

It comes from my faith which declares that God forms us in the womb and attributes dignity to humanity, even to the unborn. I believe that life begins at conception. To end the life of an unborn child is plain murder. I believe the celebration of such an act is plain lunacy.

We as a nation continue to face the greatest moral struggle of the age. The

question ultimately boils down to whether life begins at conception.

Whether we hold life sacred at all stages or we do not. Whether we believe that everyone deserves a chance at life or we do not.

Whether we will support the livelihood of both the mother and child, or we tolerate the greatest moral atrocity imaginable--the killing of children.

At stake in this argument is the soul of our country.

America was founded on the vision that every human life has worth, that everyone should be able to live as citizens of a free nation without threat from their own government or their neighbors. It is sad that even today we fail to recognize human worth in the womb. I ask my neighbors to join me in speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves and to pray that justice and fairness would flow like a river that never runs dry. Most importantly, I ask that we finally live up to the solemn promise of our nation’s pledge and to ensure “liberty and justice for all.”

The Missouri Times

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HOT LIST MARIJUANA RULEMAKING

DHSS has finally held a public forum on rulemaking for Amendment 2, passed in November. The section on medical marijuana heard almost 2 hours of varied feedback, most notably feedback pertaining to custody, gun ownership, and patient access.

PDMP

The House has passed PDMP, sending it over to the Senate, where the Senate version is temporarily stalled. Is 2019 the year that Missouri stops being the only state in the country without a PDMP? For more on this, listen to the #moleg podcast with Rep. Holly Rehder as the guest.

PRO-LIFERS

Speaker Haahr has referred a group of abortion-restrictive bills, which have been fast tracked in committee. The hearing heard powerful and passionate testimony from both sides. No matter where you stand, it’s refreshing to see so many engaged in the legislative process and discussing a variety of bills.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Tim Brinker @TimBrinker1 Looking forward to @GovParsonMO and @DaveSchatz26 helping MO and Franklin County by injecting infrastructure with a much needed plan! This is one of the bridges in our great County to be replaced! Grateful for your leadership/partnership! #infrastructure #MissouriForward

Tweets of the Week Highlights in 280 characters or less.

Jeff Smith @JeffSmithMO Thanks #MOSen for taking a big step towards reinstating a critical affordable housing program. Funding cuts are always painful, but w/ 100K Missourians on housing waitlists, compromise is necessary. Special thanks to Sens. Dan Hegeman & @calebrowden for your leadership! #MoLeg Gregg Keller @RGreggKeller .@Jered_Taylor is a good conservative and doesn’t scare worth a damn. One to watch. #MOLeg Robin Robeson @robinrobeson1 Thank you Secretary Ashcroft for meeting with @SGFChamber and for your candor in addressing my question on initiative petition reform. Productive day at #moleg .

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LEGISLATURE

Amended LIHTC fix perfected by the Senate Rachael Dunn

The Senate reached an agreement on re-starting the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program on Wednesday evening, perfecting a bill capping Missouri’s match to the federal housing tax credits.

“Nobody is very happy at the end of this, which means we’re probably doing something right,” said one senator after a compromise was reached after 3.5 hours of deliberation and the threat of filibuster from members of the Conservative Caucus.

The agreement caps the tax credit at 72.5% and includes no allowance for workforce housing.

The bill, pre-filed in December by Sen. Dan Hegeman, R-Andrew County, was amended in committee after senators from both parties expressed a need to raise the number from 70%, as filed, before final passage of the bill.

“This seems to be what we’ve agreed to to get this program up and going and send it on its way,” Hegeman said.

Through the program, private developers build and manage low-income and senior housing.

Missouri does not have its own housing program otherwise, as mentioned by several senators.

A few amendments were offered by Sen. Andrew Koenig, moving around the number for low-income and workforce housing.

They were not approved by the body. After two amendments from Sen. Koenig failed, Koenig asked the floor to be held to prepare to filibuster.

Members of the Conservative Caucus expressed concern that the housing program was socialist in nature, even quoting British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who said, “The problem with socialism is

eventually you run out of other people’s money.”

The program, passed in 1990, was signed into law by thenGovernor John Ashcroft and ended in 2017 by a series of recess appointment by thenGovernor Eric Greitens.

During the almost four hours of inquiry, Sens. Kiki Curls and Jill Schupp discussed the benefits the tax credit program has enabled in their districts, providing much-needed, safe housing to seniors and lowincome families. Over 100,000 Missourians sit on wait lists for housing enabled by the tax credit.

Missouri is one of 35 states with a housing tax credit program. Curls shared that unlike other states, Missouri does not have a public housing development program.

“This is our housing program,” Curls said, responding to

comments made by other senators about how Missouri has a higher allotment of housing credits available.

Some Republican members continued speaking on their opposition to the bill for philosophical, as well as political, reasons, referring to personal financial responsibility being needed to cut the need for public, or publically-enabled, housing.

“It’s easy to keep making the same mistakes when you know other people are going to make up for it,” Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin said.

Senators also discussed everything from bureaucracy to Title IX and beyond until the compromise was reached, the bill was perfected, and the Senate adjourned just before 6:00 p.m.

House committee tackles joinder venue bill Kaden Quinn The House Judiciary Committee heard House Bill 231, a tort reform measure, Tuesday evening. If passed, the bill would modify the provisions relating to civil procedure regarding joinder and venue. Sponsored by Rep. Glen Kolkmeyer, the bill faced major opposition from the House Committee despite the many supporters at the hearing.

Kolkmeyer explained that in 2005, the legislature passed litigation to curb plaintiff attorneys. This was to put a stop to plaintiffs and their attorneys moving from court room-tocourt room in an effort to find more sympathetic and favorable judgments.

“Plaintiff lawyers are now abusing a legal process known as joinder to get around the 2005 reforms,” Kolkmeyer said. “They file lawsuits and bring defendants

from all over the nation into St. Louis and where plaintiffs could get bigger judgments by friendly jurors.”

According to Kolkmeyer, passing this bill would end lawsuit abuse and close the joinder loophole as the venue laws remain functional.

The representative then cited the number of plaintiffs in and outside of the state that currently occupies St. Louis courts.

“Out of 13,252 plaintiffs with mass torque litigation in Missouri, only 1,035 are actually from Missouri and only 242 are from St. Louis,” Kolkmeyer stated.

After Kolkmeyer’s testimony, the bill received immediate skepticism from the committee.

Rep. Ron Hicks mentioned how this bill might affect business owners like himself.

With fourteen restaurants in six different counties, Hicks questioned whether this bill would force him to have to pursue six different lawsuits in the case of acquiring tainted food.

More inquires came from the committee, as Rep. Mark Ellebracht challenged Kolkmeyer by referencing Bayer Corp v.

Moriarty which was handed down by the Missouri Supreme Court in 2017. This case said that plaintiffs who failed to plead facts showing their claims arose out of the state or relate to a Missouri activity cannot bring their claims that occurred here.

Ellebracht continued by questioning Kolkmeyer on what the point of passing House Bill 231 if the Missouri Supreme Court had already settled it.

The committee and the supporters in favor of the bill

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continued to clash over the same issues that were brought up by Hicks and Ellebracht, as well as what these remaining court cases do for the St. Louis region economically and whether the bill contradicts with the already functioning venue laws. By contrast, testimony from the opposition supported the idea that both the U.S. and Missouri Supreme Court had already remedied this problem in prior cases and that new laws would only hurt Missouri plaintiffs.

Testimony from supporters and opposers was cut short as the hearing came to a close, but many individuals representing larger businesses came to announce their support for the bill including General Motors, the Missouri Railroad Association, and the Missouri Hospital Association.

Missouri Farm Bureau highlights need for rural infrastructure investment Missouri Farm Bureau (MOFB) continues to voice its support for increasing investment in rural roads and bridges. Governor Mike Parson recently laid out his plan to accelerate repair of nearly 250 bridges across Missouri in need of critical repair or replacement with a $350 million bond investment.

He also announced a $50 million transportation cost-share program to assist cities and counties with addressing their most serious local infrastructure needs.

MOFB’s grassroots, member-adopted policies strongly support increased investment in rural transportation.

Governor Parson’s plan is a welcome step forward in funding Missouri’s backlogged infrastructure repairs.

Missouri Farm Bureau President Blake Hurst said, “Rural Missouri’s roads and bridges are in desperate need of attention. Our transportation system is underfunded and falling further behind every year.

Governor Parson’s actions show that he understands how critical our situation is, and I applaud him for his leadership in getting this issue moving forward.”

Last Wednesday Hurst spoke to the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission in support of increased funding for rural freight corridors, also known as “farm-to-market” roads and bridges. These routes generate an enormous economic impact for rural Missouri and need to be maintained at a higher level to allow our rural economy to continue to grow.

Hurst said, “Missouri agriculture is the economic engine of rural Missouri, generating over $88 billion in annual sales for our state. Today’s farmers haul heavy loads of grain, timber, cotton and other products on our rural roads and bridges. Our rural infrastructure needs to be built to support modern agriculture. We have asked the Highway Commission to study designating the highestimpact rural freight corridors for increased investment, and hope they will recognize the need to prioritize these roads to keep our industry growing.”

Missouri Farm Bureau is the state’s largest general agriculture organization, with over 131,000 member families across every county in the state.

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HAAHR CREATES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT On Tuesday, Speaker of the House Elijah Haahr announced the creation of the Special Committee on Government Oversight. The committee is charged with the reviewing and monitoring of policy implementation by the executive branch and its departments.

“We have a deep commitment to ensuring the government is a good steward of taxpayers’ money and is transparent in its actions,” said Haahr.

He appointed Robert Ross to chair the committee. Ross is in his fourth term in the House and serves on the Budget Committee and as Chairman of the Professional Registration and Licensing Committee. Outside of his duties of a representative, he is small business owner.

“I look forward to leading this committee and being a watchdog of the effects decisions made by the administration have on Missourians and their tax dollars,” said Ross.

“Having an in-depth knowledge of the state’s $30 billion budget and my understanding as a small business owner of how Missourians expect their hard-earned dollars to be used will guide the course of this committee.”

House Rules allow the Speaker of the House to appoint special standing committees as he deems necessary.

Haahr named the following members to the committee: Rep. Robert Ross, R-Yukon (Chairman) Rep. Nick Schroer, R-O’Fallon (Vice Chair) Rep. Dan Houx, R-Warrensburg Rep. Dirk Deaton, R-Noel Rep. Rudy Veit, R-Wardsville Rep. Kip Kendrick, D-Columbia Rep. Peter Merideth, D-St. Louis City “The members of this committee have a long history of demanding accountability of government. I am confident this committee will thoroughly review and scrutinize our bureaucracy to ensure our government is operating in a way that is deserving of Missourians’ trust,” said Haahr.

Video lottery bill deliberated in Senate committee Alisha Shurr

In an overflowing Senate hearing room, stakeholders laid out their arguments for and against implementing a video lottery terminal system.

The Senate Progress and Development Committee held a public hearing for Sen. Denny Hoskins’ SB 43 on Tuesday. The measure would establish the Missouri Video Lottery Control Act and allow for various establishments — such as restaurants and gas stations — to install video lottery game terminals.

“My primary goal in filing this legislation is to raise revenue for Missouri community colleges, universities, and elementary and secondary education,” said Hoskins.

Those on both sides of the issue highlighted economics, impacts on the state, and employment.

Supporters argued that the bill will bring in additional revenue for the state and create jobs. Opponents argued that the bill will hurt casinos, forcing them to reduce employees, and that it will hurt the communities benefited by casinos. One lawmaker raised concerns about minors having access to the machines and being more exposed to gambling.

The measure proposed by Hoskins laid out a framework for the use of player-activated video terminals for

the conduct of lottery games. The lottery commission would be placed in charge of oversight.

Municipalities would be able to opt out, Hoskins noted.

Establishments with liquor licenses that would be able to have such terminals would include fraternal organizations, veterans’ organizations, truck stops equipped for fueling commercial vehicles, convenience stores equipped for fueling vehicles, bars, taverns, restaurants, grocery stores, or liquor stores.

The initial license and first renewal would be for a 1-year period.

Thereafter, the renewal period would be for 4 years. Annual license fees would be $5,000 for video lottery game manufacturers and video lottery game distributors; $5,000 for video lottery game operators; $50 for video lottery game handlers; and $500 for each video lottery game retailer’s establishment. Each video lottery game terminal would be charged $200.

Thirty-six percent of the video lottery game adjusted gross receipts would go to the state lottery fund.

Supporters stressed the positive economic impact that video lottery

terminals would have on the state.

Expanding gambling to allow for these machines, supporters said, would bring in additional state revenues and would spark economic activity.

“The fiscal note projects an additional $36 million to the state at the end of year one, $81 million to the state at the end of year two, and $126 million to the state at the end of year three,” said Hoskins.

the measure would hurt their local economies and economies around the state.

“The impact to our city is going to be with gaming admissions, release rental that we get from the casino, and sales tax,” said Kathy Rose, the Mayor of Riverside. “I really believe that it is certainly not in the best interest of my city and certainly not in the best interest of the state.”

Sen. Kiki Curls’ main concern with

“My primary goal in filing this legislation is to raise revenue for Missouri community colleges, universities, and elementary and secondary education,” said Hoskins.

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Supporters argued that the bill will boost jobs and the economy. It was noted that casinos in other states saw a slight drop in revenue but video lottery terminals still have a net positive impact.

On the same token, opponents argued that the bill would have a negative economic impact.

It was argued that casinos will be hurt by the legislation and have a drastic drop in revenue, which will, in turn, hurt the communities they invest in and the revenue the state collects from.

Several city mayors argued that

the bill was in regards to minors. “...kids come in and buy chips or candy or soda...I am concerned about the thought of there being a row of slot machines right there at the doorway,” said Curls.

Ron Leone, executive director of the Missouri Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association, noted that there are requirements in the bill to address the machines and minors and that the bill is still a work in progress.

“It works in other states and the sky hasn’t fallen in those other states,” said Leone.

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LEGISLATURE

CHARTER SCHOOL REFORM PACKS HEARING ROOM

Missourians from across the state came to Jefferson City to share their stories, experiences, and recommendations on the complicated issue of charter schools Alisha Shurr Missourians from across the state came to Jefferson City to share their stories, their experiences, and their recommendations on the complicated issue of charter schools.

“Everyone in this room today is here because they care about kids and they want the best for kids,” said Bill Nicely, superintendent of the Kearney School District.

Some had deeply personal and emotional stories they shared while others focused more on data and numbers. In the span of a three-hour-long hearing, the House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee heard droves of testimony from nearly every perspective regarding Rep. Rebecca Roeber’s bill.

“Almost 60,000 students will be in attendance in a public charter school in Missouri. All of these students are there because their parents chose for them to be there. Nobody is ever forced to attend a charter school,” said Roeber. “When [public schools] are not working for kids, families should have other options.”

Her bill is aimed at expanding the options in which Missouri students have for getting an education. HB 581 proposes expanding where charter schools can be established and restricts a political subdivision from limiting a charter school’s ability to acquire property.

The bill expands where a charter school may be established to include any county with a

charter form of government, any city with a population greater than 30,000, or any school district accredited without provisions.

With community support, any school district would be able to establish a charter school, as long as the school board of the district approves and agrees to act as the sponsor. If the school board denies a proposal, the charter school may appeal to the Missouri Charter Public School Commission which may approve and sponsor the charter school if sufficient community support exists.

Charter schools have been underperforming for three of five years seeking accreditation renewal will receive a threeyear charter under the bill. If the school again fails to meet the standard for two years of the three-year term, the school’s charter shall not be renewed.

Under the proposed legislation, a nonresident student may enroll in a charter school as long as it does not cause a resident student to be denied admission.

The commission, established in 2012 to oversee and act as sponsor to some charter schools, testified in favor of the bill.

Robbyn Wahby, executive director of the Missouri Charter Public School Commission, testified that those at the commission don’t view the debate between tradition and charter schools as a “culture war” because they “all believe every

child deserves a good education.”

In their role, the commission uses well-researched methods and practices. Wahby pointed out that their job is to work for taxpayers in Missouri.

“We are not trying to put anyone out of business...we have rejected more charter school applications than approved,” said Robbyn Wahby, Executive Director of the Missouri Charter Public School Commission.

An educator in the St. Louis area who wants to open a charter school in St. Louis County supported the proposal, saying that it is in the benefit of children.

“I think some parents are really hungry and desperate for other options. I don’t mean to say these are the feelings across the board. Some kids are thriving,” said Kim Townsend.

Carmen Ward, a mother from St. Louis in support of expanding charter schools, shared her very emotional story involving her son. Paul, who has autism and intellectual disabilities, now attends a charter school and it was at that charter school that he has grown leaps and bounds. She notes that “KIPP nurtured all of his gifts” in a way other schools could not.

“The testimony has been fantastic, the plight of some of the children hits me in my heart,” said Nicely, who opposed the bill.

The measure put forth by Roeber does not provide an equal playing ground, he said.

Nicely said that “there are some

inequalities” in the bill that should be addressed and that expectations should be the same for everybody.

There is also limited resources in the state, he testified, and a charter school could minimize the opportunities for students in a public school by taking away those resources.

“As a school superintendent you might think I’m automatically against school choice, I am not. I am also not a school preservationist,” said Nicely.

“What I want to do is advance education in the best and most economical way possible.”

Others testifying took issue with what they called a “lack of true public accountability.” One person opposed to the bill said that those governing charters schools are not elected, they are not required to live in the community or district, and some do not even live in Missouri.

Another pointed out that there is no overall statewide structure for charter schools and that they don’t have to adhere to the same regulations and standards of a public school.

Fifty-two percent of students who leave a school go to a school that has a lower accredidation score, another witness said.

“The expansion of a system that currently isn’t functioning optimally, it doesn’t solve the problem…” said Nicely. “This bill, I don’t believe is the answer.”

Committee hears bill creating council on school safety Kaden Quinn The House held a Special Committee on Student Accountability at Noon, February 12. The public hearing included sponsorship from Rep. Chrissy Sommer for the Safe and Strong Schools Act. This bill would create an advisory council on school safety that would introduce statewide security measurements.

Sommer started working on this legislation a number of years ago, which she revisited last year.

Reworking the legislation, Sommer managed to downsize it to an advisory council of seven people with each member appointed by the Governor, if passed.

“Society is changing and the needs of our children are changing,” Sommer said. “We need to always make sure we’re taking steps to ensure that we’re addressing the needs of the children and students so they can focus on learning and not necessarily their safety on a daily basis.”

According to Sommer, the advisory council would focus on safe school design and operation, gun violence prevention, mental health and wellness, school climate and discipline, physical security and emergency preparedness, substance abuse and gang intervention.

The council would hear from expert witnesses and special testimonies that would inform them on the issues that needed attention. After meeting, the advisory council would put together recommendations and provide them to the General Assembly. The advisory council would serve without compensation or any type of pay leaving a minimal fiscal note.

Sommer is confident in the success of the proposed advisory council due to her involvement in a similar program. In 2013, she was able to put together a council for gifted children that has helped influenced legislators to pass laws for education. Using this model, Sommer hopes to build an efficient advisory council for school safety.

“My idea is that this advisory

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PHOTO/JEANETTE MOTT OXFORD - MO HIV JUSTICE COALITION

MCCREERY, REHDER HOPE TO UPDATE HIV LAWS Alisha Shurr

It was a “he said, she said” situation. He said he disclosed his status, she said he did not.

Richardson’s partner did not become infected with HIV, he was on (and is) on medication and he took the recommended steps to avoid transferring the disease.

Still, Richardson was sentenced to 12 years in prison, of which he served nine years.

His experience and his situation have been replicated all across Missouri because of 30-year-old laws, according to Richardson, and that is why some lawmakers believe Missouri laws need be updated to reflect science and data.

“I was literally sitting there with 30 years of research backing the same claim...and they wouldn’t even look at it because they assumed they already knew the facts based on a law written 30-years-ago,” Richardson recounted his experience at a parole hearing.

He was just one of nearly a dozen witnesses that descended on the Capitol to testify in favor of two bills that would update Missouri’s HIV statutes.

On Monday, the House Committee on Health and Mental Health Policy held a public hearing for HB 166 and HB 167, introduced by Reps.

Tracy McCreery and Holly Rehder, respectively.

Both bills make sweeping changes to the laws regarding unlawful actions by folks with HIV. The laws currently on the books were referred to throughout the

hearing as “antiquated,” “outdated,” and based on information science has proven inaccurate. The laws also only single out those infected with HIV. Particularly, both bills would expand the laws to cover those infected with a serious communicable disease.

A “serious infectious or communicable disease” is defined as being a non-airborne disease spread from person to person that causes long-term consequences on physical health or life activities. The definition is worded differently in each bill.

Under Rehder’s proposal, a person can be charged if they knowingly expose another person to a communicable disease and do not take risk-reducing measures.

McCreery’s proposal allows a person to be charged if they purposefully try to infect someone with a communicable disease.

Both bills also allow for practical means used to prevent transmission as a defense in court. Devices, behaviors, and methods scientifically demonstrated to limit or reduce transmission — such as, condoms and medication used to reduce viral loads — fall under possible defenses.

When it comes to scope and punishment, the two bills differ.

Currently, if a person is aware they are HIV positive it is a Class A felony to recklessly infect a sexual partner and a Class B felony to recklessly expose a partner.

Rehder’s bill reduces transmission to a Class B felony and exposure to a Class C felony. McCreery’s bill

reduces transmission to a Class A misdemeanor and exposure to a Class B misdemeanor. “...a lot of the laws that were put on the books were not based on science or sound information,” said McCreery. “We think the time is now to rewrite the laws make sure they are medically and factually accurate.”

“We don’t have all the answers. We know it lies somewhere in between our bills. So, we would like to be able to come out of committee with a committee product that everyone can endorse and get behind on the floor,” said Rehder.

The one point of concern that was raised for both bills is the fiscal note.

Rehder’s carries a $220,412 potential cost increase once fully implemented and McCreery’s carries a $190,947 projected cost increase once fully implemented.

The added cost comes from a projected increase in inquirers.

“If we are truly half a billion dollars short on our general revenue this year, they are going to be cutting bills that have a high fiscal note,” said Committee Chair Rep. Mike Stephens.

Both of the bill sponsors said they “definitely want to work” on the fiscal notes. McCreery specifically noted she thought the fiscal note was “too aggressive.”

Richardson pointed out that they should also take into account the cost to the state of having him imprisoned for nine years including his medication and medical bills.

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House Democrats file collection of bills on health care Alisha Shurr Democrats in the Missouri House have filed more bills, this time working towards key pieces of their health care agenda. That legislative agenda outlined on Monday afternoon includes improved health care access and outcomes.

The bills filed as part of the Democrats health care package include creating new options for obtaining health insurance, restoring prescription drug benefits for the elderly, preventing and treating opioid addiction, addressing maternal mortality, and protecting medical options for victims of sexual assault.

“All Missourians deserve access to affordable health care, but access is just one step toward a healthier Missouri,” said House Minority Leader Crystal Quade. “There are many particular public health issues that require greater attention to improve outcomes and lives. With our health care agenda, House Democrats are working to bring more focus to these issues.”

To that end, HB 802, filed

by Rep. Kip Kendrick, would revive an expired portion of the Missouri Rx program. The legislation aims to restore the access to affordable prescription drugs that many senior citizens lost two years ago when the General Assembly allowed a portion of the Missouri Rx program to expire.

“Allowing Missouri Rx to expire for thousands of Missourians was a clear-cut case of legislative malpractice by the majority party,” Kendrick said. “We can’t leave the Missourians who counted on this program to access affordable medications waiting another year for lawmakers to act.”

Rep. Peter Merideth has filed HB 187. The legislation that would credit a public health insurance option for Missourians who don’t get coverage through their employers.

The bill would create the Missouri Care Plan to allow Missourians who don’t qualify for MO HealthNet, Missouri’s Medicaid program, to purchase coverage through the program.

“This gives Missouri consumers another option in the marketplace for obtaining health insurance,” Merideth said. “Since the consumer

pays, it won’t increase operating costs, but having more Missourians insured will save taxpayers money in the long term.”

Hb 664, filed by Rep. Sarah Unsicker, would require the state health department director to appoint a multidisciplinary board to study maternal mortality and recommend data-based solutions.

HB 800, filed by Rep. Ian Mackey, would establish the Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies (CARE) Act. Under the bill, medical personnel treating a woman following a sexual assault would be required to offer her the option of taking emergency contraception, if she so chooses.

“The CARE Act will reduce pregnancies resulting from rape by ensuring women have access to emergency contraception following a sexual assault,” Mackey said.

“If women are given this option immediately after a rape, it makes it far less likely they’ll need to consider more serious options, such as abortion, later on.”

House Democrats also filed an array of bills to address the opioid crisis.

Rep. Cora Faith Walker filed HB 707, establishing a statewide prescription drug monitoring program. Rep. LaDonna Appelbaum filed HB 642 to require the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to establish state-level regulations that are consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines governing the prescribing of opioids.

“Enhanced regulation for prescribing opioids will work in conjunction with a statewide PDMP and the new, voter-approved medical marijuana laws to address the opioid epidemic and provide Missourians with quality, non-addictive pain management options,” Appelbaum said.

HB 553, sponsored by Rep. Martha Stevens, would require the health department to establish a pilot program offering free sterile needles and syringes in exchange for new items as a means of reducing the spread of disease among intravenous drug users.

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STATE OF MEDICAID

REPORT FINDS STATE COULD SAVE UP TO $1 BILLION ANNUALLY IN MEDICAID COSTS

An independent assessment of Missouri’s Medicaid program details significant changes that could result is the state saving between $500 million and $1 billion annually.

Alisha Shurr The 115-page report, released on Monday, outlines how adopting a value-based payment and care delivery models that reward providers for quality and efficiency of the total care delivered to patients could offer a long-term cost control method.

Launched last year in a push to control rising costs of Medicaid, the report was compiled by McKinsey & Co. for $2.7 million.

The recommendations made are based on extensive interviews with state agency leaders and staff, detailed analysis of claims- and non-claims data, review of agency operations, and benchmarking against other states as well as Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) and other health insurers.

“Since October, a detailed assessment of the Missouri Medicaid program has uncovered a wide range of opportunities for improvement, which may collectively deliver substantial reductions in the rate of growth of Medicaid spending,” the report states.

Missouri’s Medicaid program is designed as a safety net for the state’s most vulnerable populations, providing health care and support for activities of daily living for nearly one million Missourians. Children

in low-income families comprise 63.5 percent of participants, while persons with disabilities comprise the largest share of spending at 46 percent.

According to the report, Missouri’s Medicaid program is currently outdated in most aspects compared to other peer states.

State spending on Medicaid has grown significantly in recent years. The report notes from Fiscal Year 2009 to Fiscal Year 2018, Medicaid spending increased from 17 percent to 24 percent of general revenue funds.

“Based on continuation of these trends, spending could grow to 26 [percent] by FY 2023.

This number could be even higher (30 percent) if Missouri were to experience an economic downturn, given the potential for such a downturn to increase Medicaid enrollment while also reducing growth in state general revenues,” states the report. “Significant changes in the structure and performance of Missouri’s Medicaid program would be necessary to bring Medicaid spending growth in line with projected economic growth of the state.”

The report projects that if the recommendations are implemented, Missouri could save between $500 million

and $1 billion annually. Areas of cost-savings including from $250 million to $500 million in Acute Care Services initiatives, from $90 million to $275 million in Long-Term Services and Supports initiatives, from $35 million to $60 million in Pharmacy initiatives, from $65 to $100 million in Program Integrity initiatives, and from $175 million to $300 million in Managed Care-related initiatives.

“Broadly, the state could balance two approaches to controlling spending.

One approach commonly adopted by both public programs and managed care would rely primarily on controlling the unit prices paid for services and seeking to curb utilization through broad-based utilization management. Such an approach could reduce costs in the short term. However, on its own such an approach may not provide incentives to improve outcomes,” states the report.

“As an alternative approach, the state could seek to adopt valuebased payment and care delivery models that reward providers for quality and efficiency of the total care delivered to patients. This approach may support more transformational changes in care delivery, with corresponding improvements in

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patient outcomes and experience.

However, such an approach is likely to require a greater commitment of resources and will take longer to generate impact given the need for providers to adopt new capabilities and implement changes in clinical practices.”

Beyond the changes in reimbursement rates, the report recommendations a shift for more at-home care services and better management of prescription drug costs.

But the implementation of any of the initiatives would take careful planning and execution, as well as investments to support the transformation and build new capabilities.

“Key requirements for effective design and implementation of Medicaid transformation include: strong and visible executive leadership; effective stakeholder engagement; commitment to fact-based decision-making supported by robust data; upskilling of key agency staff; a well-resourced transformation office; and modernization of the program’s technological infrastructure,” states the report.

Read the full report online at missouritimes.com.

SIFTON SEEKS ANSWERS ON ‘DRAMATIC’ REDUCTION OF CHILDREN ON MEDICAID Alisha Shurr On Monday, Sen. Scott Sifton sent a letter to Todd Richardson, the Director of the MO HealthNet Division, asking a series of questions regarding the “dramatic”’ reduction of Missourians covered by Medicaid.

In December of 2018, 906,003 Missourians were enrolled in Medicaid, a decreaseof more than 71,000 enrollees from the 977,531 Missourians enrolled the previous January.

While most other states have experienced a less than two percent decrease in the number of Medicaid participants, Missouri saw a drop of at least seven percent. According to the released data, nearly 57,000 of those who lost coverage were children.

“The reasons given by the state for taking health care away from 57,000 children do not add up. It is unlikely that 17,000 people getting jobs would result in 71,000 people losing Medicaid coverage. In the past, Missouri has seen far greater drops in its unemployment rate without seeing tens of thousands of people –most of whom are children – losing their health care coverage,” Sifton said. “The state should provide answers to ensure that no one – no child – was cut from Medicaid simply because of red tape.”

In his letter to Richardson, Sifton noted that he is trying not to leap to conclusions but simply seeking answers to some questions regarding the enrollment drop.

Sifton wants to know what criteria was used to determine who was ineligible, how many were sent letter, how many were removed because they failed to respond to the letter sent, how many of the letters were returned as undeliverable and resulted in the intended recipient losing coverage, how many folks have attempted to appeal their removal, and how many have been successful in appealing their removal?

Alisha Shurr A measure aimed at combating sex trafficking and protecting minors is continuing to move forward, having received one chamber’s stamp of approval.

On Thursday, the Missouri House passed HB 397, sponsored by Rep. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, in a vote of 147-10. The bill now heads to the Senate, where a few amendments added during the House perfection process are expected to start some debate.

“House Bill 397 further strengthens our protection for the child in Missouri,” said Coleman.

Under the measure, the definition of gang activity would expand to include commercial sex trafficking, being under the age of 18-years-old would be an affirmative defense for prostitution, and those previously convicted of prostitution while a minor could have their record expunged.

Protecting minors from commercial sex work and sex trafficking is a concept that gained bipartisan support. However, an amendment added during the perfect process and the potential unintended consequences had some hesitating on fully supporting the measure.

“I am going to vote for your bill because I think my concerns are valid but I also think the broader issue is far more important,” Rep. Gina Mitten told Coleman. “My hope is that if we need some changes, you will support me and work with me on the other side of the building for that.”

She raised concerns how the changes being made to “criminal gang activity” will impact minors and child. Coleman said she would be open to continuing the conversation about the impact of the changes.

A provision added by Rep. Phil Christofanelli during the perfection process has drawn criticism from Democrats in the Senate and labor organizations.

The amendment removed language in statute that exempts the activities of labor organizations and

their members from the enhanced penalties for “criminal street gang activity.”

“It is absolutely ridiculous. It took protections out just for those folks,” Senate Minority Leader Gina Walsh told the media. She said that provision will be discussed in the Senate, “because I am not putting any of these members in a position where they have to vote against a good human trafficking bill because it has something terrible in it.”

Supporters of the amendment disagree with Democrats’ interpretation, saying it simply cleans up old language where labor organizations have exempted themselves and their members from the consequences in the criminal code.

“No person, regardless of their affiliations, should be above the law,” said Christofanelli. “My amendment eliminated this archaic carve out and treats all Missourians equally under the law, as our Constitution demands.”

The underlying purpose of the bill drew a large amount of support from both sides of the aisle.

“The purpose of this bill, as we heard yesterday, is to treat kids as kids. I think everyone in this body right now agrees with that goal and that a kid ending up in prostitution is treated as a victim and not a criminal is extremely important,” said Rep. Peter Merideth.

The need for the bill was highlighted during a public hearing last week when Missourians from all over the state testified in support of the measure.

The average age a girl enters into prostitution is 14-years-old and her average life span is 7 years beyond.

More than 2,000 children were trafficked last year, according to statistics presented to the House.

In Missouri, a 16-year-old cannot legally consent to have sex but that same adolescent can be charged with prostitution. Coleman’s bill would change that. Many called the bill a “step in the right direction.”

INCOME TAX CUT PROPOSED EIGEL CONTINUES CRUSADE TO CUT

INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAXES IN AN EFFORT TO SPUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Alisha Shurr

Sen. Bill Eigel, who has developed a reputation for pushing to cut taxes, presented SB 52 to the Senate Ways and Means Committee on Tuesday morning. The bill aims to transition Missouri away from an income tax to a consumption tax in a revenue neutral way.

But the problem, according to one opponent, is that the bill in its current form is a tax increase on Missourians making $100,000 or less.

“As of right now, it impacts low wage workers more than probably intended,” said Brian Colby with the Missouri Budget Project.

Another person who testified against the measure noted that “from a business perspective, it is not revenue neutral,” while another said that since Missouri is not in a growth mode, “it is time to put a pause on tax cuts.”

Under Eigel’s proposal, the state sales tax would increase 2 percent from 4.225 percent to 6.225 percent while slowly decreasing the top individual income tax to 4 percent.

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SB 52 also establishes the Missouri Working Family Tax Credit Act. The tax credit would be applied to a taxpayer’s Missouri income tax liability after all reductions for other credits for which the taxpayer is eligible to have been applied.

Under the bill, for all tax years beginning on or after January

institutions that we have in the state today that prohibits and discourages economic growth.

There is a high correlation between states that do not have an income tax and states that also have high population growth,” said Eigel. “What this bill tries to do is move the burden from an income tax to a

1, 2020, an eligible taxpayer would be allowed a tax credit in an amount equal to 20 percent of the amount such taxpayer would receive under the federal earned income tax credit.

“It has been my consistent belief that the income tax is one of the most destructive

consumption tax.”

He did not that he would be presenting a committee substitute for the measure in his effort for the bill to be “revenue neutral.” According to Eigel, it is important not to threaten revenues that are coming into the budget.

“It has been my consistent belief that the income tax is one of the most destructive institutions that we have in the state today that prohibits and discourages economic growth.”

LEGISLATURE

BILL AIMED AT COMBATTING SEX TRAFFICKING HEADING TO SENATE

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EXECUTIVE

Initiative petition looks to merge St. Louis City and County Alisha Shurr

The amount of initiative petitions filed with the Secretary of State’s Office slowed down in January, with only 12 new measures filed. Of those, one aims address the talk of merging St. Louis City and St. Louis County through a constitutional amendment.

Petition 2020-39, filed by Christopher Pieper, is 22 pages long and seeks to repeal and replace sections of Article VI of the Constitution. In part, the amendment states, “... the territory of the county of St. Louis is extended to embrace the territory heretofore in the city of St. Louis and the county of St. Louis…”

Winton Apple has again filed initiative petitions that would alter the voter-approved Clean Missouri Amendment. Petition 2020-40 and Petition 202041 are similar to measures that have previously been withdrawn or rejected.

To date, 41 petitions have been submitted to the Secretary of State’s Office — nearly 30 of which were filed in six

weeks after the November 2018 election. Three have been withdrawn, 19 have been rejected, 10 are closed for comment, five are accepting comments, and four have been approved for circulation.

Before circulating petitions for signatures, state law requires that groups must first have the form of their petition approved by the Secretary of State’s Office. The office then has 23 days after the formation of the petition is approved to draft ballot summary language.

Every proposal received by the Secretary of State’s Office is sent to the Auditor’s Office and the Attorney General’s Office.

The Attorney General’s Office reviews the petition and forwards its comments to the Secretary of State’s Office within 10 days after receiving the proposed petition. The Auditor’s Office prepares a fiscal note and fiscal note summary and forwards it to the Attorney General’s Office within 20 days after receiving the proposed petition.

Comments are taken pursuant to Section 116.334, RSMo. This provision allows Missourians to offer their observations on the submitted proposal online, by mail or phone. Missourians can provide their comments online.

The Secretary of State’s Office will review all comments submitted.

Petitioners have until May 3, 2020 to deliver signed petitions to the Secretary of State’s Office. Proposed constitutional changes must be signed by eight percent of legal voters in any six of the eight congressional districts, which amounts to a minimum of 160,199 signatures. Proposed statutory changes — none to date have been approved for circulation — must be signed by five percent of legal voters in any six of the eight congressional districts, which amounts to a minimum of 100,126 signatures.

Shurr writes a weekly update of IP filings and progress.

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SCHMITT RECAPS FIRST MONTH AS AG Eric Schmitt is celebrating a successful first month as Missouri Attorney General while looking ahead to his priorities for the office in the coming months. Schmitt was officially sworn into the office on January 3, 2019.

Since assuming the office, Attorney General Schmitt has focused on accruing a talented staff, increasing communications between staff and departments, cultivating a culture of professionalism and respect for the rule of law, establishing relationships with prosecutors and law enforcement agencies, and taking aggressive steps to combat violent crime.

“It’s an honor of a lifetime to represent Missourians as Attorney General, and this first month has been a successful start to achieving the goals I set for the office when I was sworn in,” said Schmitt. “We have a talented team assembled that’s working in conjunction with prosecutors and agencies across the state to protect Missouri’s six million residents. I look forward to building on this momentum moving forward.”

In his swearing in address, Schmitt stated that he wanted to make his office the “envy of Attorneys General” across the country. Since then, Schmitt has focused on obtaining and recruiting a quality staff and increasing communications among offices across the state. When Schmitt took office, he announced that Cris Stevens, an assistant U.S. Attorney for 15 years, to serve as Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Litigation, and Tom Albus, another former Assistant U.S. Attorney, to be his first Assistant Attorney General.

The Attorney General’s office also boasts a deep bench of lawyers with significant litigation experience to achieve the best results for the state.

Additionally, the Attorney General’s office launched a Supreme Court Fellowship program to give less experienced attorneys to work in the administration on either a high profile matter in their area of expertise, a matter outside of their area of expertise, or an administration project. Programs like this are part of Schmitt’s efforts to make his office a destination for talented lawyers across Missouri.

Throughout his first month in

office, Schmitt has made it a point to open lines of communication with his staff in offices across the state, as well as local prosecutors and law enforcement agencies. Schmitt met with the general counsels of state departments, and personally met with hundreds of judges, lawyers, and staff members from the across the state to listen to their recommendations for the office. Schmitt also met with prosecutors in the Kansas City area last week to discuss opportunities to work together to combat violent crime, the opioid crisis, and human trafficking. Schmitt plans to continue to meet with prosecutors across the state in the coming weeks.

Schmitt hit the ground running in early January and took on de-facto Debtors’ Prisons in an amicus brief.

The brief stated that it’s Attorney General Schmitt’s opinion that jail debts or “board bills” cannot be classified as court costs, as it puts indigent individuals unable to pay those costs at risk of incarceration.

Schmitt also joined Secretary of State Ashcroft in praising the Missouri Western Court of Appeal’s decision to protect the confidentiality of survivors of domestic violence in the Safe at Home program.

Schmitt’s Consumer Protection Unit has been busy as well, securing large settlements for Missouri in the Neiman Marcus data breach, the Fiat Chrysler and Bosch settlement, and the Depuy and Johnson and Johnson settlement.

Lastly, in keeping with his duty to protect Missourians, Schmitt has taken violent crime head on, launching his pioneering Safer Streets initiative in mid-January. Schmitt announced the unprecedented cooperative effort with U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen to combat alarming crime rates in the worst areas of St. Louis. In addition to designating three to five prosecutors as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys to more fully prosecute violent crime, the Safer Streets also features continual community outreach. Schmitt has already met with citizens in St. Louis, and the Attorney General’s Office will maintain contact with affected communities to hear their concerns and answer their questions about violent crime.

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Hundreds share suggestions on medical cannabis Alisha Shurr

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. Stakeholders made one thing clear to state officials: they want medicinal cannabis in Missouri to be about Missouri.

In a standing-room-only public hearing, more than 350 people turned out to convey their thoughts and expertise as the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services works to promulgate rules.

The Section for Medical Marijuana Regulation, lead Lyndall Fraker, are currently working a draft set of regulations for the new voterapproved industry in Missouri.

The department is currently working on the rules and Fraker said the rules should be out soon — though he did not state a specific date. The rules are required to be in place by June 4, 2019, per the voterapproved constitutional amendment.

The public forum was a way for the state agency to gather public input on the rule-making process.

"We want to make sure that we get this program up and running and we do it right," said Fraker.

"The best way to get to a good outcome is to listen to your patient — in this case, to listen to you," said

DHSS Director Randall Williams.

"We think that if we listen carefully, we will come up with a program that serves the needs of the people of Missouri."

Each individual at the forum had up to five minutes to share their concerns, recommendations, and expertise on the subject. Folks were invited to provide written testimony and officials said they would be happy to receive emails with additional comments.

Patients, advocates, and those looking to be involved in the medical cannabis industry were adamant throughout nearly three hours of testimony that the program is focused on Missouri. The crowd was most united on the idea the Missouri residents, both patients and growers, be taken under consideration first.

“It should be cannabis by Missourians for Missourians,” said one individual from Columbia.

Another person expressed concern over residency requirements and ownership requirements.

With the way the law is written, for a company to meet the requirements they need a individual who has lived in Missouri for one year to be a

majority shareholder, according to testimony. Kevin Marshall said that that resident will not be the majority revenue beneficiary, in fact, he has seen advertisements on Linkedin for that very arrangement.

“We want to make sure that this benefits our communities and our citizens,” said Marshall, a Kansas City resident.

“Big business should be the last considered,” said a Kansas City attorney. Jonathon Nicol said that scoring preference should be given to a capable Missouri resident instead of someone coming from out-of-state that has experience.

On the issue of focussing in Missourians, many expressed concerns that there is equal access to all residents who require it. The idea was brought up that medical marijuana cards have a denotation for veterans or those not financially affluent so that dispensaries who wish could offer them discounted rates.

Veterans as whole being able to access medical cannabis was a concern several people shared at the forum. The Department of Veterans Affairs does not pay for medical

marijuana prescriptions and the Missouri Veterans Commission said that use in veterans homes will be prohibited so that they stay in federal compliance.

One person asked if there would be an alternative route available for veterans to get medical marijuana cards. Another asked if veterans could go to an outside doctor to get the prescription without having to pay out-of-pocket.

Another issue brought up was a persons' right to own a gun. Drew Hicks testified that they shouldn’t give up their right to purchase a gun because they use a legal medicine.

“I can tell you right now, no one is going to hand over their gun willingly,” said Hicks. "Telling me I can't go purchase a new firearm is kinda ludicrous."

Protections of individuals involved in the medical marijuana, from patients to business owners to labors, was a concern.

One mother said she wants to get involved, but, with three small children, she is terrified.

“We need protection that won’t be used against us in a family court.

I don’t want to lose my right to be a

mother if I get involved,” said Tara from Washington. "I just want to make sure you don't leave out the mothers, fathers, and caregivers."

Even though the forum was not a question and answer set up, Fraker did take the time at the two and a half hour mark to clarify a few issues that had be brought up.

The first being that medical marijuana was approved through a constitutional amendment and, as such, the state cannot make any alterations to the language or requirements set forth in the constitutional amendment.

The other point he clarified was the prefiled application fees. Fraker said that prefiling a nonrefundable fee will not give the applicant an advantage or edge in the process.

Though those fees are being used to actually fund the program.

"This isn't an easy task and we do want to make sure that Missourians are first, that the patients are actually first," said Fraker. "That is what the voters decided and we want to honor that."

STATE SEES INCREASES IN ACCESS TO AUTISM SERVICES INCREASES WITHOUT A NOTABLE IMPACT ON HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS The eighth annual autism report from the Missouri Department of Insurance shows that nearly 3,700 individuals were treated for autism-related conditions in 2018, receiving nearly 85,000 autism treatments of which 51,223 were applied behavioral analysis (ABA) sessions covered under Missouri’s mandate. This number is up from 14,505 ABA sessions in 2013 (the first year these data were collected), which represents a 250 percent increase.

Using data supplied by health insurance companies, the report says, in terms of dollars, insurance claims for autism-related treatments totaled $16 million in 2018. Of that amount $9.1 million was

directed to ABA services. However, in terms of the relation of autism treatments to overall health claims, autism treatments represent just 0.32 percent and 0.28 percent of total claims incurred in 2018. For each member month of autism coverage, total autism-related claims amounted to 90 cents, while the cost of ABA therapy amounted to 51 cents.

“Missouri has successfully balanced the significant needs of families while maintaining affordable health insurance premiums, “said Chlora Lindley-Myers, Director of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration. “This is evidence of what is possible when all interests come together to help solve problems for the families of our

state.”

Other noteworthy findings from the department’s report: In 2018, nearly 98.5 percent of individual policies provided the coverage for autism. Across all market segments in the most recent reporting period, 99.8% of all insured individuals were covered for treatment associated with autism.

Just under 3,700 individuals diagnosed with an ASD submitted over 85,000 claims, of which 51,223 were ABA sessions. This number is up from 14,505 ABA sessions in 2013 (the first year these data were collected), which represents a 250 percent increase.[1] ABA treatments comprised just over one half of all autism treatments

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provided in 2018.

The average monthly cost of treatment across all market segments was $398, compared to $341 in 2017. Of that average monthly cost, ABA therapies accounted for $228.

While costs associated with autism-related treatment have risen during the years since the mandate was enacted, the fact that these costs remain near three-tenths of one percent of overall claim costs means this law continues to have little appreciable impact on insurance premiums.

The first licenses for applied behavior analysis were issued in Missouri in December 2010. As of mid-January 2018, 593 licenses had been issued, and an additional 84

persons obtained assistant behavior analyst licenses. Of these, 492 behavior analyst licenses are still active, as are 40 assistant behavior analyst licenses.

Missouri’s landmark autism law was passed by the Missouri General Assembly on a bipartisan basis and signed by the Governor in 2010.

The Department of Insurance has extensive resources for families and health care providers on its website. Consumers and providers with complaints or questions are encouraged to call the department’s Insurance Consumer Hotline at 800-726-7390 or file a complaint at insurance.mo.gov.

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OPINION

CUTTING BACK THE MISMANAGEMENT OF STATE GOVERNMENT Rep. Robert Ross As a “Make America Great Again” type of guy, I believe the government is not the greatest steward of taxpayer dollars. I have always held it as simple common sense — government doesn’t have the same accountability as businesses do to their customers, or private citizens do to their own households. But here’s the thing, our state government deeply impacts all Missourians, and when it messes up, it can greatly affect Missouri households.

Well, government ineptitude has struck again this year. Thanks to an error in the Department of Revenue’s (DOR) withholding tables and tax calculations, thousands of Missouri households will be facing a rude “April Surprise.” In effect, the state is looking at $532 million less in income tax revenue when compared to this same time last year. At present, it is unclear whether the state will be able to make up for such a shortfall. Many Missourians will be seeing a decreased tax refund, if any at all. This is a bad April Fool’s joke that no one is expecting.

I understand that errors can occur, and people will make mistakes. But this isn’t the first time that DOR has grossly miscalculated and Missourians have suffered for it. In 2013 they handed the Social Security Administration the list of Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) holders and then lied about it to the public. Just last year, they miscalculated the cost of a certain piece of legislation, finding it would cost the state (and taxpayers) $50 million more than originally estimated.

Protecting the taxpayer is obviously not the top priority for these bureaucrats.

However, the real issue has got to be the deception, secrecy, and tight lips of

DOR. Rather than notifying Missourians to adjust their withholding or to prepare for little to no tax refund, they apparently can’t find the words. It took some serious questioning from myself and other representatives to get any answers from DOR about this mistake. When the state vehicle license plates got a makeover, DOR was more than excited to share the news through press releases and social media and to make sure Missourians were aware of the changes coming to our new plates. While a license plate celebrating Missouri’s bicentennial anniversary is great, the DOR should be informing taxpayers of this error and how to prepare for it even more rigorously than they did a new license plate.

I find it ridiculous that a government agency created specifically to gauge, forecast, and collect revenue keeps failing at its job. This is just one reason why we need to improve the accountability and efficiency of our government while shrinking it down to size. Bureaucrats are not interested in serving the interests of taxpayers; their first priority is justifying their own job.

Rural Missourians don’t live with unaccountability in their households, around the farm, or in their businesses; and I’ll keep fighting to cut it out of state government as well.

Rep. Robert Ross represents the 142nd District in the Missouri House of Representatives.

Ross recently amended his campaign committee to seek the Republican nomination to replace Sen. Mike Cunningham, to represent the counties of Douglas, Howell, Oregon, Ozark, Ripley, Texas, Webster and Wright in the Missouri Senate.

I SUPPORT SCHOOL CHOICE IN AREAS WITH FAILING SCHOOLS Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin In many of our small towns throughout Northeast Missouri, public schools have a major impact on our lives. Rural schools are our biggest employers, and we’re blessed to have some of the best educators in Missouri teaching foundational values to our children.

The problem is that public school does not work for every student.

Did you know approximately 38 percent of public school students need remedial classes when they continue on into higher education?

What’s even more startling is that some students don’t make it to that point. In 2016, more than 10,000 students dropped out of high school.

Those statistics are staggering. These are our children and grandchildren, and they deserve a quality education – not a “one size fits all” experience.

I believe every child deserves an excellent education regardless of where they live. That’s why I support

school choice in areas with failing schools. Families must be able to choose what education delivery system best suits their needs. I know that can sound overwhelming, but it’s simple. If traditional public schools are failing our children, then those families should have options.

As a business owner, we have to make sure we have a product that is solid and of excellent quality.

If we don’t, our business will fail and a better company will take its place. I am supporting our schools in Northeast Missouri to identify changes needed and am working with them to achieve those changes.

Charter schools are publiclyfunded, independently-governed public schools. They allow for innovation in the classroom and greater accountability for students.

Charters generally start when public schools fail.

Charter schools have successful

education programs all over the country, but in Missouri, they’re limited to just Kansas City and the City of St. Louis. Currently, there are several bills being considered by my colleagues in the Missouri Senate and the Missouri House of Representatives that would grant permission for charter schools to operate in other areas that have failing schools. This would mean that for children in failing school districts, other options would be available.

Educational savings accounts, or ESA’s, are another component of school choice. ESA’s give parents the flexibility to tailor their children’s entire educational path to the right path for them. For children with disabilities, in military families and foster care, educational savings accounts permit options. Our most vulnerable population deserves our support.

Our future, our workforce Rep. Kathy Swan Since 2011, the Missouri Department of Higher Education has been pursuing a big goal, one in which 60 percent of adults age 24-65 would have a two-year or four-year degree or career or technical certificate by 2025. In Preparing Missourians to Succeed: A Blueprint for Higher Education, the Department says that new policies, programs and partnerships are necessary to prepare Missouri for the challenges of the future.

A 2015 Gallup poll commissioned by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry found that Missouri’s economic performance had fallen behind and without unified, statewide business leadership and ambitious new efforts; our state’s economic performance was not likely to improve.

The partners of Best in the Midwest and Talent for Tomorrow, two recent initiatives intended to transform our state into one of the top states

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for economic growth and workforce development, found that Missouri has the seventh most diversified economy and ranks among the top 10 states in high school graduation rates, but lags in post-secondary degree or credential attainment.

In the State of the State Address, Governor Mike Parson emphasized his two core priorities: infrastructure and workforce development. His commitment to our workforce is noted in his budget recommendations for three new programs: Fast-Track Workforce Incentive Grant, Missouri One Start and Missouri Excels Workforce Initiative.

Fast-Track is a new needs-based grant program targeted at adults over the age of 25 who are working toward a certification, undergraduate degree or industry-recognized credential for a high demand occupation. Missouri One Start is designed to provide more workforce training for new and expanding businesses. Missouri

Excels is a new initiative for higher education to develop and expand employer-driven education and training programs.

The workforce challenge is best met through a coordinated effort involving state government, the legislature, the business community, K12 schools, colleges, universities, career and technical schools and our communities. Change is needed to remove obstacles, build on strengths and opportunities, and develop our workforce to be competitive and to help our state and regions grow. The fastest growing jobs through 2026 will be in the service sector at all skill levels, many requiring a certificate or credential.

Missouri is ready for the challenge.

The time is now.

Rep. Kathryn Swan is chair of the Missouri House Committee on Workforce Development.

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PEOPLE

C. BROOKS HURST TO CONTINUE LEADING MISSOURI SOYBEAN

ASSOCIATION

Atchison County soybean farmer C. Brooks Hurst was elected to a second term as president of the Missouri Soybean Association during the annual meeting in Jefferson City this week. As the Association’s president, Hurst will lead Missouri’s soybean policy, regulatory and outreach efforts on behalf of farmers statewide.

“It takes a team to address the challenges farmers face, and we take our role as the advocate for Missouri’s soybean farmers very seriously,” Hurst said. “We’re truly a farmer-led organization, and I take a lot of pride in the work we’re doing to protect farmers’ freedom to operate and competitive advantage in the global marketplace.”

In addition to Hurst, the Missouri Soybean Association leadership team was re-elected. Ronnie Russell, a soybean farmer from Richmond, Mo., will continue serving as vicepresident; secretary is Matt Wright of Emden, Mo. and treasurer is Renee Fordyce of Bethany, Mo. Each is serving their second one-year term in those roles, the maximum allowed under the Association’s bylaws.

Their terms officially begin after installation, held during the Commodity Classic conference at the end of February.

EVANS TO LEAD MOGOP Alisha Shurr

BECK IN FOR SD1 Alisha Shurr

Rep. Doug Beck has announced that he is seeking election to the state Senate in 2020. Sen. Scott Sifton, who represents the first senatorial district, is term-limited and perusing a bid for the Governor’s Office.

“I really love my community and want to give back to it,” said Beck. “The only reason I do this is it is just a higher form of community service.”

A pipefitter for more the three decades, Beck served as the Director of the Affton School Board for nine years and was first elected to the Missouri House in 2016. He won his re-election bid in 2018.

As a member of the House, he has fought against bills he

believes will weaken workers rights and advocated for public schools. Beck pushed through a bill designating a portion of State Highway 30 in St. Louis County as the “Officer Blake Snyder Memorial Highway.”

“I try to always keep in mind that I am speaking for the people in my district. I do that as a state [representative] and will continue to do that as a state senator,” said Beck. “I weigh all the decisions that I make on how does it affect the people in my district.”

The people in his district are rather diverse when it comes to politics, he noted. That’s why he always considers his constituents before making a decision and doesn’t hesitate to cross the aisle

when necessary.

“I’m right in the middle of that at times,” said Beck.

But, he recognized that there are some issues on which he will not bend on, such as right-towork and the rights of laborers.

Constituents in his district put an emphasis on safety, public education and school districts, and don’t want right-to-work, Beck noted, and those are all issues he stands behind.

“I feel that I fit the district really well,” said Beck.

A laborer by trade, when Beck returns to the St. Louis region from working as a lawmaker in Jefferson City, he trades in his suit and ties for safety goggles and boots, working on construction sites.

Having two very different jobs doesn’t make him special in his mind or change the person that he is, it is just the way he serves his community and supports his family.

He is running for the state Senate for the same reason he ran for the state House and the school board: to help people. “[I want] to help people.

Whether it is kids, working people, middle class, elderly people that are in the district on fixed incomes. That is strictly the reason why I have done anything I have done,” said Beck. “Moving to the Senate would enable me to get more things done, I believe.

To work across the aisle to bring better things to the citizens of my community.”

The Missouri Republican Party has tapped a sitting lawmaker to take the helm.

Rep. Jean Evans will be stepping down from her position in the Missouri House of Representatives to take on the role of Executive Director for the state Republican Party. She is replacing Ray Bozarth, who has served in that capacity since 2016.

“Jean is a great campaigner and operative who knows how to win,” said MOGOP Chair Kay Hoflander. “She understands as I do that Missourians have entrusted Republicans with

tremendous influence over the future direction of our state and country, and we’ll work closely together to win Republican victories all over the state.”

Evans was first elected to the House in 2016 and won her re-election bid in 2018. As a lawmaker, she got legislation passed that put a ban on pregnant inmates from being shackled or chained during labor, set the minimum age of marriage in Missouri at 16-yearsold, and expanded the definition of “women’s business enterprise” to include a Missouri nonprofit corporation that has a majority

of individuals serving on the board of directors and corporate officers who are women.

Prior to her tenure as a legislator, Evans has worked as a real estate agent and investor, as well as coaching and officiating volleyball for 30 years. She is the former President of the Professional Women’s Alliance for St. Louis, and has worked at Westminster Christian Academy.

She has served on the Boards for USA Volleyball Gateway Region and the National Association of Women Business Owners. She received the President George W. Bush Award for Volunteerism

in 2006.

“Jean Evans has been a tremendous voice for Missouri voters during her time in the House of Representatives,” said Gov. Mike Parson. “Representing a key swing district in St. Louis County, Jean has proven time and again that she knows what it takes to win votes from diverse segments across our state. She’s exactly the leader our Republican Party needs today and I’m happy to welcome her as Executive Director.”

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Missouri Times Ad 2.pdf 1 1/23/2019 3:41:28 PM

Capitol Calendar

The Missouri Times

CHECK ANY TIME AND SIGN UP TO RECEIVE THE CALENDAR IN YOUR EMAIL WEEKLY AT THEMISSOURITIMES.COM/CALENDAR Sent events for included to calendar@themissouritimes.com.

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Because of it’s debalitating and relentless nature, ALS exacts an enormous toll on families.

The ALS Association St. Louis Regional Chapter helps families manage the emotional and physical strain brought on by an ALS diagnosis, with free programs and services for patients,

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19 Missouri Beer Wholesalers Advocacy Day 19 Missouri Academy of Family Physicians Lobby Day 19 Sens. Eigel/Koenig/ Hoskins Reception - Missouri Realtors Building 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

19 Missouri Beer Wholesalers Reception - G2 Gallery - 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

19 Moms Demand Action Advocacy Day 20 Missouri Occupational Therapy Association Lobby Day 20 Decoding Dyslexia-MO Hill Day 2019 on Feb. 20 9:00 - 12:30 p.m. - Rotunda 21 Missouri Insurance Coalition Annual Legislative Meeting – Jefferson City 26 Missouri Chiropractic Physicians Association Legislative Day 27 Alzheimer’s Association 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 Long-term Care Lobby Day 14 Last day to place Senate Consent Bills on the Senate Calendar (Rule 45) 14 Spring break upon adjournment (legislature reconvenes March 25) 19 Missouri Music Educa-

tors Association Lobby Day 25 Legislature reconvenes from spring break 26 Missouri Community Action Network Lobby Day 27 Missouri Pharmacy Association Legislative Day April 2 Child Advocacy Day 3 Missouri Canoe and Floaters Association Reception 3 Missouri Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Legislative Day 3 Conservation Federation of Missouri Lobby Day 5 #GoBlueDay for Child Abuse Prevention 8 MAC Legislative Conference - Capitol Plaza 8 Lineworker Appreciation Day 9 Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation Reception 17 MOFED Lobby Day 22 Easter Observed 23 Legislature reconvenes 4:00 p.m.

24 Missouri Electric Cooperative’s Fish Fry Luncheon 24 Missouri Realtors Capitol Conference - Holiday Inn, Columbia

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE MISSOURI SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION.

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15

The Missouri Times

NEWSPAPERS SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED AD PRICES FOR STATE

According to the Secretary of State, some newspapers across Missouri hiked their ad prices for the state by more than 20 percent in a matter of two weeks - one as much as 700% Alisha Shurr Going through his department’s budget before the House budget committee, Secretary Jay Ashcroft said he saw price gouging from a number of newspapers.

The State of Missouri is constitutionally required to place ads in all the measures on the ballot in newspapers in each county. The secretary of state’s office has a $6 million budget to do this during the 2018 election.

For the November general election, the office requested an original quote from various newspapers for the print job on September 27, 2018, and then got a final price quote on October 8, 2018. In that two week period, the print job did not change, but the price quote changed by as much as 700 percent.

Ninety-one newspapers’ estimates remained unchanged and seven decreased.

St. Louis Community News, Festus Jefferson Leader, Richmond News, Willow Springs Howell County News, Albany Ledger, Grant City Times-Tribune, and Princeton PostTelegraph dropped their prices between 2 percent to 30 percent.

In a letter to the Missouri Press Association in October 2018, Ashcroft outlined the papers who increased their prices by more than 20 percent.

Sikeston Standard Democrat

raised their price from $11,220 to $90,255.88, a 704 percent increase.

The St. Joseph News Press upped their quote from $145,456.08 to $256,668.71. The Doniphan Prospect-News upped their quote by 224 percent, the Linn Unterrified Democrat by 114 percent, the Pemiscot Press by 100 percent, the Columbia Tribune by 38 percent, and the St. Louis Post Dispatch and the Kansas City Star each by just over 21 percent.

Ashcroft called a newspaper increasing it’s quote by 704 percent “despicable.”

“DESPICABLE.” “The taxpayer money is not well served doing that,” Ashcroft told the House Budget Committee. He asked lawmakers to find an alternative than the state having the shell out millions to print the ballot measures.

Rep. Peter Merideth agreed that wasn’t the best use of taxpayer funds but asked what could be done to change it. Since this is a constitutional requirement, most effective change would probably have to be a constitutional change, according to Ashcroft.

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16

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