Missouri Times — June 17, 2019 by Missouri Times

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PARSON SIGNS BUDGET

JUNE 17, 2019

REFERENDUMS REJECTED, LAWSUITS HEAD TO COURT MOGOP REFOCUSING www.missouritimes.com

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Lawmakers must help Missourians prepare for future tornadoes and floods By Byron DeLear Tornadoes have again ravaged Missouri and Governor Mike Parson recently declared a state of emergency in response to recent flooding along the Missouri and Mississippi River systems as a “result of release from upstream reservoirs, snow melt and excessive rainfall.” As thousands of Missourians start rebuilding in the wake of the devastating disasters and more still prepare for the future, they must be able to reinforce and build stronger homes that can stand up to future tornadoes and floods. State lawmakers can help them do this by passing legislation to expand a Missouri program to include affordable disaster resiliency renovations for all homeowners. While homeowners cannot predict when Mother Nature will strike next, what they do know is that Missouri faces increasingly severe weather threats. A 2018 study, for instance, found that nearly 500,000 Missourians are vulnerable to flooding — 25 percent more people than previously thought. Meanwhile, researchers said last year that a southeastern shift in “Tornado Alley” could lead to more tornadoes touching down in Missouri. This severe weather is also causing an increasingly severe financial toll, with March’s flooding expected to result in more than $3 billion in damage. This comes on the heels of the 2017 spring floods that cost the state nearly $90 million. As the threat of severe weather grows, Missouri homeowners need to prepare their properties to better withstand rising waters and stronger winds. For most homeowners, however, these types of mitigation efforts are often out of reach because of high upfront costs. But state lawmakers can take an important step toward making disaster mitigation more accessible by passing legislation to expand a home improvement financing program known as Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE). PACE is not traditional financing; it is a special assessment that homeowners voluntarily add to their property as a way to pay for the improvements. Homeowners pay no upfront costs and can access low-rate, fixedterm financing; and, as a revenue neutral public-private partnership, the program does not

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use any public funds to finance critical property improvements. In Missouri, thousands of property owners have already used PACE to finance $85 million in upgrades such as efficient HVAC units, energy-efficient windows and doors and solar panels, all of which help make homes more efficient while reducing monthly energy bills. In other states, property owners can already use PACE programs to finance critical disaster preparation renovations and upgrades, including impact-resistant windows, wind-resistant roofs and “wet-flood proofing” that allows water to enter and exit a property in a way that causes the least damage possible. In Missouri, however, property owners can only use PACE to pay for energy-efficiency and renewable energy projects such as solar. Encouraging disaster mitigation efforts not only protects people and properties, it is also saves money for communities in the long run. For instance, every dollar spent on federal disaster resilience efforts produces an average of six dollars in savings. By making disaster mitigation eligible under PACE, Missouri homeowners can make the same sound financial investments in their properties. PACE has also proven to benefit communities in the eye of the storm. A recent study of the PACE market in Florida conducted by the Schwarzenegger Institute at the University of Southern California found that hurricane mitigation projects financed by just one PACE provider will result in more than $500 million in savings for the state in avoided disaster losses and more than $1 billion in insurance savings for consumers. The Missouri PACE program is a touchstone example of successful economic development policy, but the program also needs to be protected from opponents in other competing industries. Legislation was introduced this last session at the Capitol (HB215 and SB173) that would curtail the success of Missouri PACE by injecting over-reaching regulations and California-like state bureaucracy to the program. This legislation was being pushed by bankers who oppose customer choice for homeowners and see PACE as a competitor. Finish reading the op-ed online.

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HOT LIST

St. Louis Blues

Gloria! Congratulations to the St. Louis Blues for winning the Stanley Cup with a 4-1 victory over the Boston Bruins in Game 7. This is the first ever Stanley Cup for the Blues.

Grain Belt

The Grain Belt project cleared another hurdle this week with the PSC approving Invenergy’s acquisition of the Grain Belt Express Clean Line LLC. Invenergy says the massive wind project now has all the necessary approvals from state regulators to proceed.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK Jay Ashcroft- @JayAshcroftMO - June 11

It was my honor to speak at a ceremony at the Capitol to celebrate a new postage stamp from the @USPS that marks the 75th anniversary of the commissioning of the @USSMissouri.

Tweets of the Week Highlights in 280 characters or less.

Governor Mike Parson @GovParsonMO We are thrilled that @SecretarySonny Perdue chose to relocate ERS & NIFA to the heartland. We appreciate all the hard work & commitment from Secretary Perdue, President @realDonaldTrump‘s admin, and the large Kansas City coalition in making this happen. Cora Faith Walker @CoraFaith4MO My assistant has been on well-deserved vacation since Monday, and I have not emailed, called or texted her. Yet. #moleg Dirk Deaton @DirkEDeaton In a #moleg first I was mistaken for @cody4mo. At a Memorial Day ceremony. Lady said, “So you’re the Rep?” I said, “Yes ma’am.” She said I looked different. I told her maybe the haircut? Later she revealed she lived in Carthage and I told her she was thinking of Cody Smith.

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Disaster relief

As catastrophic flooding continues across Missouri, President Trump approved a $19.1 billion federal disaster aid bill — meaning relief for the storm-ravaged Show-Me State is on the way. The bill includes funding for repairs to farmlands and infrastructure, among other things.

Rural broadband

The FCC so far has allocated more than $46 million to four Missouri companies to expand broadband access in the state. Co-Mo Connect and Callabyte Technology will receive money this month; GoSEMO and United Services were awarded funding last month by the FCC. In all, 11 Missouri companies are expected to receive more than $254.8 million in subsidies over a decade to service more than 95,000 areas as part of the FCC’s Connect America Fund project.

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SUNDAY MORNINGS KANSAS CITY - 38 THE SPOT AT 10:00 A.M. ST. LOUIS - ABC 30 KDNL AT 11:00 A.M. MID-MO - CONNECTIONS 22 AT 11:00 A.M. SWMO - CONNECTIONS 22 AT 11:00 A.M.

STREAM ONLINE AT TWMP.TV

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The Missouri Times

CULTURE

Missouri Republican Party ‘refocusing’ structure on grassroots, voter contact By Alisha Shurr The Missouri Republican Party is rolling out a “streamlined” business model aimed are refocusing its resources on grassroots development and voter contacts. Announced at the state committee meeting Saturday, the changes were spurred by two major factors: an initiative at the national party level and a tornado that decimated its headquarters. Getting “basically kicked out of ” the office due to the tornado that swept through Jefferson City in May resulted in Executive Director Jean Evans and Chairwoman Kay Hoflander getting together to reassess. With a temporary headquarters in Jefferson City through the end of the year, they decided it would be best not to look for a permanent place and save those resources to spend on 2020 victory efforts. “Some people may look at it as a loss to not have the office anymore, but we are looking at it as an opportunity to streamline our business operations and have a greater impact at the grassroots level,” Evans told The Missouri Times. The Missouri Republican Party will continue fulfilling its “constitutional responsibilities,” which includes the state caucus, selection of GOP delegates, and attending the National Republican Committee Convention. The state party is also responsible for turning out Republican voters. “I would say we are refocusing,” Evans said. “We are streamlining our business and cutting our overhead to focus our resources more on grassroots development and voter contacts.” Project GROW: Growing Republican Organizations to Win In January 2019, the National Republican Party (NRC) unveiled Project GROW: Growing Republican Organizations to Win — and the Missouri Republican Party is joining the program. “The RNC is offering our resources and assistance to help state parties win the elec-

Overview of the damage to the Missouri Republican Party (PROVIDED/JEAN EVANS). tion. This goes way beyond fundraising,” Ronna McDaniel, RNC president, said during a speech in January. The program focuses on the nuts and bolts of the party with the aim of winning elections

metrics — adapted to the political conditions of each state — and will get addition national resources as goals are met. “We are working with the RNC and the Trump team on the GROW program; we are

“We are streamlining our business and cutting our overhead to focus our resources more on grassroots development and voter contacts.” — Jean Evans from the ground up. Any state party can participate in the program, which covers volunteer training, voter contact and registration, and more. Those in the program are required to meet performance

building from the ground up in county committees throughout the state,” said Evans Grassroots and voter contacts The refocusing of the Missouri Republican

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Party is designed to make development and voter contacts the focal point of efforts — with staffers spending more time on the ground as opposed to being based in a physical office in the capital city. “The Missouri Republican Party is really the voters — the people in every county across the state who attend meetings, put up yard signs, and vote for candidates. That is who the Missouri Republican Party is … we are focusing our efforts on reaching out to them and empowering them to have a greater voice in government,” said Evans. “So you’ll see us doing more of a focused effort on our grassroots and out voters — having more direct contact with them through personal meetings, events, and digital communications.”

The Missouri Times

CAMPAIGNS | SENATE

Spencer announces 2022 bid with life motto in mind: ‘Invest in people’ By Kaitlyn Schallhorn

Rep. Deb Lavender (PROVIDED).

Lavender cites new abortion law as catalyst for 2020 run By Kaitlyn Schallhorn Rep. Deb Lavender was set to finish out her time in the House. Then the General Assembly sent a stringent bill banning most abortions to the governor — who signed it into law — just before the legislative session ended. So now she’s running for Senate, for the very seat held by one of the conservatives who championed the bill. “There are a lot of people upset with this decision. A lot of us feel that this decision has stepped over the line,” Lavender, a Democrat, said of the abortion bill. “Inside of that, I think it’s the right thing to take on one of the senators who is the author of the banning of abortions in Missouri.” Lavender, who is still eligible for one more term in the House, decided to throw her hat in the ring for SD-15, held by Republican Sen. Andrew Koenig. The Conservative Caucus member was largely lauded for pushing through the abortion bill — without compromising on some of the more controversial components — during negotiations. But while anti-abortion advocates have praised the new law, Democrats like Lavender say not including exceptions for rape or in-

cest victims is “stepp[ing] over the line.” “How the life of a 13-year-old who has been impregnated by her grandfather, why her life doesn’t matter is unconscionable for me,” Lavender told The Missouri Times in a wide-ranging interview about her candidacy. “And … that was part of this decision-making process to run.” Aside from the abortion issue, Lavender noted three other legislative priorities she promised to tackle in the Senate: climate change, gun control, and public education. Lavender pointed to the recent flooding that has decimated farms and other areas across Missouri, noting the state’s farmers experienced a detrimental drought just last year. “If we aren’t stopping to recognize that climate change is an issue we need to be dealing with, we are just truly putting our heads in the sand,” she said. Additionally, she promised to be an advocate for “common gun sense.” Specifically, she supports background checks for every firearm purchase and “red flag” laws, essentially allowing a judge to have a gun removed from someone’s home if there’s evidence he or she could be a harm to others or sui-

cidal. She also supports public education and more accountability measures for the state’s charter schools. She noted some “are terrific,” but others need more oversight. Lavender faces a primary challenLavender is a Connecticut native who moved to St. Louis in 1980 following college. Aside from serving in the legislature, she still practices outpatient orthopedics at her physical therapy practice. In the House, Lavender has worked on the state’s budget — something she says is one of her proudest achievements in the job. With her work on the committee, she said she’s been able to find fund balances and educate others about the budget. She also said she worked with a Republican colleague to add back funding cut during the previous gubernatorial administration that goes toward people with disabilities. But what makes Lavender stand out from the other candidates? She said it’s her experience with running and holding office, ability to work with colleagues across the aisle, and her drive for solutions as opposed to “just grandstanding.” She also contended she’s the more “moderate” candidate when compared to Koenig.

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When Rep. Bryan Spencer was in college, he was asked to come up with a “motto” to live by, and he decided that would be: “Invest in people.” Years later, as the term-limited Republican mulled what was next after his tenure in the state House, Spencer went back to that motto — and so he decided to run for Senate in the 10th district. He officially announced this week his candidacy to take over Republican Sen. Jeanie Riddle’s seat in 2022. “I asked myself, ‘Do I make a difference [in the legislature],’ and I started making a list of all the things I accomplished legislatively and in the community,” Spencer told The Missouri Times. “I decided I had made the biggest difference as a state representative, and I wanted to continue in the state Senate.” A former teacher, Spencer has represented HD 63 since 2013. He’s focused on education — he believes parents should be the ultimate decision-makers in where children attend school — and farmers. He’s an advocate for the homeless, Spencer said, and wants to promote policies that will get people “back on track to being successful, contributing citizens.” When pointing to his accomplishments, Spencer said it’s his work on a bill expanding access to online courses for students to ensure college readiness that he is proudest of from his time in state government. The Senate version of the bill, championed by Sen. Bob Onder, was signed by the governor in 2018. But Spencer would rather focus on what he’s done in the community — raising funds for a Wright City police dog and hosting events bringing law enforcement and residents together — and for his constituents. Spencer said he got to know one man who was convicted of second-degree murder when he was 14 years old. The man served all 10 years in prison and become a “model citizen” and grandfather. But the man’s own son fell on hard times after his

Rep. Bryan Spencer (TIM BOMMEL/HOUSE COMMUNICATIONS). wife was diagnosed with blood cancer. Eventually, the house fell into disarray, and the family could no longer take care of their baby. Normally, Spencer said, social service workers would place the baby with other family members. But that prior conviction stood in the way of these grandparents caring for their family member. “I had to fight for this gentleman to get their baby back. It took a year and a half, but we did it. My question was, when is your payment to society over,” Spencer said. “He’s still paying for it even though he’s been a good, model citizen for over 50 years.” “When people ask me what my agenda is, I don’t have an agenda as far as me personally,” he continued. “If you look at the bills I’ve carried in the past, I’ve put all kinds of things on the table — whether it’s something I agree with or don’t agree with. I always try to be an advocate of the people.” Spencer’s strategy is being as open and accessible to constituents as possible, he said — even to those who might disagree with him. But he has a solution for that. “There have been times when groups of people have been upset with me about a vote, and I’ll go sit in their garage or meet at a restaurant, and we have a nice conversation so we understand each other,” Spencer said. It’s just another way, he said, to invest in people.

The Missouri Times

CAMPAIGNS | HOUSE

SPECIAL ELECTION FOR VACANT HD 158 SEAT

Republicans select Scott Cupps for race By Alisha Shurr Republicans in Barry County and portions of Stone and Lawrence Counties have nominated a former FFA advisor who currently works on his family farm to represent them in the state House. On Nov. 5, Scott Cupps will go up against Democrat Lisa Kalp in the race for HD 158. Gov. Mike Parson called the special election for the district after Scott Fitzpatrick resigned to be sworn in as the state treasurer. Fitzpatrick, who was House budget chair, held the seat since the 2012 election. “I want to be the liaison between my community and those in Jefferson City,” Cupps told The Missouri Times. “I genuinely want to be a representative of our people, of our area, and what they stand for.” The 33-year-old noted it is important to stay focused on what is right for Missourians across the state and not get caught up in some of the rhetoric. The General Assembly should not be passing measures just to say it is passing bills, Cupps said, but rather pushing legislation that is “right.” “We need to move forward with what is best for the state as a whole, and we need to make sure we are not letting [bad] proposals get passed,” said Cupps. “If something is not good for the state, we need to make sure it doesn’t get passed just to make more laws. We have enough

Scott Cupps is running to replace now-State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrickin the House (PROVIDED). laws.” He may be fervent in his beliefs — pro-life, pro-gun, pro-community — but he can still get along with just about someone. And that ability will come in handy as a lawmaker, he noted. From growing up on a farm to attending college to traveling the country for work, these experiences have helped shape Cupps and renewed his love for his community.

“I truly believe the area I come from is one of the greatest places to live and to work and to raise a family. And that is not by accident,” he said, adding one of his goals as a lawmaker would be to preserve what makes it a great place. “I want to be proactive and make sure we don’t go down any wrong roads.” Self-described as logical, dedicated to facts, and Christian, Cupps cannot be characterized

without mentioning farming. “Farming is a job where you clock in at 4 years old and never clock out. It is not a job, it is not a career, it is a way of life,” Cupps said. He taught agriculture in school and served as an FFA advisor — an agricultural organization for high school students — before heading back to school to earn his master’s degree. He now works on his family farm in Barry County.

Democrats nominate Lisa Kalp By Alisha Shurr

Lisa Kalp is running to replace nowState Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrickin the House (PROVIDED).

Democrats have selected a first-time candidate to made a bid at flipping a seat held by Republicans for more than a decade. On Nov. 5, Lisa Kalp will go up against Republican Scott Cupps in the race for HD 158. Gov. Mike Parson called the special election for the district after Scott Fitzpatrick resigned to be sworn in as the state treasurer. Fitzpatrick, who was House Budget chair, held the seat since the 2012 election. “I’m a farmer … I’m a mother … I’m a regular person,” Kalp told The Missouri Times. A Boston native, Kalp graduated from Boston College and in 2005 moved to Missouri. She has adopted two children, both

who have special needs. She has a computer programming business and operates a small farm — raising goats and rescuing horses. A vegetarian herself, Kalp raises her goats for meat. She noted that she “won’t eat meat but others do.” The horse rescue operation started after she bought a “skinny” horse and others started to assume she ran a rescue service. People just started dropping them off at her property, and Kalp would come “home and find a horse tied to my tree.” She credits her father for her work ethic and helping to shape the person she is today. Malcolm Kalp worked for the CIA and was one of the hostages held by Iran in the early 1980s. Kalp has been “active behind the scenes

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of politicals for years,” working on campaigns for Massachusetts Gov. William Weld, the Kennedys, and former presidential candidate John Anderson. Now, she said, it is her time to be out in front. “My father always told me, ‘If you don’t like something, stop complaining about it and do something.’ It is time for me to step up,” Kalp said. Transportation, services for the most vulnerable, and voting rights are just a few issues Kalp highlighted. She noted the most important aspect for her would be listening to her community and representing the constituents. “This is a great area … we just need to listen to the people,” said Kalp. “We all have to work together: Democrat, Republican, rural, non-rural.”

The Missouri Times

ABORTION

Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft holds a press conference to announce rejection of referendum petitions (ALISHA SHURR/THE MISSOURI TIMES).

Rejected: Three referendum petitions seeking to give voters final say on abortion measure By Alisha Shurr Three petitions filed seeking to give voters the final say on a sweeping anti-abortion bill have been rejected by the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office. The ACLU of Missouri and David Humphreys, who filed the referendum petitions, are challenging the decision in court. The petitions — which require at least 100,126 signatures by August 28 to make it on the ballot — need approval from the Secretary of State’s Office before circulating. “Because of the responsibility of the Secretary of State’s Office to follow Missouri Supreme Court precedent and the constitution, we have no other avenue but to reject Referendum 1 and Referendum 2 for failure to comply with the requirements of the Missouri Constitution,” Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft told reporters. The issue at hand, according to Ashcroft, is

the emergency clause attached to the bill. The emergency clause resulted in a portion of the bill going into effect immediately after Gov. Mike Parson signed it last month. The provision currently in effect is the requirement for both parents to be notified of a minor seeking an abortion. The vast majority of the provisions — banning abortion at eight weeks, along with “nestled” components to include restrictions at 14, 18, and 20 weeks should a court overturn a portion of the law, and an outright abortion ban if Roe v. Wade is overturned — will go into effect on August 28. In a letter to Ashcroft, Lowell Pearson, who filed two of the petitions on behalf of Humphreys, wrote, “[T]he emergency clause in House Bill 126 cannot lawfully be read to preempt or override the referendum right of the People. Just as the courts must ‘zealously guard’ that right (see Boeving), so must the ex-

ecutive branch and its elected officials.” Last month, the ACLU of Missouri and Humphreys, a prominent Republican donor, each submitted a referendum petition on HB 126 in its entirety. The third referendum petition — also submitted by Humphreys through Pearson — does not include the provision already in effect. The decision to reject the three petitions was made by the Secretary of State’s Office based on its review of the law and case precedent. “The second petition we filed, Petition 2020-R003, does not include the emergency clause … apparently, that did not make a difference to the secretary [of state],” Pearson said. “This move is so predictable, we’ve already assembled our suit to require the Secretary of State to put aside his anti-abortion agenda and do his job by certifying the referendum,” Tony Rothert, acting executive director of ACLU of

Missouri, said in a statement. Courts in the past have overruled what constitutes an emergency and allowed a referendum on a measure with a provision already in effect. Ashcroft acknowledged the rulings, pointing out it was the court’s determination and not the secretary of state’s in each case. Ashcroft noted he was not allowed to make a determination if the provision actually constituted an emergency. “The court clearly states the determination about whether or not an emergency clause is proper or not is a matter for the courts,” said Ashcroft. “It would be inappropriate for me to make a judicial determine like that.” A Cole County Circuit Court judge held an initial hearing last week with attorneys for the ALCU, Humphreys, and the state regarding the lawsuits filed. Both the ACLU and Humphreys were requested to amend the petitions before the case can continue.

Humphreys donates $1 million to put abortion bill to vote By Kaitlyn Schallhorn Businessman and GOP megadonor David Humphreys has given $1 million to a committee in support of a referendum to put the new abortion ban to a vote. Humphreys has been outspoken about his opposition to the abortion law, banning the procedure after eight weeks, that was signed by Gov. Mike Parson late last month. His opposition particularly stems from a lack of exceptions for victims of rape or

incest. The $1 million donation to the Committee to Protect the Rights of Victims of Rape & Incest campaign was made, according to the Missouri Ethics Committee. The committee was formed at the end of May. “While I am personally opposed to abortion, I do support a woman’s right to choose, particularly in the case of rape or incest,” Humphreys previously said in a memo to Parson. “And I have to believe that the politicians in Jeff City that voted for this

bill would themselves support their wives or daughters’ right to choose if their loved ones were raped.” “We remain committed to pursuing a referendum on HB126 and are prepared to take the necessary steps, including available legal remedies, to ensure women and underage minors who are victims of rape and incest have a greater voice on this issue,” Ken Spain, a consultant for Humphreys, said in a statement Friday. Conservative Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin responded to the dona-

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tion on Twitter, saying, “Even $1 million can’t make taking an innocent life = ‘Women’s healthcare.’” HB 126 bans abortions after eight weeks and includes many “nestled” components to include restrictions at 14, 18, and 20 weeks should a court overturn a portion of the law. While the law includes exceptions for medical emergencies, it does not include exemptions for victims of rape or incest. Rep. Shamed Dogan was the only House Republican who voted against the bill, citing concerns

with the lack of exemptions. Less then a week after the House vote, Humphreys donated $25,000 to Dogan’s Next Gen GOP PAC. It certainly wasn’t the first time Humphreys has contributed to the St. Louis lawmaker, but the donation seemingly backed up his public opposition to the bill that had become a bedrock of Missouri Republicans’ priorities this year. In July 2018, Humphreys donated $1 million to the House Republican Campaign Committee.

The Missouri Times

ABORTION

Judge gives Planned Parenthood state deadline contracted lab briefly to decided loses accreditation on Planned Parenthood’s license By Kaitlyn Schallhorn

By Kaitlyn Schallhorn A St. Louis judge granted a preliminary injunction Monday afternoon, allowing Missouri’s lone abortion provider to continue operating after the state declined to renew its license at the end of May. Judge Michael Stelzer of the 22nd Circuit Court issued the preliminary injunction and gave the state’s health officials until June 21 to issue a decision on the license for the Reproductive Health Services of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis region. He said the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) must actually make a concrete decision regarding the licensure of the facility, instead of just letting it lapse. The abortion clinic and DHSS have been entangled in a legal dispute over the facility’s license for several weeks. The licensing fight hinges on the request from the state for the facility to make all doctors at the clinic — even those who aren’t affiliated with Planned Parenthood — subject to interviews for an investigation. The St. Louis facility is the lone abortion provider in the state. If it ceased to operate, Missouri would be the only state in the U.S. with such a facility. “It is important to note that this Court does not issue advisory opinions and thus issues no opinion as to whether Petitioner’s application to renew its license should be approved or denied,” Stelzer wrote. “The authority to make that

decision rests exclusively with the Department of Health and Senior Services.” Stelzer has set a status conference hearing for the morning of June 21. “Today’s ruling gives doctors like me the ability to wake up tomorrow and continue providing safe, legal abortion in the last health center in the state that provides abortion care,” Dr. Colleen McNicholas, an OBGYN at the clinic, said in a statement. “For patients, that means, for now, they can continue to make decisions about their bodies, lives, and future in their home state.” McNicholas and Dr. Leana Wen, president & CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, both stressed the “fight is far from over” ahead of a stringent new abortion law set to go into effect in August. The back-and-forth between the state and the clinic came on the heels of the governor signing one of the most restrictive abortion bills in the nation into law last month, banning abortions after eight weeks. It does not include exemptions for victims of rape and incest. The ACLU of Missouri and David Humphreys, a Republican megadonor who took issue with the lack of exceptions, have filed multiple referendums seeking to put HB 126 to a vote. So far, the state has struck down two of the three referendums; both parties have filed lawsuits.

A laboratory used by a St. Louis Planned Parenthood facility — which is currently embroiled in a legal battle with the state — briefly lost its accreditation following an investigation by state and federal regulators into “failed” abortion procedures, Missouri health officials announced Friday. The Boyce and Bynum Pathology Professional Services lab was found to have “serious health concerns regarding the analysis and handling of fetal tissue” from the St. Louis facility as officials probed why some women who sought wabortions remained impregnated, Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) said in a news release. State officials said the lab had “deficiencies in [its] process related to the examination of fetal tissue,” and investigators determined the lab was not in compliance with certain Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) regulations on May 7. It then temporarily lost its accreditation, state health officials said, but as it “fully cooperated,” its accreditation was restored on June 6. However, DHSS said the lab lost its accreditation with the College of American Pathologists (CAP) in May. A CAP spokeswoman confirmed the lab dropped its accreditation in January 2019 and is in the process of applying for accreditation again. The spokeswoman said the lab has been forthcoming about issues with compliance with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services — the organization DHSS said it referred its findings to. “The findings at Planned Parenthood’s contracted laboratory contributed to adverse patient outcomes,” DHSS Director Randall Williams said in a statement. “It’s important to note that the Planned Parenthood contracted laboratory

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is able to regain accreditation based on their willingness to fully comply with the investigation. It’s the contracted laboratory’s responsibility to ensure they are at all times following the CLIA requirements and to implement the corrective action to improve patient safety.” Planned Parenthood officials pushed back against the Friday DHSS news release, maintaining complications can arise, like in other medical procedures, but continued pregnancies are “extremely rare.” Doctors will also provide follow-up care if needed in this instances, officials said. “Planned Parenthood’s top priority has always been the health of our patients and ensuring they get the best care available. This diversionary tactic by Gov. Parson’s Department of Health and Senior Services proves what we’ve long said — the department is treating Planned Parenthood differently in the inspection process,” Dr. Colleen McNicholas, an OBGYN at the St. Louis facility, said in a statement. “Planned Parenthood has bent over backwards to cooperate with DHSS, but the agency refuses to engage in good faith.” As it’s been accredited again, the lab is still contracted with Planned Parenthood. Missouri’s lone abortion clinic has been embroiled in a legal dispute with the state over its licensing renewal. It’s license expired last Friday at midnight after state health regulators declined to reissue it, but Judge Michael Stelzer of the 22nd Circuit Court issued a temporary restraining order — allowing operations to continue. DHSS has held up renewing the abortion clinic’s license as state health officials demanded to interview seven doctors who work or have worked at the facility as part of a probe into what Republican Gov. Mike Parson called potential “deficiencies” at the practice. However,

Planned Parenthood said only two were actual employees and would only make those doctors available; the others either worked on contract or were completing training fellowships, officials said. Earlier this week, Stelzer quashed the state’s subpoenas, saying the state could not compel the doctors to testify as he weighs whether the clinic can continue to operate. He heard testimony from both sides Wednesday but has yet to issue a ruling. If the license is not renewed, Missouri would become the only state in the U.S. without an abortion provider. The legal back-and-forth between the state and the abortion facility comes shortly after Parson signed one of the nation’s most restrictive abortion bans into law, set to go into effect in August. The law bans abortions after eight weeks and does not include exemptions for victims of rape and incest. “The state continues to hold our license hostage, creating worry and uncertainty for our patients,” McNicholas said. “Planned Parenthood continues to focus on caring for every person who walks in our doors, and that will remain our priority no matter what distraction tactics the state chooses to deploy next.” The ACLU of Missouri and David Humphreys, a Republican megadonor who took issue with the lack of exceptions, have filed multiple referendums seeking to put HB 126 to a vote. So far, the state has struck down two of the three referendums; both parties have either filed a lawsuit or intend to do so. Regarding the investigation into the contracted lab, Williams said: “I appreciate the collaboration with our state and federal regulators diligently working to ensure we uphold our duty to protect and inform the public about any health and safety concerns regarding any one of more than 4,000 health facilities in Missouri.”

The Missouri Times

EXECUTIVE BRANCH

Teresa Parson gives commencement address as inmates graduate from entrepreneurship program By Alisha Shurr A women’s prison in eastern Missouri graduated the inaugural class of an entrepreneurship program this week, and Missouri’s first lady was on hand to give the commencement address. In early June, 10 inmates at the Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic & Correctional Center in Vandalia, Missouri, graduated from the ASPIRE MO program. Teresa Parson gave the commencement address. “I am looking forward to speaking to the inaugural graduating class of ASPIRE MO. Both the Governor and I firmly believe in strengthening Missouri’s workforce,” Parson said in a statement to The Missouri Times before the gradutation. “In less than six months since it was founded, ASPIRE MO has successfully begun preparing women for the workplace who have been overlooked in the past. It is also providing the resources necessary for these women to start or grow their own businesses.” “I want to convey to these graduates that there is nothing you can do

Teresa Parson address the inaugural class of Aspire MO in February 2019 (PROVIDED/OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR). about the past, and you never know about tomorrow, so you must make the best of today. I want to wish each of these ladies the best as they start a new chapter in their lives,” she said. The entrepreneurial training initiative for incarcerated women is a pilot program aimed at reducing the

recidivism rate in the Show-Me State. While incarcerated, student Lorie Barnes spent six years training dogs in the C.H.A.M.P. Assistance Dogs program to prepare them to serve people with disabilities — skills she hopes to turn into a business. She said she’s grateful not only

for the professional tools the class has given her but also for the compassionate guidance the instructors have shown. “They have gone out of their way to build us up and make us see our worth,” Barnes said about the guest speakers, as well as Missouri Women’s Council Executive Director Kellie Ann Coats and Missouri Women’s Business Center Director Jessie Yankee. “After you’re shunned from society for so long, you have that grief, that loss. They have worked so hard to make us feel like we’re citizens again and we can get out there and we can do this.” ASPIRE MO launched on Dec. 20, 2018, with an initial class of 10 participants — 62 inmates applied to be part of the pilot program. The 20-week program was rooted in the LaunchU curriculum, a nationally recognized intensive business training course developed at Southeast Missouri State University. Participants gathered for three hours each week to “learn what makes them tick and then figure out how to turn their strengths, skills,

and passions into careers.” Students completed assignments designed to help them learn not only how to start a business but also how to maintain a job. Missouri women who are business owners and industry experts gave guest lectures at the prison on topics such as business etiquette, résumé building, cost projections, and marketing strategies. A retired banker, Parson led a financial literacy session for the group in February. For each student, the coursework culminated in a finished business plan and a pitch delivered prior to graduation. The Department of Economic Development’s Missouri Women’s Council, the Missouri Department of Corrections, and the Missouri Women’s Business Center collaborated together on the program. In 2017, Missouri had the country’s fastest-growing population of incarcerated women, more than 90 percent of whom were entering prison for technical probation or parole violations or substance-use treatment — not for new crimes.

State agriculture agency selects new state veterinarian By Alisha Shurr Missouri’s agriculture department has selected a new person to lead the state’s Animal Health Division roughly six months after the state veterinarian resigned her post. On Thursday, the Missouri Department of Agriculture announced Steve Strubberg, DVM, as the new state veterinarian of Missouri. Taylor Woods, DVM, had been serving in the role on an interim basis following the resignation of Linda Hickam effective October 31, 2018. “We are very excited to have Dr. Strubberg join our leadership team here at the Department,” said Direc-

tor of Agriculture Chris Chinn. “The Animal Health Division protects the health of all livestock in our state, which is a tremendous responsibility. His experience leading a team of large and small animal veterinarians will be influential to his new role throughout our state.” “My vision as Missouri’s State Veterinarian is to continue to advance animal agriculture and keep it thriving within the state, while providing health and care for each individual animal,” Strubberg said. In 1989, Strubberg, who grew up in Union, Missouri, received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri with a

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focus area in beef reproduction. Following graduation, he assumed ownership of Hermann Veterinary Clinic, a mixed animal practice in Hermann, Missouri, for nearly 30 years. “It was wonderful to practice in one location for so long,” said Strubberg. “I had the opportunity to work with several farmers and ranchers and, eventually, their children and grandchildren. After selling my practice two years ago, I was looking for a career that would still allow me to give back to the agriculture community. I am honored to be selected as State Veterinarian.” The state veterinarian directs the Department of Agriculture’s Animal

Health Division, which is responsible for controlling, testing, and eradicating livestock diseases in Missouri. The duty of the state veterinarian is to develop and implement animal health programs that improve and protect the health of Missouri’s livestock, according to a press release. Jean Schmidt, DVM, is now assistant state veterinarian and deputy director of the Animal Health Division, a role she began on June 1, 2019. Schmidt started working for the department in 2011 and has a background in ruminant and equine practice. She is also professionally trained in emergency management and disease outbreak investigation.

The Missouri Times

EXECUTIVE BRANCH

Disparity between black, white drivers pulled over at highest level yet: Missouri AG report By Kaitlyn Schallhorn The disparity between white and black drivers who are pulled over in Missouri has increased to the highest level yet, according to an annual report released by the state’s attorney general Friday. The statewide statistics in the 2018 Vehicle Stops Report showed black motorists were stopped at a rate 76 percent greater than expected based upon the portion of the population at least 16 years and older. And when compared to white motorists, black individuals were 91 percent more likely to be stopped. That disparity has increased since 2017 when black people were 85 percent more likely — then, the highest level recorded — than white individuals to be pulled over by law enforcement. The least difference recorded was in 2000, when black individuals were 31 percent more likely to be pulled over. Additionally, the 2018 report found the statewide search rate for black and Hispanic drivers were greater than white individuals (black: 8.93; Hispanic: 8.44; white: 6.04) in 2018, but the contraband hit rate was higher among white drivers (black: 33.82; Hispanic: 29.15; white: 35.68). Arrest rates were also higher for black and Hispanic people (black: 6.37; Hispanic: 6.26; white: 4.25). “Aggregating the Vehicle Stops Report is

an important duty of my office, and it serves as a tool to law enforcement and agencies alike to identify disparities and improve practices,” Attorney General Eric Schmitt said in a statement. “It’s my hope that this report will help provide that Missourians are receiving the best possible protection under the law from law enforcement, who work and sacrifice every day to ensure our safety.” Breaking it down by city, the disparity between black and white drivers varied. In St. Louis City, black drivers were about 20 percent more likely to be pulled over than white motorists. In Kansas City, black drivers were 40 percent more likely to be pulled over. And in Missouri’s capital city, black drivers were 92 percent more likely to be pulled over, according to the report. For the first time, the report also included a breakdown of drivers who lived in the jurisdiction where he or she was pulled over versus those who did not. Data suggested most drivers stopped do not live in that jurisdiction, according to Dr. Richard Rosenfeld, a professor with the University of Missouri-St. Louis’ Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Rosenfeld, who’s worked on the report for more than a decade, told The Missouri Times the data lines up with what local departments have said for years. In St. Charles, for example, less than 27

percent of drivers pulled over in 2018 lived in that jurisdiction. But in Jefferson City, the trend reversed; nearly 69 percent of drivers pulled over were residents of the jurisdiction. Nearly five dozen agencies did not stop any of their own residents in 2018, according to a review of the report by The Missouri Times. And two agencies — the Ellington and Smithton police departments — did not pull over any non-residents. “The Attorney General’s report again shows that People of Color are being disproportionately and negatively impacted by vehicle stops in Missouri,” Jeanette Mott Oxford, executive director of Empower Missouri, said in a statement to The Missouri Times. “It also clearly shows that actions taken by police officers during stops correlate to race in a way that is truly alarming.” “Our law enforcement agencies need to be able to explain why People of Color, despite being less likely statistically to have contraband on them, are more likely to be searched during a vehicle stop,” she said. The Attorney General’s Office first began to compile the annual report as a result of a new law in 2000. Schmitt has also planned to add more changes to the report for “clarification and context in certain questions and modernizing the data collection infrastructure for more accurate and insightful data,” according to a news release.

Missouri Sheriffs’ Association responds: ‘Race alone not dispositive of why stop was made’ By Kaitlyn Schallhorn A recent report from the Attorney General’s Office showing an extremely high disparity between black and white drivers who are pulled over in Missouri doesn’t necessarily paint the full picture, the Missouri Sheriffs’ Association has said. Lawmakers and activists immediately called for swift action in the wake of the report. But the Missouri Sheriffs’ Association pushed back Monday, saying use of census data in the report is “inappropriate” and doesn’t “serve as an effective data analysis

benchmark or baseline.” “It is not difficult to measure whether there is disparity between racial/ethnic groups in terms of stops made by police; census benchmarking does that well,” Kevin Merritt, executive director of the association, said in a statement. “The difficulty comes in identifying the causes for disparity. Race alone is not dispositive of why the stop was made; neither is a disparity index.” The report expanded this year to include a breakdown of data based on whether the motorist lived in the jurisdiction where he or she was stopped. Merritt wants to

see that expansion include data related to whether the officer knew the race of an individual before the stop was made. “While legislators and special interest groups push only for collecting additional data and restrictions on officers, our plea to them is not to stop collecting data, but rather to work toward solutions for the analysis of data based on valid benchmarks,” Merritt said. “There is much more to this issue than raw data of stops,” he continued. “Those who support our law enforcement officers should not blindly conclude bias exists without being part of the solution.”

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Revenue collections up 2.1 percent so far from 2018 By Alisha Shurr Despite lagging figures earlier in the year, general revenue collections closed out May up 2.1 percent year-to-date compared to 2018. On Wednesday, State Budget Director Dan Haug released the updated numbers for net general revenue collections. Figures for 2019 fiscal year-to-date increased 2.1 percent compared to May 2018, from $8.53 billion last year to $8.71 billion this year. Though, May alone did not put up the same figures as last year. Collections for May 2019 decreased 5.7 percent compared to those for May 2018, from $729.5 million last year to $688.2 million this year. Revenue figures lagged behind projections at the beginning of the year. Net general revenue collections for 2019 fiscal year-to-date were down 4.3 percent compared to March 2018, which was an improvement from the 7 percent year-to-date decrease for January. Roughly 340 complaints have been made by Missourians waiting for their tax refund from the state, Missourinet reports. Under Missouri law, the Department of Revenue must issue refunds within 45 days of receiving the tax information. GROSS COLLECTIONS BY TAX TYPE Individual income tax collections Decreased 1.3 percent for the year, from $7.09 billion last year to $7.00 billion this year Decreased 14.5 percent for the month Sales and use tax collections Increased 3.3 percent for the year, from $2.00 billion last year to $2.06 billion this year Increased 7.3 percent for the month Corporate income and corporate franchise tax collections Increased 17.4 percent for the year, from $380.4 million last year to $446.6 million this year Decreased 52.2 percent for the month All other collections Increased 0.2 percent for the year, from $432.4 million last year to $433.4 million this year Decreased 24.6 percent for the month Refunds Decreased 9.9 percent for the year, from $1.36 billion last year to $1.23 billion this year. Decreased 29.4 percent for the month

The Missouri Times

BILL SIGNING

‘Border wars’ bill restricts incentives for businesses moving across state lines By Kaitlyn Schallhorn From Kansas City Tuesday, Gov. Mike Parson signed a bill eliminating tax incentives for businesses relocating to Missouri from certain counties in Kansas — a measure with bipartisan support from the governors of both states. Championed in the General Assembly by Sen. Mike Cierpiot, the legislation removes certain tax credits from businesses located in “border counties” that move across state lines to specific places in Missouri — dependant on actions taken by Kansas. In Kansas, the counties impacted are: Johnson, Miami, and Wyandotte. In Missouri, those counties are: Cass, Clay, Jackson, and Platte. “We want to work together with our peers in Kansas to support the growth of the entire Kansas City region,” Parson said in a statement. “Incentivizing companies to move a few miles doesn’t result in new jobs for the citizens of Kansas or Missouri, and it takes state resources away from other priorities that would result in true growth for the state.” The Republican governor held the ceremonial signing of the bill Tuesday morning at the centenarian Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri. “This is a good step towards making sure our economic development dollars go towards areas that are truly growing the economy,” Cierpiot told The Missouri Times of Parson signing his SB 182. Rep. Jack Bondon, co-chairman of the Kansas City Caucus, said he believes the new law will “protect” taxpayers in both Kansas and Missouri from “businesses taking advantage of our incentive programs.” He estimat-

ed it will save Missouri more than $30 million per year. “Often in Jefferson City, we struggle with the issue of the government’s role and economic development,” Bondon told The Missouri Times. “However, when we have a decade of analysis that shows no gains for the folks, we must say, ‘enough is enough.’” “For years, Kansas and Missouri have irresponsibly spent economic development resources luring jobs back and forth across the border with little actual job growth for either state,” Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, told The Missouri Times in a statement. “We’re encouraged by the renewed spirit of cooperation and collaboration between the two states.” “We need to work together, and not be at odds, when it comes to bringing businesses to the region,” she said. Similar prohibitions of these incentives existed before but expired in August 2016. Earlier Tuesday, Parson signed HB 821, which establishes a land bank agency for St. Joseph to manage, sell, or transfer delinquent properties in the city. The move is an effort to restore those properties — through tax auctions or donations — to be renovated by private entities or used by the public. “Land banks are a proven approach for the rehabilitation of neglected urban areas,” Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer said in a statement. “The St. Joseph community is committed to addressing blight, and the land bank will encourage infusions of capital and a new spirit of enterprise to this proud, historic community, while also reducing crime.”

Parson signs Missouri’s $30 billion budget for FY 2020 By Alisha Shurr In a rare move, Gov. Mike Parson has added his signature to Missouri’s roughly $30 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year without vetoing a single line-item. On Monday, Missouri’s chief executive gave final approval to the 13 bills that make up the state’s operating budget for the year beginning July 1, 2019, at the Jefferson City Correctional Center. Parson declined to reject any of the appropriations laid out by state lawmakers, a move sparsely seen. Last year, Parson vetoed five line-items totaling less than $1 million. “Every year, the legislatures are committed to protecting taxpayers’ hard-earned money,” Parson said in a statement. “We are proud of the General Assembly and their efforts with the fiscal year 2020 budget. They have created a fiscally-responsible, balanced budget that will move Missouri forward.” When the governor’s recommendation for FY 2020 was rolled out in January, money was left on the table and funding priorities included workforce development, infrastructure, and employee raises. The version signed by the governor includes all of those components — in some form to varying degrees. The final version includes a 3 percent pay raise for all state employees and an additional $8 million retention plan for a pay increase for Department of Corrections staff — the same as recommended by Parson. “I could not be more excited about this plan or more grateful for the support of House and Senate leadership, the governor and the governor’s staff,” said Missouri Department of Corrections Director Anne Precythe. “Gov. Parson has demonstrated that he is committed to building the state’s workforce and

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that he values corrections staff, who are some of the hardest-working and most dedicated people in state government. Every day they put their own safety on the line to protect our communities.” The General Assembly allocated $50 million in general revenue for an initial payment on a $301 bond for bridge repairs and another $50 million for a cost-share program with local municipalities to fund road repairs. The original recommendation was a $351 million bond package that the state would pay off over 15 years and $50 million to be allocated for a transportation costshare program with local communities. Additionally, $10 million in lottery funds was allocated to the Fast Track grant program, roughly half of the initial $22 million asked for. Next year will see an increase in core funding for all public universities by $1 million with some, such as Missouri State University, receiving as much as a $10 million increase. State Technical College received a $500,000 core increase and $500,000 for deferred maintenance. The K-12 foundation formula for public schools was fully funded for the third year in a row. Public schools’ core funding increased by roughly $60 million — up from $3.49 billion in FY 2019 to $3.55 billion in FY 2020. Public school transportation saw a $5 million funding increase, for a total of $108 million in appropriations. The Consensus Revenue Estimate is projecting the general revenue collection for Fiscal Year 2020 will go up compared to the current year. Net general revenue collections in FY2020 are estimated to be $9.822 billion. This represents a growth of $193 million over the estimated revenue for FY 2019. The estimate for FY 2020 assumes growth of 2 percent. The revised estimate for the

current fiscal year is $9.629 billion. Between general revenue collections, federal funds, and other sources of revenue the total budget for FY 2020 — which starts July 1, 2019 — is $30,090,180,470. That figure includes a one-time expense for Capitol improvements. The operating budget for FY 2020 is $29.7 billion. The approved operating budget for FY 2019 is $28.8 billion. Operating expenditures in FY 2018 totaled $25.7 billion. Other highlights of the FY 2020 budget: $5 million for rural broadband grants $18.9 million for the MO Excels Workforce Initiative $10.4 million for the Missouri One Start Program $250,000 for victims of sexual assault $5 million for lottery pull tabs $5 million for development of a live test for chronic wasting disease $347,338 for industrial hemp program $350,000 for a bicentennial celebration $25,000 for Lieutenant Governor’s Buy Missouri Program $300,000 for the brand new Missouri Military Community Reinvestment Program $5 million for alternatives to jail program for pre-trial electronic monitoring aimed at saving counties and the state millions in prisoner per diem costs $153,000 to fund the Time Critical Diagnosis Unit 1.5 percent rate increases to Medicaid providers (returning to FY17 reimbursement levels) $10.8 million for maintenance repairs due to flooding $5.0 million for construction due to flooding $6.4 million for port capital improvement projects

The Missouri Times

COUNTY

Jackson County Corrections director defends new security measures as female attorneys allege ‘undue,’ disparate treatment By Kaitlyn Schallhorn New metal detectors at a Kansas City detention center are hindering female attorneys from being able to do their jobs, several lawyers have said. But the Jackson County Corrections Department director remains adamant that the security measures are in place to protect staff, inmates, and everyone who visits the facility — and the women who work there daily haven’t experienced the same issues. To enter the Jackson County Detention Center, one must remove shoes, jewelry, and anything from pockets to pass through an X-ray machine. The individual must go through newly-installed metal detectors — which have reportedly been triggered at times by underwire in women’s bras. Attorney Laurie Snell told KCUR she had to eventually remove her bra in order to pass through security last week to visit a client, putting it back on in an elevator. Both Jackson County Sheriff Darryl Forté and Jackson County Corrections Department Director Diana Turner have stressed that security officials have not asked anyone to remove any clothing, especially undergarments. As a private attorney with an overly packed schedule, Tracy Spradlin said she doesn’t always know when she will be needed at the detention center, and it would be “burdensome” to dress every day in a way that won’t inadvertently trip the metal detectors or carry extra undergarments with her. “To ask me to wear something that is not supportive or does not make me feel comfortable on the off chance that I might stop by the jail that day is ridiculous. Further, it’s ridiculous to assume that attorneys who have sworn an oath and have

been vetted by the state of Missouri are going to sneak contraband in through their bra when there’s never been any indication an attorney in Jackson County has done that,” Spradlin told The Missouri Times.

trials and proceedings because once defendants find out they can’t meet with their female attorneys the way they can with their male attorneys, they’re going to stop hiring us or requesting us or ask for a different

“I’m doing everything in my power to make this place safe, and unfortunately, good security is selfom convenient.” — Diana Turner Compromise or unfair restrictions? In what she said was an effort to meet those who feel hindered by the detectors halfway, Turner issued a directive Thursday allowing attorneys who are unable to pass security to still visit with clients in what’s called a “non-contact visit,” meaning they can visit with clients, but not in a secured, private manner. A little more than 30 percent of the detention center staff are women, Turner said, and are able to clear security without any issues. She said there are only one or two times per day when a lawyer has had an issue with the metal detector, and in some cases, it’s the same attorney each time. “We think this is a reasonable accommodation here because we are mystified why our screening is a hurdle in the first place,” Turner told The Missouri Times. But attorneys say this adversely affects women — who have already overcome obstacles in the male-dominated field — and inmates, most of whom are awaiting trial and have not been adjudicated. “We have scratched and clawed our way to be taken seriously and to be able to treated fairly, and this is another undue influence on us that could potentially harm the ability for us to get hired onto cases and to get meaningfully involved in criminal

counsel,” Spradlin said. “I don’t think it’s fair to treat people who are presumed innocent like they are second-class citizens, and they can’t have meaningful conversations with their attorneys,” she said. “It is so hard to get valuable information from somebody in that much of a restrictive way.” Attorney Sara Hofeditz Christensen said non-contact visits would certainly impede her ability to work with clients. During a recent meeting with a defendant, the pair was able to sit together and draw a diagram to help with his defense. “Developing that attorney-client relationship is vital to whatever the resolution is to that case,” Christensen told The Missouri Times as she drove to the detention center to meet a client. “If this is someone who is going to trust their liberty and freedom with me, not being able to sit down next to them is a huge detriment to how I work.” ‘Our job to make it safe’ Like most other prisons, Turner said the detention center is underfunded and understaffed. The security measures are in place to protect everyone at the facility — from employees to inmates to lawyers — and there have been issues with contraband brought into the center in the past, she said. And earlier this week, an inmate

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allegedly assaulted an officer at the detention center. Turner also said it’s unfair to characterize attorneys as being unable to bring contraband into the jail, even if he or she does not realize it. “What we hear people saying for us, ‘Yeah it’s reasonable to suspect your people. Your staff is just [corrections officers]. We’re the educated elite … and we are not COs. We would never jeopardize your facility.’ I think that is elitist, and I don’t think it’s a proper characterization of our people,” Turner said. “They want carte blanche, and they want privilege,” she continued. “They have an important mission to do, but so do my people. We’re trying very hard to make sure that the inmates get what they need and accommodate the apparent limitations attorneys are facing with this issue.”

the letter, which was provided to The Missouri Times. “It’s already hard enough if you’ve got a client or maybe a judge or somebody you’re dealing with that’s sort of dismissive of women generally … and there are enough impediments in the occupation for women to break in and become respected,” Ellebracht told The Missouri Times, adding he’s seen improvements to how female attorneys are treated over the years. “But then something like this comes up.” He suggested the detention center alter the levels on the metal detectors. Others have proposed security officials use a wand on women who trigger the detectors or ensure a female officer is on hand pat down someone. But Turner said a wand would only confirm there is something met-

“I don’t think it’s fair to treat people who are presumed innocent like they are second-class citizens, and they can’t have meaningful conversations with their attorneys.” — Tracy Spradlin Possible solutions Dozens of lawyers, including Christensen and Spradlin, have signed onto an open letter — which the former helped spearhead — calling the policy “unreasonable and unnecessary.” And a peaceful protest was held at the center on June 12 at noon. “It is undeniable that many female members of our group feel humiliated and angry at the prospect of having to get their undergarments cleared before being allowed to do their jobs,” the letter addressed to Forté, Turner, and the Jackson County legislature stated. More than 70 lawyers, including state Rep. Mark Ellebracht, signed

al in that area and pat downs could result in a bevy of other complaints. She said her staff has faced “serious abuse” from “outside parties” since the new metal detectors were installed. “People have come in and argued with them, debated with them. We have had more than one tantrum,” Turner said. “My hope is — at some point — their passion to serve their clients will overcome their aversion to this process,” she said. Lawyers have also noted the detention center never made a public announcement about the new security policy which went into effect mid-May.

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ALS IMPACTS FAMILIES.

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Peters — 5:30-7:30pm

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20 | Alex Newman, investigative reporter, presentation on Rescuing Our Children — Ellisville — 7 - 9 p.m.

25 | Reception for Mike Cierpiot, Jon Patterson, and Jeff Coleman — Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City — 5-7 p.m.

27 | Reception for Bill Eigel and Andrew Koenig — St. Louis — 5:30-7 p.m.

26 | Fundraiser for J. Eggleston — HRCC Office, Jefferson City — 3 p.m.

14 | Last Day for Governor to Veto Bills

21 & 22 | Warren Love fundraiser — Lucas Oil Speedway (PBR Bull Blast)

June

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26 | Fundraiser for Chris Dinkins, Rick Francis, Elaine Gannon, Mike Henderson, Mike McGirl, and Dale Wright — Missouri Realtors Office, Jefferson City — 4:30 p.m.

24 | Schnelting Campaign Summer Kick-off — 4155 Veterans Memorial, St.

26 | Reception for Becky Ruth and Dan Shaul — HRCC Office, Jefferson City

July

19 | Missouri Soybean Association PAC Golf Tournament - Richmond 19 | Kathy Swan annual golf tournament — Cape Girardeau — 11 a.m. 29 | St. Louis Regional Chamber’s Bi-State Softball Showdown — Busch Stadium

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The Missouri Times

Lobbyist Moves Activity Date\Lobbyist Name\Principal\From\To 06/13/2019 Stone, Doug Grace Holdings Independence LLC 12/21/2018 06/13/2019 Stone, Doug Shoppes at James River CID 12/18/2017 06/13/2019 Stone, Doug Springfield Plaza CID 08/31/2015 06/13/2019 Stone, Doug Ward Parkway Center CID 08/31/2015 06/13/2019 Stone, Doug Kansas City Downtown Streetcar TDD 10/02/2015 06/13/2019 Sweeney, David W ICSolutions 06/13/2019 06/12/2019 Ayers, Mark Mark Ayers 06/12/2019 06/11/2019 Pierce, Charles Missouri Workforce Housing Association 03/04/2019 06/11/2019 06/11/2019 Stone, Doug Staenberg Group Inc 04/18/2016 06/10/2019 Stone, Doug Good-Otis, LLC 08/31/2015 06/10/2019 Stone, Doug Delta Quad Holdings LLC 09/10/2015 06/10/2019 Stone, Doug Glen-Kearney Development, LLC 02/22/2017 06/08/2019 habbas, mark Missouri Wild Apothecary LLC 06/08/2019 06/08/2019 Zamkus, Jason Matthew Kingdom Principles, Inc. 03/07/2019 06/08/2019 06/07/2019 Alsager, Matthew Dennis Kingdom Principles, Inc. 02/27/2018 06/07/2019 06/07/2019 Gibbons, Michael R Bayer US LLC 06/06/2019 06/07/2019 habbas, mark Eight Borders LLC 06/01/2019 06/07/2019 habbas, mark Demeter St Charles LLC 06/07/2019 06/07/2019 habbas, mark The Peridot Tree LLC 06/01/2019 06/07/2019 Lakin, Joe Kingdom Principles, Inc. 03/10/2019 06/07/2019 06/07/2019 Licklider, Samuel G. Kingdom Principles, Inc. 03/13/2019 06/07/2019 06/07/2019 Workman, Tricia A Bayer US LLC 06/06/2019 06/06/2019 Bardgett, Jacqueline St. Louis Economic Development Partnership 12/21/2016 06/06/2019 06/06/2019 Bardgett, Jacqueline Major League Baseball (MLB) 04/19/2018 06/06/2019 06/06/2019 Bardgett, Jacqueline National Basketball Association (NBA) 04/19/2018 06/06/2019 06/06/2019 Bardgett, Jacqueline PGA Tour Inc 12/27/2018 06/06/2019 06/06/2019 Bardgett, Jacqueline SSM Health Care 12/27/2018 06/06/2019 06/06/2019 Bardgett, Jacqueline Secure Democracy 01/05/2018 06/06/2019 06/06/2019 Bardgett, John E St. Louis Economic Development Partnership 10/09/2013 06/06/2019 06/06/2019 Bardgett, John E Insurance Auto Auctions 01/25/2018 06/06/2019 06/06/2019 Bardgett, John E Major League Baseball (MLB) 04/19/2018 06/06/2019 06/06/2019 Bardgett, John E Missouri Automobile Dealers Association 11/03/2014 06/06/2019 06/06/2019 Bardgett, John E National Basketball Association (NBA) 04/19/2018 06/06/2019 06/06/2019 Bardgett, John E PGA Tour Inc 12/27/2018 06/06/2019 06/06/2019 Bardgett, John E Secure Democracy 01/05/2018 06/06/2019 06/06/2019 Bardgett, John E SSM Health Care 12/27/2018 06/06/2019 06/06/2019 Gibbons, Michael R Monsanto Company 01/16/2009 06/06/2019 06/06/2019 Leonard, Erika SSM Health Care 12/27/2018 06/06/2019

06/06/2019 Leonard, Erika St. Louis Economic Development Partnership 10/21/2016 06/06/2019 06/06/2019 Leonard, Erika Secure Democracy 01/05/2018 06/06/2019 06/06/2019 Parris, John St. Louis Economic Development Partnership 10/09/2013 06/06/2019 06/06/2019 Parris, John Major League Baseball (MLB) 04/19/2018 06/06/2019 06/06/2019 Parris, John National Basketball Association (NBA) 04/19/2018 06/06/2019 06/06/2019 Parris, John Secure Democracy 01/05/2018 06/06/2019 06/06/2019 Parris, John SSM Health Care 12/27/2018 06/06/2019 06/06/2019 Parris, John PGA Tour Inc 12/27/2018 06/06/2019 06/06/2019 Roepe, Christopher ‘Chris’ Major League Baseball (MLB) 04/19/2018 06/06/2019 06/06/2019 Roepe, Christopher ‘Chris’ National Basketball Association (NBA) 04/19/2018 06/06/2019 06/06/2019 Roepe, Christopher ‘Chris’ PGA Tour Inc 12/27/2018 06/06/2019 06/06/2019 Roepe, Christopher ‘Chris’ Secure Democracy 01/05/2018 06/06/2019 06/06/2019 Roepe, Christopher ‘Chris’ SSM Health Care 12/27/2018 06/06/2019 06/06/2019 Roepe, Christopher ‘Chris’ St. Louis Economic Development Partnership 10/21/2016 06/06/2019 06/06/2019 Treadway, Joseph L. St. Louis Economic Development Partnership 03/10/2015 06/06/2019 06/06/2019 Tuttle, Kim St. Louis Economic Development Partnership 10/09/2013 06/06/2019 06/05/2019 Clarkston, Heath Independence Health Retreat, LLC 06/04/2019 06/05/2019 Clarkston, Heath North Kansas City Health Retreat, LLC 06/04/2019 06/05/2019 herschel, henry thomas Missouri Lottery Commission 06/05/2019 06/05/2019 herschel, henry thomas May Scheve Reardon 06/04/2019 06/05/2019 06/05/2019 Nelson, Doug Independence Health Retreat, LLC 06/04/2019 06/05/2019 Nelson, Doug North Kansas City Health Retreat, LLC 06/04/2019 06/05/2019 Reiner, David Quest Diagnostics 06/05/2019 06/05/2019 Schaefer, Kurt Independence Health Retreat, LLC 06/04/2019 06/05/2019 Schaefer, Kurt North Kansas City Health Retreat, LLC 06/04/2019 06/05/2019 Workman, Tricia A Monsanto Company 08/20/2009 06/05/2019 06/04/2019 Bardgett, Jacqueline Independent Colleges & Universities of Missouri 03/26/2019 06/04/2019 06/04/2019 Brooks, Jeffery Keep Me in College, Inc 06/04/2019 06/04/2019 Cardetti , Jack V3 Holdings Missouri, LLC 06/04/2019 06/04/2019 Cardetti , Jack QPS Missouri Holdings LLC 04/04/2019 06/04/2019 Gamble, Cynthia Keep Me in College, Inc 06/04/2019 06/04/2019 Gamble, Kathryn Keep Me in College, Inc 06/04/2019 06/04/2019 Gamble, William Keep Me in College, Inc 06/04/2019 06/04/2019 Hubbard, Rodney R COLE 01/02/2017 06/04/2019 Jackson, David Keep Me in College, Inc 06/04/2019 06/04/2019 Robbins, Thomas Sixteen Thirty Fund 12/18/2018 06/04/2019 06/04/2019 Schlemeier, Jorgen Keep Me in College, Inc 06/04/2019 06/04/2019 Schlemeier, Sarah Keep Me in College, Inc 06/04/2019 06/04/2019 Topp, Sarah Keep Me in College, Inc 06/04/2019 06/04/2019 Wilson, Olivia Keep Me in College, Inc 06/04/2019

PEOPLE

Callahan receives Senator Ronnie DePasco Public Service Award By Alisha Shurr Jackson County Democrats honored Victor Callahan with the 2019 Senator Ronnie DePasco Public Service Award over the weekend. In June, the former lawmaker accepted the recognition, joining the ranks of former-Govs. Bob Holden and Roger Wilson, former-U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, former-House Minority Leader Gail McCann Beatty, and former-U.S. Rep. Karen McCarthy. “The Ronnie DePasco Award is a very prestigious award that went to an extremely deserving person. He has garnered many accolades, but I know this one is special to him,” Sen. John Rizzo said. “I am very grateful for the honor. I am so grateful to all my friends and supporters that showed up … I am deeply appreciative for the award, particularly since it holds a personal, special significance as well,” Callahan told The Missouri Times. “When I worked for [Senator Ronnie DePasco], he was a very warm and respected man who entered politics for all the right reasons — to help people who need it [and] make his community a better place.” A recipient of the Harry S. Truman Recognition Award and Citizen of the Year by the Truman Heartland Foundation and the Independence Chamber of Commerce, Callahan served in the Missouri state Senate from 2003 to 2013. He was unanimously elected as floor leader for the Senate Democrats in November 2008 and November 2010. Prior to being elected to the state Senate, he served as an Independence city

“I am very grateful for the honor. I am so grateful to all my friends and supporters that showed up …I am deeply appreciative for the award, particularly since it holds a personal, special significance as well.” councilman and as chairman of the Jackson County Legislature. Callahan worked for DePasco’s campaign in 1992 and then continued to worked for him in the Capitol. During his time in the state Senate, Callahan held the same seat, the same district, as DePasco previously did. “While he never sacrifices his hard earned values, Victor always searches for a path forward, an increasingly rare trait in American politics. His word is his bond, and it helps to have a movie reference to seal the deal with him,” Former-Gov. Jay Nixon said. “He strives to see problems from all sides, and has respect and friendship from those same divergent personalities.” The Senator Ronnie DePasco Public Service Award recognizes an elected Democratic official who has dedicated his or her professional career to public service and who reflects the commitment of De-

Pasco to working families and Democratic values. “Senator Callahan has been a major force in both local and state politics for three decades. It’s especially fitting that he received this honor named after one of his mentors, the late Senator Ronnie DePasco whom he worked for in the 90s. The Jackson County Democratic Committee appreciates his years of service and his message of making face to face contact with voters in the community,” Geoff Gerling, the executive director of the Jackson County Democratic Committee, told The Missouri Times. “As an Independence city councilman, Jackson County legislator, state senator representing Jackson County, and Democratic leader in the Missouri Senate, there is no doubt about the overwhelmingly positive impact Victor Callahan has had on Jackson County and Democratic politics throughout the entire state,” said Rizzo.

Holden receives award for diplomacy By Alisha Shurr Missouri’s 53rd chief executive was recognized for his support of U.S. diplomacy and development programs. On Monday, former-Democratic Gov. Bob Holden was in Washington D.C., receive the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s Leading Globally Matters Locally Award, as part of the organization’s State Leaders Summit. The award recognizes Holden’s efforts to champion U.S. diplomacy and development programs to strengthen Missouri’s

economy. Missouri is home to some of the largest global brands and organizations with rapidly growing international operations in emerging markets — such as Monsanto, World Wide Technology, Anheuser-Busch, and Centene. Last year, Missouri exported $14.2 billion in goods overseas, and trade supports 706,800 local jobs. Holden also joined more than 300 current and former elected officials in sending a letter to Congress urging protection of funding for the State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development

www.missouritimes.com

(USAID) — which the Trump administration has proposed slashing by 24 percent. “For just 1 percent of the federal budget, our international affairs programs directly promote the security, prosperity, and health of our fellow citizens,” the letter stated. “It’s an investment that strengthens our economy and creates more opportunities for our children’s future.” Before being sworn in as governor in 2001, Holden served two terms as the Missouri state treasurer and three terms as a Missouri state representative, in addition to numerous other public service roles.

The Missouri Times

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