Missouri Times | Sept. 9, 2019 by Missouri Times

The Missouri Times

INTERIM HEARINGS

SEPTEMBER 9, 2019

2020 GUBERNATORIAL RACE

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OPINION

New laws won’t fix murders in communities

225 Madison, Jefferson City, MO tips@themissouritimes.com

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By Rep. Jim Murphy

Outcries from Democratic representatives for a special session of the General Assembly to address gun crime is political folly. This is the party that ran our cities into the ground, failed to stand behind our law enforcement, elected prosecutors that are so soft on crime they nullify existing law, and blame everyone else for the mess they have made. In a recent conversation with a Democratic colleague, I was asked why St. Louis police waste their time stopping vehicles with bad tail lights when they should be concentrating on serious crimes. I believe the question was asked to the wrong person; it should be asked to the police on the street. They tell me that they feel abandoned by their leaders and by the community. They feel persecuted and demeaned and rightfully so. We all know that the vast majority of our police are honorable individuals who risk their life every day to protect us, but we continue to berate them and twist every statistic to make them look bad. They are not perfect yet we set standards that demand perfection and then call them names and throw water on them. The State Highway

Patrol will not work interstate highways in St. Louis City due to this toxic environment. So let’s review; our police are under paid, over worked, disrespected, and unsupported if a situation goes bad. Maybe this is why they pull people over for bad tail lights instead of engaging dangerous criminal that have no respect for their lives. The General Assembly has worked diligently on criminal justice reform this year. We have reduced sentences, given second chances, and purged criminal records. But we have not done one thing to prevent crime or protect our law enforcement officers. Having a special session on gun control will do nothing to stop the carnage in St. Louis as criminals don’t respect the law. Chicago has some of the strictest gun laws in the nation. How’s that working out for them? I am outraged by the number of murders taking place in our community, but new laws won’t fix this. We need to crack down on these criminals and give our law enforcement the resources and support they need to fight crime. Finish reading the opinion piece online at www.themissouritimes.com

Addressing gun violence is important By Rep. Steve Butz I read Rep. Jim Murphy’s opinion piece and my reaction was one of disbelief. Jim and I are freshman colleagues in the house, friends and come from basically the same part of the St. Louis area. In terms of his sentiments expressed, we are coming from VERY different places. In his opening sentence he says it is political folly for the Democratic representatives to want gun violence addressed in our upcoming special session. Gov. Parson has called a special session to consider making a change on sales tax collection when a citizen trades in more than one car. He is the governor of our state, I respect him and will be there for that special session. As a father, grandfather, state representative, and a human being I ALSO want to discuss any/all options that could help address gun violence. I am confident that Rep. Murphy’s own constituents many of whom I know, would agree that there is NO comparison as to the “special” or urgent nature of these two issues. Addressing gun violence is infinitely more important! I take exception with his statement that the

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Democratic Party has run our cities into the ground. This is so ridiculous that refuting it would take more time than I have here….but I am up for the challenge later, but I will leave it at this thought. Our cities are not “run into the ground” and most of the historic, cultural, entertainment, and commercial activities that we enjoy are found in our cities. Rep. Murphy states that the Democratic Party has “elected prosecutors that are so soft on crime they nullify existing law.” Really???? Last I checked our prosecutors were elected in fair elections that all registered voters were allowed to participate in. I did not know that only Democrats were allowed to vote! I can assure Rep. Murphy’s Democratic colleague that the City of St. Louis Police are not stopping vehicles with bad tail lights and ignoring serious crime in the city. The vast majority of our officers are dedicated to serving our citizens. The vast majority of our citizens respect and support our officers. I agree with Rep. Murphy that our officers are underpaid and overworked. Finish reading the opinion piece online at www.themissouritimes.com

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HOT LIST Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are the official NFL team for Missouri! Gov. Mike Parson and several Kansas City-based lawmakers attended a ceremonial signing of a Senate resolution designating the Chiefs as the official professional football team on Sept. 6.

Jason Kander

PHOTO OF THE WEEK Kansas City Chiefs @Chiefs - September 6

We have been named the official professional football team of the state of Missouri! #RedFriday

Tweets of the Week Highlights in 280 characters or less.

Cody Smith @cody4mo One of the great things about working in the #moleg is the opportunity to build relationships that last a lifetime. Honored to stand beside a true friend on his very special day. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. @DirkEDeaton Travis Fiztwater @travisfitzwater I serve in the #moleg & moved to Missouri for a job in 2006. Missouri is now home. Happens plenty. And, lots of good people have found Missouri to be a great place to raise their family, like me. Talked to a military friend about their transition to MO for a job just last night. Jamilah Nasheed @SenatorNasheed Imagine you are a pregnant woman in your third trimester. Now imagine you are shackled and in pain, giving birth to your child in fear. This is the reality for pregnant and incarcerated women in America. My message to the @UN is clear

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Former Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander joined the Veterans Community Project earlier this summer â&#x20AC;&#x201D; which has become a popular stop for 2020 presidential candidates. The organization, which helps tackle veteran homelessness, has been toured by South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Massachusetts Rep. Seth Moulton, and former Texas Rep. Beto Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Rourke, all Democratic candidates for the White House at the time of the tour.

Medicaid expansion campaign A newly-formed coalition has emerged to put Medicaid expansion to a vote before Missourians in 2020. The campaign, Healthcare for Missouri, is a growing group of doctors, nurses, patients, business executives, and healthcare supporters all with a similar goal: expand the eligibility for government health insurance.

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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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SPECIAL SESSION

Vehicle sales and a special session: The lawsuit, the reaction, the cost By Kaitlyn Schallhorn Lawmakers are reconvening in the capital city to take up a complicated issue regarding vehicle sales and tax benefits during a special session — a move that could be particularly beneficial to Missouri farmers. Gov. Mike Parson called legislators back to Jefferson City the week of Sept. 9 for a special session to run concurrently with veto session. Lawmakers have been asked to “clarify an area of state law that has been historically unclear to the citizens of Missouri,” said Department of Revenue Acting Director Ken Zellers. So what’s going on with the vehicle sales issue? At issue is state statute regarding the trade in of a vehicle — including cars, boats, or motors — and whether Missourians could credit proceeds of multiple vehicles sold against the purchase of a new one. The Missouri Supreme Court ruled in July that the statute “unambiguously permits the sale proceeds of only one vehicle to reduce the purchase price of a newly purchased vehicle for the purposes of calculating sales tax.” This meant the court interpreted the statute to be a “one-for-one” sort of deal when trading in a vehicle for another and using that credit to offset some of the cost. “After reviewing the Court’s decision, we’ve decided to call a special session because it’s simply the right thing to do for the people of our state,” Parson said. “The enforcement of this decision would create a financial burden on Missouri taxpayers and unnecessary government red tape that we can proactively prevent.” Who does this impact? Before the ruling, Missourians were able to credit the proceeds of vehicles sold within a 100-day window against the purchase of a new vehicle in computing sales tax.

2019 EXTRAORDINARY SESSION SCHEDULE Monday 12 p.m. | Gavel in for extraordinary session (quorum required). House introduces legislation Tuesday House committee will hold a hearing on the legislation Wednesday 12 p.m. Gavel in for veto session (quorum required). Gavel out of veto session. Gavel back into extraordinary session. House will third read the legislation and deliver to the Senate. Thursday Senate committe to hold hearing. Report bill out with “Do Pass” recommendation (Lay on table pursuant to rules). Friday Senate will third read legislation and gavel out of extraordinary session. The benefit was especially helpful to farmers in rural Missouri. Before the Missouri Supreme Court ruling, individuals could trade in multiple vehicles to purchase a new truck that cost thousands of dollars but was needed for a farm, for example. The money saved from the tax benefits could then be reinvested in the farming operation, Anne Marie Moy, director of strategy and communications for the Department of Revenue (DOR), told The Missouri Times when asked about the tax impact on rural Missourians. “Maybe it’s added acreage; maybe it’s a new steer or a bull to inject new blood into his herd; or maybe it’s been a tough year and that

money is simply going to help that farmer put food on the table and make ends meet,” Moy said. “Whatever the case, it’s real money that will make a difference for that farmer and his family.” About 140,000 trade-in transactions occur across the state in a year and about 6 to 10 percent involve multiple trade-ins, according to DOR statistics. Are lawmakers on board with this topic? Democrats immediately decried the announcement of the special session over the vehicle sales issue. Instead, many want to come back to Jefferson City to address other issues,

such as the steep decline of children on Medicaid or recent gun violence that has wreaked havoc in St. Louis particularly. But some Republicans, too, would like to see the special session broadened. Sen. Bob Onder, a member of the Conservative Caucus, said he wished lawmakers would be given the opportunity to take up Clean Missouri redistricting as well. “I certainly think we don’t want anyone to be paying any more taxes than they owe, and if there’s a court decision that reverses longstanding tax policy in Missouri, then I have no problem going into session to fix that,” Onder told The Missouri Times. “But I think a very big piece of unfinished business from last session was the legislature’s failure to submit to the voters an opportunity to fix the Clean Missouri initiative from last year.” Specifically, Onder contends voters didn’t have an accurate grasp on the redistricting portion of Clean Missouri and is asking Parson to expand the scope of the special session to allow for debate on the topic. “There’s always the opportunity to talk about any subject matter during the session, but usually the subject matter of a special session is limited to the call of the special session,” Onder said. “As the all is written right now, it doesn’t include a Clean Missouri fix. … The governor could broaden or amend his call.” What is the compensation for lawmakers during the special session? Members will receive $119.20 per diem. As the schedule stands now, the attendance of the full body is only required on Sept. 9 and 11, said Dana Rademan Miller, chief clerk of the House. Members are only able to forego the per diem on days the House holds technical sessions when a roll call is not taken. Bill handlers during the special session will be Sen. Wayne Wallingford and Rep. Becky Ruth. Both are Republicans.

“After reviewing the Court’s decision, we’ve decided to call a special session because it’s simply the right thing to do for the people of our state. The enforcement of this decision would create a financial burden on Missouri taxpayers and unnecessary government red tape that we can proactively prevent.” — Gov. Mike Parson

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VETO SESSION EVENT GUIDE BY LOCATION 1. Home of Rich Aubuchon Sept. 9 5 p.m.: Tony Luetkemeyer, Justin Brown, and Lincoln Hough Reception 2. Hahn & O’Daniel |100 E High St. Sept. 10 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Reception for Chrissy Sommer, John Weimann, Bryan Spencer, Nick Schroer, Adam Schnelting, Tom Hannegan, and Tony Lovasco 7-8 p.m.: Fundraiser for J. Eggleston, Rick Francis, Mike Henderson, Nate Tate, Chris Dinkins, Danny Busick, Kent Haden, and Greg Sharpe 3. Missouri Realtors | 102 E. High St. Sept. 10 12:15-1:15 p.m.: Reception for Kathy Swan, Brenda Shields, Peggy McGaugh, and Karla Eslinger 4-5:30 p.m.: Reception for Chuck Basye, Rusty Black, and Glenn Kolkmeyer 6-7:30 p.m.: Fundraiser for Dan Shaul, Becky Ruth, Mike McGirl, Shane Roden, and Mary Elizabeth Coleman 8-9:30 p.m.: Dean Plocher, Don Rone, Allen Andrews, Jeff Knight, Scott Cupps, and Lee Ann Pitman reception 4. Missouri Independent Bankers Association |106 E High St Sept. 10 5-6:30 p.m.: Reception for Dottie Bailey, Jim Murphy, and John Simmons Sept. 11 4-6 p.m.: Eric Burlison Reception 5. Grand Cafe | 107 E High St Sept. 10 4-5:30 p.m.: Bob Onder Reception 6. Sweet Smoke BBQ | 127 E High St Sept. 11 7:30-9 a.m.: Mike Cierpiot fundraiser 7. High Rise Bakery | 118 E High St Sept. 10 5-7 p.m.: David Cole reception Sept. 11 7:30-8:30 a.m.: Reception for Paul Wieland 8. Yanis Coffee Zone, 130 E High St Sept. 11 7 – 8:30 a.m.: Ben Baker, Dirk Deaton, Bruce DeGroot, Noel Shull, Curtis Trent, Scott Cupps fundraiser 9. Bar Vino | 204 E High St Sept. 10 5-7 p.m.: Elijah Haahr, Dan Houx, Cody Smith fundraiser 10. Husch Blackwell Strategies | 235 E High St Sept. 10 7:30-9 p.m.:

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Travis Fitzwater, Derek Grier, and Phil Christofanelli fundraiser 11. Heartland Credit Union Association | 223 Madison St Sept. 10 4:30-5:30 p.m.: Reception for Dan Stacy 6-7 p.m.: Eliane Gannon, Jim Hansen, Jim Neely, Patricia Pike, Donna Pfautsch Reception Sept. 11 7:30 a.m.: Senate Democratic Breakfast 12. Hemphill and Associates | 229 Madison St. Sept. 10 7-9 p.m.: Fundraiser for Brad Pollitt, Michael O’Donnell, and Mike Haffner 13. Bones Restaruant | 210 Commercial Ave. Sept. 10 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Fundraiser for Steve Helms, Mike Moon, and Bryan Spencer 14. Aubuchon Law Office | 121 Madison Sept. 11 7:30-9 a.m.: Hannah Kelly and Nick Schroer fundraiser 15. Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry | 428 E Capitol Ave Sept. 11 9 a.m.: Missouri Chamber Business Champions Ceremony 16. Victory Enterprises | 100 Monroe St. Sept. 10 5:30-7 p.m.: Fundraiser for Jeff Shawan 17. Gamble & Schlemeier | 213 E Capitol Ave Sept. 11 8-9 a.m.: Southwest Missouri Patriot PAC event hosted by Bill White 18. 318 Washington St. Sept. 10 4:30-6 p.m.: Grand Slam Fundraiser for Jill Schupp, Deb Lavendar, Lauren Arthur, and Tracy McCreery 19. The Millbottom | 400 W. Main St. Sept. 10 7:00 p.m.: Doug Beck and Tommie Pierson, Jr. Reception 20. Nicklas Lobby Sept. 11 5:30-7 p.m.: Fundraiser for LaDonna Appelbaum, Gretchen Bangert, Donna Baringer, Doug Beck, Paula Brown, Ingrid Burnett, Steve Butz, Doug Clemens, Alan Gray, Keri Ingle, Deb Lavender, Ian Mackey, Tracy McCreery, Peter Merideth, Judy Morgan, Crystal Quade, Martha Stevens, and Sarah Unsicker 21. Lt. Gov and Mrs. Kehoe's Home Sept. 11 8:30-9:30 p.m.: Desserts by the Pool 22. Jefferson City Country Club | 516 S Country Club Dr Sept. 12 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.: Gary Romine Breakfast 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.: Denny Hoskins Breakfast 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.: Mike Bernskoetter Breakfast 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.: Dan Hegeman Breakfast 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.: Dave Schatz Breakfast 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.: Dave Griffith Breakfast

September 9-13 | Special Session 9 | Tony Luetkemeyer, Justin Brown, and Lincoln Hough Reception — AuBuchon Home — 5 p.m. 10 | Reception for Kathy Swan, Brenda Shields, Peggy McGaugh, and Karla Eslinger — Missouri Realtors, Jefferson City — 12:15-1:15 p.m. 10 | Bob Onder Reception — The Grand Cafe, Jefferson City — 4-5:30 p.m. 10 | Reception for Chuck Basye, Rusty Black, and Glenn Kolkmeyer — Missouri Realtors, Jefferson City — 4-5:30 p.m. 10 | Fundraiser for Jill Schupp, Deb Lavendar, Lauren Arthur, and Tracy McCreery — 318 Washington, Jefferson City, — 4:30-6 p.m. 10 | Elijah Haahr, Dan Houx, Cody Smith fundraiser — Bar Vino, 204 E High St, Jefferson City — 5-7 p.m. 10 | David Cole reception — High Rise Bakery, Jefferson City — 5-7 p.m. 10 | Reception for Dottie Bailey, Jim Murphy, and John Simmons — Missouri Independent Bankers Association Building, Jefferson City — 5-6:30 p.m. 10 | Freshman Class Reception — Madison’s Cafe, Jefferson City — 5:30-8 p.m. 10 | Reception for Chrissy Sommer, John Weimann, Bryan Spencer, Nick Schroer, Adam Schnelting, Tom Hannegan, and Tony Lovasco — Hahn & O’Daniel, Jefferson City — 5:30-6:30 p.m. 10 | Eliane Gannon, Jim Hansen, Jim Neely, Patricia Pike, Donna Pfautsch Reception — Heartland Credit Union Association, Jefferson City — 6-7 p.m. 10 | Doug Beck and Tommie Pierson, Jr. Reception — The Millbottom, Jefferson City — 7:00 p.m. 10 | Travis Fitzwater, Derek Grier, and Phil Christofanelli fundraiser — Husch Blackwell Strategies, Jefferson City — 7:309 p.m. 10 | Dean Plocher, Don Rone, Allen Andrews, Jeff Knight, Scott Cupps, and Lee Ann Pitman — Missouri Realtors, Jefferson City — 8-9:30 p.m. 10 | Reception for Dan Stacy — Heartland Credit Union Association, 223 Madison St, Jefferson City — 4:30-5:30 p.m. 10 | Fundraiser for Tony Lovasco — Hahn & O’Daniel, Jefferson City — 5:30-6:30 p.m. 10 | Fundraiser for Jeff Shawan — Victory Enterprises, Jefferson City — 5:30-7 p.m. 10 | Fundraiser for Dan Shaul, Becky Ruth, Mike McGirl, Shane Roden, and Mary Elizabeth Coleman — Missouri Realtors, Jefferson City — 6-7:30 p.m. 10 | Fundraiser for J. Eggleston, Rick Francis, Mike Henderson, Nate Tate, Chris Dinkins, Danny Busick, Kent Haden, and Greg Sharpe — Hahn & O’Daniel, Jefferson

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City — 7-8 p.m. 10 | Fundraiser for Brad Pollitt, Michael O’Donnell, and Mike Haffner — 229 Madison Street, Jefferson City — 7-9 p.m. 10 | Fundraiser for Steve Helms, Mike Moon, and Bryan Spencer — Bones Restaurant, Jefferson City — 6:30-8:30 p.m. 10 | Bill Eigel, Andrew Koenig, and Denny Hoskins event — Realtors, 100 E. High St., Jefferson City — 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. 11 | Hannah Kelly and Nick Schroer fundraiser — Aubuchon Law Office, Jefferson City — 7:30-9 a.m. 11 | Senate Democratic Breakfast — Heartland Credit Union Association, Jefferson City — 7:30 a.m. 11 | Ben Baker, Dirk Deaton, Bruce DeGroot, Noel Shull, Curtis Trent, Scott Cupps fundraiser — Yanis Coffee Zone, Jefferson City — 7 - 8:30 a.m. 11 | Reception for Paul Wieland — High Rise Bakery, Jefferson City — 7:30-8:30 a.m. 11 | Mike Cierpiot fundraiser — Sweet Smoke BBQ, Jefferson City — 7:30-9 a.m. 11 | Reception for Robert Ross — Missouri Association of Realtors, Jefferson City — 7-9 a.m. 11 | Reception for Holly Rehder — Missouri Association of Realtors, Jefferson City — 7-9 a.m. 11 | Gary Romine breakfast — Jefferson City Country Club — 8–9 a.m. 11 | Denny Hoskins breakfast — Jefferson City Country Club — 8–9 a.m. 11 | Mike Bernskoetter breakfast — Jefferson City Country Club — 8–9 a.m. 11 | Dan Hegeman breakfast — Jefferson City Country Club — 8–9 a.m. 11 | Dave Schatz breakfast — Jefferson City Country Club — 8–9 a.m. 11 | Dave Griffith breakfast — Jefferson City Country Club — 8–9 a.m. 11 | Southwest Missouri Patriot PAC event hosted by Bill White — Terrace Conference Room, 213 East Capitol Ave. — 8-9 a.m. 11 | Missouri Chamber Business Champions Ceremony — Missouri Chamber, Jefferson City — 9 a.m. 11 | Eric Burlison fundraiser — Missouri Independent Bankers Association, Jefferson City — 4-6 p.m. 11 | Fundraiser for LaDonna Appelbaum, Gretchen Bangert, Donna Baringer, Doug Beck, Paula Brown, Ingrid Burnett, Steve Butz, Doug Clemens, Alan Gray, Keri Ingle, Deb Lavender, Ian Mackey, Tracy McCreery, Peter Merideth, Judy Morgan, Crystal Quade, Martha Stevens, and Sarah Unsicker — Office of Dawn Nicklas — 5:30-7 p.m. 11 | Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe and the Senate Republican Caucus Desserts by the Pool — Lt. Gov and Mrs. Kehoe’s home — 8:309:30 p.m.

The Missouri Times

2020 GUBERNATORIAL RACE

Parson kicks off bid for full term in Bolivar rally By Alisha Shurr and Kaitlyn Schallhorn

Mike Parson wants another four years leading the Show-Me State. The Republican — who got the call his scandal-plagued predecessor was resigning while on his farm in Bolivar — has served as Missouri’s governor for just more than a year. Parson officially announced his candidacy to keep the office at a campaign kickoff event in Bolivar on Sept. 8. In his tenure as chief executive, Parson has focused on workforce development and infrastructure — seeing legislative success early. He was able to push through and sign a massive workforce development package which included incentives for a potential GM plant expansion. He also signed legislation triggering more than $300 million in bonds to repair and replace dilapidated bridges throughout the state — money that hinged upon a federal grant. Missouri was awarded that $81million grant in July. Born in 1955 in Wheatland, Missouri, Parson grew up on a

farm and graduated from Wheatland High School in 1973. He joined the U.S. Army at 19 years old where he served two tours — one in Germany and another in Hawaii — in the military police corps. He eventually worked his way up to the criminal investigation division of the Army. From 1993 to 2005, Parson served as the elected Polk County sheriff. At the same time, he also ran a small farm in Bolivar and two gas stations. Following his tenure as sheriff, he entered the Missouri House of Representatives and then the Missouri Senate. In his time in the legislature, Parson fought to strengthen laws protecting farmers, the use of deadly force to ward off attacks, and was an outspoken opponent of abortion. As lieutenant governor, Parson led the effort to overhaul Missouri’s board and commissions and highlighted problems at veterans homes. He came out in support of raising taxes for transportation infrastructure and was opposed to then-Gov. Eric Greitens’ move to freeze low-income housing tax credits.

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Parson took over as Missouri’s governor in June 2018 following the resignation of Greitens, who resigned as part of a plea deal. In his 2020 gubernatorial bid, Parson is expected to faceoff against Democrat contender Nicole Galloway in the general election. As of the July quarterly filings, Galloway had brought in $117,259. Parson, on the other hand, raked in nearly $120,000. Both also spent similar amounts this cycle: Galloway spent a little more than $45,000 whereas Parson spent about $42,000. Still, Galloway significantly trailed Parson when it comes to cash on hand; Galloway reported nearly $133,000 to Parson’s $1.15 million. Meanwhile, Parson’s Uniting Missouri PAC reported more than $2.8 million cash on hand with nearly $649,000 coming in the most recent quarter. Galloway’s Keep Government Accountable PAC reported $20,937.75 with $9,000.00 coming in the latest quarter — though the committee has received several large donations since the last filings.

The Missouri Times

2020 GUBERNATORIAL RACE

Neely enters governor race By Alisha Shurr

Galloway blasts ‘old way of doing politics’ in launch video By Alisha Shurr It’s official: State Auditor Nicole Galloway is in the race for Missouri governor. In mid-August, the lone Democrat holding a statewide office launched her 2020 gubernatorial bid with a video touting her efforts to find government waste and criticizing a recently-passed anti-abortion law. “It’s a broken system — the old way of doing politics,” Galloway said in the video. “As auditor, I fought it. As governor, I’ll end it.” The formal announcement comes just days after she amended her campaign committee statement and after weeks of blasting the current administration on a variety of

topics. Galloway is the first to officially jump in the race and is widely considered the frontrunner for the Democratic Party. Republican Gov. Mike Parson launched his bid for a full term on Sunday. Galloway, 37, was originally appointed as state auditor by thenGov. Jay Nixon following the death of Tom Schweich. She was elected to the same position in November 2018. Prior to her tenure as auditor, Galloway served as the Boone County treasurer since 2011 when she was appointed to fill a vacant post; she won re-election in 2012. “It’s my job to be an independent watchdog for taxpayers, to shine a light on government waste, and I

found lots of it,” Galloway said. She highlighted $350 million in wasted or stolen taxpayer money she said her office discovered, with audits leading to 40 criminal counts against 18 public officials. In her video announcement, Galloway didn’t mention Parson by name but criticized his administration and painted Jefferson City as a culture of corruption. “Dark money flows from corporations and lobbyists. The governor takes their money then does their bidding. Nothing gets done for you,” Galloway said. “It’s hard to trust Jefferson City with our tax dollars. I’ve never settled for things just being the way they are and neither should Missourians. Dark money and insider

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deals have rigged the system against working families,” Galloway said in a campaign email. She also took the Parson administration to task for the “outrageous” abortion bill he signed into law which bans abortions after eight weeks and has no exception for rape or incest victims. Galloway has also blasted Parson’s decision to call a special session to deal with a vehicle sales tax issue. In recent months, in her role as auditor, Galloway has blasted Parson for late tax returns, scrutinized his travel while he was Missouri’s lieutenant governor, and criticized the attorney general for the time it has taken him to issue a legal opinion.

Rep. Jim Neely, a doctor and prominent medical marijuana advocate, has decided to make a 2020 gubernatorial bid. “I think I can do better,” Neely told The Missouri Times. “I think I can do a better job of looking at these issues that are near and dear to the hearts of our taxpayers.” The term-limited Republican lawmaker works with geriatric patients out of Cameron Regional Medical Center, is a U.S. Army veteran, and resides in Cameron. He has served in the Missouri House since 2012 and represents HD 8, which consists of Clinton and Caldwell counties and parts of Clay and Ray counties. As a lawmaker, Neely successfully pushed for legislation which allows victims of domestic violence or sexual assault to be released from certain lease agreements, alters laws regarding 911 emergency communication services, and creates the offense of nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images. He also advocated for the legalization of medical marijuana through the General Assembly for those with serious medical conditions. “The show in Jefferson City and politics is not for me. This isn’t about me; this is about the people,” Neely said. He added that his “working life has been dedicated to people and meeting their needs as both a physician and legislator, with the goal of improving their quality of life.” Neely will face Republican Gov. Mike Parson is an August primary next year. Parson has not officially announced his intentions to seek a full term as governor but has teased Sept. 8 as a “special day” for those who support him and want to see him remain at the helm of the state. “This isn’t about me, this isn’t about him. It is about the taxpayers,” Neely said about the potential matchup.

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IN THE INTERIM

Legislators scrutinize public programs By Kaitlyn Schallhorn The General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Public Assistance is reassessing the bevy of the state’s programs during the interim. During an August meeting, the bipartisan committee discussed developing a system to rank the abundance of public assistance programs and determine if any could be combined or eliminated. Rep. Jeffrey Messenger, the Republican chairman, said the group will seek input from the state departments under which the public assistance programs are housed. The committee is requesting information regarding how many people are served, what the need is, and how much money is spent, in particular. “This committee here is going to be how we can take and formulate and organize how we want to go through these programs,” Messenger said. “There’s no way we can go through these programs in any given year. I think what we want to do is figure out how many of these programs we want to take on per year and go from there.” Messenger said he wanted to “weed out” programs that aren’t being used properly or are receiving federal funding in lieu of state of money. According to a list provided to those in attendance at the hearing, most of the programs fall under the umbrella of the Department of Social Services, Department of Health and Senior Services, or Department of Mental Health. “While we’re looking at numbers that give us some quantifiable information about how much it costs to serve an individual, we’re also wanting to take in … the not so quantifiable information about how this program potentially impacts the future of the individual who is served or the individual’s family,” Sen. Jill Schupp said. “I don’t want anybody to get the impression that this is all about numbers and costs because it’s certainly people’s lives here and bigger than just numbers and cost.” Messenger agreed with Schupp, saying she made “a very good point.” “This committee is going to be about taking care of our constituents,” he said. “Cost is always a factor — don’t get me wrong — it always is. But we want to be very cost effective in how many people … and how we can treat as many — or handle as many — of those people in these programs as we can for the best amount of money that’s available to us.”

AgTech experts highlight industry during House committee hearing By Alisha Shurr State lawmakers got a crash course on strides industry leaders are making in agriculture technology, often called AgTech, across the Show-Me State. Speaking to the House Economic Development Committee, AgTech experts provided a glimpse into the emerging industry that is transformative to farming and ranching. “AgTech is so exciting. … The ability for [Bayer] to track from a satellite which fields have their product: It was mind-blowing, to me, to have that kind of technology going into the food we are developing,” Rep. Derek Grier, committee chair, said in his opening. “AgTech is absolutely one of the brightest spots in Missouri’s economy.” The purpose of the public hearing held in Columbia, according to the Republican lawmaker, was to learn about the AgTech industry, what is happening in the industry, and how the legislators can help. Experts noted a hindrance to AgTech development can be the sheer cost of the regulatory process. “The [regulatory] process is cumbersome and takes hundreds of millions of dollars,” a representative from the University of Missouri (UM) said. He urged lawmakers that “anything the state can do to help public-private partnerships” will help the industry. AgTech merges two industries — applying technology to the farming field. The multifaceted AgTech industry is wide-ranging,

encompassing GPS guidance to plant tracking to drones to vertical farming. One advancement recently made in AgTech is a variety of oak trees that produce acorns in 3 years, instead of the traditional 20 years. The technology was developed and patented by UM. The university also help develop hogs that are resistant to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS). The University of Missouri worked with Kansas State University and Genus to developed the pigs which are resilient to the deadly virus costing pork producers worldwide billions of dollars a year. Shibu Jose, associate dean of the College of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources (CAFNR) at the University of Missouri – Columbia use the litter as just one example of the strides being made in agriculture technology. St. Louis Community College touted its efforts working with agricultural technology companies on research and training students for the specific needs of those companies. Richard Norris, director of the college’s Center for Plant and Life Sciences, noted the AgTech industry needs “to have more students in these programs.” Tiger Fiber highlighted its ongoing effort to make the Show-Me State a hub for industrial hemp — a crop with many uses in which they are working to create the infrastructure for. With hemp just being reintroduced into Missouri — 2020 will see the first commer-

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cial growing season in decades — the entire infrastructure for the crop needs to be developed. Those at Tiger Fiber are working to help farmers modify current equipment to process hemp. Rich Selby explained that with alterations a seed drill and combine can be used for hemp. The company is working with UM on six research fields of hemp to learn what works for Missouri. Karla Roeber, vice president of public and government affairs at Danforth Plant Science Center, told the committee a large part of AgTech is growing “more crop per drop” of water. Yield Labs’ Bonnie Bowen noted there has been a lot of investment in AgTech sectors which encompass “buzzwords.” “We are working on incentivizing innovation in very specific areas,” Bowen said. “One of the things you see in the technology world is people get very excited about certain sectors — like vertical farming. A lot of money goes into very specific, buzzy things and not necessarily towards real issues that need to get solved.” She noted one of those issues is manure management. Yield Labs is working in partnership with several companies and agencies — Cargill, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and others — to address the issue and drive investment and capital to those looking for solutions.

The Missouri Times

IN THE INTERIM

House committee, Sheriff’s Association rep clash over Vehicle Stops Report data By Kaitlyn Schallhorn Tensions flared in August as the chairman of the House Criminal Justice Committee and a representative of the Missouri Sheriff ’s Association clashed over data presented in an attorney general’s report on police stops in the state. The 2018 Vehicle Stops Report — an annual study released by the Missouri attorney general — found the disparity level between black and white drivers pulled over in the state has increased to the highest level yet. But Kevin Merritt, executive director of the Missouri Sheriff ’s Association, testified the data was “inappropriate” and didn’t paint a full picture of why drivers were stopped or the intentions of officers. “The sheriffs of Missouri want to continue to collect the data, but they want the data to make sense, that the data is reliable,” Merritt testified. “Simply because a disparity exists, does not provide imperical data that there is a racial bias.” Merritt also complained the report does not include whether the stops account for individual drivers or a repeat offender who often violates traffic laws — thus not painting a full picture, he said. But Merritt clashed with Rep. Shamed Dogan, the Republican chairman of the committee. Merritt said he didn’t care if Census data — which can be outdated — or other population information is used because that type of benchmark will show a disparity but not the reason

for it; Dogan said it was “common sense” to use up-to-date statistics. Dogan also pressed Merritt for a theory on why the disparity rate has increased substantially over the years since the report has been compiled. Merritt said he didn’t have a theory but suggested studies have shown “different driving patterns” among different racial or socioeconomic groups of people. Additionally, the pair quibbled when Merritt asked Dogan to point to a specific department that has engaged in racial bias consistently. “It’s hard to measure something like disrespect. But people know it when they see it. People feel that,” Dogan said, pointing to individuals who have testified at both hearings. “I want to find some way to hold those departments accountable because it’s clear that it’s not happening now.” “You cannot do that with the disparity index alone. You’re making my argument for me, representative,” Merritt responded. “You’re relying on the index when it’s convenient, and you’re not relying on it to make another point.” Jeanette Mott Oxford, the executive director of Empower Missouri, followed Merritt with what she called an “emotional outpouring.” Oxford said Merritt’s testimony was “agitating” “When do we acknowledge racism? It’s time,” Oxford said. The hearing in Kansas City was the second on racial profiling and civil asset forfeiture

planned for the interim. The first was held in Clayton last week for nearly five hours. After the Clayton event, Dogan said he hoped for more law enforcement to be present at the Kansas City hearing. Aside from Merritt, Lt. Justin McCullough, Missouri State Highway Patrol’s (MSHP) legislative liaison, testified. McCullough noted the MSHP’s disparity rate was fairly low, especially when compared to other departments. He contributed it to the agency’s values of compassion and respect. “One of the things that we pride ourselves on tremendously is hiring the best people out there,” he said. “We have an obligation, a vision,

the past two years. It has received six out of 1.8 million traffic stops in the past five years, all of which were “resolved to the complainant’s satisfaction.” The statewide statistics in the report, which has been compiled annually since 2000, showed black motorists were stopped at a 76 percent greater rate than expected based upon the portion of the population at least 16 years old. And when compared to white motorists, black individuals were 91 percent more likely to be stopped. Additionally, the report found the statewide search rate for black and Hispanic drivers were

“The sheriffs of Missouri want to continue to collect the data, but they want the data to make sense, that the data is reliable. Simply because a disparity exists, does not provide imperical data that there is a racial bias.” — Kevin Merritt to make sure those that live in our state and those that travel through our state are treated with respect, can safely navigate through our state, and that’s something we drill in from day one.” McCullough also noted the MSHP hasn’t received a “bias-based, profiling complaint” in

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).

Missouri Lottery Commission blasts ‘illegal’ machines By Kaitlyn Schallhorn Gaming machines not under control by the state are detrimental to funds meant for Missourians’ education, Missouri Lottery Commission Executive Director May Scheve Reardon testified. The contentious machines — some call them “illegal;” others say they fall into a “gray area” — are spreading throughout the state and are “doing damage” to the lottery profits earmarked for educational needs, Reardon told lawmakers during a Special Interim Committee on Gaming hearing. There are an estimated 14,000 “illegal” machines in Missouri, a number that is “increasing as we speak”

across the state, Reardon said. She specifically pointed to the I-44 corridor, from St. James to Lebanon, as particularly problematic with the machines. A Missouri Lottery Commission representative from that area saw a drop of $800,000 on her route in a six-month span — an average monthly lottery sale loss per retailer of $90,000, Reardon said. She also said she witnessed one retailer unplug a Missouri Lottery sign to power up an unregulated machine in Jonesburg. “I believe it has hurt [the Lottery’s revenue], and it has [the] potential to do more damage to profits to education. I believe it’s escalating,” Reardon said. “We really have to pay attention to what this can do down the line.”

As to why consumers are playing these games in lieu of others regulated by the state, Reardon predicted immediate gratification and higher payouts could be attractive to players. “The Lottery is losing revenue here because of these alleged illegal machines, so are the casinos, so is everybody. … The state is losing money because of these,” GOP Rep. Dan Shaul, the committee chairman, said during the nearly two-hour hearing. The commission’s advertising budget was also up for discussion during the hearing; lawmakers recently slashed it by 70 percent. “You’re saying you had a banner year, but you’re losing money to these ‘gray machines,’ and you couple that with this reduction in the

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advertising budget. … I’m just trying to balance all this in my mind,” Rep. Robert Ross said. “Are these ‘gray machines’ advertising?’” When Reardon said the unregulated machines are not advertised, Ross continued: “You’re losing revenue to these machines which are not advertising at all, so help me understand how your advertising budget is actually effective.” Reardon said the commission doesn’t have a grasp on how much money the controversial machines are bringing in — but noted they aren’t giving anything to public education. She said the commission operates as a $1.4 billion business with a strategic plan that includes advertising as a way to bring in other players.

Reardon also pushed for the legalization of sports bettering and video lottery terminals (VLTs) — something under consideration by the General Assembly. She predicted VLTs could provide an additional $170 million to education after a four year ramp up. “If you would authorize us to do that, we would be glad to respond and put together a very effective program to oversee it,” Reardon said when asked if the commission would be willing to take VLTs under its purview. “I believe that given the right authority and right resources, we’d be able to manage very effectively successful video lottery terminal programs,” she added.

The Missouri Times

COURTS

OA facing two open records lawsuits Show-Me Insistitue, United for Missouri allege state provided AFSCME exclusive unredacted information By Alisha Shurr The Office of Administration (OA) is facing two lawsuits, from United for Missouri and Show-Me Institute, both for providing unredacted records to one organization but not another. The conservative-leaning nonprofit and the St. Louis-based think tank filed seperate legal challenges in Cole County alleging OA knowingly violated Missouri’s Sunshine Law. Bothcases hav been assigned to Cole County Judge Daniel Green. Both lawsuits center around information the state provided to the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) that was redacted when given to other organizations. Per a labor contract, OA “will provide the union with a current list of active bargaining unit employees” once each quarter, along with information for each employee including names, payments, work addresses, home addresses, and mailing addresses.” The contract, which is still in effect, was signed in May 2015, with the state — seven departments and several other entities — and AFSCME Council 72.

United for Missouri’s lawsuit On Feb. 6, Ryan Johnson, a plaintiff in the case, sent an open records request to OA, requesting: “A copy of each ‘list of active bargaining unit employees’ sent to AFSCME Council 72 in 2015, 2016 and 2018…” The following day, Kelly Hopper, legal counsel for OA, responded with the records, noting “individually identifiable personnel information” had been “redacted.” On Feb. 19, Marc Ellinger, on behalf of UFM and UFM CEO Carl Bearden, sent an open records request to OA, seeking: “The name, work and home addresses of each employee from the ‘list of active bargaining unit employees’ sent to AFSCME Council 72 in 2016, 2017 and 2018…” Hopper responded with the records, noting they “have been redacted to remove individually identifiable personnel information.” UFM’s lawsuit alleged the list provided to the unions is now “public record” and must be released to anyone requesting it. UFM is seeking to force the state, through the legal challenge, to turn over the information. “The state has an obligation and statutory duty to be transparent with citizens,” Bearden

said in a statement. “Citizens have the right to request and access information outlined in state statute. The state must deliver the requested information. They have failed to do so on several accounts.” “OA does not dispute releasing employee information to the unions. They do ignore the plain meaning and intent of the sunshine law that the data released to one private party must be made available to all parties. They are withholding public records from citizens of the state,” he continued. OA did not respond to a request for comment. Show-Me Institute’s lawsuit “Despite being aware of their obligation to produce to [Show-Me Institute] the same public information the Office had already provided to AFSCME and in particular the Sunshine Law’s specification that a public governmental body may not rely on a contract to justify granting a private entity exclusive access to public information, the Office and the Custodian nonetheless have refused to produce this public information to [Show-Me Institute],”

the lawsuit stated. The Show-Me Institute is seeking a declaratory judgment requiring OA to produce the unredacted copies of the information sought. Patrick Ishmael, director of government accountability for the Show-Me Institute, filed a Sunshine request for copies of the information OA sends to AFSCME “in precisely the same format” on June 6. The request covered 2016, 2017, and 2018. OA provided the records but redacted individually identifiable personnel information. Dave Roland, director of litigation at the Freedom Center of Missouri who represents the Show-Me Institute in the lawsuit, alleged OA cannot withhold information that has already been provided to another organization, citing the Sunshine Law. In a response to Roland’s protest of the redacted information, OA legal counsel Kelly Hopper wrote the information given to AFSCME was done so not under the Sunshine Law but as part of the labor agreement. She said OA “has not entered into a contract granting anyone, including AFSCME, ‘the exclusive right to access and disseminate any public record.’”

Pro-choice advocates Judge halts abortion law day before implementation challenge legality of By Kaitlyn Schallhorn Missouri’s new abortion law — placing restrictions at eight weeks — was set to go into effect on Aug. 28 until a federal judge stymied parts of its implementation. U.S. District Judge Howard Sachs placed a temporary restraining order on the law “pending litigation or further order of the court.” He sided with the plaintiffs in the suit — which included Planned Parenthood and the ACLU — in the argument that the law stood in contrast with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision regarding viability of a fetus. “However formulated, the legislation on its face conflicts with the Supreme Court ruling that neither legislative nor judicial limits on abortion can be measured by specified weeks of devleopment of a fetus; instead, ‘viability’ is the sole test for a State’s authority to prohibit abortions where there is no maternal

health issue,” Sachs said in his order. The state is able to appeal the order. “Like attorneys general who came before him, Attorney General Eric Schmitt is tasked with defending the laws of the state and is dedicated to protecting Missourians, born and unborn. We’re currently reviewing the judge’s order and are deciding on next steps,” Chris Nuelle, a spokesperson for Missouri’s attorney general, said in a statement. HB 126 banned abortions after eight weeks except in the case of a medical emergency. It included “nestled” components — designed to withstand court challenges — with restrictions at 14, 18, and 20 weeks. It also would ban abortions outright should the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade be overturned. The law did not include exceptions for rape or incest victims, which angered some Republicans.

Out of the 2,910 abortions performed in Missouri in 2018, 1,210 were pregnancies terminated at eight weeks or less, according to statistics from Department of Health and Senior Services. Sachs said even the 20-week restriction would cause “significant interference with plaintiffs’ service and the rights of its prospective patients, so it should be considered quite adequate as harm to justify immediate relief from the defective provisions of House Bill 126.” Additionally, the law does not allow for abortions based on race, sex, or a diagnosis of Down syndrome. Sachs allowed that provision to remain intact — at least for now. He said there was no significant data to show whether “the inability to schedule ‘Down syndrome abortions’ would be likely to interfere with the abortion rights of real-life women.”

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referendum laws By Alisha Shurr Advocates who unsuccessfully sought to give voters the final say in a sweeping anti-abortion law are challenging the legality of Missouri’s statutes on the referendum process. The ACLU of Missouri and No Bans on Choice committee filed a lawsuit against Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft in Cole County. The legal challenge alleged state statutes are inconsistent with the Missouri Constitution. Advocates are seeking to have two provisions in law ruled unconstitutional. “Certain parts of Chapter 116, Missouri Revised Statutes, award to State officials 51 days of the minimum 90 days constitutionally reserved to the people for the purpose of referendum petition circulation and signature collection,” the lawsuit stated. Provisions in state law give var-

ious elected officials a combined 51 days to complete specific tasks before a referendum can be approved to gather signatures. In contrast, the Missouri Constitution provides “not more than [90] days after the final adjournment” for a petition to be filed. Attorneys for the plaintiffs alleged by setting forth the deadline for filing, the constitution “ordains that the people will have a specific minimum period of time available for the circulation of a referendum petition and the procurement of signatures.” The Secretary of State’s Office declined to comment on the lawsuit. “I am saddened in our society today, that frequently when organizations lose, their normal response is to whine and claim that the rules should not apply to them,” Ashcroft told The Missouri Times.

The Missouri Times

EXECUTIVE BRANCH

Stacy Neal to lead national association Stacy Neal, Director of Accounting for the Office of Administration, was recently appointed as the president for the National Association of State Comptrollers (NASC). She has served on its executive committee since 2016, where she previously served as Secretary/ Treasurer and Vice President. She was appointed as president of the NASC in March 2019 and will serve a one-year term. “I look forward to taking on this new role working with fellow comptrollers from across the country to address current issues and changes so that we may help improve government effectiveness,” said Neal. “It is also an honor to have our next annual conference here in Missouri, and I cannot wait to show our nation’s comptrollers what Missouri has to offer.” Neal, a certified public accountant, has more than 17 years of professional experience with the State of Missouri, serving as the assistant director of the Division of Accounting from 2008 until taking over as director in 2011. She is the state’s first female director of the Division of Accounting. During her tenure, Neal has worked closely with all aspects of financial reporting, including Missouri’s comprehensive annual financial report. She is also responsible for the management of the statewide accounting system and developing of the State of Missouri’s transparency site, the Missouri Accountability Portal. Most recently, Neal has been responsible for managing the state’s debt portfolio of $1.1 billion of general obligation and special revenue bonds. She has extensive experience working with elected officials and members of the General Assembly. Neal graduated magna cum laude from Missouri State University, with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. She is also a member of the Government Finance Officers Association.

Major restructuring of several state agencies now complete By Alisha Shurr A culmination of executive orders and legislative action have resulted in significant changes to multiple state agencies more than six months after the restructuring was first announced. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources now includes the division of energy; workforce development has joined forces with higher education; the Public Service Commission now is under the umbrella of the newly-renamed Department of Commerce and Insurance; and the Missouri Arts Council is part of the Lieutenant Governor’s Office. The changes were initiated in January when Gov. Mike Parson signed three executive orders that began the process of restructuring four state agencies. Bills passed by the Missouri General Assembly that became effective on Aug. 28 completed the agency changes. “During my State of the State Address in January, I committed to the General Assembly that our administration would fundamentally restructure state government. We are pleased to say today that we have accomplished that goal,” Parson said. “To move our state in the right direction, we had to roll up our sleeves and get to work, and that’s what this

day represents. Today, we celebrate this historic moment for our state, our government, and most importantly, our citizens.” “It’s been more than a decade since we evaluated our economic development strategy, and it was time we took a hard look at how we could provide better solutions in our state,” Department of Economic Development (DED) Director Rob Dixon said, noting the department’s year-long strategy assessment led to a “complete overhaul and new pathway for growth in rural and urban areas.” The move is touted as better aligning certain functions of state government in order to streamline operations, increase efficiency, and improve customer service to all Missourians. The restructuring was completed over several phases. First came the three executive orders signed by Parson in January. The next phase came when Missouri’s fiscal year began on July 1. The final phase occurred late August, when legislation and the executive orders took effect. The Office of Administration did not have a final cost for restructuring. Prior to the press conference, Parson addressed dozens of DED employees gathered in the Capitol rotunda, thanking them for their work as pub-

lic servants. He praised state employees for being willing to make changes to complement “the bigger picture.” “It’s time we’re leaders of the Midwest. It’s time we’re leaders of the United States,” Parson said. What’s changed: • The Division of Workforce Development and Missouri Economic Research and Information Center has moved to the newly named Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development • The Division of Energy has returned to the Department of Natural Resources • The Office of Public Counsel and the Public Service Commission is now at the newly named Department of Commerce and Insurance • The Missouri Arts Council was elevated to the Lieutenant Governor’s Office • The Department of Economic Development will shift to have staff based across Missouri in order to better meet the unique needs of each economic region and will form a new division that will specifically help businesses address workforce needs as they hire and train workers for large expansions

More than 2,100 vie for limited medical marijuana facility licenses in Missouri By Alisha Shurr More than 2,000 licensee hopefuls submitted applications to cultivate, manufacture, dispense, or test medical marijuana in Missouri. Of the 2,163 medical marijuana facility applications received by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), more than 1,200 were submitted in the last three days — and roughly 800 came in the final 24 hours. “The sky-high interest among Missouri cannabis entrepreneurs did come as a bit of a surprise,” said Andrew Mullins, executive director of the Missouri Medical Cannabis Trade Association (MoCannTrade). “Our members have spent months creating business plans, lining up investors, purchasing real estate and working diligently to comply with the

APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED

LICENSES AVAILABLE

Cultivation facility: 554 Dispensary facility: 1,163 Manufacturing facility:415

Cultivation facility: 60 Dispensary facility: 192 Manufacturing facility: 86

state’s rightfully rigorous application process.” The state anticipated the large volume of applications as the deadline approached and extended the submission window by two days. The state started accepting facility applications on Aug. 3. The initial deadline was set for 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 17, but it was extended until Aug. 19, at 4:30 p.m. “While our main goals have always been putting patients first and maintaining integrity of the program, we also think this exemplifies good governance in implementing

a complex initiative passed by the overwhelming majority of Missouri voters.,” said Dr. Randall Williams, director of DHSS. In total, the state received 554 applications for cultivation facilities, 1,163 for dispensary facilities, 415 for manufacturing facilities, 17 for testing facilities, and 14 for transportation facilities. The top-scoring 60 cultivation facilities, 192 dispensary facilities, and 86 medical marijuana-infused manufacturing facilities will be initially licensed for business in Missouri. The limited number of licenses in

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contrast to the expected number of applicants means there will be winners and losers. But it won’t be the state picking and choosing who is awarded a license and who is denied a license. The state is using a third-party blind scoring system. More than half a dozen businesses have submitted bids to perform the blind scoring with Wise Health Solutions, a Nevada-based company, coming out on top. Staff within the medical marijuana division in DHSS will review applications for completeness before sending them out for scoring. Applications must be approved or denied by DHSS within 150 days of the application submission date. Stakeholders estimated dispensaries will likely open late spring to early summer of 2020.

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

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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.

September 16 | Fundraiser for Rocky Miller, Dean Plocher, Bill Kidd, Dan Houx, and Jack Bondon — Edgewild Restaurant and Winery, Chesterfield — 5-7 p.m.

ALS IMPACTS FAMILIES.

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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neuromuscular disease that robs a person of their ability to talk, walk, move and eventually breathe. There is no cure. Because of it’s debalitating and relentless

16 | Caleb Rowden Annual Golf Tournament — Country Club of Missouri — 8 a.m. check in, 9 a.m. start 18 | Reception for Dean Plocher and Randy Pietzman — Llywelyn’s Pub, O’Fallon — 5:307:30 p.m. 18 | Fundraiser for Dan

Shaul, Don Rone, and Mike Haffner — 4968 S Rangeline Road, Columbia — 7-8:30 p.m. 19 | Fundraiser for John Simmons, Jeff Porter, David Gregory, and Don Mayhew — Washington Farmers Market Pavillion, 301 W Main Street, Washington — 5:30-8:30 p.m. 19 | Doug Richey fundraiser — The Montgomery, Excelsior Springs — 6-8 p.m. 22 | Brad Pollitt fundraiser — Beef House Missouri State Fair Grounds — 5-7 p.m.

25-27 | Missouri Insurance Coalition Annual Meeting — Kansas City 26 | Elijah Haahr reception — Cigar Club at The Ritz Carlton — 100 Carondelet Plaza, St. Louis — 5:30-7:30 p.m. 27 | Mike Henderson golf scramble — St. Francois County Country Club, Farmington — 11 a.m. 27 | Dale Wright, Mike Henderson, and Elaine Gannon Golf Scramble — St. Francis Country Club, Farmington — 11 a.m.

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CULTURE

Medicaid rolls, special session highlighted in all Democrat TWMP episode For some Missouri families, a trip to the hospital could hold more issues than a potential sickness or injury. According to House Minority Floor Leader Crystal Quade, many families are unaware they are no longer covered by Medicaid until after they are at the hospital. “[Families] are going into the emergency room, and that’s where they’re finding out they don’t have healthcare coverage anymore,” Quade said during a Sunday appearance on This Week in Missouri Politics. “When I talked to the health care providers, hospitals, and [federally] qualified health clinics, that’s what they’re saying too. What they’re seeing is that folks are just walking in not knowing that they don’t have coverage anymore.” Compared to January 2018, significantly fewer Missourians are enrolled in Medicaid and have been receiving its benefits, according to caseload numbers from the Missouri Department of Social Services. Quade said the drop-off could have disastrous consequences for the state’s economy as well. “This is not only a catastrophic problem for these people, we’re going to see potential higher health care costs down the line,” Quade said. “If you’ve got someone who is in chemo who can’t get their treatment and has to stop and restart that process all over again, that could potentially cost us more money down the line because of higher health needs.” “This is not just a humanitarian issue that I’m looking from that side; it’s also a financial issue.” Special session called into question The panel this week consisted of Democratic state Reps. Alan Green, Keri Ingle, Ashley Bland Manlove and Judy Morgan. The panel had a lot to say on Gov. Mike Parson’s priorities when it came to the upcoming special session over an issue with vehicle sales, one which many Democrats have opposed. There are much more important matters to be focusing on instead, many of the panelists said. “It’s unfortunate that we are going to waste even more tax dollars, not only for these ridiculous tax credits, but also the tax dollars that are going to be spent to have us sitting in that chamber for additional days,” said Manlove. According to Ingle, the special session is going to cost $23,000 per day in session. Panelists also said guin violence, property tax reassessments, or the Medicaid issue should take precedent since those issues affect more Missourians.

Show Me Districts: Elijah Haahr By Alisha Shurr SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Coffee and rock music followed by Wonders of Wildlife is how Elijah Haahr would start off a tour of his legislative district. The Republican Speaker of the Missouri House would then follow those two stops with lunch at a burger joint owned by a vegetarian. “It is just a very unique district,” Haahr told The Missouri Times over lunch at Black Sheep Burgers and Shakes. Unlike most other districts, HD 134 is without communities of cohesion, as Haahr calls them. The Chamber of Commerce is not in the district, the parade in Springfield does not go through it, there are no country clubs, and the only public high school is shared with another district. All of those things make meeting voters and constituents tougher for the representative. “I have to go to the door. I have to go to their doorstep and talk to them about what it going on,” Haahr said.

A lawyer by trade, Haahr was first elected to represent his community in 2012. He is partway through his final two-year term in the Missouri House, having won re-election in 2014, 2016, and 2018. The district is one of six within Springfield and one of eight within Greene County. All the seats are held by Republicans, except for HD 132. “[Folks] in my district, they get up and go to work, they raise children and the worst thing we can do [as the government] is ruin their lives,” said Haahr. He noted some issues that are important in rural or urban communities are not as prevalent for those in his district. One of the issues that drew the most concern from the people he represents was during the REAL ID debate. Many individuals wanted to be able to go on vacation or get on a plane and visit someone, Haahr said. The uniqueness of the district is just one reason the Republican lawmaker has decided to raise his family there.

The neighborhood the Haahr family lives in has one way to get in and out with no pass-through traffic. “It is a really great neighborhood,” said Haahr. “My kids can play in the street, and I don’t have to worry about cars.” There are also a lot of attractions in and around the area. Classic Rock Coffee, Bass Pro Shops’ national headquarters, Black Sheep Burgers and Shakes, and Southbound dive bar are just a few of the must-sees. Haahr may not be the biggest outdoor fan but called Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium “amazing” and the “number one attraction in the United States of America.” The notfor-profit educational conservation-themed attraction is located adjacent to the Bass Pro Shops’ national headquarters and is named for the Bass Pro Shops’ founder. “There is a lot to do in the district, but one of the good things about being a suburban district is there is so much around the district,” Haahr said.

Show Me Missourah heads to Mississippi County CHARLESTON, Mo. — Without the involvement of the most eastern county of Missouri, we might not have known President Ulysses S. Grant as we do today and, in addition, have had a completely different United States, historians said on the most recent episode of the Show Me Missourah podcast. Mississippi County’s Commissioner James Conn and Historical Society President Tom Graham went in-depth on the history of the southeastern county, touching upon everything from Lewis and Clark to modern day basketball rivalries. However, the fact that the county is home to one of Grant’s more defining moments had both the historian and commissioner

excited. The historic Battle of Belmont — which took place in what is now Mississippi County — was Grant’s first true test of battle. It is still known today as one of the first times a Union force attacked a Confederate force in the entire Civil War, which is what initially put Grant on then-President Abraham Lincoln’s radar. “He followed that up with the attack on the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers shortly thereafter and was successful at both of them,” said Conn. “That, in Grant’s mind, set him up. He was up to Vicksburg after that.” Grant initially retreated from the Battle of Belmont, but, after scolding his troops,

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came back and finished off the Confederates, according to Graham. Without the confidence gained at the Battle of Belmont, Grant’s “first time out of the box,” the history of the Civil War would look a lot different, the men said. “Because of the little thing at Belmont, he didn’t get reprimanded, he got some accolades,” said Conn. “It was all cascading.” Adding to the already historic Civil War involvement, Mississippi County also incurred its first debt because of the war. Attempting to keep both the Union and Confederacy out of Mississippi County, the county hired volunteer soldiers and racked up a debt of $12,500 (about $104,633 today, adjusted for inflation).

The Missouri Times

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