Missouri Times - May 14, 2018 by Missouri Times

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@MissouriTimes Scott Faughn, Publisher

Missouri Girl to Manhattan Girl –

Go Buy a Gun. Your Ex-Boyfriend Eric Schneiderman May Want to Kill You. Dear Michelle Manning Barish, There were plenty of jaw-dropping facts alleged in the article that lead New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman to resign three hours after it was published by The New Yorker on Monday. But it was your quote that haunted me the most. “Taking a strong woman and tearing her to pieces is his jam,” you said. That is an apt description of his disgusting alleged practice of inflicting physical, mental, and emotional abuse upon the strong, independent, beautiful women he pursued. It is terrifying to think of a man like that wielding the enormous power of the Office of Attorney General. Schneiderman would have probably continued reigning and tearing women to pieces if you had stayed silent. You and Tanya Selvaratnam showed extraordinary courage in speaking out against a powerful man like him. Brava. I write to you today because your story spoke to me, because I am concerned about your safety, and to offer you an invitation to come visit me in Missouri. I am concerned for your safety because it appears to me, based on The New Yorker article and the “Bee Prepared” video on “Go Bags” you made with your daughter, that: • You live alone and/or with your daughter; • You do not own a gun; • You have enraged an allegedly violent and unstable ex-boyfriend; and • Many people, some of whom may be crazy, are reading about you and your daughter and are aware that you two have a lot of valuables and at least $300 in cash at home, and that you are unarmed. • This is not safe. Your ex-boyfriend Eric Schneiderman reportedly has major drug and alcohol problems that are so bad he sometimes is in a “trance” and awakes covered in blood. He gets his kicks from hitting and choking women. He threatens to stalk and to kill women. He has threatened to kill you. He reportedly attacked you by hitting you so forcefully that your ear hurt for months (and bled), knocking you down, holding you down while you struggled against him, and choking you vigorously. And then, after that attack, he basically threatened to have you incarcerated by accusing you of scratching him, telling you “You know, hitting an officer of the law is a felony.” He likes to control women and allegedly controlled what you ate. He called your legs “chubby” when you were an emaciated 5’7” 103lb wisp of a girlfriend. (This allegation makes one wonder if he hasn’t already tried to kill you). According to the article, you were not the first nor the last woman that he abused physically, mentally, and emotionally. As you said, tearing women to pieces is his jam. Women in general are safer today because you and others spoke out and took him down. But are you? According to the article, when you made an “oblique” reference about him on social media less than six months ago, he called and threatened you in a “nasty” tone, “Don’t ever

write about me. You don’t want to do that.” If that was his reaction to you referring to him obliquely, I cannot imagine he enjoyed what was written about him in The New Yorker. You already know it’s possible to be physically beaten by this man. Are you prepared for what he may do now? Because you and Tanya bravely went on the record about him to The New Yorker, he has lost everything he has worked to achieve over his entire life. At the beginning of the week, his prospects included residing in the New York Governor’s Mansion. Now his prospects include residing in prison after spending every penny he has on criminal defense attorneys. What, if anything, will prevent him from acting out his violent fantasies against women? He may think he has nothing left to lose. I hope you are reading this from a safe, undisclosed location. But if you and/or your daughter are in your apartment, you should take your “Bug Out Bags” and go. And you should not return until you own and know how to use a handgun. God forbid you need to do so, but you have a responsibility to defend your life and your daughter’s too. Come Visit Me in Missouri. I invite you to visit me in Missouri and to come with me to the gun range. I would be happy to arrange private sessions with a highly qualified firearms instructor, and to attend them with you if you would like me to do so. You would be surprised how quickly one can learn how to handle firearms when receiving a private lesson from a pro. We Actually Have a Lot in Common Before you write me off as a nutjob, hear me out. We may have more in common than you think. We are both white middle-aged moms who are passionate about politics. We both enjoy travel and shopping at the same (yes, the same) stores. And we’re both preppers. I started my career as a public defender and I’ve won numerous awards for my pro bono work, particularly in actual innocence cases. And I’ve infuriated and have been hated by the top prosecutor in several jurisdictions, so that’s another thing we have in common. We were not always at opposite ends of the political spectrum. In high school, I decided I was a Democrat. I remember feeling it was kismet when I learned I was born on Hillary Clinton’s 30th birthday. In full disclosure, though, my feelings for Hillary have dramatically changed since high school. Right before the 2016 election, I used my birthday wish to cancel Hillary’s birthday wish out. I grew up believing that guns were bad. I believed that smart, civilized people had no use for them unless they were police officers. We did not even have toy guns growing up due to the concern that they may lead us to become desensitized to violence. Even as an adult, I remember guns being scary until I had hands-on experience firing them. And if I hadn’t been practicing criminal law, I may never have learned enough about them for it to have occurred to me to purchase one. Your story spoke to me because it reminded me of how I reached my

Second Amendment epiphany. I had a run-in with a bad guy with a badge, too. It was early in my career as a criminal defense attorney while defending an indigent client in a high-profile case. In retrospect, I don’t think I was ever actually in danger (especially in comparison to your situation). But the incident rattled me into realizing that my responsibility as a mother included taking measures to ensure my two boys grew up having a mother, and that their mother could defend their lives if necessary. I knew I could not rely on men with badges to always be there to protect me and my kids (who were babies at the time) should something happen when my husband was not at home. And that, if something happened while my husband was at home, it was my duty to help him defend our family, too. So, I became a conscientious and responsible owner of numerous firearms. I took training courses to learn how to properly use them, received and retain my CCW permit, and go shooting a few times each year. I have firearms safely and securely concealed at home, at my law firm, and in my Tesla. The Great Equalizer According to the article, when Schneiderman viciously attacked you, choked you, and held you down, you said “In every fibre, I felt I was being beaten by a man.” I never want to feel that way. If I do not have a gun, over 90% of men would have no trouble beating me in a fight. A U.S. Census chart indicates that less than 7% of men are shorter than me and 0% of men weigh less than I do. But if I have my gun, I have a chance to beat 100% of men who try to attack me. Handguns are the great equalizer. They allow a woman to take down a male attacker even if he is much bigger, stronger, and taller than she. You care about empowering and standing up for women. Your bravery, in this case, has proven that you mean it. Well, women need to be able to own firearms if women are truly going to be strong and independent. I think if you go to the gun range with me and learn how to fire a gun, you will then buy one for your “Go Bag,” pronto. So please think about my invitation. You may have fun visiting a liberal college town that is in the very middle of the map, and going with me to the gun range. You could blog about it, too. Let me know if you’re interested! It’s a Big Day for #MeToo Today is a very big day for the #MeToo movement thanks to you. Today is the first day in almost 10 years that Eric Schneiderman is not the boss of over 650 New York Assistant Attorneys General. In fact, today he is quite the opposite. In light of Governor Cuomo appointing a special prosecutor to investigate him, I bet Schneiderman is busy becoming a criminal defense attorney’s client. There is only one bitch that Schneiderman should blame for his fall from power: Karma. She was bound to catch him someday. But, in case he blames you, please be prepared to defend yourself. I really hope to hear from you. Sincerely, Jennifer Bukowsky

The Missouri Times

TWEETS OF THE WEEK

Highlights in 280 characters or less. Eric Harmon @EricCHarmon 4th grader outside the Capitol readying for a picnic with classmates...”Dilly Dilly!!” What a day to be alive #moleg Chuck Hatfield @chuckhatfield It’s hard to swing a dead cat in Jefferson City right now without hitting a subpoena process server. Roy Temple @roytemple Just ask @JoeBednarJr, who was once dispatched from the Guv’s office to convince Judi Moriarty to affix her signature to the call for special session for her own impeachment.

Bruce DeGroot @brucedegroot

Jay Nelson @Jay_Nelson2020 Life will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. Yes, I know it gets hard. You may even cry. But don’t cry to give up; cry to keep going. #IBelieveThatWeWillWin

HOT LIST

Spring cleaning day at The Stylist! As it turns out I’m good at mulching, sweeping planting and, most importantly, following directions. Who knew? #moleg

SEN. KEHOE

From stepping out and bravely telling constituents that the Governor is unable to lead and taking on the state’s MERIT system, Kehoe has further solidified his legacy of long lasting leadership.

HEMP

This year’s bill to legalize industrial hemp has been TAFP and supporters are rejoicing. The new crop is expected to bring millions to the state, if not billions.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

JOSH HAWLEY

U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill is now nationally rated as the most vulnerable incumbent senator facing re-election with polls showing Hawley within the margin of error for election.

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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. SPRINGFIELD - MCN 22 AT 11:00 A.M. MID-MISSOURI - MCN 22 AT 11:00 A.M.

STREAM ONLINE AT TWMP.TV

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Top takeaways from General Assembly's passage of the budget Benjamin Peters

The Missouri House and Senate have put the finishing touches on the state’s $28 billion budget, with the bills making their way to the Governor’s desk for the final signature. Here are some of the accomplishments the chambers are proud of: For the second year in a row, the K-12 education foundation formula has been fully funded, providing nearly $99 million in funding for the next fiscal year. “Budgets are about priorities,” Rep. Justin Alferman, the vice chair of the House Budget Committee, said, reminding everyone that the state of Missouri has never fully funded the foundation formula for two years in a row. It marks a significant moment for legislators, though all would agree that more should be done if more money were available. But in addition to that, the chambers also approved $10 million to K-12 transportation funding, which has been considered a major concern throughout the process, with legislators noting that students still have to get to school to learn. “We’ve got a ways to go, obviously, but it’s definitely going to help,” Rep. Kip Kendrick said. The Senate had sought $25 million for the fund, but the $10 million compromise is a step forward compared to the House’s original $0. As for higher education, universities and colleges will be funded at current levels, so long as they don’t raise tuition more than one percent. Another victory for lawmakers is giving state workers a pay increase starting January 2019: $700

for everyone making under $70,000 and 1% for everyone making more than $70k. A prohibition on the use of funds for tolling was pulled back, which now cannot be used for construction, maintenance or operation, but could be used to do studies. They also increased the amount of money paid to public defenders - if they don’t have more public defenders and pay them for the work they do, Brown said that it could eventually lead to the federal government taking a look at the situation. Here’s a look at the top areas of controversy and debate during third reading and final passage: DACA For the fifth year in a row, the legislature would deny in-state tuition and financial aid to DACA students and those without legal immigration status. It also requires public colleges and universities to charge those students the same tuition rate as international students. If schools don't, they would be faced with losing their state funding. Rep. Judy Morgan and fellow Democrats cried out against the move, saying that those students had no say in coming to the U.S. Vice Chair Alferman responded, saying that universities could either charge less for international tuition or get rid of that rate completely. Bourbon Virus The debate over the Bourbon virus and the House

Budget Committee’s request for information from the Department of Health has dominated much of the discussion throughout the process. House Republicans were not happy with the Department’s response for their request to the info, with Rep. Justin Alferman saying they had not supplied them with what they asked for, even after receiving a subpoena. As a result, the committee decided to cut the director’s operating budget in half. Healthcare Legislators at least partially restored cuts they made in the previous year for reimbursements to medical providers who treat Medicaid patients, while also increasing some funds for nursing homes, but there was still plenty of debate about funding for social service programs. The largest amount of time was spent discussing the ban on reimbursements to providers who provide abortion services, like Planned Parenthood or physician offices. Democrats argued against the provision, saying that the Hyde Amendment already bans the use of federal dollars to reimburse abortion services unless in a case of rape, incest, or threat to the mother’s life. Democrats also objected to tax credits that the state gives out to crisis pregnancy centers, saying that they steer women away from abortion and do not always provide medically accurate information to the patients.

Some reactions: “I’d like to commend the leadership of the Missouri General Assembly for wisely investing in the people of our state. Our policymakers understand that in order to develop the workforce we need, we must be willing to give our young people — and anyone with the desire to learn a valuable skill — the opportunity to better themselves and provide value to our economy,” said Daniel P. Mehan, Missouri Chamber President and CEO. “We would like to especially thank appropriations committee chairmen Rep. Scott Fitzpatrick and Sen. Dan Brown for their work this year. Writing the state budget is a daunting task. We greatly appreciate their expertise and their efforts to prioritize state funding in a way that will help better prepare our workforce for the jobs of today and tomorrow.” "We thank Senator Brown, Representative Fitzpatrick, and the Missouri Legislature for their continued dedication to increase funding to Missouri schools. We appreciate their ability to find a way to ensure the formula is fully funded for a second year in a row and for their commitment to close the gap on the shortfall in transportation funding. We hope the Governor will ensure this funding makes it to local school districts in a timely manner when the budget year begins." - Dr. Doug Hayter, Executive Director, MASA

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6 GREITENS INVESTIGATIONS

Washington University looking into how Greitens used grant funds Alisha Shurr Testimony in the House committee's investigation is causing a private university to look into how Gov. Eric Greitens used grant money he was awarded. Washington University in St. Louis become aware of the potential misuses of fund following the public release of the second report from the House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight along with hundreds of pages of source documents and testimony. Former Greitens aide Danny Laub told the Attorney General’s Office — which conducted the interview — that he got paid by both Greitens and a grant in early 2015 as he promoted one of Greitens’ books while working to launch the now-governor’s political campaign. Administered by Washington University the grant, from John Templeton Foundation, is prohibited from being used to influence the outcome of any specific public election. The St. Louis Dispatch reported Greitens won the grant worth $362,000 in 2010 for his book “Resilience: Hard-Won Wisdom for Living a Better Life.” During his testimony, Laub was asked if he was paid by Washington University. He said, “Yes. I received two checks from this grant.” Records made public Wednesday afternoon of Laub’s interview indicate he received two checks of $3,250 from Washington University in early 2015 that were funded through the grant. Laub was also asked if the grant was for Greitens’ book. “I believe so. I wasn’t intimately involved in that process, but I believe so,” Laub responded. He understood the Greitens could spend the grants on “‘Resilience’-related things” but recognized he knew little about the actual details. While Greitens was promoting his book, other political related meetings would be set up for the same cities. “So when he was in New York or when he was in California and he was doing media hits, that he could also set up national donor meetings,” Laub testified. “The thought was to have them doing a little bit of work on his book tour to see how they performed.” Washington University’s vice chancellor for campus communication said the take “accountability seriously” and they are “looking into the matter to ensure the funds were used appropriately.”

Greitens’ phone examined in relation to invasion of privacy trial Alisha Shurr ST. LOUIS — In connection with an invasion of privacy charge, Gov. Eric Greitens phone underwent examination on Tuesday. This comes on the heels of the phone of the key witnesses also being examined. Behind closed doors, at the St. Louis Courthouse, a forensic expert began going through the contents of the phone of the Republican governor. Experts are also expected to collect data from Greitens’ Gmail account and an alternate phone. The search warrant for the data was obtained by the prosecutors on Tuesday. Jury selection is set to start Thursday with the trial starting on May 14.

Information from the warrant will need to be determined relevant by someone appointed by the court before being used in the trial. This comes on the heels the phone of K.S. — the woman who has accused Greitens of photographing her without her consent while she was bound, blindfolded, and partially nude — being turned over and examined for evidence. On the phone, experts found texts between the unnamed woman and Democrat Rep. Stacey Newman, according to Breitbart. On January 11, 2018, the day after Greitens admitted to the extramarital, Newman texted K.S. “my House Dem leadership insist

you need a lawyer fast” and “I may need to talk w your lawyers.” A week later Newman told K.S. “STL Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner, she said you can have your attorney call her.” FYI: @staceynewman has characterized her text messages to woman in Greitens affair as friendly advice from a longtime client and said as recently as yesterday she has not been subpoenaed. Said her family considers the woman a friend "and that's the extent of it." #moleg — Will Schmitt (@ws_missouri) May 8, 2018

Judge will allow the name of the woman accusing Greitens of sexual misconduct to be referred to in court Brian Robbins & Ben Striker St. Louis Circuit Judge Rex Burlison on Wednesday afternoon ruled that the woman at the center of Governor Eric Greitens sexual misconduct case will have her full name be referred to during the trial, along with her ex-husband. Greitens defense team successfully argued that if she was only referred to as a victim during the trial, the court could assume that she’s truthful and that misconduct truly took place. Burlison also pointed out the woman never filed a police report following the alleged abuse which is claimed to take place in Greitens’ family home in 2015. Thus far during the trial, the alleged victim has only been referred to by her initials, K.S., and her ex-husband as P.S. In another motion filed by the prosecution, Burlison stood by his decision to strike three expert witnesses that the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office was going to use in the trial, which is set to begin next week. Two of the three are electrical engineers, who according to the prosecution, would help clarify that K.S. heard the distinct shutter sound an iPhone makes while taking a picture. In addition, the expert witnesses would also clarify to the court that when an iPhone takes a picture it’s technically already transmitted because it was transmitted from the camera to

the phone’s storage. Burlison said there was no need for these expert witnesses because it’s up to the jury to determine whether or not that’s technically a transmission of a photograph. Burlison denied another prosecution motion, which asked the judge to strike any testimony relating to the $120,000 paid to Al Watkins, the lawyer for the ex-husband of Greitens’ accuser. Chief Trial Assistant Robert Dierker argued that information about the money drop-offs would distract the jury, but Burlison disagreed and said jurors should consider the interests of every witness involved. Burlison decided not to make a ruling on whether or not to allow the defense to call the prosecution’s former lead investigator, William Don Tisaby. Prosecutors are trying to bar him from the case altogether, but defense attorney Scott Rosenblum said he has “infected” the case and that the defense should be allowed to show that to the jury. Tisaby invoked his Fifth Amendment right during a second deposition two weeks ago. He has been accused by the defense of withholding evidence and “molding witnesses.” Lawyers from the defense and prosecution agreed only one person from each side would be allowed to question witnesses called to the stand during the trial. They also said jurors

would not be allowed to hear evidence of any sort about the other investigations Greitens is facing. Also on Wednesday, Burlison rejected media requests for audio recordings and sketch artists in the courtroom but said he would allow still photography for the first 10 minutes on the first day of the trial. He added that an overflow room with a TV monitor showing the courtroom proceedings would be available each day of the trial at the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court, located at 10 N Tucker Blvd. In closing of what will likely be the last pretrial hearing, Burlison described how the jury selection process will take place on Thursday, Friday, and Monday. According to the judge, 40 potential jurors will be taken into the courthouse Thursday morning and given a clipboard with various questions regarding the case, followed by an additional 40 potential candidates in the afternoon. The trial is set to begin on Tuesday, May 15, and Burlison said he expects the entire case to last a week. Greitens is accused of allegedly taking a picture of a bound and partially nude woman with whom he was having an affair with at the time and threatened to blackmail her if she made the affair public.

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GREITENS INVESTIGATIONS

No video cameras in the courtroom for Greitens' trial Benjamin Peters ST. LOUIS – No video cameras will be allowed in the courtroom during the trial of Missouri Governor Eric Greitens, per a ruling by Circuit Judge Rex Burlison on Thursday. Citing concerns that video recording devices could be cause for security concerns in an already high-profile case, Burlison said that with the governor in the courtroom, it "causes an additional security risk." Both the prosecution and the governor's alleged victim have objected to the use of video cameras during the trial, with attorneys citing concerns for privacy. Burlison said he would consider a request to allow audio recording and still photography after an attorney requested him to reconsider. Greitens' trial starts May 14, centering on an invasion of privacy charge stemming from an extramarital affair in 2015. Greitens stands accused of taking a partially nude photo of the woman while she was bound and blindfolded in the basement of his home. Mark Sableman, the attorney representing news media, says he is disappointed in the ruling, calling video an "anti-spin antidote."

Judge will not strike testimony of key witness in invasion of privacy case Ben Striker & Brian Robbins

The judge presiding over the criminal invasion of privacy case against Gov. Eric Greitens said Monday he would not strike testimony from the woman accusing him of taking a picture of her without consent while she was bound, blindfolded, and partially nude. The defense sought to suppress the testimony given by K.S., the woman at the center of the case, since she was interviewed by William Don Tisaby, the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s former lead investigator, who was accused by the defense of lying under oath, withholding evidence, and “molding witnesses.” But St. Louis Circuit Judge Rex Burlison refused to block that testimony, saying the jury must decide K.S.’s credibility. "The law favors a full hearing,” Burlison said. “The defense is correct in that this case reeks of sanctions, but I’m not going to deprive the public and the administration of justice from having a full hearing on the evidence.” Burlison did question the prosecution about the evidence. In response, trial assistant Robert Dierker said they have no direct evidence of a photo or witnesses who can testify to what may have been pictured in that photo. Dierker, however, said they do have circumstantial evidence. Burlison also on Monday struck three expert witnesses that the St. Louis Circuit Attor-

ney’s Office was going to use in the trial, which is set to begin May 14. Two of the three are electrical engineers, who according to the prosecution, would help clarify that K.S. heard the distinct shutter sound an iPhone makes while taking a picture. In addition, the expert witnesses would also clarify to the court that when an iPhone takes a picture it’s technically already transmitted because it was transmitted from the camera to the phone’s storage. Burlison said there was no need for these expert witnesses because it’s up to the jury to determine whether or not that’s technically a transmission of a photograph. Also according to Greitens’ defense attorney Jim Martin, Scott Faughn (the publisher of the Missouri Times and the Clayton Times) reportedly delivered $20,000 in addition to the $50,000 in cash he has admitted to. Martin said Watkins, in his deposition, admitted Faughn made two additional $10,000 payments to Watkins, who is representing the ex-husband of the woman at the center of the case. Faughn, in an editorial published Thursday, said he paid Watkins for the tapes and resulting necessary legal services between the woman and her ex-husband in an attempt to use them as source documents for a book revolv-

PHOTO/BRIAN ROBBINS - CLAYTON TIMES

ing around the Greitens campaign. Martin said the defense team has had difficulty locating the publisher, stating that he’s been avoiding getting subpoenaed. “Mr. Faughn is apparently on the run and we can’t find him for a subpoena,” Martin said at the hearing. In a pretrial hearing scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, Burlison said he would make a ruling on whether or not he would allow still photos and audio equipment in the courtroom during the trial. Burlison ruled last week he would not allow cameras in the courtroom. Burlison added that he would not rule on the defense’s motion for a bench trial until after the jury selection process has taken place. Jury selection is scheduled to take place Thursday and Friday, in which about 80 candidates will be brought in and asked to take a questionnaire and respond to whether or not they’ve heard anything about the case. Potential jurors will be brought back the following Monday, when the prosecution and defense will start the striking of jurors process. Greitens stands accused of taking a partially nude photo of the woman while she was bound and blindfolded in the basement of his home in 2015.

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Annual Lake of the Ozarks Ice Cream Social May 9, 2018 (ALISHA SHURR/THE MISSOURI TIMES)

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10 GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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Missouri House recognizes importance of sheltered workshops Alisha Shurr The Missouri House recognized the importance of sheltered workshops to local communities as they unanimously perfected a bill aimed at promoting financial stability in the monthly funds received from the state. “This is a very simple bill. It is a bill for sheltered workshops,” said bill sponsor Rep. Rory Rowland, whose son works at a sheltered workshop. “They have not had a raise for their fees since probably 2008,

workshop a sum determined by specified criteria, but no less than $21 per day for each handicapped employee. “The state has not exactly met their obligations financially over the years, in fact under the formula a lot of years we run short. We’ll get a check in May but not necessary a check in June because the funds have run out,” said Rep. David Wood, who has been involved in his local sheltered workshop for more than 30 years. “I believe it is already in the budget, already ready to go,” said Rowland. “It just a question of getting this up and in front of the body so that we can have it perfected and then printed.” Representatives from both sides of the aisle and around the state praised the important role sheltered workshops play in communities, to families, and to the state. “Everyone who works there is happy to have a job and is happy to be able to pro-

“For all of those who support the developmentally disabled and the sheltered workshops and the people they serve every day, this is important to do,” said Rep. Jack Bondon. 2010. This would raise the fee from $19 to $21.” HB 2644 would require that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education pay monthly, out of appropriated funds for that purpose, to each sheltered

vide for themselves. They are an integral part of our community, the workforce of Franklin County,” said Justin Alferman. In his county, the sheltered workshop plays an integral role in making a piece of a part that those on every single valve made by the largest employer in the City of Washington. “I just want to point out how many sheltered workshops play an integral role in economic development of our state,” said Alferman. The General Assembly often times takes up legislation they feel is important with the aim of making a difference and this is one of those bills, according to Rep. Nate Walker. “For all of those who support the developmentally disabled and the sheltered workshops and the people they serve every day, this is important to do,” said Rep. Jack Bondon. A standing ovation followed the perfection of the bill in a 136-0 vote. “This means so much to my family, my son,” said Rowland.

ICYMI

Special session to consider Greitens impeachment becomes a reality Lawmakers to consider action against Greitens beginning May 18 Benjamin Peters The Missouri Legislature will be headed to a special session to hold possible impeachment hearings against Republican Gov. Eric Greitens starting May 18th. In a historic move, and just one day after the release of a second report by the House’s Special Investigative Committee on Oversight, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle in the Missouri House gathered 138 signatures to call themselves into special session. Members of the Missouri Senate met behind closed doors on Thursday afternoon for hours discussing the matter, before finally turning in 29 signatures. “The power to discipline elected officials is the most serious of legislative powers,” Speaker Todd Richardson said. “In recognition of this fact, the House and the Senate agree that the committee should have the time it needs to conduct a fair, thorough, and timely investigation.” According to the petition, lawmakers will return to session to consider the findings and recommendations of the House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight’s work regarding Gov. Eric Greitens, “including, but not limited to disciplinary actions” against the Republican executive.

CONTINUED AT MISSOURITIMES.COM

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11 GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Missouri legislature gives bill legalizing industrial hemp final approval Alisha Shurr

The Missouri General Assembly has voted to give farmers the option of growing another crop. On Wednesday, the Senate made some technical changes to Rep. Paul Curtman’s bill legalizing industrial hemp and passed HB 2034 in a 29-3 vote. Coming back to the lower chamber on Thursday, the House adopted the changes and voted 133-6 in favor of the bill. “This bill has been four years in the making,” said Curtman. “I’m looking forward to getting this out of both chambers and signed by the governor.” Currently 34 states, including Nebraska, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas — five of the eight states that border Missouri — allow the cultivation of hemp for commercial, research, or pilot programs.

The bill authorizes a pilot program in Missouri for hemp — as outlined in the 2014 U.S. Farm Bill. Farmers would be required to undergo a background check, obtain a permit from the Department of Agriculture, and submit to random testing of the crop. Hemp production would be limited to 2,000 acres statewide and to 10 acres to 40 acres per farmer — unless for research purposes. “I think it’s a shame to pass it, [we] needed to put in so many limiting restrictions,” said Rep. Deb Lavender. “I’m concerned about who gets to have a license, where they get to plant... who is going to get the opportunity. I’m just concerned with licenses fees, backgrounds check, we are already selecting who gets to win at this game.” Hemp and marijuana come from the same

cannabis species, Cannabis sativa, but are from different subspecies making them scientifically and genetically different. Industrial hemp — which has less than .3 percent THC — is non-psychoactive, which means it is unable to intoxicate the user, and specially bred for fiber and oil use. The close relationship between hemp and marijuana has resulted in some pushback previously. During a Senate hearing, a retired state trooper argued the bill would legalize marijuana because law enforcement wouldn’t be able to tell the plants apart. Backers of the bill argue that the cultivation of hemp will keep Missouri’s economic dollars in the state and be a boon for farmers. The product can be used in an estimated 25,000 products, according to the Congressio-

nal Research Service, including rope, clothes, food, paper, textiles, plastics, insulation, biofuel, and concrete. "Right now, we have manufacturers who currently have to import industrial hemp from out of the state, sometimes from out of the country," Curtman said. “There is a paper manufacturer in west central Missouri who uses hemp in the manufacturing of their paper,” said Curtman. “There are restaurants around the state that use byproducts of industrial hemp.” This legislation will enable those businesses to purchase the product from Missouri farmers instead of importing hemp, in turning keeping economic dollars in the state, according to supporters.

Legislature holding off delivering truly agree and passed bills to Greitens' desk

Only two bills signed into law so far, more than 30 still waiting Benjamin Peters

With less than two weeks before the end of the 2018 legislative session, literally hundreds of bills are set to die. But at the same time, the bills that have passed both chambers are not moving forward, either. In 2017, the state legislature gave their approval to roughly 80 bills, but the question now is this: how many bills will reach the Governor’s desk in 2018? To date, only two bills have been signed into law by Gov. Eric Greitens, though 33 more have been truly agreed to and finally passed by the chambers. (UPDATE: The two chambers, after the writing of this story, truly agreed and passed HB 2015, which deals with the supplemental budget, on Tuesday, May 8.) That’s because, while the bills’ work in the legislature is finished, leadership in

the state legislature has not advanced the legislation to the Governor. “Are we or are we not sending bills to the governor to sign? Because we had a discussion a couple of weeks ago where many of us agreed that he was not fit to serve but to sign his name on any legislation here in Missouri,” Nasheed said to Sen. Kehoe. “I don’t want to believe that we are sending bills to the governor for him to sign.” Kehoe directed Nasheed to ask President Pro Tem Ron Richard, who makes that decision. Minority leadership in the Senate has requested that the chamber hold off on sending legislature to the governor. Some legislators are concerned that Greitens could threaten to withhold his signatures

in either an attempt to leverage support or punish those who have signed their names to the call for a special session concerning potential impeachment proceedings. President Pro Tem Richard has said in past weeks that he has been scheduled to meet with the minority leader to discuss the delayed deliverance of the legislation, but also stated that he would be able to delay signing off on the bills if he believes Greitens may try to leverage his signature and veto powers. But, on that same thread, Richard has denied any concern that the ongoing troubles for Gov. Greitens have slowed down the legislature’s work, saying that the Senate’s role amidst all of this is to stand steady and firm. Regardless, the deadline still remains,

and legislation must be delivered by May 30. There is, however, no rules that state the legislature must send bills before that deadline. In fact, the House Speaker and Senate President Pro Tem will often wait until after session to sign and deliver the bills to the Governor's desk. In 2017, they waited until May 22 to deliver the majority of the bills. There still remains a string of legislative priorities among the Republicans, who dominate both chambers, including tax reform, prevailing wage, tort reform, utility rate reform, abortion, medical marijuana, or even the Sunshine Law changes. A list of the bills that have been truly agreed to and finally passed but still await the Governor’s signature is available at missouritimes.com.

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12 CAMPAIGN

More than 370K Missourians sign initiative petition to place medical marijuana issue on the November ballot New Approach Missouri turned in 372,483 signatures to the Missouri Secretary of State’s office, which would place the medical marijuana issue on the November ballot. The proposed constitutional amendment would allow Missouri to become the 30th state that allows state-licensed physicians to recommend medical marijuana to patients with debilitating illnesses. Even though it only takes approximately 160,000 total signatures to qualify for the ballot, the campaign collected a near-record amount of signatures for a Missouri ballot campaign thanks in large part to hundreds of volunteers. This also means that even if other medical marijuana initiatives make the ballot, the New Approach Missouri question will be the first one voters will see on their November ballot. “The outpouring of support and compassion Missourians have shown by backing our medical marijuana effort has been extraordinary,” said Jack Cardetti, New Approach Missouri spokesman. “We have the most dedicated group of volunteers that spent countless hours collecting signatures in the hopes that their loved ones can be helped by this medical treatment option. We especially want to thank Missouri veterans for their tremendous support of New Approach Missouri. We encourage Missourians to join our campaign and help put patients and their doctors back in charge of their own health care.” The proposal would provide potential treatment and relief to Missouri patients who suffer from cancer, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, spinal-cord injuries and other serious or debilitating medical conditions. Only those patients whose physicians certify in writing that they have a legitimate and serious medical need would be allowed to purchase medical marijuana under this proposal. The state would license and regulate those who are allowed to cultivate and dispense medical marijuana. As part of the proposal, the small tax paid on medical marijuana and the fees associat-

CONTINUED AT MISSOURITIMES.COM

Minimum wage, Clean Missouri, and medical marijuana:

Six initiatives turn in signatures seeking the ballot Benjamin Peters

With the deadline to turn in signatures for initiative petitions in the Show-Me State now behind us, a number of proposals are primed to appear before Missouri voters, provided their signatures are verified. More than 300 initiative petitions were filed this year, but just six petitions crossed the finish line at the Secretary of State’s office this past weekend, four of which deal with the subject of medical marijuana. Here’s a breakdown of the six: MINIMUM WAGE Statutory Amendment: 2018-204 relating to minimum wage (S) - Raise Up Missouri/Missouri Business for a Fair Minimum Wage Teaming up with the newly launched Missouri Business for a Fair Minimum Wage, Raise Up Missouri is looking to raise the state’s minimum wage in an effort to equalize wages with the costs of inflation over the years. The group turned in 120,000 signatures last week, with their petition calling for a gradual increase that eventually caps at $12 in 2023. increase the state minimum wage to $8.60 per hour with 85 cents per hour increase each year until 2023, when the state minimum wage would be $12.00 per hour; exempt government employers from the above increase; and increase the penalty for paying employees less than the minimum wage POTENTIAL COST: State and local governments estimate no direct costs or savings from the proposal, but operating costs could increase by an unknown annual amount that could be significant. State and local government tax revenue could change by an unknown annual amount ranging from a $2.9 million decrease to a $214 million increase depending on business decisions. CLEAN MISSOURI Constitutional Amendment: 2018-048, relating to general assembly - Clean Missouri Perhaps the most controversial of the initiative petitions, at least among lawmakers, Clean Missouri is the attempt at bringing changes to ethics and accountability for elected officials. The proposal calls for a lobbyist gift ban, limits for campaign contributions, a cooling off period before becoming a lobbyist, and changes to how redistricting is done. It’s been heavily supported by Republican Sen. Rob Schaaf, who has stood as a staunch opponent against so-called “dark money” in politics. change process and criteria for redrawing state legislative districts during reapportionment; change limits on campaign contributions that candidates for state legislature can accept from individuals or entities;

establish a limit on gifts that state legislators, and their employees, can accept from paid lobbyists; prohibit state legislators, and their employees, from serving as paid lobbyists for a period of time; prohibit political fundraising by candidates for or members of the state legislature on State property; and require legislative records and proceedings to be open to the public POTENTIAL COST: State governmental entities estimate annual operating costs may increase by $189,000. Local governmental entities expect no fiscal impact. MEDICAL MARIJUANA The final four initiative petitions deal with the subject of medical marijuana. Nearly all of the petitions deal with the allowing of patients to access medical marijuana, but the difference lies in how it would be regulated and taxed. Constitutional Amendment: 2018-051, relating to medical marijuana - New Approach Missouri allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes, and create regulations and licensing/certification procedures for marijuana and marijuana facilities; impose a 4 percent tax on the retail sale of marijuana; and use funds from these taxes for health and care services for military veterans by the Missouri Veterans Commission and to administer the program to license/certify and regulate marijuana and marijuana facilities POTENTIAL COST: This proposal is estimated to generate annual taxes and fees of $18 million for state operating costs and veterans programs, and $6 million for local governments. Annual state operating costs are estimated to be $7 million. Constitutional Amendment: 2018 -041 relating to medical marijuana - Find the Cure allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes, and create regulations and licensing procedures for marijuana and marijuana facilities; impose a 15 percent tax on the retail sale of marijuana, and a tax on the wholesale sale of marijuana flowers and leaves per dry-weight ounce to licensed facilities; and use funds from these taxes to establish and fund a state research institute to conduct research with the purpose of developing cures and treatments for cancer and other incurable diseases or medical conditions POTENTIAL COST: This proposal is estimated to generate annual taxes and fees of $66 million. State governmental entities estimate initial implementation costs of $186,000 and increased annual

operating costs of $500,000. Constitutional Amendment: 2018-223, relating to personal and medical marijuana use - Charles Jones remove state prohibitions on the possession, growth and sale of cannabis (marijuana) for personal or medical use by anyone 18 years and older; remove state prohibitions on marijuana possession by anyone under 18; remove state prohibitions on marijuana use by anyone under 18 if the minor has parental or legal guardian consent or a physician's recommendation; release people incarcerated for nonviolent marijuana-related crimes unless the person has additional time to serve for another dissimilar offense; and prohibit using state funds to assist in federal marijuana offense enforcement POTENTIAL COST: This proposal is estimated to result in annual state savings of $11 million. Additional state operating costs resulting from this proposal are estimated at $700,000 annually. Local law enforcement costs could increase. Statutory Amendment: 2018-271, relating to medical marijuana - Missourians for Patient Care remove state prohibitions on personal use and possession of medical cannabis (marijuana) with a written certification by a physician who treats a patient diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition; remove state prohibitions on growth, possession, production, and sale of medical marijuana by licensed and regulated facilities, and a facility's licensed owners and employees; impose a 2% tax on the retail sale of medical marijuana; and use funds from this tax for veterans' services, drug treatment, early childhood education, and for public safety in cities with a medical marijuana facility POTENTIAL COST: State government entities estimate initial and one-time costs of $2.6 million, annual costs of $10 million, and annual revenues of at least $10 million. Local government entities estimate no annual costs and are expected to have at least $152,000 in annual revenues. RIGHT-TO-WORK Meanwhile, the only initiative petition to have been verified and on the ballot this year is the referendum concerning Missouri's right-to-work law. However, it still remains to be seen whether that item will appear on the November ballot or the August primary, as legislation is still pending in the Missouri legislature.

The Missouri Times

CAMPAIGN

Initiative petitions could cause uptick in voters for November election Alisha Shurr

Provided the six initiative petitions meet the signature requirements, Missourians will be seeing them on the November general election ballot. Of the 371 initiative petitions filed for the 2018 election, 158 approved for circulation with only six turned in signatures. Limiting lobbyist gifts, raising the minimum wage, and four related to marijuana were among the petitions that submitted signatures. The measure proposed by Raise up Missouri would increase the state’s minimum wage to $12 an hour in 2023. The current minimum wage is $7.85 an hour. The increases would be made in 85 cent increments. Clean Missouri’s proposal would restrict lobbyist gifts to lawmakers to $5, decrease the contribution amount to campaigns, extend the wait time for a politician to become a lobbyist, and change how district lines for the General Assembly are drawn. Three of the proposals would legalize medical marijuana and one would legalize recreational and medical marijuana. Four are constitutional amendments needing a minimum of roughly 152,000 signatures from registered voters in six of the eight congressional districts to get on the ballot. Two are statutory amendments needing just under 100,000 signatures. States that have petition initiatives on ballots feature higher voter turnouts, according to the Initiative and Referendum Institute. In presidential years that uptick in voter turnout is between 3 percent and 4.5 percent. In midterm years — such as the 2018 election — the increase ranges from 7 percent to 9 percent. While the measures submitted for Missouri’s ballot vary in topics, they are likely to attract progressive voters. Measures on marijuana and minimum wage increases tend to be favored by Democrats and younger voters. Colorado in 2012, when marijuana was on the ballot, saw 10 percent more millennial voters than the national average. However, that trend didn’t follow in all states with similar measures — Washington and Arizona’s youth

turnout followed the national trend. According to the Pew Research Center, in 2016, 63 percent of Republican millennials and 77 percent of Democratic millennials support the legalization of marijuana. Democrat across generations tend to favor legalizing marijuana. Republicans across generations tend to be against legalization — though that is a changing trend. Medical marijuana has gained steadily gained more support from Republicans, the House even passing a bill giving patients with debilitating illness access to it. Several Republicans — but not all — have claimed that Clean Missouri is aimed at helping Democrats and decreasing the Republican majority based on the provision the would alter the way redistricting to done. “Clean Missouri is a sham and designed to get Republicans out of the way,” House Floor Majority Leader Rob Vescovo stated on Twitter. Clean Missouri backers tout the initiative as aiming to create a fairer system. Either way, it has the potential to encourage both sides to vote. “The 2002 and 2006 Senate elections illustrate that a relatively small margin can make a huge difference,” said Republican consultant James Harris. “In 2002, Senator Jim Talent won the special election by a margin of 1.1 percent, just over 21,000 votes. In 2006, he lost by 2.3 percent, just over 48,000 votes. If you look at the issues on the ballot, there were three liberal-oriented issues in 2006 – a minimum wage increase, a tobacco tax increase, and stem cell research. It is not hard to imagine these making a difference.” With some potential tight races in November, such as the U.S. Senate race, it is not inconceivable for some Republicans to want the initiatives moved to the August primary. Legislation was filed in the House to move the rightto-work referendum to August. "In the general election, Republicans would prefer to talk about core issues – lower taxes, smaller government, and supporting President

Trump – than continually get asked questions about initiatives relating to marijuana legalization and other liberal issues," said Harris. Under the constitution, the governor has the power to change the ballot date of measures amending the constitution. “All amendments proposed by the general assembly or by the initiative shall be submitted to the electors for their approval or rejection by official ballot title as may be provided by law, on a separate ballot without party designation, at the next general election, or at a special election called by the governor prior thereto, at which he may submit any of the amendments,” states Article XII, Section 2(b) of the Missouri constitutional. The Secretary of State’s Office “would not weigh in on” if that power also would apply to statutory amendments. The Article II, Section 52(b), dealing with veto power—elections—effective date of initiatives, states, “All elections on measures referred to the people shall be had at the general state elections, except when the general assembly shall order a special election.” The Office of the SOS has been in communication with the Governor’s office for several months with regard to the question if the measures would be moved to August. On Monday, Gov. Eric Greitens told the SOS office that he “will not move any of the ballot measures.” Reminder for @realDonaldTrump @The_ RGA @GOP @NRSC @SenateMajLdr: Eric Greitens is now doing everything he can to endanger our Senate Majority. And all of it in a fit of personal piqué. #MOSen #MOLeg https://t.co/ZsZ1J8qZeE — Gregg Keller (@RGreggKeller) May 9, 2018 If Greitens has chosen to move the measures to August, the signatures would first need to be verified — a process that can take months. In that scenario, the SOS Office "would have done what was necessary to place the measure on the August ballot."

Amid filing controversy, Scot Van Meter withdraws from Missouri Senate race Alisha Shurr After Republican outcry and the filing of a lawsuit, Scot Van Meter has officially withdrawn as a candidate for the Missouri Senate. Van Meter is currently serving as the Democrat-elected Buchanan County Assessor, a post he has held since 2001. He entered the race to replace term-limited Sen. Rob Schaaf as a Republican, a move that led many to cry foul. “Running a democrat from Buchanan as a republican for my seat in order to split the vote and advantage the machine's candidate Leutkemeyer shows their desperation and total lack of honor,” Schaaf said on Twitter in March. Tony Luetkemeyer and Harry Roberts are Republicans running for the seat. The 34th Republican Senatorial District Committee filed a lawsuit on April 30 for a preliminary and permanent injunction against the Secretary of State, Jay Ashcroft, and Van Meter. They cited an April filing with the Missouri Ethics Commission where Van Meter is listed as a Democrat — after having filed to run as a Republican. On May 4, just days after the lawsuit was filed, Van Meter withdrew his candidacy according to the Secretary of State’s website.

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THINGS THAT THINGS THAT HAPPENED HAPPEN LAST WEEK THIS WEEK

Budget passed and the Republican dominated 14 Greitens trial for felony legislature fully funds the invasion of privacy begins foundation formula for the second year. 15 Diane Franklin Fundraiser – Downtown Rep. Curtis says he will take Diner, Jefferson City, MO – legal action to get on SD14 7:30 a.m. ballot 18 Regular session ends at Hawley heads to Indiana for 6:00 p.m. fundraiser with VP Pence

Courthouse ramps up security 18 Special session begins ahead of trial at 6:30 p.m. Hemp legalization is truly agreed and finally passed

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Remembering John Hearne Longtime Jefferson City attorney and Republican activist passes Benjamin Peters Citizens of the Capital City and those in the political realm are remembering the passing of a legendary figure in Jefferson City this week. John Hearne, an attorney, conservative, and father to Sarah Steelman, Missouri’s Commissioner for the Office of Administration, passed away on Sunday, May 6, at the age of 92. Hearne was a staple in Jefferson’s legal world, practicing law for more than 60 years. He graduated from the University of Missouri School of Law in 1950. He was a senior partner at the Jefferson City-based law firm Hearne and Green, with his office being set up across from the Cole County Courthouse for more than half a century. In his long career, Hearnes mentored numerous lawyers and judges, while clients of his remember him for his ethics and heart, always putting them first and foremost. Hearnes was also known for his activities in the community and with the Republican Party, having served on

the Jefferson City School Board and as the chairman of the Cole County Republican Committee. Steelman and her family have often

recalled ringing doorbells for Barry Goldwater in 1964. Following his defeat, Hearne opened the conservative

bookstore, known as The Freedom Center, in Jefferson City in an effort to nurture the pulse of conservatism and encourage the discussion of ideas. Hearne often liked to host political discussions, both at home or in his law office, a tradition that still continues to this day. That same home was the location from which Steelman chose to announce her second run for state treasurer. In her speech, she called the Hearne home a magical place in which she as a child had been privileged and welcomed to participate in political discussions, ideas, and the future of the state and nation. The visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 11:30 am until 1:00 p.m. Friday, May 11, 2018. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 pm Friday, May 11, 2018 in the Freeman Chapel with Tim Cook, Pastor of Greentree Christian Church in Rolla, officiating. Interment will be at Riverview Cemetery.

Drivewyze weigh-in-motion technology up and running Alisha Shurr JOPLIN, Mo. — Drivewyze bypass stations in Joplin are fully activated and operational, marking the second company to have weigh-in-motion scales (WIMS) installed on Missouri’s highways. Most states own their own WIM sensors, however, Missouri’s situation is unique in that the scales are actually independently owned. The WIM scales — until the ones recently installed by Drivewyze — have been owned and managed by HELP, Inc., a nonprofit based in Arizona. In mid-April 2017, MoDOT awarded proposals to both HELP and Drivewyze to manage Missouri’s WIM scales. Since

all the scales at that point were owned by HELP, after being unable to come to an agreement, Drivewyze installed their own WIM technology. To follow the RFP requirements, it looks as if Drivewyze will be installing their own sensors at all 19 weigh stations around the state, though they wanted to only install at eight stations to meet their customer’s needs. In a mark of bad luck, and potentially being in the wrong place at the wrong time, the rental car of a Drivewyze employee observing semi-trucks traveling the interstate in Joplin was shot at.

On April 18, Brian Taylor was coordinating to make sure WIM scales and the weigh stations were reading the same weight for a semi-truck. While approximately 100 feet away from his vehicle, he heard five gunshots and saw a car driving away quickly. Walking back to his vehicle, Taylor found a broken driver’s side window and five holes in the driver’s side of the vehicle. Taylor was not injured, according to the police report. Police have no suspects in the shooting. The reason for the shooting is unclear.

Lobbyist Moves Courtesy of the Gate Way Group

Changes on: 05/09/2018 Added ELI LILLY AND Brandon Peck COMPANY Added US GREEN Rebecca Lohmann BUILDING COUNCIL Added AIR METHODS Tony R Dugger Daniel R Pfeifer Added THE CAVALRY Added AIR METHODS GROUP Gregory Porter Richard I Martin Added AIR METHODS Deleted PAYLOCK IPT Sarah Schlemeier Drew Wolford Added Deleted TICKETNETWORK SALESFORCECOM INC Zachary Brunnert Changes on: 05/08/2018 Deleted AIR METHODS Christopher A Molendorp CORPORATION Added Francis E Flotron W E SHOEHIGH LLC ON Deleted AIR METHODS BEHALF OF EXPEDIA INC CORPORATION Glenn Spencer David Mccracken Deleted Deleted AIR METHODS US CHAMBER INSTITUTE CORPORATION FOR LEGAL REFORM Richard A Mcintosh Changes on: 05/07/2018 Deleted AIR METHODS Linda Barefoot CORPORATION Added Bill Stouffer PURDUE PHARMA Deleted AIR METHODS Shanon M Hawk CORPORATION Added JOHNSTON Changes on: 04/29/2018 ASSOCIATES INC Thomas R Robbins Eapen Thampy Added JEFFERSON Added HEARTLAND CITY MEDICAL GROUP PRIORITIES Changes on: 04/28/2018 Eapen Thampy Charles Andy Arnold Added HONUXPRESS Deleted LPC INC Brian Wahby Charles Andy Arnold Added STL AVIATION Deleted JOE L THOMPGROUP LLC SON CONSULTING Eapen Thampy Charles Andy Arnold Deleted Deleted CONSUMER ONE GRO WORLDWIDE LENDING ALLIANCE INC INC Changes on: 04/27/2018 Changes on: 05/04/2018 Kenneth R Clark Heath C Clarkston Added Added US TERM LIMITS VERIZON WIRELESS Changes on: 04/26/2018 Doug Nelson Jeffery N Brooks Added Added AIR EVAC VERIZON WIRELESS Zachary Brunnert Kurt Schaefer Added HOLOGIC INC Added Alex T Eaton VERIZON WIRELESS Added Deirdre K Hirner IMPOSSIBLE FOODS Deleted William A Gamble AMERICAN WIND ENERAdded AIR EVAC GY ASSOCIATION Cynthia Gamble Deirdre K Hirner Added AIR EVAC Deleted Kathryn Gamble HIRNER ASSOCIATES LLC Added AIR EVAC Changes on: 05/03/2018 Rebecca Lohmann Chris Grimm Added Added JAND INC DBA IMPOSSIBLE FOODS WARBY PARKER David Mccracken Chris Grimm Added HOLOGIC INC Added Richard A Mcintosh SIMPLE CONTACTS INC Added HOLOGIC INC Changes on: 05/02/2018 Daniel R Pfeifer Casey E Elliott Added Added IMPOSSIBLE FOODS VAN MATRE HARRISON Gregory Porter HOLLIS TAYLOR ELLIOTT Added AND HICKS PC IMPOSSIBLE FOODS Emily W Little Jorgen Schlemeier Added UNIVERSITY Added AIR EVAC OF MISSOURI Sarah Topp Betsy Ledgerwood Aubuchon Added AIR EVAC Deleted Changes on: 04/25/2018 SUPREME COURT OF Ross Garber MISSOURI Added OFFICE OF Betsy Ledgerwood Aubuchon THE GOVERNOR OF MIS Deleted SOURI JUDICIAL CONFERENCE Kenneth Quinn OF MISSOURI Added Changes on: 05/01/2018 US TERM LIMITS Sarah Schlemeier J Bret Johnson Added COALITION OF Deleted HELP INC SERVICE PROVIDERS OF Changes on: 04/24/2018 ST CHARLES COUNTY Salvatore Panettiere James Farnsworth Added Deleted UNIVERSITY EXTENET SYSTEMS INC OF MISSOURI OFFICE OF David Willis GENERAL COUNSEL Added NATIONAL Mary Timothy Phillips BASKETBALL ASSOCIADeleted PREFERRED TION NBA FAMILY HEALTHCARE David Willis Brian Treece Added MAJOR Deleted PREFERRED LEAGUE BASEBALL MLB FAMILY HEALTHCARE Jason Zamkus Andrea Young Added LATHROP Deleted GAGE CONSULTING LLC PORT AUTHORITY OF Jason Zamkus KANSAS CITY Added ASSOCIATION Changes on: 04/30/2018 OF MISSOURI ELECTRICAL Alex T Eaton COOPERATIVES Added AIR METHODS Charles Ballard Thomas Guyer Deleted AGAPE

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Paid for by Missouri REALTORS®, John Sebree, CEO.

Support the Missouri First-Time Homebuyer Initiative Here’s how the program works:

Most Americans still dream of owning their own home. Homeownership strengthens communities, provides stability for families and helps build financial strength. But saving enough money for a down payment and closing costs is too hard for many Missourians—especially for young people and those looking to buy their first home. Low paying jobs, the cost of living and high student loan payments are tough obstacles to overcome. Many people don’t know where to start. That’s why we need the Missouri FirstTime Homebuyer Initiative—a new idea to help prospective homebuyers save for their first home.

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We should be doing more to help first-time homebuyers— not with government handouts but by providing incentives to encourage people to save more of their own money towards the cost of a home. That’s why we need to ask our legislators to approve the Missouri First-Time Homebuyer Initiative.

• The maximum amount that can be deposited over the life of the account is $25,000; the maximum total amount in the account is limited to $50,000. • Parents or grandparents can contribute to this account as well. • An amount equal to 50% of the annual contribution may be deducted from the contributor’s taxable gross income and any gain within the account would not be subject to state income taxes. • Money from the savings account would have to be used toward the purchase or construction of a first home.

Ask Your Legislator to Support the Missouri First-Time Homebuyer Initiative (HB 1796) Today! MissouriFirstHome.com MO_FTHB_MOTimes_9.75x11.indd 1

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