Missouri Times - May 22, 2018 by Missouri Times

The Missouri Times

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MAY 22, 2018

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Missouri Times The

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@MissouriTimes Scott Faughn, Publisher

OPINION

NAFTA important to the nation and to Missouri By Sen. Wayne Wallingford As a member of the Missouri State Senate and Chairman of Missouri Vets4Energy, there is little that I can do to influence one of the most serious and immediate issues facing our state and nation, namely the Trump Administration’s decision regarding the termination of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). However, like you, I can make my opinion known and that is the purpose of this opinion piece. There is no question that NAFTA works for America and for Missouri. Trade with Mexico and Canada supports 11 million jobs, and has resulted in an annual growth of $127 billion, according to recent studies. The U.S. oil and natural gas industry is a major component of that economic growth. In 2016, the U.S. sold 650 million barrels of crude oil and refined products to Canada and Mexico which supports our energy security and reinforced the buffer that U.S. production provides against overseas disruptions. Key federal negotiators of NAFTA must maintain provisions relating to the Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) which ensures that U.S. companies’ investments in Canada and Mexico are protected and providing American businesses operating across borders guarantee

that the same property and due process protections found in the U. S. Constitution will remain in place. Closer to home, according to a study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, termination of this agreement could jeopardize nearly 250,000 jobs in Missouri and $7.8 billion in revenues in our state (Kansas City Star Guest Commentary: Edward Hamberger, February 1, 2018). In that commentary, Mr. Hamberger who is President and CEO of the Association of American Railroads, writes that these benefits are “in large part due to the state’s manufacturing and agricultural sectors, which railroads assist in a major way in moving products for production and sale. More than 90 percent of the state’s motor vehicle manufacturing products go to Canada and Mexico.” NAFTA is one of those rare issues that both Senator Roy Blunt and Senator Claire McCaskill can agree that this trade deal has been a success. I join them in urging the Trump Administration to continue this trade compact with our neighbors and urge them to include protections such as ISDS in the final compact.

Senator Wayne Wallingford represents the 27th District and is Chairman of Missouri Vets4Energy.

The Missouri Times

TWEETS OF THE WEEK

Highlights in 280 characters or less. Ryan Silvey @RyanSilvey I was a young staffer in DC during the impeachment of Bill Clinton. I don’t seem to remember @ newtgingrich taking advice from Bill’s attorneys on how they should go about impeaching him. #moleg Jane Cunningham @JCunninghamMO If every legislator who has never, ever had an improper relationship outside marriage or has not used non-profit organization lists in their campaign, vote 4 impeachment, there will be very few affirmative votes and Greitens will remain governor. I hope hypocrites feel the guilt.

Gina Mitten @gcmitts

Sarah Barfield Graff @SarahJBGraff The end of this year’s #moleg session means a lot of effective citizen lawmakers are termed out. Sad. I’ve enjoyed working with many of them over the years and I’m sure many will continue to serve their communities in various ways.

HOT LIST

Appears the school across the street from #MoLeg is trying to imitate the circus that is the last 2 days of session #LifeImitatingPolitics

ROSENBLUM

His reputation as a top criminal defense lawyer is only bolstered by the dismissal of the Governor’s case dismissal and the scorched earth rumors.

POETRY

Sen. Schaaf wrote and read a lovely poem to Majority Floor

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Leader Kehoe on the last day of session that will likely become Capitol lore.

shirking a committee subpoena and quickly received 32k more pages of documentations.

REP. BARNES

SPEAKER RICHARDSON

His presence will be missed in the building next session, but his tactful leadership will continue through this trying and historic special session. His SICO sued the Governor’s campaign last week for

In spite of tribulations, this Speaker will go down in history as one of the best speakers Missouri has ever seen. His poise and grace is appreciated.

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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

The Missouri Times

GREITENS INVESTIGATIONS

Greitens for Missouri lawyer alleges Laub stole donor list for opponents, Laub denies wrongdoing Benjamin Peters

An attorney for Greitens for Missouri is looking to redirect the allegations concerning The Mission Continues donor list, suggesting that a former aide took the list for the veterans’ charity and shared it with an anti-Greitens political group. In a statement issued Thursday by Catherine Hanaway, she called the allegations against Greitens unfounded and said that Greitens’ defense team had asked for the House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight to cross-examine witnesses making the allegations that Greitens had improperly used the donor list, but have not done so. “They ought to, because, based on our research, it turns out that one of those witnesses actually did steal this list and use it improperly - in support of one of the Governor’s political rivals,” Hanaway said in the statement. “That’s right; a political organization called Patriots for America improperly used The Mission Continues donor list.” Hanaway continued, saying that Patriots for America had emailed anti-Greitens attacks to those donors. She pointed to Danny Laub as the source of the list, saying that, as a disgruntled employee, he had taken the list with him and gave it to Patriots for America, which had supported Republican candidate John Brunner. “An email sent by Patriots for America attacking the Governor was received by a personal friend of the Governor's—and TMC donor—who did not reside in Missouri, was not a Republican, was not a campaign donor, and was not even on the Greitens for Missouri email. The only list with his email was The Mission Continues list,” Hanaway’s statement read. Hanaway released a December 2015 email from a Greitens' campaign staffer confirming that she used the charity donor list for political fundraising, while also showing suspicions by Greitens staffers that Laub had delivered the list. Laub’s attorney, Sandy Boxerman, later responded with a statement denying any wrongdoing. "Danny Laub did not send any list of The Mission Continues, or anything else, to Patriots for America. After he left the Greitens campaign in the Fall of 2015, Danny in all respects abided by nondisclosure agreements he had with Mr. Greitens and his organizations. Danny has previously testified at great length and under oath about these matters. He truthfully and completely answered the questions asked of him. He has no interest in the outcome of the various investigations and inquiries now going on. We do note, for what it’s worth, that after he left the campaign Danny remained a supporter of Mr. Greitens in his efforts to be elected governor of Missouri. Danny, and his attorneys, are offended at the baseless allegations made against him today."

Cole County prosecutor will not file criminal charges against Greitens Benjamin Striker The Cole County prosecutor announced Friday he would not file criminal charges against Governor Eric Greitens after being contacted by Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley’s office. In a press release, Cole County Prosecuting Attorney Mark A. Richardson said he would not be seeking charges against the embattled Republican governor relating to alleged campaign finance violations. “This office has been provided by the Missouri Attorney General’s Office about that agency’s investigation into the Governor’s gubernatorial campaign,” Richardson said in a written statement. “After due consideration, I have decided not to file the criminal charge suggested by the AGO. My office has no further comment on this matter.” Richardson did not elaborate on why he declined to seek charges against Greitens. As part of a settlement with the Missouri Ethics Commission, Greitens’ campaign filed an amended finance report in 2017 indicating it received a charity donor list from a former campaign manager.

House members reassured of their duties in the event of impeachment Benjamin Peters

As Gov. Eric Greitens’ attorneys seek to prevent the impeachment of the embattled Republican governor, the House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight’s legal counsel is reminding both caucuses of what their roles are. Sources tell the Missouri Times that Edward "Chip" Robertson, the legal counselor for the investigative committee and a former state Supreme Court Justice, met with both the House Republican and the Democratic caucuses on Tuesday, where he discussed the impeachment process with them and explained their roles. He told that them that it was not their duty to decide the Governor’s guilt or innocence, but instead, their role is to determine if the alleged criminal acts meet the constitutional standards to remove the Governor from office. Once the House decides to move forward with impeachment, then the Senate would choose seven eminent jurists, which Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard stating that they had reached out to former judges for advice on how to go about selecting the jurists, though he has been adamant in his position that they have not proceeded any further. But the issue of the Governor’s guilt or innocence, Robertson reminded the House members, was not theirs to do. That comes later in the process - their role is simply to decide whether there is cause to proceed. With the dismissal of the trial, some Republicans have started pulling back, getting cold feet about a potential vote to impeach. And the work of the Governor’s Office lawyers has worked to cast some shadows of doubt upon the issue, particularly the issue of due process. Sources tell the Times that Robertson told the caucus members that the call from Greitens’ lawyers for due process was not applicable, noting that an impeachment proceeding is more akin to a grand jury proceeding than a trial. In impeachment proceedings, there is no cross-examination, just like a grand jury. Indeed, Chairman Jay Barnes also broke down

why due process doesn’t apply in the hearing on Wednesday, noting that no one has a right to an elected office and there are no criminal or civil penalties. One source described Robertson’s addressing of the caucus as almost a foresight into what was coming, with Robertson laying out exactly what Greitens’ attorneys would do in the coming hearing, including the laying out of rules, procedures, and a schedule for the special session. Robertson, in a previous statement, said that it seemed like the Governor’s legal team doesn’t understand how the impeachment process works, reaffirming what he had told the caucus members. "The House is not convicting anyone," he wrote. "Rather, the House serves to determine whether a public official should be impeached. Impeachment is akin to an indictment by a grand jury in some, but certainly not all, ways. Like an indictment, an impeachment is followed by a trial where due process is honored and the official impeached is given a fair hearing." But to get to that trial, the House special investigative committee first must file articles of impeachment, which they still have not done. And in the event that they do, the House must vote, as Robertson said, based on whether they believe there are grounds to impeach the Governor, not whether they believe him guilty or innocent. In essence, it’s basically a question of whether the House members feel that he is fit to serve, or could win an election in the current state of things. And another point that could affect proceedings is exactly how many articles could be filed: some speculate that nearly half a dozen could be in the works, ranging from the use of the Confide app, the Mission Continues donor list, the invasion of privacy investigation, dark money, the filing of false information with the Missouri Ethics Commission, or more. But for now, the name of the game is waiting; waiting to see how Chairman Barnes handles Greitens’ attorneys’ requests, waiting to see if articles of impeachment will be filed, and what comes next.

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GREITENS INVESTIGATIONS

Governor’s defense proposes timeline, recommends committee follow ‘hallmarks of due process’ Alisha Shurr

With the special session to explore potential disciplinary action against Gov. Eric Greitens days away from starting, the embattled governor wants proceedings to mirror a criminal trial. A letter sent by Edward D. Greim, partner at Graves Garrett, the law firm hired to represent the governor in potential impeachment proceeding; to Rep. Jay Barnes, the chairman of the House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight; and the House of Representative puts forth a potential timeline and requests certain procedures be followed. “…both branches of the government share a common interest in arriving at the truth in a way that does justice to the gravity of this unique moment in the history of our constitution and our state,” the letter sent May 11 states. The letter requests that whichever committee is tasked with hearing the evidence and making disciplinary recommendations follow “hallmarks of due process.”

The governor’s defense wants a list of all subject matters the committee is investigating, the ability to attending all proceedings — including hearings and meetings —, the ability to cross-examine all who testify, the ability to present their own witnesses — with subpoena power, and the ability to present documentary evidence. “Additionally, we respectfully propose a timetable that will allow proceedings to be completed within thirty days of May 18, 2018,” and “provide ample opportunity for the Committee to carefully consider reliable evidence,” the letter states. The proposed timetable is: On or before May 18 — House discloses list of issues to be addressed in disciplinary/impeachment proceedings, identifies the responsible committee, and adopts rules of procedure May 21 — Committee discloses list of witnesses and ex-

hibits and exculpatory evidence May 23 — Governor/Office of the Governor disclose list of witnesses and exhibits May 24 — Speaker issues subpoenas pursuant to Section 21.400, RSMo., on behalf of Committee and Governor/Office of the Governor June 4-8 — Evidentiary hearings, followed by summations June 11 — Committee transmits report, recommendations and full record of proceedings to the full record of proceedings to the full House “This seems more like a proposal for the trial. House process is the investigative/charging phase. Normally wouldn’t allow accused to cross examine at this stage or to see evidence. But after house votes, this schedule seems appropriate,” Chuck Hatfield tweeted on Tuesday morning. The Missouri Constitution lays out the process for im-

peachment in Article VII, Sections 1 and 2. Section 2 reads, “The house of representatives shall have the sole power of impeachment. All impeachments shall be tried before the supreme court, except that the governor or a member of the supreme court shall be tried by a special commission of seven eminent jurists to be elected by the senate. The supreme court or special commission shall take an oath to try impartially the person impeached, and no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of five-sevenths of the court or special commission.” The special session is set to begin on Friday at 6:30 p.m. In preparation for potential impeachment proceedings, Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard has reportedly looked at potential judges to serve on the jury of which the impeachment would be tried.

Barnes pleas for Greitens ‘Shell companies’ may to testify as committee have been used to looks at procedures conceal Greitens’ donors moving forward Alisha Shurr

Alisha Shurr

Rep. Jay Barnes told two attorneys representing the Office of the Governor that he would get in front of them, get down on his knees, and beg for the Governor to testify, if that's what it will take. The Chairman of the House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight pleaded during an open meeting on Wednesday morning for the committee to hear from Gov. Eric Greitens on matters they are investigating. The committee also reaffirmed their commitment to finding out the truth but pointed out that despite the governor’s continued promises to cooperate, he, and his office, has yet to do so. “We have been thwarted in our attempts to get at the truth by documents that have been objected to...We have also been thwarted in our attempts to get at the truth by refusal to testify,” said Barnes. Ross Garber and Ed Greim, attorneys representing the Office of the Governor, were unable to say if Greitens would testify. They were also unable to comment on when the potential testimony would take place, should he decide to present his side of the story. “That is a matter for the Governor and his private attorneys,” Garber told the committee. The taxpayer-funded attorneys, being paid a combined $660 an hour, testified for nearly

two hours while under oath. “If the Governor refuses to testify, and I hope that’s not the case, are you going to accuse the committee of being unfair?” Barnes asked. The two attorneys were insistent that as the committee, and the legislature, moves into historic areas — possibly impeaching a governor for the first time in state history — that the process be “open and fair” with procedures established to find the facts. Part of the “open and fair” process Greim and Garber are pushing for would include public hearings for all witnesses and the ability for the defense to cross-examine the witnesses. That would mean that if the committee moves forward with events relating the governor’s extramarital affair in March 2015, the attorneys representing Greitens want to be able to publicly question the woman. The woman has yet to be named publicly, was not the one who came forward with the affair, and has requested anonymity. “The baseline is that someone should testify in public if we’re going to be using that testimony for impeachment,” Greim said. If impeachment proceedings take place, there is no indication which matters the com-

CONTINUED AT MISSOURITIMES.COM

Emails turned over to the House investigative committee by Michael Hafner after a second subpoena reveal that “shell companies” appear to have been established to conceal the identities of donors to Gov. Eric Greitens gubernatorial campaign. In relation to the recent batch of documents, the House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight will be subpoenaing information related to the creation of to LLCs and will seek testimony from William Scharf, Greitens’ current policy director. An email string sent July 9, 2016, by Scharf — who, at the time, was policy director for Catherine Hanaway, a candidate for governor — to Hafner with the subject of “Happy Saturday” includes an attachment titled “Greitens Hides Donors.” The Greitens campaign had received $40,000 from two companies with the only records of their existence being articles of incorporation and MEC filings of the contribution, the email from Scharf stated. The two companies — White Impala LLC and ELX83 LLC — were formed with the Secretary of State in December 2015. 18 days after ELX83 was formed, the Greitens campaign disclosed a $20,000 donation from the company. On April 1, 2016, Greitens campaign disclosed $10,000 donations from both companies. “By all appearances, these two entities were created to channel contributions to the Greitens campaign from an anonymous donor or

donors. Missouri law explicitly prohibits campaign contributions made ‘in such a manner as to conceal the identity of the actual source of the contribution,” Scharf writes. “Moreover, the use of this arrangement to hide donors certainly runs counter to Greitens’s repeated attacks on ‘corruption’ and ‘insider political game’ in Missouri.” The investigative committee plans to make the second batch of documents from Hafner publically available after personal information is redacted. “The majority of the documents fill in some things for the second report, provide further documents in support of the second report,” said Rep. Jay Barnes, committee chairman. Part of the documents show the existence of campaign activity in 2014 and prior to the registration of a committee. An email sent by Hafner to Greitens on Dec. 12, 2014, reads, “The way I see it the two options you have are forming either a Candidate Committee or an Exploratory Committee. Forming a continuing committee (PAC) would make it difficult for you to personally raise funds for it while you are meeting with donors/ activists/promoting yourself and candidacy/ etc., plus would raise Ethics questions among your potential opponents (knowing Shweich and Hanaway).” Greitens for Missouri, the now-governor’s campaign committee, wasn’t formed until Feb. 25, 2015.

The Missouri Times

7 GREITENS INVESTIGATIONS

State auditor inquires Publicly-paid impeachment lawyer if public funds are registers as lobbyist being used to pay Greitens’ private attorneys Benjamin Peters

He’s the go-to lawyer for Republicans on most political question in the courts, spanning from ballot issues, candidates, congressional redistricting, and now, impeachment proceedings. Attorney Edward Greim (pictured in featured image, right) of the Graves Garrett law firm in Kansas City has been involved in several high-profile cases in his tenure, including the 2012 redistricting legal challenge, a defamation suit against former Gov. Jay Nixon on behalf of Republican candidate Dave Spence, and what some called a biased ballot summary for proposed changes to Missouri’s Nonpartisan Court Plan. But his latest foray may be his toughest one yet: representing the Governor’s Office in the impending investigation and potential impeachment proceedings. Greim and fellow attorney Ross Garber have both been hired to represent the Governor’s office in those potential proceedings, but for Greim, it may be an interesting position: representing the Governor’s Office, while also lobbying for them as well. Greim also serves as the attorney for the Missouri Legal Expense Fund, a nonprofit set up to help cover legal expenses for Greitens’ staff. EDG lists the same address as Graves Garrett as its residency. The firm that Greim works for is headed by Todd Graves, the chairman of the Missouri Republican Party and an ally to Greitens. Greim on May 15th filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission as a lobbyist, checking the category that states he only lobbies in the General Assembly. He’s registered with two principals: EDG Legal, Inc. and the Office of the Governor. Greim’s wife, Claudia, has also had her dealings with the Governor’s Office, having been named to the State Board of Education before subsequently resigning. She said in a statement that she was unwilling to support the Governor’s efforts to oust then-Commissioner Margie Vandeven, and even cast a vote leading to a 4-4 tie on one such motion. So, it makes sense that some question whether Greim should be allowed to lobby behalf of the Governor’s Office as well as a private entity, and what precedent it might set for the involvement of impeachment attorney with the legislature. The fact here is that Missouri is in relatively uncharted waters. Still, some point to the impeachment of former Secretary of State Judith Moriarty back in 1994, noting that no lobbyist ever registered for Moriarty, nor worked in an official capacity for a statewide official - paid with taxpayer dollars - while also being registered for a private entity. State Auditor Nicole Galloway, meanwhile, has requested documents to figure out whether taxpayer dollars have been used to defend Greitens in possible

impeachment proceedings. The inquiry comes on the heels of a report received by the State Auditor’s Office claimed that Greitens’ office intended to use public funds to pay private attorneys. "The people of Missouri deserve to know whether their tax dollars are being used to represent the Governor in any disciplinary action before the legislature," Galloway said. In regard to how Greim and Garber are being paid, the Governor’s Office released the following statement: The House Special Committee on Oversight has retained attorneys from two Missouri law firms to serve as its counsel and to assist the House committee’s taxpayer-paid lawyers. To date, the House committee has served subpoenas and raised issues in court. Following the legislature’s vote to call itself into special session, the Office of the Governor retained Missouri litigation counsel to represent the Office and Governor Greitens in his official capacity in the House proceedings. Edward (“Eddie”) Greim of Graves Garrett LLC will join Ross Garber as outside counsel to the Office of the Governor. Greim is a litigator specializing in Missouri policy and constitutional issues; Garber specializes in providing advice and expertise related to legislative investigations and due process. They will be representing the office, and paid out of the office’s budget." Greim is reportedly charging $340 an hour, while Garber is charging half his normal rate, coming in at $320 an hour. The Governor’s press secretary has been reported as saying that their fees are being covered by the governor’s office budget. The state is already picking up the tab for private counsel defending the governor's office in the Sunshine Law lawsuit filed in December over Greitens' use of the Confide app, which deletes a text message after it's been read. The Bryan Cave law firm representing the governor's office in that lawsuit is charging $140 an hour. But the question of how attorneys are being paid doesn't end there, either. There's still the matter of the nonprofit ERG Defense Fund, which was set up earlier this year to offset the criminal defense for the two felony charges Greitens had listed against him, though one of the cases was dropped on Monday. However, Jim Bennett, a partner at Dowd Bennett, the firm representing the governor in those cases, has told reporters that Greitens is "personally responsible for his legal fees." "To my knowledge, I know my firm, for example, hasn’t gotten any legal fees paid out by a legal defense fund," Bennett said. "And the only money coming in has been from Eric and Sheena."

Alisha Shurr The State Auditor’s Office penned the Governor’s Office looking for answers on whether public funds will be used to pay for private attorneys to represent Gov. Eric Greitens. “As Auditor, it is my duty to hold every elected official accountable for the responsible use of taxpayer dollars. The people of Missouri deserve to know whether their tax dollars are being used to represent the Governor in any disciplinary action before the legislature,” said Nicole Galloway, the state auditor. The letter, addressed to Lucinda Luetkemeyer in the Office of the Governor, inquires into whether state funds are being used, or are anticipated to be used, to pay for private attorneys to represent any public employee, including Greitens, related potential disciplinary actions outlined in the call for special session. “If the state has or will be paying private attorneys, identify what office, department, or division’s budget has or will be used to pay for these attorneys and the specific budget line anticipated to be used,” the letter states. The number of attorneys hired and who they are is sought along with how much they are paid, a copy of the contracts, what their duties are, and The auditor’s office is also seeking a copy of all requests for proposals, bid or contracts relating to the hiring of attorneys. All contracts $25,000 or greater go through the Division of Purchasing in the Office of Administration. The Kansas City Star has reported Greitens’ office has enlisted two private

attorneys — Ross Garber at $320 an hour and Edward Greim at $340 an hour. To reach the $25,000 contract — if the attorneys have separate contracts — Garber would need to work more than 78 hours and Greim would need to work 73 hours. Information related to contracting, payment, job duties, and budgets are not privileged and are available to the auditor’s office under Missouri law. “If state funds are being used to represent Governor Eric Greitens in his individual capacity, provide the legal justification for using state funds to represent an individual in discipline proceedings,” states the letter. “If state funds are being used to represent the Office of the Governor, state whether the attorney client privilege attaches to Governor Greitens or to the Office of the Governor, and any legal justification for your response.” The auditor’s office requests the information no later than May 18, 2018, the special session is slated to begin. On May 3, 2018, for the first time in history, the General Assembly called themselves into a special session. The special session is set to focus on accusations against Greitens and potential disciplinary actions the legislature can take. Early this month, Greim sent a letter to the House on a potential timeline for proceedings and recommended guidelines.

ONLINE: AGO says Greitens cannot pay impeachment lawyers with tax dollars

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Missouri fulfills obligation to biodiesel plants Photos and story by Alisha Shurr

The State of Missouri is fulfilling its obligation to biodiesel plants with the infusion of funds that originally were withheld due to concerns of a revenue shortfall. “We didn’t do what we said we were going to do, we didn’t pay them for their efforts,” said Rep. Craig Redmon. “Today we are going to do that...we are going to do what government said they were going to do a long time ago.” The announcement of $4 million to pay off the backlog of subsidies for qualifying biodiesel plants was made Thursday morning by Gov. Eric Greitens. Those making the presentation were flanked by two tractors — a John Deere and a Massey Ferguson — and it was raining. “This rain is economic development,” said Sen. Dan Brown. He also pointed out agriculture is the number one industry in Missouri and that biodiesel is also economic development. Missouri produces nearly 200 million gallons of biodiesel in eight production facilities and directly supports 2,500 jobs in the state while indirectly supporting 6,400 more positions. “For the last 8 years we have been asking Missouri leaders to make good on their promise,” said Warren Stemme. The Missouri Biodiesel Producer Incentive Fund was created in 2002 to provide incentives for plants that were operating by 2009. To qualify state biodiesel facilities were required to be at least 51 percent owned by Missouri

agricultural producers or which uses feedstock that is at least 80 percent of Missouri origin. Those that meet the requirements are eligible for a grant in any fiscal year equal to thirty cents per gallon for the first 15 million gallons produced from Missouri agricultural products and ten cents per gallon for the next 15 million gallons. “We had the vision to get the biodiesel industry off the ground, made an investment,” said Brown. “The biodiesel fund is a government program that worked,” said Stemme. “With it, Missouri farmers invested in new technology — biodiesel, which is a clean, renewable fuel.” The funds have been limited or outright withheld for several years with concerns over revenue to balance a budget. In 2015, the Missouri Soybean Association came forward with a plan to get the debt paid off in three years. The $4 million is the amount necessary to pay off the backlog. “Paying this debt to biodiesel producers and farmers sets us up to continue moving forward,” said Stemme. “This is good for Missouri.” He went on to say that this goes to the plant investors, to the farmers, and will help rural Missouri. "We're proud to fight for Missouri's often-forgotten rural communities and farmers," said Greitens. "These longpromised funds will help farmers and workers in rural communities across the state."

The Missouri Times

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GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Merit system ends for state employees as Kehoe’s SB 1007 moves to governor’s desk Alisha Shurr

State workers will no longer be afforded some employment protections as the General Assembly voted to make workers “at will” employees. The state’s merit system was also repealed in the same legislation. Sen. Mike Kehoe’s SB 1007 was approved by the in a 98-31 vote in the House on Thursday evening — with the end of regular session less than 24 hours away. Already having Senate approval, the bill is shy of the governor’s signature to becoming law. The bill gives the administration more

leeway in hiring, firing, and rewarding. In January, Gov. Eric Greitens said he is supportive of giving raises to state workers — who are among the lowest paid in the nation — and this legislation would give his administration the ability to do so. Under the budget the General Assembly passed, employees making under $70,000 per year would get a $700 increase per year, and prison guards would get an additional $350. Under the merit system that eight of the state agencies uses, employment decisions

An error in the fiscal analysis of a bill could have cost the State of Missouri more than $50 million in revenue. A bill aimed at reducing the corporate tax rate while staying revenue neutral made it through the Senate and a House committee before the mistake was realized. Sen. Andrew Koenig’s SB 884 would have slashed the corporate tax rate from 6.25 percent to 3.5 percent while changing how multi-state corporations calculate taxable income so that the state didn’t take a significant budget hit. When the bill left the Senate in April, the fiscal analysis projected that it would actually bring in $10 million into the state. However, a new analysis projected it just decrease revenue anywhere from $28.5 million to $52.4 million. The Department of Revenue discovered the error after a House committee hearing, but since the House was moving forward with a substitute the department considered the old Senate version no longer relevant. The department had updated the fiscal note on the House

version last week. Rep. Scott Fitzpatrick became aware of the discrepancy on Wednesday morning when he discussed how the bill would affect the budget with budget and planning officials. "Had I not asked about it, we'd have probably passed that bill yesterday," Fitzpatrick said. Rep. Kip Kendrick accused the agency knowing about the error and not properly disclosing it to the legislature. "The fact is, they knew about this, and they sat on it. They sat on this information. They did not make this information known to anyone in this body — anyone," Kendrick said. "I think people should lose their jobs," he went on to say. "I think people should lose their jobs over this." In light of the mistake, which

are made base on a workers performance on standardized tests. Democrats took issue with the new language that stated an employee could be fired for “no reason or any reason” other than what is protected by the Missouri Human Rights Act. Rep. Peter Merideth said that this would open up state employees to being fired and replaced when political power shifts after an election for no reason. “This is a bad bill for the State of Missouri,” according to Rep. Deb Lavender.

But Republicans contended that this is good for the roughly 57,000 state workers. “What we’re trying to do is make this civil service more accountable to the people,” said Rep. Curtis Trent. He also contented the changes would make the government work more like a private business. Lavender called the notion “appalling.”

Fiscal note error could have cost roughly $50 million in revenue

CONTINUED AT MISSOURITIMES.COM

Alisha Shurr

The Missouri Times

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Senate, House sign off on prevailing wage deal Benjamin Peters

PHOTO/TIM BOMMEL - HOUSE COMMS

TAX CUTS ARE HERE

Haahr’s bill awaits governor’s signature Alisha Shurr With less than 24 hours left in the 2018 regular session, the House gave final approval of a bill intended to give Missourians a tax break. Rep. Elijah Haahr’s HB 2540 started out as a major tax overhaul that provided funding for roads and bridges, closed tax loopholes, and was revenue neutral. It was also 429 pages. The version that came back to the lower chamber after the Senate had its way with it was nine pages. The Senate stripped out the earned-income tax credit, the Streamlined Sales Tax, modifications to the timely-filing tax allowance, any fee increases — removing any potential transportation infrastructure funding, modifications to the circuit breaker tax, and other changes the tax code. What was left was a simple straight-forward tax change. The bill reduces the existing individual income tax rate from 5.9 percent to 5.5 percent. Additional triggers based upon revenue growth in the state will eventually lower the individual tax income rate to 5.1 percent, putting Missouri among the top states for lowest state income taxes. “This is a historic day for the Show-Me State,” said Haahr. “From growing families to the greatest generation, from entrepreneurs to empty nesters, Missourians will pay lower taxes under this proposal." “These are common sense, fiscally responsible, bold solutions that will lower the overall

tax burden on Missouri families and businesses. Witnessing the economic surge following passage of the federal 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the evidence is clear that reducing taxes benefits American families.” But the measure, which passed in a 101-40, encountered pushback from Democrats who questioned the latest fiscal note which was calculated with language that is no longer in the bill. “This is the second time we are having a conversation about fiscal notes that are inaccurate,” said Rep. Crystal Quade. “We have had significant changes since [the last] fiscal note.” “It concerns me how quickly we are trying to push this through without accurate numbers. When we are cutting things like the MoRX program, consumer direct services, that fact that we are going to move forward as a body, without being as close to certain as we can be is really scary.” Opponents also cautioned against “becoming the next Kansas,” a phrase that Haahr is tired of hearing. The tax cut he proposed is not nearly as drastic as what Kansas did and that it is a completely different version of tax cuts. He also argues that if the bill does cause a drastic downswing in revenue, they can go back to the voters or make changes to the budget. “I’m good with either option,” said Haahr. “We serve the people.”

Sen. Dave Schatz promised that there would be changes to the state’s prevailing wage in 2018, and it looks as if his word will be true. There had been talk in the final week of the legislative session that a deal was being worked out on the issue, but it wasn’t until late Thursday night that the legislation hit the Senate floor. Sen. Dan Brown put forward the House Committee Substitute for his 1729, 1621, & 1436, which he explained was a prevailing wage bill seeking a total repeal. But his motion was quickly followed by a

less than $75,000. Schatz said that $75,000 threshold would be much higher if he had his way, but called it a starting point. He noted that public bodies could not divide up the work to keep it under that threshold. “This is not a Democrat or Republican issue. This is a worker’s issue,” Sen. Gina Walsh said on the floor, explaining that the legislation would hurt small contractors and workers. Hummel spoke, downtrodden, of all the second-guessing, wondering if this was the right path or not. He spoke of the people it would impact, saying that it was not easy.

“I’m not against fair wages and good benefits,” Schatz said. “I appreciate what the trade organizations do in training these individuals. But there are people out there who, just because they do not have the training, does not mean they do not have skill.” substitute from Schatz and the much-whispered-about compromise was revealed to the chamber. Much negotiations and talks had taken place, with members from both sides of the table fighting through frustration to try and find a deal. “I realize it’s probably not enough for some, and too much for others,” Schatz said. “I’m not sure that either side is happy.” “We tried and came up with a compromise that has successfully angered everyone,” Sen. Jake Hummel said. The compromised language was not a total repeal, but instead laid out more specific criteria for the calculations used to decide the prevailing wage, including a provision that states that unless there is 1,000 reportable hours for that occupation in that locality, then the public works contracting minimum wage would be equal to one hundred twenty percent of the average hourly wage in a particular locality. The reason for this, Schatz and other Republicans contended, was that in heavily populated areas, like St. Louis County or Jackson County, those areas were dictating the wages in nearby rural areas. The intent of the bill is to make the wages more reflective of their respective localities. The bill would not impact projects worth

“It’s hard for me stomach, and I don’t know what to say other than we are continually on the side of getting kicked, and I don’t know when it stops. But I’m getting a little tired of it.” “They gave up a blank page,” Hummel said, becoming visibly emotional on the floor. “There were negotiations, but they were only on one side.” But the senator composed himself, agreeing with Sen. Walsh’ assessment that “we may not like the results, and we have to go home and explain it. But when it comes push to shove, it’ll land on our shoulders, and we’ll handle it.” Sen. John Rizzo spoke with Schatz about his concerns, the chief of which was that it would drag down wages. “It brings it back from the negotiated rate that is out there,” Schatz said. “I’m not against fair wages and good benefits,” he continued. “I appreciate what the trade organizations do in training these individuals. But there are people out there who, just because they do not have the training, does not mean they do not have skill.” And when it came to a vote, the Senate passed the measure out of the chamber with a 22-9 vote. The House took the measure back up on Friday, passing the compromise in a 9750 vote. The bill now needs the governor's sig-

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GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Less restrictive version of marriage age bill heads to governor's desk Alisha Shurr Legislation establishing a minimum age of marriage in the Show-Me State was in front of the House again on Wednesday and, even, with fewer restrictions, many still saw issues with some of the provisions. Rep. Jean Evans proposed — and succeeded — in adding an amendment to Sen. Scott Sifton’s SB 655 that is compromise language of HB 1630. The version that was adopted by the House on Wednesday would set the minimum age of marriage in Missouri at 16-years-old and prohibit anyone over the age of 21 from wedding an individual younger than 18-yearsold. Several Representatives stood in objection to the latter provision offering anecdotal stories either own personal experience, their parent’s experience, or experience of friends. Rep. Don Rone marred his wife when he was 25 years old and she was shy of her 18th birthday. “If that’s the case, my wife and couldn’t have married. My wife was 17-years-old when I married her...we’ve been married for almost 52 years,” Rone said. “I just wonder where I’d be today with someone else.” But that wasn’t the only issue many Republicans took with the legislation. Opponents expressed concern that this impedes on folks religious beliefs, particularly Amish communities across the state. “They feel biblically that it’s better to marry than to burn,” Rep. Cheri Toalson Reisch said. One Representative pointed out that sexual relations between a minor and anyone

21-years-old and over is considered statutory rape under the law. Supporters of the issue said that this doesn’t prevent anyone from marrying, it just makes them wait until both parties are of age. Evans’ mother married at 17-years-old and understands that there are love stories out there but “...more often than not they are situations of abuse.” Cited on the floor was stories of young woman being forced to marry much older men. One example offered was that of a 14-year-old getting off the school bus and being told she was getting married that day. Another story was of a 15-year-old brought in to the state to marry a man convicted of raping her. “I think it’s time where we need to respect and protect young people,” said Evans. The version offered as the amendment differs, and is less restrictive, than HB 1630 that the House passed early this session. The original bill would have required approval from a judge for a minor over the age of 15 seeking to marry. The current version sets the age at 16-years-old and only requires the approval of one parent — which is the current standard. “We live in new times. We should be coming together and doing what’s best to protect our children,” said Bruce Franks. The provision was added to SB 655, which was truly agreed and finally passed on Friday, with less than three hours until the end of session. It now needs the governor's signature to become law.

Legislature gives final approval to Emery’s utility bill Alisha Shurr After years of debate and negotiations, the Missouri General Assembly has finally agreed on a bill to advance a grid modernization. After a filibuster in the Senate in February, much-heated debate, and countless hours this year’s version of the annual utility bill has been truly agreed to and finally passed. The House gave approval of Sen. Ed Emery’s SB 564 with a 125-20 vote on Wednesday. The emergency clause was approved with a 138-5 vote. “Today's action by the Missouri House of Representatives to pass SB 564 will accelerate modernization of the electric grid for a smarter, more resilient and secure grid while providing our customers greater stability through rate cuts and caps. This legislation will result in an almost 5% reduction in electric rates within 90 days after being signed into law to reflect federal tax cuts. In working to modernize the electric grid, lawmakers and stakeholders have crafted a bipartisan compromise that will greatly improve Missouri's energy infrastructure for the benefit of our customers and the entire state,” said Warren Wood, vice president, external affairs & communications, Ameren Missouri.

In its simplest terms, the legislation would allow electric companies to recoup more of the costs from their customers for making improvements and modifications to the electrical grid. It would do that by allowing companies to be regulated under a different accounting method. Major provisions of the bill would cap utility rates for five years at a level of 2.85 percent. It also would allow for the rates to be cut by more than $100 million per year by accelerating the process of the Missouri Public Service Commission to make up for the recent tax reform measures mandated at the federal level. That provision, in particular, would be effective 90 days from the passage of SB 564, which cuts the time down considerably, whereas before it would have to be done before the PSC during normally scheduled rate cases, a process that could take years to finish across the state. Supporters argued that the bill will lower rates and put millions of dollars of infrastructure into the economy. Opponents argued the bill will actually raise rates and that it is unneeded to refund consumers from the federal tax cut.

The Missouri Times

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Supreme Court decision paves way for sports betting in Missouri Alisha Shurr Missouri has the go-ahead to legalize betting on sports, following a Monday decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that struck down a federal law that barred sports gambling in most states. The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act was struck down in a 6-3 U.S. Supreme Court ruling. The law, enacted in 1992, banned sports gambling — animal races were not included — in most states. Exceptions were made for Nevada, Montana, Oregon, and Delaware, all of whom had some form of sports betting before the federal law took effect. Nevada is the only state where a person could wager on the results of a single game. “Today’s decision is a victory for the millions of Americans who seek to bet on sports in a safe and regulated manner,” said Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the American Gaming Association. “Today’s ruling makes it possible for states and sovereign tribal nations to give Americans what they want: an open, transparent, and responsible market for sports betting. Through smart, efficient regulation this new market will protect consumers, preserve the integrity of the games we love, empower law enforcement to fight illegal gambling, and generate new revenue for states, sporting bodies, broadcasters and many others.” Five bills were filed in the Missouri General Assembly in 2018 that would legalize sports gambling pending the high court’s decision. The House Budget Committee held a public hearing in April on three bills that lasted more than four hours. None of the bills have been voted on. Sen. Caleb Rowden’s bill made it through committee in March but with less than a week of session has yet to hit the Senate floor for debate. When the bill was given committee approval, Rowden called this may be a one- or two-year conversation.

Right-to-work date changed to August Alisha Shurr

PHOTO/TIM BOMMEL - HOUSE COMMS The right-to-work ballot measure will be on the August primary ballot and the Missouri House truly agreed and finally passed SCR 49 on Thursday in a 96-47 vote. Long-rumored to be more helpful to Republicans in mid-term November elections if the measure was moved to August, the measure's last stop before final passage was primarily debated between Reps. Holly Rehder and Bruce Franks. Rehder told Franks that she wanted the date to be moved to "get the certainty back" economically. Rehder's district is near southern bordering right-to-work states that her and fellow area colleagues say are taking jobs from the area. Right-to-work, now Prop A on the ballot, was paused by a referendum that gathered over 300,000 signatures. "We were able to get a record number of signatures and not just from Democrats," Franks said. "The folks who come from these unions aren't just Democrats." Franks and Rehder debated if the "will

of the people" was more accurately defined by the overwhelming amount of signatures on the ballot or the election of a supermajority of pro-right-to-work lawmakers. "Republicans ran on right to work," Rehder said, saying that right-to-work was a primary-defining issue in many Republican races. "It’s very important to our area." "No one in this body only ran on rightto-work," Franks retorted. "Folks went out there and collected an extreme amount of signatures. The people showed they were veto-proof. The people of Missouri came out. This is an attempt to defeat the will of the people." The referendum turned in specified a November date. "No matter what happens, it’s going to be our job to get out there and empower these folks," Franks said. We Are Missouri, the campaign against Prop A, touted the move as dysfunctional dishonesty and asserted confidence that the measure would be defeated regardless

of the date move. "Through all the efforts to distract and deceive Missouri families about “rightto-work,” it’s been crystal clear that those pushing Proposition A have one ultimate goal: lowering Missouri wages," Erin Schrimpf of the campaign said. "Anyone who has been paying attention to what has been going on in Jefferson City knows the level of dishonesty and dysfunction and this is no different. Proposition A is wrong for Missouri. "Now that politicians have moved Proposition A to the August ballot, we look forward to educating Missouri voters about how Proposition A fails to create jobs and forces workers to accept lower pay. Proposition A broadens the gap between working families and the wealthy CEOs at the very time when we need to be giving workers and families greater economic opportunities. We are confident that come August 7, Missourians will protect their pay by voting no on Proposition A."

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THINGS THAT THINGS THAT HAPPENED HAPPEN LAST WEEK THIS WEEK Greitens felony invasion of privacy case dismissed, special prosecutor sought

House sues Governor’s campaign, PAC for subpoenaed documents 32k pages of documents dropped off for Rep. Barnes MONA passed out of committee Greitens makes three appointments to boards and commissions on the last day of legislative session

Special investigatory committee to meet and set tone for possible impeachment; special session begins and chambers will meet as needed 24 2018 Missouri Employment Conference – Holiday Inn Executive Center, Columbia 24 Sue Sheer Institute Dinner – Clayton Plaza Hotel, St. Louis – 6:00 p.m. 28 Memorial Day 30 Bills to be sent to the Governor READ MORE AT MISSOURITIMES. COM/CALENDAR SEND YOUR EVENTS TO BE ADDED TO THE CAPITOL CALENDAR TO

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Lobbyist Moves

JCPD’s Captain Shoemaker departing Capital City for new role

Courtesy of the Gate Way Group

Benjamin Peters The Jefferson City Police Department is losing one of the longtime leaders of the department. Captain Doug Shoemaker is departing the Capital City after being named the new police chief for Grand Junction, Colorado. The city manager for Grand Junction on Tuesday announced that he was appointing Shoemaker to the position effective Jun 18 after selecting him from a list of three other finalists and 34 other applicants. “While we had a strong slate of finalists for this position, Doug rose to the top by being able to demonstrate not only his preparedness for this role, but also his sincere desire to become our next chief,” Grand Junction City Manager Greg Caton said. Shoemaker has served with JCPD for more than a quarter of a century, the last 12 of which he has served at a command level, including responsibilities with regard to detectives, narcotics, community services, traffic and public affairs. In his time in Jefferson City, Shoemaker has also been involved in the community, being active in volunteering with the United Way of Central Missouri and the Boys & Girls Club of Jefferson City. “I feel very fortunate to have served these past 26 years with the Jefferson City Police Department,” Shoemaker told the Jefferson City News Tribune. “Members of our community have always been very supportive of law enforcement, and I’m a firm believer such support is a cornerstone of our success as a police agency. While not a native of Jefferson City, I have always felt at home here and very honored to have served the citizens of Jefferson City.”

Burns leaving Office of Administration for role with Jefferson City Public Schools Benjamin Peters The Missouri Office of Administration will soon be short a communications director, as Ryan Burns is departing the office to take on a new role. Last Monday, the Jefferson City Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the hiring of Burns as the new director of communications, as recommended by JCPS Superintendent Larry Linthacum. Burns has served for the past four years as the media contact for OA on several state projects, and prior to that, she had served as communications manager for the Jefferson City Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. Burns was recently named one of the Missouri Times Magazine’s “Wonder Women” for her work as OA Communications Director. In her new role, which begins July 1, Burns will lead the communication efforts as the completion of the new Capital City High School draws close, as well as renovations to Jefferson City High School. She will lead the existing Office of SchoolCommunity Relations and be responsible for the communica-

tions and putting together a branding plan for the district. "The district has a number of new and exciting changes on the horizon which will require us to adapt and change some of our communications strategies accordingly," Linthacum stated in a news release. "We are thrilled to welcome Ryan to our team. She has demonstrated that she has the experience and skill set we need as we become a premier school district." Burns said that the opportunity is exciting, and one that she had wanted for a long time. "As a Jefferson City native, I came of age in the public school district, but I also quite literally grew up in the halls of Jefferson City High School where my parents worked as teachers throughout my childhood," Burns said. "To transition the professional experience I have acquired over the past decade into a career in education with Jefferson City Public Schools is an honor, and I am so delighted to have an opportunity to give back to our community and make an impact at JCPS."

Changes on: 05/18/2018 PENDENCE LLC Andrew C Barbee Blake Schofield Deleted COUNCIL OF Deleted UNIVERSITY STATE GOVERNMENTS OF MISSOURI SYSTEM Robert B Shelor Richard D Watters Deleted Deleted COUNCIL OF THE STATE SHRINERS HOSPITALS FOR GOVERNMENTS CHILDREN Changes on: 05/17/2018 Changes on: 05/15/2018 Calvin Groose Edward Greim Added Added OFFICE OF BROTHERHOOD OF THE GOVERNOR LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS Edward Greim AND TRAINMEN Added James Harris EDG LEGAL INC Added HISTORIC David W Sweeney REVITALIZATION FOR Added INNER CIRCLE MISSOURI INVESTMENTS David Schatz Jeffery N Brooks Added CHARGE Deleted POINT CITY OF NORTH KANSAS Lynne M Schlosser CITY Added Amy Heart MISSOURI ASSOCIATION Deleted THE ALLIANCE OR REALTORS FOR SOLAR CHOICE Greg N Johnston Changes on: 05/14/2018 Deleted Brent Baker HOLCIM US INC Added LIBERTY UTILGreg N Johnston ITIES EMPIRE DISTRICT Deleted Kristin Czubkowski AGGREGATE INDUSTRIES Added BROOKFIELD MANAGEMENT INC RESIDENTIAL SERVICES Greg N Johnston LLC Deleted Trent Ford LAFARGEHOLCIM US INC Deleted HOLCIM INC Greg N Johnston John Mcgurk Deleted LAFARGE Deleted PLAZA HOTEL NORTH AMERICA INC LLC Brian P Kelley John Mcgurk Deleted Deleted REBUILD MO BROTHERHOOD OF John Mcgurk LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS Deleted AECOM AND TRAINMEN John Mcgurk Lynne M Schlosser Deleted Deleted COMPTON APARIUM HOTEL GROUP HEIGHTS BAND INC John Mcgurk Changes on: 05/16/2018 Deleted Rodney R Hubbard LINWOOD BOULEVARD Added COLONIAL DEVELOPMENT LLC MANAGEMENT GROUP LP John Mcgurk Sean Ostrow Deleted Added PGA TOUR INC OPUS DEVELOPMENT Richard D Watters COMPANY LLC Added John Mcgurk CROWN CARE CENTER OF Deleted POLSINELLI PC HARRISONVILLE LC David A Shorr Richard D Watters Deleted COUNTY OF Added NURSING BOONE MISSOURI REHAB AT HOLMESDALE Changes on: 05/11/2018 LLC Matthew A Forck Richard D Watters Added Added UNION ELECTRIC CO DBA LAKEWOOD CARE AMEREN MO AMEREN CENTER OF LEES SUMMIT SERVICES AMEREN CORP LC DBA WILSHIRE AT Matthew A Forck LAKEWOOD Deleted Richard D Watters UNION ELECTRIC CO DBA Added NURSING AMERENMO AMEREN REHAB AT RAYMORE LLC SERVICES AMEREN CORP Richard D Watters Changes on: 05/10/2018 Added David H Cooper Jr MT CARMEL SENIOR Deleted LIVING ST CHARLES LLC AMERICAN OUTDOOR Richard D Watters BRANDS CORPORATION Added DELTA SOUTH Bryant Lemay SKILLED NURSING AND Deleted WOLFPAC REHABILITATION Elizabeth Mcgiffert Richard D Watters Deleted Added NURSING CONSUMER REPORTS INC REHAB AT CHESTNUT LLC FORMERLY CONSUMERS Richard D Watters UNION OF US INC Added CLARENDALE Michael Monetta OF CLAYTON LLC Deleted WOLFPAC Richard D Watters Changes on: 05/09/2018 Added NURSING Brandon Peck REHAB AT CAMERON LLC Added US GREEN Richard D Watters BUILDING COUNCIL Added COUNTRY Tony R Dugger CLUB CARE CENTER OF Added THE CAVALRY WARRENSBURG LC GROUP Richard D Watters Richard I Martin Added Deleted PAYLOCK IPT RYAN COMPANIES US INC Drew Wolford Richard D Watters Deleted Added NURSING SALESFORCECOM INC REHAB AT CARMEL HILLS Changes on: 05/08/2018 LLC Christopher A Molendorp Richard D Watters Added Added MT CARMEL W E SHOEHIGH LLC ON SENIOR LIVING OFALLON BEHALF OF EXPEDIA INC LLC Glenn Spencer Richard D Watters Deleted Added US CHAMBER INSTITUTE NURSING REHAB AT INDE- FOR LEGAL REFORM

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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.

• Individuals could deposit up to $1,600 ($3,200 for couples) annually into a savings account to go toward a first home purchase.

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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