Missouri Times - May 7, 2018 by Missouri Times

The Missouri Times

MAY 7, 2018

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HOUSE PASSES SECOND MEDICAL MARIJUANA INVESTIGATIVE

REPORT RELEASED

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OPINION

Now that everyone knows what I've known all along about Eric Greitens Scott Faughn If you’re reading this, you are probably aware I have never been an admirer of Eric Greitens. My skepticism is not new, it began when he piously alleged that the leaders in the General Assembly were corrupt career politicians and candidly continued to the release of this latest report. This report, combined with the previous one, is basically what I have attempted to tell people for the past three years. In short, I’ve known for some time these things about the Greitens organization that many of you are learning for the first time in the reports released by the House. The big difference between this column and others of this sort is that I will admit that I’m not an admirer of his and will not pretend to be an unbiased arbiter about that fact, nor am I a perfect messenger. I have succeeded by being direct about my perspective so you can take it into account, instead of pretending not to have one at all. However, this has led to me becoming part of the story which is all on me. So I decided to take a day and come to you in the medium in which I met almost all you, in print. I’m not one to be dramatic about politicians, most that reach the highest levels of state government are good people who truly care about Missouri. However, in February of 2015 when I met Eric Greitens there was something very, very different about him. I had the feeling that everything was a staged photo-op or that everything, even down to our conversation, he was just checking some box. I could really never get my head around how someone could go from a tailored suit wearing Obama supporter to a blue-jeans-and-work-bootswearing right-winger. There is a cliché that politicians will say anything to get elected, but I’ve not found that to be true. Typically, they will certainly spin but at the end of the day, there is some underpinning of an ideology or a love for the state, or appreciation for its government or institutions. None of that existed in Eric Greitens. After attempting to lay out the case out for three years that Rep. Jay Barnes has now laid out in two reports I decided there was easily enough material there and I hoped

enough interest to write a book on the past three years in Missouri politics. Obviously, the book would center around the biggest personality in Missouri politics over the last three years, Eric Greitens. With that in mind, I began to go back over my notes on things that I suspected to be true but that had not yet been published by any outlet. One of the biggest stories that I suspected were true, but no one had previously published, was Eric Greitens’ affair with a woman now known as KS, and that there were audio tapes recorded by her husband at the time, PS. That is where I met Al Watkins, a very colorful attorney who had the tapes in his possession and had permission to sell them to me. Because I had purchased them I could not use them in any newspaper I own or play them on my television show. I thought I made it clear Monday that I was his client but it’s obvious that I was not clear enough. My plan was to use them as source documents to attempt to get someone to speak to me to use as one of the central revelations in the book. However, in the meantime, it came to my attention that these tapes and possibly even an on-the-record interview by PS had been done by the Post-Dispatch a couple weeks earlier and by KMOV around the same time. To be clear I had every intention of utilizing the tapes myself, but I was going to use them in my book if KS would speak with me. I did not provide the tapes to anyone. I have never had a conversation with Lauren Trager with KMOV and I have never in my life met or spoken to PS. Further, I had no idea that any criminal charges would ever be filed related to the tapes. I was hopeful that my book would have been the history of the last three years of Missouri politics with the substance of these two House reports included. Now it will be the background of how these came to be along with several more wildly scandalous revelations involving Eric Greitens political career, and the furor surrounding the 2016 election. While I’m writing, let me clear up a couple of misconceptions I’ve read this week.

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The Missouri Times

TWEETS OF THE WEEK

Highlights in 280 characters or less. Roy Temple @roytemple A few things worth noting: #Greitens first instinct is to lie. He told his victim to lie for him if she was ever asked about their encounters. When the AP asked him whether he used the list, he lied. When the MEC asked him, he lied again. Rep. DaRon McGee @DaRon_McGee I was sitting in the House Chamber with @PeterforMO @crystal_quade @Dougbeck562 @Martha4MO& someone asked me a question. Are you going to Governor @ EricGreitens BBQ tonight at the Governor’s Mansion? Sarcastic Response: I always wanted to be part of the LAST SUPPER.

Scott Fitzpatrick @FitzpatrickMO Apr 30 Beautiful day in Jefferson City. #moleg

Becky Lohmann @RLLohmann HB 1500 is truly agreed to and finally passed. Many years of hard work by @Dogan4Rep @Koenig4MO @ RepRobertRoss @calebrowden @ Rep_TRichardson Good government at its best #moleg

HOT LIST

INVESTIGATIVE COMMITTEE

Another report down and defended by House leadership. Last week’s report was ethically shocking. You can expect the revelations about foreign money interests to not go away.

REP. DOGAN

Hairbraiding has finally passed the General Assembly! Talk

about fulfilling campaign promises of reducing unnecessary red tape.

REP. ROWLAND

His sheltered workshop bill received a standing ovation and massive support to be brought up last Wednesday and was perfected unanimously. The bill is being touted as a refreshing breath of positivity and bi-partisanship.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK HEMP

The Senate made changes, but the bill has passed both chambers and looks like it’s on the way to final passage.

WOMEN

Hats off to another successful event from the Women’s Policy Network for hosting the Rotunda Roundtable, bringing together women to talk about being a woman in politics.

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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

House votes to give Missourians with debilitating illnesses access to medical marijuana Alisha Shurr Patients with debilitating illnesses would be allowed access to medical marijuana under legislation given approval by the Missouri House on Tuesday morning. Rep. Jim Neely’s HB 1554, which passed in a 112-44 vote, would give people with cancer, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS, ALS, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis the option of obtaining a smokeless form of marijuana as medication. “We must show compassion for patients left without hope,” said Neely. “That’s the genesis of this bill.” The legislation originally started out with just allowing those who are terminally ill to access medical marijuana but was expanded during the perfection process. Increasing the scope of the bill to include long-term, debilitating illnesses gave some Representatives pause. “I am going to vote for this bill even though I have extreme reservations about the other conditions that were added on,” said Rep. Lynn Morris. He questioned what marijuana could even do for some of the conditions listed and if adding the conditions was too big of a step. “That’s what we are all afraid of, that it is going to expand. That’s what we’ve seen in other states,” said Rep. J Eggleston. For some, medical marijuana for anyone —

no matter the reason — wasn’t something they could support. Eggleston pointed out that the conditions covered in the bill are also covered in another bill that would treat the conditions without the

high that suffer from cancer, HIV, AIDS, ALS, Parkinson's, MS, and epilepsy.” Another representative in opposition to the bill pointed out he didn’t know of “any other medicines that become medicines by an act of

“I am going to go ahead and cast my vote for the terminally ill in my district and across the state.” — Rep. Rob Vescovo patient getting high. “It is so interesting that [Rep. Keith Frederick] also [has] a bill — a House committee bill — that didn’t use marijuana that got you high, it used CBD oil,” said Eggleston. “We adopted that the other day, we have yet to third read it yet, and in that bill, it will address treating those same folks with something that won’t get you

the legislature” versus the process set in place through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The effect marijuana will have on the population was also a point of contention. Frederick attended a presentation this month and part of the Powerpoint presented addressed marijuana and other drugs.

“It showed that individuals that were habituated to marijuana — pretty much addicted to marijuana — were three times more likely to also be addicted to heroin,” said Frederick. Supporters argued that medical marijuana can provide relief for Missourians who are suffering and gives patients the option of another medicine. “I’ve got friends and family members who are impacted by some of these debilitating diseases,” said Rep. Clem Smith. “It’s a hard thing to watch when someone is going through pain or they know there's an expiration date on their life and they just want to get to that point and have some kind of resolve or some sort of peace and this may help them get there. It is not forcing anyone to do it.” Floor Majority Leader Rob Vescovo also stood up in support of the legislation, simply stating “I am going to go ahead and cast my vote for the terminally ill in my district and across the state.” Rep. Shamed Dogan's perfecting amendment was adopted on the bill, which eliminating references to a statute that didn't exist. The legislation is now in the hands of the Senate with less than three weeks until the end of the session. Even if the bill doesn't make it across the finish line this year, the legalization of medical marijuana is still a possibility with three different initiative petitions gathering signatures for the November ballot.

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6 GREITENS INVESTIGATIONS

Legal counsel for Greitens for Missouri says report does a 'tremendous disservice' to citizens

Committee legal counsel responses saying Hanaway is ‘confused about the law of impeachment’ Alisha Shurr

Following the release of the second report from the special committee investigating Gov. Eric Greitens, the embattled Republican directed response to a statement released by his legal counsel calling it an incomplete report on "a matter that was settled long ago." Legal counsel for the House Special Investigative Committee responded to the statement saying “Catherine Hanaway is confused about the law of impeachment." Former Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Edward D. “Chip” Robertson, Jr., counsel to the House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight, issued the following statement: The report released Wednesday afternoon alleges Grietens lied about and misused the donor list from The Mission Continues. In response, Catherine Hanaway, legal counsel to Greitens for Missouri and partner at Husch Blackwell, released the following statement: "The report released today by Chairman Jay Barnes does a tremendous disservice to the U.S. and Missouri Constitutions. Even a casual observer of our legal process knows that in

the United States every American is entitled to their day in court, an opportunity to be heard, and proof beyond a reasonable doubt. "Even though the report alleges that a false campaign report was filed, the Chairman did not allow the campaign an opportunity to be heard. He never asked the campaign to testify before his committee, nor did he request that the campaign provide any documents to his Committee. "He did not issue any subpoenas on this matter to the campaign. And he certainly did not allow the campaign to be represented by counsel in its hearings nor to cross-examine any witnesses making accusations against it. He did not allow the campaign to confront its accusers or respond to accusations. If a witness made an allegation, it was accepted as true and republished. "The sum and substance of the first 70 or so paragraphs outline a charge—that The Mission Continues list was used for campaign purposes—considered and resolved a year ago by the MEC with a $100 fine, less than most speeding tickets. "The 'big revelation' comes at the end of the report where former campaign manager Danny

Laub attempts to say that he was falsely listed as the contributor of the list to the campaign. But if you read the actual testimony, Mr. Laub says Mr. Chambers called him, told him that his name would appear on the campaign finance report, that he was being listed because he was at the campaign at the time—and Mr. Laub agreed. "If the committee had heard from the campaign, it would have learned that Mr. Laub had possession of the list in early 2015, that the campaign was not formed until then, and that Mr. Laub was the top staff person on the campaign when it began. "This should have been an open process. There is no argument to be made that the identities or testimony of the accusers in this report should be shielded from scrutiny. This is, at its core, a minor campaign finance issue. The report pertains to allegations made about the source of a list used to raise money for a campaign. The witnesses were employees of or consultants to the campaign. Two of them were replaced long before election day. One of them worked for one of the Governor’s opponents in the campaign. And all of them were testifying about the campaign itself.

"If Chairman Barnes were on a quest to find out the truth, he has unfinished business to conduct. He ought to ask the campaign for its version of events before acting as judge and jury in a matter that was settled long ago." Former Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Edward D. “Chip” Robertson, Jr., counsel to the House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight, issued the following statement in response to Hanaway's remarks: “Catherine Hanaway is confused about the law of impeachment. She is fully aware that the House is not convicting anyone. 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. To that end, the House will accept Ms. Hanaway’s offer and will issue subpoenas to the appropriate persons within the campaign. Indeed, the committee’s report had the desired effect. It caused people associated with the Greitens team to offer to do what they have so far refused to do when asked — to provide information to the committee.”

The Mission Continues reaffirms they didn't authorize use of donors' information following release of second report Alisha Shurr In a blog post on Wednesday evening, The Mission Continues reiterate that they did not authorize the use of the donors’ information for any political purpose. Following the release of the second report from the House investigative committee, the president of veterans charity founded by Gov. Eric Greitens said they have done nothing wrong and that they did not provide the list to the now-Governor’s campaign. “Three separate agencies have now indicated that the Greitens campaign misappropriated and used our list without our authorization or knowledge,” writes Spencer Kympton. “This affirms what we’ve said all along. The Mission

Continues acted appropriately and judiciously in accordance with our policies and the applicable law.” Greitens use of the donor list first came under fire in the fall of 2016 following an investigative report by the Associated Press. In June 2017, Greitens admitted to using the list — he originally denied using it — and paid a fine to the Missouri Ethics Commission for not reporting the list as an in-kind contribution. The campaigns connection came back in the spotlight in the begin of 2018 when reports surfaced that Greitens used the veterans charity’s email address to arrange political meetings. “While we remain steadfastly focused on our mission, we want to share an update involving the investigations of Governor Eric

Greitens. As we have said from the beginning, and reiterate here, we abstain from political activities. We deeply value the trust you place in us to accomplish our mission. The Mission Continues did not provide, nor authorize the use of, our donors’ information to any persons or groups for political/campaign purposes. Nor did we promote Governor Greitens for political office,” Kympton wrote. The special House committee released their second report into their investigation into Greitens — the first relating to his 2015 extramarital affair — which focused on findings relating to The Mission Continues. The report alleges that Greitens lied about and misused the donor list from The Mission Continues.

In response to the report, legal counsel for Greitens for Missouri released a statement that said the report did “a tremendous disservice to the U.S. and Missouri Constitutions” and “If Chairman Barnes were on a quest to find out the truth, he has unfinished business to conduct.” “Throughout this process, our commitment to our donors, as well as the people and communities we serve has not wavered,” writes Kympton. “We thank you for your continued support and generosity. Without our donors, the organization’s mission of empowering veterans, volunteers and communities through the power of service would not be possible.”

The Missouri Times

GREITENS INVESTIGATIONS

New investigative committee report claims Greitens lied about The Mission Continues donor list Benjamin Peters A new report issued by the House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight outlines the committee's investigation into Gov. Eric Greitens and his use of a donor list from his former charity, The Mission Continues. According to the report, Greitens lied to the Missouri Ethics Commission about taking the donor list and using it to raise campaign funds. In October 2016, Greitens was directly asked by The Associated Press if his campaign was working off of a donor list from the organization, to which he replied: “No, we were not working off of a Mission Continues donor list.” But the House report issued on Wednesday afternoon contradicts that, indicating that not only was his campaign working with the list but that Greitens and his campaign lied in their campaign filings and violated campaign finance laws. “The report shows the governor took advantage of a charity that works hard to take care of our veterans," Committee Chairman Jay Barnes, R-Jefferson City, said. "The committee found that the Mission Continues was the true owner of the fundraising list and its property was taken without permission and used inappropriately for political gain.” The House report, which received unanimous approval from the committee members, found "compelling evidence" that the governor directed his personal assistant at the Mission Continues to share the list with his political operation after he left The Mission

Continues, that the governor used the list knowing he was not authorized to use it for his campaign, and then knowingly falsified an ethics report regarding the transfer of the list, with his staff recruiting someone to take responsibility for the actions of others. The report details that Greitens’ former campaign manager, Danny Laub, did not give the campaign The Mission Continues donor list, contradicting the settlement agreement that Greitens had signed in 2017 when he admitted to the wrongdoing. Laub testified that he first learned of the donor list at a Dec. 5, 2014 meeting. Several people attended this meeting, including Jennae Neustadt, Mark Bobak, Chris Bobak, and Mason Fink, where they reviewed the donor list. Laub told the Missouri Attorney General’s Office that the governor had knowingly lied to the ethics commission about how he came into possession of the donor list, saying that he had been tricked by the Governor’s political advisers, “affirmatively misled by campaign manager Austin Chambers, to take the blame. He said Chambers convinced him to put his name on the settlement, but that he had no idea his name would be put on the report and that he would be blamed for providing the donor list. “The whole document made me sick,” Laub said during in an April 18 deposition. “One, because it was misrepresented; and two, because now I was in a round of news stories falsely portraying what happened.” Chambers told the Post-Dispatch he was never asked to be interviewed by the commit-

tee and called Laub's testimony "inaccurate." "To say that I provided false information, or misled Laub to go along with false information, is absolutely untrue," Chambers said. The evidence shows that the Governor actually received the donor list himself from an employee of The Mission Continues, Lori Stevens on May 8, 2014, which they had understood to be for the purpose of calling key supporters and explaining that he was stepping down as CEO. Furthermore, the committee’s findings reveal that Greitens had signed a nondisclosure agreement with The Mission Continues, dated November 27, 2012, agreeing to hold in strict confidence “the identities of any donors or investors, and any personal information of donors or investors, and any contact information for donors or investors,” as well as any “lists, databases ... trade or business secrets, ... and similar or dissimilar information relating to the operations or activities of TMC. The agreement stated that Greitens would not disclose any confidential information with any third party, and that the “intellectual property” developed by himself belongs to The Mission Continues and could not be used by him unless he had received written consent from the organization. The Mission Continues president, Spencer Kympton, testified that the donor list was covered by that nondisclosure agreement. The report also shows that Greitens had considered running for office as early as October 2013, though his campaign committee wasn’t formed until 2015. The report indicates

that Greitens paid advisers personally and through The Greitens Group, though statewide office candidates are required to register a campaign committee with the MEC after they have spent $500 or more. The report also describes several instances in which Greitens allegedly directed the sharing of the donor list. One of The Mission Continues employees said she provided the list to Laub and political consultant Michael Hafner in January 2015 under the direction of Greitens, which Hafner said he used the list to create a list of people for Greitens to call to raise money for his campaign. Following the release of the report, Democrats in the House renewed their calls for Greitens' resignation or impeachment. “Eric Greitens stole from a charity for veterans and committed this theft to further his political career. The man is without honor, without scruples and is utterly lacking in the moral authority necessary to effectively govern,” House Minority Leader Gail McCann Beatty, D-Kansas City, said. “As has been clear for weeks, he has only two choices – resign or face impeachment. With the evidence against him mounting with each passing day, there is no other way this ends.” “We have remained committed to the process of meticulously gathering the facts of all of the governor’s actions, not rushing to judgement, and letting those facts speak for themselves,” Speaker Todd Richardson, R-Poplar Bluff, stated. “The committee’s second report is another step in the process of that thorough review.”

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8 FAUGHN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

The money I used to buy the tapes was my money. There is no huge conspiracy, that is another lie and distraction tactic similar to last year when Eric Greitens told the world he was canceling the vacations of corrupt career politicians when in fact the legislature was adjourning as they are constitutionally required to. Or when Team Greitens said they never ever used the Mission Continues donor list for politics. The tapes cost a lot of money in my world, that is a reality, but it’s also a reality that the investment pales in the comparison to the money spent starting our television show, or our new newspaper in Clayton. In the end, I felt it was worth the cost because I’ve known about the Greitens organization from the start what many of you are only now coming to grips with. I knew of the millions they had in lawyers and I knew facts wouldn’t matter. The same group that literally in real life filed a restraining order against the Attorney General of the State of Missouri would be suing me over the book once it was released. The bottom line is that the mainstream media mocked the start of The Missouri Times, they laughed at the folly that would be This Week in Missouri Politics and the entire time we keep growing and they keep laying people off. I hear their mocking me and of this book project. I’ve heard it all before. This simple hillbilly is used to their taunts and derision while we come up with innovative and profitable new media ventures all while getting sanctimonious condescension from those laying people off and declaring bankruptcy. By the way, you can pre-order the book at www.scottfaughn.comWe have already had nearly 400 pre-orders. If you pre-order by the end of session, you will get yours before the election. The other thing I’ve read is that my criticism of Eric Greitens is centered around supporting LIHTC interests. I suppose it gets scrutinized because it’s one of the only policy differences I know of between Greitens and Lt. Governor Parson. I’ll be clear, I am from rural Missouri. I have personally seen the positive impacts these projects have on small towns. However, I can see the other side of the argument as well. For what its worth, I think any program can be improved. It shouldn’t be lost in the politics that the policy has improved life for many senior citizens in Missouri. I do think it’s wrong of Eric Greitens or any governor to use boards which were set up to place a layer between politics and these decisions to manipulate them in a way to subvert the legislature and bend to the Governor’s political agenda as was also used with the DESE board. I also think it’s bizarre that this Governor ends a tax credit program that is used in rural Missouri while continuing the historic tax credit program used in

urban Missouri. However, ending LIHTC is only a fleck of sand on the beach to my criticisms of Eric Greitens. Here is a brief list of a few of my criticisms of Eric Greitens prior to his MHDC appointments; the “corrupt career politicians” line, LG PAC, the first use of dark money controlled by a candidate, the largest donation in Missouri history being anonymous, right-to-work, using the Confide app to hide official staff communications, posting Senator Schaaf ’s personal cell phone number in ads, attacking Senator Libla as anti-law enforcement, calling the legislature “3rd graders,” boasting that calling a special session was “cancelling politicians vacations”, and holding a protest of Senators Libla and Romine, destroying the DESE board - that is all before the dozen or so scandals that have come after. I’ve criticized Eric Grietens while he was raising money $50,000 at a time from tax credit developers during the campaign, and while he was soliciting dark money from them while in office. My criticisms have never wavered, not for a day, not on any of a dozen or so issues. If you reading this column for the first time, my opinion might surprise you but candidly if you have ever read this column, or followed me on social media, or had a beer with me then this couldn’t possibly surprise you at all. Now you don’t get sanctimoniousness from me. I am not a perfect person to offer these criticisms. I am flawed in every way. However, I am one of the very, very few who were raising these issues when that was a lonely space to be in. Don’t get me wrong I’m glad that you all have arrived, but don’t get confused I opened this place even if we all stay til closing time. Also even if what the staunchest Greitens defenders or my harshest critics claim were true I had nothing to do with Eric Greitens, what happened in his basement, or taking property of a veterans charity to use on his campaign. With all that said there is no getting around the fact that I have become part of the story. It is something I regret, and candidly if I had it to do again, I would have done several things about this scenario differently. With that in mind, I’m going to take the week off from the show and have a guest host for what will be a terrific week to discuss on This Week in Missouri politics, even if that discussion involves me. I’ll see you next week for a mid-week update. Until then, I’ll see you next week on This Week in Missouri Politics.

Scott Faughn is the publisher of The Missouri Times and the Clayton Times and the host of This Week in Missouri politics.

The Missouri Times

Women in Policy panel talks challenges in careers, role of social media

Photos and Story by Alisha Shurr

Chris Chinn makes it a point to wear pants every day. For the Director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture, it’s more than a preference for pants, it’s a way of proving herself in a man’s world. “I put my pants on the same way they do and I am going to show them that,” Chinn said during that roundtable discussion during a Women in Policy talk. The first time she realized she was going to have a "more difficult time proving myself to men, especially in the agriculture organizations,” was after serving a year-term on a national board. A gentleman she truly respected — and still does — patted her the shoulder and

said: “You did a great job this year, now go back home and take care of your babies.” “I just smiled at him and said ‘My babies have been in great hand. Their daddy’s been taking care of them,’” recalled Chinn. All the woman on the panel — Missouri Supreme Court Judge Mary Rhodes Russell, Rep. Karla May, Sen. Ron Richard’s Chief of Staff Heidi Kolkmeyer, and Tricia Workman, GibbonsWorkman — all had stories of challenges relating to their gender and stories of being discounted for being a woman. None of the women have let that stop them. “You overcome them just by you have to be more prepared. Is it fair? Not always, but you have to be more prepared, you have to be more

strategic, you have to be smarter. As I tell my son, women can do everything men can do and we can have babies, which they can’t,” said Workman. She says they have a responsibility to give back and make this a place they want their daughters to work and a place to be proud of. The amount of woman dealing with policy issues and working as Chief of Staffs for legislators has grown exponentially since Kolkmeyer first started working in the building. Though is noted that the number of women Representatives and Senators hasn’t really changed. “Generations are changing things, where women are being seen more as equals,” Workman said.

The discussion, mediated by Kellie Ann Coats from the Missouri Women's Council, also touched on how social media has shaped their positions. Chinn calls it the “first line of defense” in preventing a problem and misconceptions about the family farm. She uses it to tell the story of farmers and ranchers. May called it a tool in which she uses to stay engaged with her constituents. “It is here and now, literally anything that hits the news, everyone knows it that moment,” said Kolkmeyer. “Your response times are quicker and you have to be deliberate in what you say. What you say in 140-characters can be the headline the next day.”

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GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Senate signs off on changes to state's Merit system Benjamin Peters

GENERAL ASSEMBLY VOTES TO GET GOVERNMENT OUT OF PEOPLE'S HAIR

Dogan’s hair braiding bill passes out of legislature Alisha Shurr Hair braiders in Missouri will no longer be required to undergo 1,500 hours of training under legislation given final approval on Tuesday. Rep. Shamed Dogan’s HB 1500, one of the first bills passed out of the House this session, came back to the lower chamber with some tweaks from the Senate. After a 137-11 vote by the House, the bill — which has been in the work for several years — needs Gov. Eric Greitens signature to become law Hair braiders would no longer need to obtain a cosmetology license, which requires 1,500 hours of training, under the legislation. Instead, those seeking a hair braider license

would be required to pay a registration fee to the state of at most $20 and watch a 4-6 hour video about scalp diseases and related information. Supporters said this will eliminate burdensome government barriers and regulations. “This legislation is a great step forward that will increase economic opportunity and allow more women entrepreneurs to realize their full economic potential,” said Wendy Doyle Women’s Foundation President and CEO. “Hair braiding is a prime example of how occupational licensing requirements can be a barrier for women seeking to start their own businesses or pursue more flexible careers.

Our research has shown that easing these unnecessary and onerous regulations will benefit women and strengthen the economy, and we thank state Rep. Shamed Dogan, Sen. Andrew Koenig and others for championing this much-needed reform.” The original bill did not include any educational hours, simply requiring hair braiders to complete a self-test about scalp diseases and infection control. The lack of education requirement concerned some legislators. However, Rep. Gail McCann Beatty is more comfortable with the legislation after the Senate tweaked the educational requirements to included a 4-6 hour video.

As the Missouri legislature prepares to conference on the differences between the Senate and House version of the state’s $27.8 billion budget, the Senate has moved forward with legislation seeking to overhaul the state’s hiring process. The proposal passed out of the upper chamber on Tuesday seeks to allow for the rewarding of well-performing state workers over those considered to be underperforming. The legislation is part of the initial deal laid out in Gov. Eric Greitens’ budget earlier this year, a deal in which state workers, the lowest paid in the nation, would receive a raise if the legislature passed a bill making it easier for the administration to hire, fire, or reward those workers. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Mike Kehoe, the state senator representing Jefferson City, the home of the majority of state workers, advanced with a 21-12 vote. Kehoe convinced his colleagues to pass SB 1007, stating that it could help improve the work of the state. “I think this helps level the playing field so the directors and the folks who are within those departments have the ability to promote and acknowledge the folks who are working hard and doing their jobs,” said Senate Majority Floor Leader Mike Kehoe, a Jefferson City Republican. Democratic senators did not see things the same way, with Sen. Scott Sifton citing his concerns that it could put the state at risk of more lawsuits due to fired employees. Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal said that the changes, along with the already low pay, could demoralize the culture of state agencies even further. The state pay raise, however, still remains in limbo, as the budget is still to be finalized. Under the proposal, employees making under $70,000 per year would get a $700 increase per year, but the Senate version delays the effective date until 2019. Read the bill language online at themissouritimes.com.

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11 GENERAL ASSEMBLY

PASSING TORT REFORM

Will the Senate resort to the PQ? Benjamin Peters

As the end of session draws near, the drive to push bills through in the final hour grows stronger. One of the most contentious issues throughout the current legislative session has been that of civil litigation reform, or as it’s more commonly referred to, tort reform. Republicans have continuously pushed forward with several legal reform measures this year, particularly items like joinder and venue, arbitration, asbestos litigation, and changing the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act, all under the auspices of creating a more business-friendly environment by deterring what they have labeled as frivolous lawsuits and creating a more fair and efficient legal climate for businesses. The Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys (MATA) has stood as the staunch opponents against the collaborative efforts of the group of tort reform supporters, working with several lawmakers to hold back the tide as much as possible. These measures are being spearheaded by Republicans and several influential conservative groups, like the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry or the American Tort Reform Association, arguing that because of the Show-Me State’s legal code, courts are continuously tied up with an influx of lawsuits, costing taxpayer money and employees’ time and that it’s scaring away businesses. “Because of Missouri’s overly stringent legal code, the courts are continually bogged down with frivolous lawsuits. This wastes state employees’ time and taxpayers’ money. Additionally, businesses take notice,” Sen. Dan Hegeman wrote in a December 14, 2017 opinion piece published by The Clinton County Leader. “When a state is known for having an anti-business climate, potential employers choose to go elsewhere. For businesses already in Missouri, this may dissuade them from expanding. Others might travel to neighboring states more amenable to their concerns.” The conservatives backing these bills say that these lawsuits are frivolous in nature, to which MATA president David Zevan has continuously replied this session, saying that “all claims are frivolous until they happen to you or your loved one.” They contend that the reform measures are simply an attempt to protect companies and relieve them of any responsibility for their actions or consequences, an attempt to do the bidding of the business companies without any real regard to the concerns that passing such legislation could diminish and limit Missouri-

ans’ abilities to access their own courts. The most contentious item so far has been the issue of joinder and venue, with SB 546, sponsored by Sen. Brian Munzlinger, taking several turns on the Senate floor as negotiations and conversations take place behind the scenes to see if there might be compromises between both sides. The idea behind the tactic of joinder is to bring together several similarly-styled cases, in the name of efficiency, but conservative groups take issue with the fact that out-of-state cases can be joined with local cases to receive a more favorable venue, which they call “litigation tourism.” Under SB 546, plaintiffs would need to separately establish their right to have cases heard in the circuit in which they file. Supporters of the bill say it’s about limiting the issue of “venue shopping," where trial attorneys file in a court system they feel is more receptive to their kind of case. St. Louis is reportedly such a system, being given the title of “judicial hellhole” in 2016. Since then, with the passage of several bills during the last session, St. Louis has been downgraded to number three on the list, published by the American Tort Reform Association. “This is a bill in which we are not trying to stop people from getting a fair trial,” Sen. Brian Munzlinger said. “There’s been an abuse of the venue statute and this will end that abuse. The courts have allowed that to happen, but it is within the power of the legislature to fix it.” “Why do we want 68 lawsuits instead of one? Because that’s what your bill does,” Sen. Scott Sifton asked Sen. Munzlinger. “Why do we want to annihilate joinder?” “We are challenging the pillars of democracy and what this country was built on,” Sen. John Rizzo told his senators on the floor during a February debate. As of this week, the bill has appeared on the floor three times, but the two sides remain at an impasse over two major issues: retroactivity and in-state joinder. The House version of the joinder and venue bill, Rep. Glen Kolkmeyer’s HB 1578, is also pending in the Senate. The bill seeks to address joinder and venue in a similar manner, with the exception that, unlike Munzlinger’s bill, it was passed out of a Senate committee with an effective date, meaning that it cannot retroactively affect cases as its Senate counterpart would. City jurors have a reputation for handing

out impressive dollar amounts in various cases, including a $38 million award to a Minnesota girl in the case against Abbott’s anti-epileptic drug, or a $110 million award for the claim that Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder caused ovarian cancer. “There are some big entities that want joinder to go away. But joinder is a freedom you have that helps you in order to make your case and get justice through our court system,” Sen. Rob Schaaf said. “They want to take that away from you. It’s a freedom issue.” Schaaf has also been a staunch opponent against any legislation seeking to change the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act (MMPA), which could very well be another noteworthy tort reform item in the minds of leadership. Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard sponsored a bill last session seeking to make changes to the MMPA, but its path to passage was blocked due to allegations of pay to play between the Joplin senator and TAMKO owner and Republican megadonor David Humphreys, who resides in Joplin as well. That bill’s current form lies with SB 832, sponsored by Sen. Caleb Rowden. Filibustering a bill earlier this session, Schaaf read product reviews of TAMKO shingles on the Senate floor, using them as evidence that the MMPA doesn’t need any changes or modifications. TAMKO faces MMPA litigation in the courts. And while joinder and venue seems to be the most watched of all tort reform bills, the possibility remains that if a deal cannot be reached on either Munzlinger or Kolkmeyer’s bills, then perhaps the Senate leadership will turn to an even more far-reaching tort reform bill: SB 1102, filed by Sen. Mike Kehoe. The legislation combines several of the top civil justice reform ideas under one bill, including the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act (MMPA), arbitration, interpleader, joinder and venue, punitive damages, and products liability. It’s a massive omnibus piece of legislation, called the "Frankenstein tort bill" by Schaaf, seeking to address a number of civil litigation reform issues in one single fell swoop. One concern with Kehoe’s bill, which has so many components under one bill, is that the legislation seems primed to head to the courts for a potential violation of the Missouri Supreme Court’s 1994 decision in the case of Hammerschmidt v. Boone County, which states in simple terms that a bill cannot contain

more than one topic. But as the deadline for session draws near, many have been left to wonder whether the Senate will use the previous question motion to further advance one of these bills. If either Munzlinger, Rowden, or Kehoe’s bills were to receive the PQ and pass out of the chamber, then it would still need the House approval to reach the Governor’s desk. If the Senate chooses to act on Kolkmeyer’s joinder and venue bill, without any amendments, it could be passed and sent to the Governor’s desk. But the question here is whether the previous question will be put moved in order to pass such legislation. The PQ does not often appear in the Missouri Senate, though it has become more commonplace in recent times. The first time it was ever used in the Missouri Senate was in 1970. The use of the PQ has always been somewhat frowned upon, often called the “nuclear option.” Former President Pro Tem Charlie Shields once referred to it as a “traumatic event.” That’s because the use of the PQ, which only requires a constitutional majority (18 votes in a full chamber), violates the code and tradition of the Senate, which says that any senator should have the ability to delay a vote on any given legislation as long as their stamina allows for. It’s about endurance and patience. When asked if he would consider using the PQ on a tort reform measure during the current legislative session, Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard said that he would “absolutely” consider it. “You know me: whatever is in the worst interest of a trial lawyer, I’m in favor of it,” Richard said. “That’s comical, of course. We have not had any discussion on using the previous question. But I like to kid those guys in the hallway and see if I can get them to the table to negotiate.” But the other side of the coin is the perception that forcing such legislation through might have. Schaaf maintains that corporations are pushing for the changes through support for the legislation and through corporate donations. “These big companies are being sued multiple times, with thousands of cases pending against these companies,” he added. Debating SB 546 on the floor, Schaaf tried to share a spreadsheet with his fellow sena-

CONTINUED AT MISSOURITIMES.COM

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12 CAMPAIGN

Judge rules corporations cannot contribute to PACs under Missouri's Amendment 2 LOOKING TO SD 17 SPECIAL ELECTION

Arthur outraises Corlew in April quarterly filings Benjamin Peters

The race to represent Senate District 17 is heating up, and the June special election is promising to be intense. Voters will decide this summer as to who they want representing them in the state senate, who will follow former Sen. Ryan Silvey in what may be the last true purple district in the Show-Me State. Representing part of Clay County, Silvey won two terms as a Republican in the moderate swing district, and now, after being appointed to the Missouri Public Service Commission, the seat is left empty, with two members of the House vying for the position. Rep. Kevin Corlew (R) and Rep. Lauren Arthur (D) both have their eyes on the prize, and the outcome of this election could mean a lot to both political parties. And as one of the few true “toss-up” districts, the race is expected to be both competitive and expensive as Republicans hope to stave off the chance for a Democrat to flip a seat. According to Arthur’s April quarterly report, her committee currently holds $161,852.94. In comparison, Corlew shows $68,455.51 in cash on hand. In terms of fundraising, Corlew has raised $21,700 this past quarter, while Arthur

has brought in $59,765. But fundraising is only part of the process. Both candidates have picked up some significant endorsements along the way, as well. The Missouri Chamber PAC and Associated Industries of Missouri are both endorsing Corlew. “From his important work as Chair of the 21st Century Missouri Transportation System Task Force to his focus on bringing several much-needed legal reforms to our state, Rep. Kevin Corlew has made pro-business legislation and economic growth a central part of his mission,” said Dan Mehan, Missouri Chamber president and CEO. “On June 5, we encourage voters in District 17 to cast their votes for Kevin Corlew.” “Rep. Corlew’s use of his skills to help employers and promote jobs in Missouri makes our endorsement of him in this race a no-brainer,” said Ray McCarty, president and CEO of Associated Industries of Missouri. “Kevin is a consistent voice of reason for the businesses and voters in his district and across Missouri. His legal expertise will be extremely valuable in the Missouri Senate,” he said. Arthur, meanwhile, has received the en-

dorsements of some labor groups, including the Greater KC AFL-CIO. Our campaign is about standing up for working families, and I am honored to have labor stand with me. Thank you, @GreaterKCAFLCIO, for the endorsement. #moleg #RepealRTW #VoteNoOnPropA pic.twitter.com/ Vt928sobFG — Lauren Arthur (@RepLaurenArthur) April 14, 2018 But another factor in the race could very well be how things play out in the trial and investigations of Gov. Eric Greitens. Sen. Rob Schaaf stated on the Senate floor that every day the Governor stays in office, he’s dragging down the Republican Party. The June special election could serve as a testing of the waters, to see if the ongoing events with Greitens will impact Republicans at the polls. Both Arthur and Corlew have stated that they believe Greitens should resign or face impeachment. Whatever the case, the SD 17 promises to be one to watch. Voters head to the polls on June 5, 2018.

Benjamin Peters A legal challenge of Missouri’s new campaign finance laws by the state’s largest business organization has been stopped in its tracks. In a ruling issued last week, by Cole County Circuit Judge Patricia Joyce ruled against the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s lawsuit over whether businesses could fund their own political action committees. Back in September 2017, the Chamber filed a lawsuit arguing language stemming from Amendment 2, which was passed by voters in 2016 with 70 percent of the vote. In addition to imposing capping contributions at $2,600 per election, the new law put limits on what kinds of companies can donate money in Missouri. The Chamber said that the position held by the Missouri Ethics Commission put businesses is a strange situation in which they could set up PACs but were barred from putting any money in them. The advisory opinion issued by the MEC would allow businesses to donate money to other PACs, but not their own. And the ruling by Judge Joyce means that businesses will still be unable to contribute to their own PACs. “We feel the judge ruled incorrectly in this case. This decision prolongs a confusing situation for employers across Missouri that want to be engaged in the political process. We are left with regulations that give an employer the ability to establish a political action committee but then forbid the company from placing funds into it,” said Daniel P. Mehan, Missouri Chamber president and CEO. “We are reviewing all our options as we move forward to ensure Missouri businesses have clear, commonsense ethics standards to follow.”

The Missouri Times

CAMPAIGN

SD 34 Republicans appeal to court to remove Van Meter from ballot Benjamin Peters

One week after the Missouri Republican Party sent letters to the Secretary of State calling for the removal of four candidates from the ballot, one of those same candidates has now become the subject of a new lawsuit. In the letters sent to Scott Van Meter (SD 34), Jim Evans (7th Congressional District), Leonard Jonas Hughes IV (SD 8), and Noga Sachs (2nd Congressional District), the MRP said that they had discovered evidence that they were not Republican candidates. But a lawsuit filed on Monday, April 30, by the 34th Republican Senatorial District Committee is appealing to the courts for a preliminary and permanent injunction against the Secretary of State, Jay Ashcroft, and Scot Van Meter. The committee says that Van Meter is a Democrat, having been elected as a Democrat

to the office of Buchanan County Assessor in 2016, which he has held since 2001, each time running on the ballot as a Democrat. “It’s clear Scot Van Meter is not a Republican," Jim Rooney, Chairman of the 34th District GOP, said. "Even after filing as a Republican, Scot Van Meter filed paperwork with the Missouri Ethics Commission on April 10 stating he was a Democrat. We filed this lawsuit to protect our primary elections from meddling for political gain.” Upon learning of Van Meter’s candidacy, the members of the 34th District GOP unanimously voted to reject Van Meter’s candidacy and pursue all available legal avenues to remove him from the ballot. They point to the fact that his campaign filed a statement of limited activity with the Missouri Ethics Commission as a Democrat on April 10, 2018.

Johnny Reichel begins campaign for Presiding Commissioner of Moniteau County Reichel Farms owner, Walmart truck driver, and long-time Moniteau County resident Johnny Reichel has announced his campaign for Moniteau County Presiding Commissioner. The Presiding Commissioner is responsible

for the business of the county including roads and bridges. Remarking on his desire to serve his community, Reichel stated “I have always had the

desire to follow in my Uncle Arthur Hagemeyer’s footsteps. He served Moniteau County as Presiding Commissioner over forty years ago. It is very important to me to serve and help others, and I want to ensure that our local government works for all of us. I want to maintain the standards set by our present Commission, improve upon their achievements, and always keep an open ear to the county’s constituents.” Reichel has served many roles during the course of his life. Reichel graduated from California high school in 1967 and soon after went on to serve in the military during the Vietnam War. He operates a Century Farm in McGirk, Missouri which has seen five generations of his family call it home. READ MORE ONLINE.

They contend that if Van Meter is allowed on the Republican ballot, it will “force an unwanted association with Van Meter… violating the political association’s First and Fourteenth Amendment rights. The committee also argues that state statutes give virtually “no ability to screen potential candidates.” Some GOP members say that Van Meter's campaign is just an attempt to steal votes. "I'm grateful the 34th District GOP is fighting to protect the integrity of the Republican primary process," candidate Harry Roberts said. "Regardless of the outcome of the court case, I am confident the voters will see through the political games." "Ryan Van Meter and Al Landis have offices next to each other at Herzog. One serves as Campaign Treasurer for Scot Van Meter and

the other serves as Campaign Treasurer for Tony Luetkemeyer," Colin Hoffman, spokesman for the Harry Roberts campaign, said. "It's obvious that Van Meter's candidacy is nothing more than a political ploy orchestrated by the Luetkemeyer campaign." “As someone who has been involved in many election law cases, this case is one of the clearest examples I’ve seen where a political party's constitutional rights are being threatened," Matt Vianello, the attorney representing the 34th District GOP, said. The case has been assigned to Judge Jon Beetem, but nothing has been scheduled yet. Read the filing online at themissouritimes. com.

Term-limited Munzlinger endorses Redmon to replace him in Missouri Senate Alisha Shurr Term-limited Sen. Brian Munzlinger has officially put his support behind Rep. Craig Redmon to replace him in representing the northeastern region of the state the Missouri Senate. Redmon is set to faceoff with Cindy O’Laughlin and Reps. Nate Walker and Lindell Shumake in August for the Republican primary. As of April filings, Redmon and O’Laughlin are neck-and-neck in fundraising — $236,581.98 and $239,025.22, respectively — and far outpacing the other Republicans in the race. Crystal Stephens in the Democratic nominee for the seat. “I am proud to support my colleague and friend, Craig Redmon, to be the next Senator of the 18th Senatorial District,” said Munzlinger. “Craig has served the past seven years as a state representative from the 4th District. He has lived in the district his entire life. Craig

and his wife Brenda operate a small business in Monticello. “The most important thing I can tell you about Craig, and why he has my whole-hearted support, is he understands that the number one industry in our region and our state is agriculture. I know Craig will work hard to protect agriculture and continue to move it forward in the 21st Century. In the House, Craig is Chairman of the Agriculture, Conservation, Natural Resources and Economic Development sub-committee on Appropriations. Craig also serves on the Agriculture Policy Committee. “I know Craig is keeping an eye on how state government spends our tax dollars. As our next Senator, he will make sure the state fulfills its promises to taxpayers. I have never seen anyone work as Craig does to represent his constituents and their issues.”

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THINGS THAT THINGS THAT HAPPENED HAPPEN LAST WEEK THIS WEEK

Second House report released Addendum to first House report released

Sheltered workshop bill passes unanimously in the House, receiving standing ovation Republicans celebrate end of year caucus party Hemp bill passes the Senate Publisher Scott Faughn revealed as the source of the money to Al Watkins

7 Reception for Gary Romine – Millbottom Suite D (above the bike shop), Jefferson City – 5:30 p.m. 8 83rd Annual Freedom Fund Leadership Dinner Kickoff – Four Seasons Hotel, St.Louis – 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 9 *Lake of the Ozarks 11 Appropriation bills must be passed by 6:00 p.m. 13 Mother’s Day 15 Diane Franklin Fundraiser - 7:30 am - Palm Strategic Group READ MORE AT MISSOURITIMES. COM/CALENDAR SEND YOUR EVENTS TO BE ADDED TO THE CAPITOL CALENDAR TO

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The Missouri Times

Group pushes to raise Missouri's minimum wage

Raise Up Missouri submits 120K signatures for initiative to be on November ballot Alisha Shurr

Missouri business owners and workers gathered in the state Capital to turn in signatures in an effort to put raising the minimum wage to a vote of the people. Raise Up Missouri submitted more than

an hour, which translates for a person working fulltime to $314 a week before taxes and $16,328 a year — provided they work 52 weeks — before taxes. “That means thousands of Missourian who

120,000 signatures to the Secretary of State’s Office on May 2 and was joined by Missouri Business for a Fair Minimum Wage, a group of over 200 business owners supporting the initiative. The initiative would increase Missouri’s minimum wage from its current rate of $7.85 an hour to $8.60 in 2019 and then increase by 85 cents a year until it reaches $12 an hour in 2023. “I don’t have to tell you the cost of everything to take care of your family has gone up over the years,” said Lew Prince, treasurer of Raise Up Missouri. “We are pushing to raise the minimum wage because across our state there are hundreds of thousands of hard-working people who are being forced to make very hard choices. “Right now, Missouri parents who make minimum wage are struggling to put food on the table.” Missouri’s minimum wage is currently $7.85

put in an honest days work, barely get by,” Prince said. “We believe no one who works fulltime should have to live in poverty.” Barbara Lomker works as a cashier at O’Fallon North Shop-n-Save and says she and her husband live paycheck-to-paycheck. A person shouldn’t have to choose between sitting at home and eating or driving their car and starving, Lombker said. No one who works full-time should have to choose between food and medicine, according to Prince. “We are frugal. We work hard and like to work. It’s what we are supposed to do. It just shouldn’t be this hard.” Raise Up Missouri does expect some pushback on the ballot initiative but says opponents will have to burden to prove their claims. In other states and cities that have opted to raise the minimum wage, there has been campaign kickback that doing so would increase the price of goods, services and result in cut hours and layoffs.

“The idea that paying a higher minimum wage hurts business growth is a complete fallacy,” said Scott Sandler, owner of Pizza Head in St. Louis. “[It] is based on the false assumption that productivity stays the same.” He said the paying the current minimum wage is telling workers you don’t value them. Using his own business as an example, he says paying his workers as living is good for business. A fair wage lowers employee turnover — which saves time and money — and results in better customer service and higher productivity. Raising the minimum wage is “good for workers, businesses, and the local economy,” according to Pam Hausner, owner of Big Visions Design in Kansas City. According to an analysis by the Economic Policy Institute, the proposal would result in an increase of more than $1 billion in consumer buying power in Missouri. “Business owners need customers with money in their pockets, spendable money,” said Prince. Prince cites a 2011 study by the Chicago Federal Reserve Bank that found raising the minimum wage increases consumer spending. The authors concluded that every dollar increase in the minimum wage results in $2,800 in new spending by the household over the following year. Also cited was a study titled “Local Minimum Wage Laws: Impacts on Workers, Families and Businesses” that was prepared for the Seattle Income Inequality Advisory Committee in 2014 — The minimum wage was $9.32 an hour in Washington state at the time before the city gradually increased to $15 an hour. The study found minimum wage hikes have minimum effects on price. On average, a 10 percent minimum wage increase results in less than 1 percent increase in restaurant prices and non-detectable in other low-wage industries. “Raising the minimum wage is not about charity,” said Sandler. “It is about building strong and a strong economy where working people earning enough to support themselves and buy the products and services our businesses are selling.”

Lobbyist Moves Courtesy of the Gate Way Group

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 MAJOR Mary Timothy Phillips LEAGUE BASEBALL MLB Deleted PREFERRED David Willis FAMILY HEALTHCARE Added NATIONAL Brian Treece BASKETBALL ASSOCIADeleted PREFERRED TION NBA 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 Added ELI LILLY AND BOARDING SCHOOL COMPANY Changes on: 04/20/2018 Rebecca Lohmann Jeffery N Brooks Added AIR METHODS Added SAINT LOUIS Daniel R Pfeifer ZOO ASSOCIATION Added AIR METHODS Kathryn Gamble Gregory Porter Added SAINT LOUIS Added AIR METHODS ZOO ASSOCIATION Sarah Schlemeier William A Gamble Added Added SAINT LOUIS TICKETNETWORK ZOO ASSOCIATION Zachary Brunnert Cynthia Gamble Deleted AIR METHODS Added SAINT LOUIS CORPORATION ZOO ASSOCIATION Francis E Flotron David Michael Jackson Deleted AIR METHODS Added SAINT LOUIS CORPORATION ZOO ASSOCIATION David Mccracken Jorgen Schlemeier Deleted AIR METHODS Added SAINT LOUIS CORPORATION ZOO ASSOCIATION Richard A Mcintosh Sarah Schlemeier Deleted AIR METHODS Added CORPORATION MISSOURI ACADEMY OF Bill Stouffer PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS Deleted AIR METHODS Sarah Topp CORPORATION Added SAINT LOUIS Changes on: 04/29/2018 ZOO ASSOCIATION Thomas R Robbins Changes on: 04/19/2018 Added JEFFERSON Jacqueline M Bardgett CITY MEDICAL GROUP Added Changes on: 04/28/2018 NATIONAL BASKETBALL Charles Andy Arnold ASSOCIATION NBA Deleted LPC INC Jacqueline M Bardgett Charles Andy Arnold Added Deleted JOE L THOMPMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SON CONSULTING MLB Charles Andy Arnold John E Bardgett Jr Deleted CONSUMER Added LENDING ALLIANCE INC NATIONAL BASKETBALL Changes on: 04/27/2018 ASSOCIATION NBA Kenneth R Clark John E Bardgett Jr Added Added US TERM LIMITS MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL Changes on: 04/26/2018 MLB Jeffery N Brooks Guy William Black Added AIR EVAC Added Zachary Brunnert CENTRAL BANCOMPANY Added HOLOGIC INC John R Parris Alex T Eaton Added Added NATIONAL BASKETBALL IMPOSSIBLE FOODS ASSOCIATION NBA William A Gamble John R Parris Added AIR EVAC Added Kathryn Gamble MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL Added AIR EVAC MLB Cynthia Gamble Chris Roepe Added AIR EVAC Added NATIONAL Rebecca Lohmann BASKETBALL ASSOCIA Added TION NBA IMPOSSIBLE FOODS Chris Roepe David Mccracken Added MAJOR Added HOLOGIC INC LEAGUE BASEBALL MLB Richard A Mcintosh Changes on: 04/18/2018 Added HOLOGIC INC Jon Bloomfield

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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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