Missouri Times Magazine - Spring 2017 by Missouri Times

MAGAZINE MAGAZINE 01.01.2017

MARCH 2017

Special Edition

THE 100 LIST 1

The United Brotherhood of Carpenters is one of the oldest and most respected labor unions in America. For 135 years we have provided good jobs, fair wages, secure benefits and a voice for millions of working men and women. In Missouri we are more than 20,000 strong - carpenters, millwrights, floor layers, cabinet makers, electricians and public employees.

WE GET MISSOURI WORKING

Our $10 million yearly investment in training provides stateof-the-art safety and technical education, giving Missouri the most highly trained and productive carpenters in the construction industry. We know that the only way to build a strong economy and ample jobs for future generations is to stay focused on what matters â&#x20AC;&#x201D; educating and protecting Missouriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most valuable resource.

St. Louis-Kansas City Carpenters Regional Council

STLKCCRC

carpdc.org

CONTENTS LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

8 10 12

WORK FOR CHANGE

REDEFINING THE NARRATIVE

SWAMP CREATURES UTILITY INFRASTRUCUTRE UPDATE DIRE MISSOURI FALLING HEHIND AS CRISIS LOOMS

Statehouse Strategies Statehouse Strategies welcomes SPECIAL FEATURES welcomes 14 Daryl 100 YEARS,Duwe 100 FACTS 19 KAY HOFLANDER: A PASSION FOR POLITICS Daryl Duwe Daryl Duwe brings a wealth of political and policy CAPITAL CITY HIGHLIGHTS

experience to the firm.a Statehouse Strategies excited Daryl Duwe brings wealth of political andispolicy to have Duwe join our team as we constantly evaluate experience the firm. Strategies is excited 20 toways A GEM IN Statehouse THEour CAPITAL CROWN better meet objectives. to have Duwe jointoour team asclient’s we constantly evaluate

01.01.2017

OWNER

Scott Faughn

OPINION 6

MAGAZINE MAGAZINE

HOW MANY DECISIANS ARE MADE OVER ROCKET FUEL?

better ways to meet our client’s objectives.

STATEHOUSE STRATEGIES COVER(573) STORY STATEHOUSE STRATEGIES 632-4184 24 THE 100632-4184 LIST (573)

Statehouse Strategies OUTLOOK 32 TURNING OF THE TIDE welcomes 33 OPINION: STAND UP FOR OUR VETERANS BY PROTECTING PREVAILING Torpey WAGE Noel 34 WHERE DO MISSOURI DEMOCRATS GO NEXT? FACES

Noel Torpey brings a wealth of policy and advocacy experience to the firm. Noel’s expertise is a vital 37 MIKE CUNNINGHAM: NO WASTED WORDS component of our mission as Statehouse Strategies 38 to SCOTT SIFTON: FIGHTING FOR SOUTH COUNTY strives exceed our clients’ expectations.

40 SCOTT FITZPATRICK: THE NEW STEADY HAND 41 MARSHA HAEFNER: ALWAYS CHOOSE THE PEOPLE STATEHOUSE STRATEGIES 42 JON CARPENTER: EVERYONE’S FAVORITE DEMOCRAT? Tom Robbins, Steve Tilley, Amy Huber, Rigger 43 LAUREN PROGRESSIVE ANDShawn PROGRESSING (573)ARTHUR: 632-4184

EDITOR

Rachael Herndon Dunn

S TA F F

Benjamin Peters Travis Zimpfer

CONTRIBUTORS

Jay Atkins Amy Blouin Al Bond TreyFAUGHN Davis SCOTT Owner Wendy Doyle SCOTT FAUGHN Kaden Quinn Owner RACHAEL HERNDON DUNN Sen. Caleb Rowden

Publisher and Editor RACHAEL HERNDON DUNN rachael@themissouritimes.com Publisher and Editor rachael@themissouritimes.com TRAVIS ZIMPFER travis@themissouritimes.com TRAVIS ZIMPFER

travis@themissouritimes.com BENJAMIN PETERS benjamin@themissouritimes.com BENJAMIN PETERS

benjamin@themissouritimes.com

Hancock & Prouty Strategy Research Communications Public Affairs

314-368-4330 letter from the editor636-442-2005 HancockProuty.com

Tom Steve Tilley, Amy Huber, Shawn Rigger 44 Robbins, A LIFETIME OF SERVICE TO MISSOURI

49 50

MUST VISIT: MUSEUM OF MISSOURI MILITARY HISTORY AARON BAKER: OUTSIDE THE DOME

Welcome, 99th Welcome, 99th General Assembly! General Assembly! (573) 517-0030 (573) 517-0030

Congratulations Congratulations and and Cheers Cheers from from Wiles Congratulations toRichard the 100 List from Richard Wiles & Associates Associates Dick Wiles and & Associates3

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GROWING MISSOURI’S ECONOMY WITH SMARTER ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE The electric grid is the backbone of our economy. Now is the time to update Missouri’s century-old regulations that are holding us back. Working together, we can spur economic development in Missouri as we build a smarter, stronger grid that will benefit our customers.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR It’s finally here:

accommodate these newly emerging businesses

their vehicles to millions of Missourians see

the 100 List. It seems who wish to operate in Missouri.

their impact and prioritize keeping it stable.

like Scott and I are

Pfeifer was, if you recall, perhaps the first

Schneider’s leadership has kept the faces of

asked constantly

lobbyist to be called to action by a governor in

members in the faces of policymakers and

when the list comes

their State of the State speech. Gov. Jay Nixon

stakeholders.

out. The answer, so

took the mic in January 2016, calling for a place

Christine Page is one corporate lobbyist who

you all know, is every for fantasy sports in Missouri statute. Within the all would be smart to introduce themselves two years, right in

session, Nixon’s bid was met and Pfeifer and his

to. She works for Missouri American Water,

synchronization of a new class of elected officials. team are back again, clearly on their way to more but what really makes her stand out is the The first list came out in 2013, the next in 2015 and now this one. A lot has changed between

legislative victories on behalf of fantasy sports.

legacy she may have created for herself and the

However, what makes Pfeifer all the more

women of the Capitol with the creation of the

the lists. Once a no-holds-barred list of everyone successful is how quickly his firm adapts and

Women’s Policy Network (WPN). Building on

who’s anyone, the list has now evolved to only

embraces new technology. Beyond TNCs

the momentum from a media-fueled kick start,

include government relations consultants from

this year and fantasy sports last year, Catalyst

WPN has created a true network of mentors,

various walks of life with a variety of different

(where Pfeifer is principal) was part of a team of

mentees, and friends with her at the helm.

clients and causes.

lobbyists who brought (what seemed like) a fleet

One thing has not changed between the lists: the Capitol is host to a slew of insanely hardworking and creative talent. It only takes a trip outside of the building to

No list of lobbyists would be complete without

of Teslas to Capitol Avenue for what was more

the representation of several of Missouri’s

than a photo opportunity.

Fortune 500 companies - which, with the

Almost ironically so, other people on this

Public Service Commission’s permission, will

list, such as Aaron Baker, are working to bring

grow. Missouri is home to so many impressive

make anyone who works in the building feel

Missouri up to code with other states on policies businesses, made all the more impressive by the

lucky to be surrounded by such dedication and

like the prescription drug monitoring act

resourcefulness, regardless of the motives behind (PDMP). People like Baker are surprisingly not

people who work for them. Of course, this list is not a list of every

it. Those, despite age or any other identifying

grizzled. They hear argument after argument - “It amazing person to set foot in the Capitol. The

factor, who truly understand the heartbeat of

doesn’t work,” “It could invade privacy,” or even,

next Magazine will feature 50 Political Pros

policy quickly rise to the top, gaining respect

“We haven’t had it yet and we’re doing just fine,”

You Need to Know - campaign consultants,

from even the most grizzled veteran.

and yet they persist. They persist and they persist communication consultants and the like.

Industry disruptors have taken the spotlight, not only in terms of policy but also those who

until what could have been a decade-long fight turns into less - all because of persistent people

I hope you enjoy this edition as much or more than January’s Inauguration Edition.

are their voice in the Capitol. You will read about like Baker. lobbyists like Brian Grace and Danny Pfeifer,

Then there are people on this list like Phil

who represent Lyft and Uber respectively, who

Schneiders, a longtime fixture and voice of

have been at the forefront of the transportation

the Missouri Automobile Dealers Association

Best,

networking company battle. The battle has been, (MADA). MADA is one association who

RACHAEL HERNDON DUNN

time and time again, referenced by Speaker of

simultaneously fights to improve and maintain

EDITOR

the House Todd Richardson, who calls for the

the status quo. Their hundreds of members

THE MISSOURI TIMES AND

legislature to modernize Missouri’s statute to

hosting thousands of employees selling

THE MISSOURI TIMES MAGAZINE

OPINION

Work for Change In honor of Women's History Month, let's make the leadership Women’s Foundation gap HISTORY. Our research also shows that despite making up 51% of Missouri's population, For 25 years the Women's Founwomen make up only 22% of the dation has promoted equity and General Assembly (fewer than opportunity for women of all ages. in 2015), only 24 percent of state We've worked for change through court judges and only 19 percent of research, philanthropy, and more all state prosecutors. Historically, recently, policy solutions. In honor women have not been proactively of Women's History Month, we celengaged to serve in public leaderebrate the women who have come ship roles. Our Appointments Projbefore us with a fresh resolve to adect seeks to change that. Through vance their unfinished work in four our Appointments Project we've key areas: worked with governors, mayors, and county officials to equip womIn honor of Women's History Month, en with the skills and resources let's make pay inequity HISTORY. necessary to take advantage of civic Our research on the Status of board or commission leadership Women in Missouri shows that opportunities. Also, through our women, on average, make 78 cents Girls Leadership program, we're to the dollar a man makes for the giving young women the opportusame work. We work with policynity to develop leadership skills and makers on both sides of the aisle learn about philanthropy. Through to raise awareness and advance these programs, we're building the policies to close the gender pay pipelines to make the gender leadgap. Our Pay Equity Best Practicership gap history. es Guidelines continue to serve as a roadmap for success as we work In honor of Women's History Month, with industry leaders and the adlet's make barriers holding back ministration to make pay inequity women entrepreneurs HISTORY. a thing of the past.

WENDY DOYLE President & CEO

Last year, thanks to the generous support of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, we conducted research on Occupational Licensing & Women Entrepreneurship. We found that occupational licensing regulations were outdated and burdensome for women entrepreneurs. This year, we have worked with leaders across the political spectrum to implement solutions that will empower women. Missouri House Speaker Todd Richardson spoke at our 2016 Annual Luncheon, where he announced he would prioritize removing occupational licensing barriers this session. We’ve testified in support of bills proposed by Speaker Pro Tem Elijah Haahr and Representative Shamed Dogan to combat these burdensome licensing requirements. Outdated occupational licensing requirements are a barrier for women entrepreneurs -- and we’re working to make them history. In honor of Women's History Month, let's make the false choice between work and family HISTORY. Our policy brief on Paid Family Leave indicates that paid family leave strengthens families, reduces reliance on government assistance, and supports business growth.

Women who utilize paid family leave are 39 percent less likely to receive public assistance, are more likely to continue working after the birth of the child, and are able to care for children and the elderly. Our research has also shown that paid family leave had either a positive effect or no noticeable effect on productivity, profitability, turnover, and employee morale. Also, long term productivity can increase due to improved recruitment, retention, and employee motivation. By working with policymakers like Speaker Richardson, State Auditor Nicole Galloway, Senator Caleb Rowden, Representative Jay Barnes and others, we can make the false choice between work and family yesterday's problem. Work for Change Each of these barriers present unique obstacles women face that significantly impact their lives, their families, and their pocketbooks. We are committed to economically empowering women by making these barriers HISTORY. You can learn more about Women’s Foundation and join our mission to create lasting change for women and their families at Womens-Foundation.org.

Redefining the narrative ty. This example could be made a hundred different ways in a hundred differMissouri’s 19th District ent policy areas. Boone and Cooper Counties With the presence of a Democratic Governor for the last eight years, the GOP-controlled “Poor people are just lazy.” “Rich House and Senate generally recogpeople are only interested in the nized that labor and tort reforms bottom line.” that we think can spur economic In politics, generalizations are activity were out of bounds. So we often employed to raise the stakes; focused on tax policy — passing a to spice up your typical political tax cut for every single Missourian rhetoric. Voters rarely push back and 220,000 Missouri small busiagainst generalizations, making nesses. It was a step in the right them an easy and effective tool to direction, but now we must do the win a political fight. hard work of connecting the rest There are consequences to us- of the dots that will move our state ing generalizations — division and forward and grow our economy. distraction. Though they easily ralToday the GOP has the same ly the base, these generalizations, large majorities in the House and and the assumptions they are built Senate, and now occupies the Govon, inspire division rather than ernor’s mansion. Labor and tort unity. Generalizations turn mere reforms are moving with lightning political opponents, with differ- speed, and these reforms will have ing ideas, into mortal enemies, a positive impact on the state, its with evil intentions, who must be economy and our citizens. But stopped at all costs. Generaliza- following tax reforms and tort retions also distract us; we no longer forms, there is another question focus on the long-term, systemic that we can’t shy away from that fixes to real problems. Instead, we is important for our state’s future get wrapped up in whatever “red- economic vitality: what additional meat” legislation will provide the steps can we take to help Missourigreatest instant gratification and ans of every stripe climb up to the most compelling election talking next rung of the economic ladder? points. Why would a legislator inFor the remainder of my time vest in hard work when its positive as an elected official, this is going effects won’t be felt until long after to be a conversation I want to help term limits have swept them out of lead. When you dig past the generoffice? alizations, assumptions, and shortWe can do better. term thinking that muddy the waIn my four years in the Missouri ters of this discussion, what can we House and now in my transition to do to ensure every Missourian has the Senate, I have been frustrated a shot to achieve their God-given by the fact that government typi- potential? Is there any value in even cally views every issue as if it exists attempting to do so? Without quesin a vacuum. We don’t do the hard tion, the answer is YES. work of connecting the dots beHere are some questions we tween K-12 and higher education need to ask with some answers I policy and funding, workforce de- would propose: velopment and economic prosperi-

SEN. CALEB ROWDEN State Senator

OPINION How do we free struggling Missourians from the burden of the social service bureaucracy? I think a great start would be with the passage of the Earned Income Tax Credit in Missouri. Ronald Reagan referred to the EITC frequently as one of the “best anti-poverty tools" out there. Our proposal in the General Assembly has support from a bipartisan coalition including the Missouri Budget Project and the STL Regional Chamber. Is there room for innovation in the way we fund critical social programs? It’s no secret that Medicaid spending is rapidly swallowing our state budget. Barring some unforeseen change of variables, FY 2018 will be the first year ever that we spend more than $10 billion of a roughly $28 billion budget on Medicaid and its related programs. I firmly believe that if we keep throwing money at maintaining this failed status quo, we are chasing a ghost. We should have a conversation around implementing Social Innovation Grants and Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) in our state. Imagine state government recognizing a vulnerable population and using the free market to pinpoint the best solution. For example: reversing the trend of increased opioid usage among pregnant women. The state could issue an RFP for private companies or non-profit organizations to come up with a program to meet this social objective; offering them a grant of $500k to run their program as a pilot. Three organizations are chosen, and each have a year to implement their program and show a positive, targeted outcome. The organization that shows the best results at the end of the year will then use their proven program in a larger, statewide format through the implementation of

SIBs. Using SIBs to help fund targeted programs provides the state with an opportunity to use both public and private dollars and expertise to drive innovation and deliver measurable returns in social services. And finally, how can we make sure state benefits aren’t discouraging Missourians from pursuing career and educational advancement? Imagine a single mom of two working an hourly job making somewhere around $20k/yr. Her hard work pays off and she is offered a substantial raise of roughly $7,500/ yr. Most of us would jump at the opportunity, but if this working mom says “yes” to the promotion, she would stand to lose that same amount, and in some cases more, in food, child care, and health care assistance. This hard-working single mom is forced to turn down a promotion because the state of Missouri’s social safety net is duplicative in some cases, incomplete in some cases, and downright counterintuitive in others. This single mom deserves better. Working together, Governor Greitens and the General Assembly should begin a deep dive into every social program our state offers in the hopes of producing an innovative, effective safety net for our state’s most vulnerable in the years to come. We can ensure every Missourian has the opportunity to live their American dream. But lasting solutions will not come quickly, easily, or with the fiery rhetoric of a campaign rally. We must set aside counterproductive generalizations and legislation by bumper-sticker slogan, and dig deep. When we set aside the urge to divide and conquer, we are not just redefining the narrative, we are reimagining what a functional, constituent-focused state government looks like.

Catch Senator Rowden on TWMP on Sunday, April 23! 7

Swamp Creatures

OPINION to mind, particularly if we are worried about corruption in politics, is “why do we allow lobbyists?” That’s easy, because the Constitution says so. The First Amendment guarantees not only the freedom of speech, but the right to petition the government for the redress of grievances. Lobbyists exercise both rights, and any effort to get rid of them would almost certainly run afoul of 250 years of First Amendment jurisprudence. So lobbyists are here to stay. But merely acknowledging that lobbyists have a right to ply their trade falls short of a proper analysis. The truth is we should want lobbyists. I realize that smacks of heresy, but it’s true. We should want lobbyists because lobbyists lead to better government. Plato once said “The punishment of wise men who refuse to participate in the affairs of government is to be ruled by fools.” Stated another way, if you don’t participate in the process you have no room to gripe when you get hosed by the system. The problem is who the hell has time to engage in the process? Advocacy is hard work. The process is time-consuming, the system is complex, and most people have jobs. The answer, of course, is to hire a professional. Find someone who has the knowledge, experience and time to make sure your interests are represented and put them to work for you. That’s what lobbyists do. A lobbyist’s sole professional obligation is to make sure that elected officials hear their clients’ side of the story. If only one party to an issue hires a lobbyist then, sure, you end up with lopsided information and poor decisions. But if every interested party engages in

JAY ATKINS Senior Counsel Husch Blackwell

The system is corrupt. That’s what I keep hearing. It’s full of “career politicians” and lobbyists for “special interests.” I’m not sure what all those words mean, but they certainly sound bad. The problem is I'm a professional lobbyist, and I don’t feel corrupt. And the hundreds of people I work with every day – clients, elected officials, other lobbyists – they don’t seem corrupt to me, either. To the contrary, the vast majority of them are serious-minded, conscientious professionals who care deeply about making good policy. So what gives? Look, I’m not naïve. I get it. Railing against corruption in politics is great theatre. It gets votes. I have no problem with that. But I do have a problem with blind dogma. If people hear often enough that the system is corrupt and the charge is never answered, they will understandably begin to believe it. So I’m compelled to answer the charge, to offer an alternate point of view. I’m here, dare I say it, to defend the lobbyists. Let’s begin with the most basic question: what is a lobbyist? If you want a legal definition, go check out sections 104.470 - 478 in a Missouri statute book. Fair warning, though, it reads like it was written by a bunch of lawyers, so you’ll likely be asleep by line three. For our purposes a much more practical definition will do. A lobbyist is an advocate. Nothing more. It is someone who makes sure that their client’s voice is heard in the law-making process. The next question that comes

the process, then all sides are heard and officials make better-informed decisions. It’s not unlike our jury system, the bedrock principle of which being that jurors make better, more just decisions when they hear from opposing advocates, both of whom advance a set of facts favorable to their client. Think of it this way, our representative democracy is premised on the idea that elected officials institute laws based on the will of the people. They have a fiduciary responsibility to do what is A) morally just, and B) promotes the public welfare. To do either of those things they need information. They need to be educated on every single one of the issues upon which they may be called to vote. In an era that routinely sees more than 1500 bills filed each year, that’s a lot of learning. That’s where lobbyists come in. They are subject-matter experts as a full-time occupation. That is particularly important in an era of term limits when the average elected official is only around for eight-or-so-years and doesn’t have time to master anything, let alone everything. Sure, it’s easy to scoff. How hard can it be to make policy? It’s not rocket surgery after all. Fair enough, but set aside for a moment the perennial hot-button social issues that inevitably crop up (guns, abortion, LGBT rights, etc.) – those aren’t the policy areas I’m talking about. Those issues don’t even really need lobbyists. Sure, they have them, but they don’t need them. The grassroots activists do a perfectly fine job of educating anyone with eyes, ears, and a live-stream cable news feed on the nuances of those issues. But remember the 80/20 rule. Yes, those issues get 80 percent of the coverage, but they only make up 20 percent of the policy

work, maybe less. Our system needs lobbyists, subject-matter experts, for the other 80 percent: the minutia of Medicaid expenditures; whether or not we should automate law enforcement tow dispatching; how courts should determine where and when someone can be sued; how do we properly incentivize infrastructure investment and development; who takes priority in an insolvency proceeding when an insurance company defaults on a federally backed advance of funds? The list goes on and on and on. The issues aren’t sexy, but they are important. News outlets don’t report on them, governors don’t hold press conferences on them, but they affect people's lives every single day. Somebody needs to make sure information is being passed to the decision makers so they can, well . . . make decisions. I get it, it’s easy to look at “big pharma,” or “big finance” or “big” whatever and denounce the corrupting influence of moneyed “special interests.” But that critique falls short. First, let’s recognize that “special interest” is simply a euphemism for anything that is important to someone other than you. Second, if some special interest is advocating for something with which you disagree, the answer – in America, at least – is not to shut them down, but to confront them with equal vigor. Or, stated another way, hire your own lobbyist – which people do, every day. It’s not just big-money interests that hire lobbyists, either. Literally everyone who is interested in how the law affects some aspect of their lives has, or can have, a lobbyist. You see it every day in the Capitol. Nurses, doctors, cab drivers, babysitters, midwives, teachers, bankers, lawyers, pipefitters

and motorcycle riders all have lobbyists. Even Old Drum has a lobbyist of sorts, though admittedly not a very good one because Jim the Wonder Dog keeps acing him out. But the point remains. It’s not just “big” whatever that use lobbyists, it’s everybody. And that’s a good thing. Because the more information elected officials have, the better decisions they’re able to make. Time to fess up. I have, to this point, failed to address the elephant in the room: lobbyist gifts. I’ve avoided it on purpose because, quite frankly, the topic deserves more space than I am able to give it here. Suffice it to say, I understand they look bad. But under the current system, where everything is reported and easily searchable on the Internet by voters and the press, I don’t see it as a problem, but some people do, so fair enough. Ban gifts, don’t ban gifts, I don't really care. And as near as I can

tell, no one I work with cares either. Whatever the rules are, we’ll play by them. That’s what we do, because we’re professionals. We aren't corrupt, we aren’t swamp creatures, we aren’t nefarious ne’er-do-wells lurking in smoke-filled rooms greasing the palms of seedy politicians. We’re advocates. Nothing more and nothing less. And next time you look at the world and think, “there oughta be a law,” give one of us a call – maybe we can help.

The safety of Missouri

is on the line Tell your senator to

update the energy grid Tell your Senator to Pass SB 190

Twitter.com/MBef

www.moenergyfuture.org

Facebook.com/MBEF

“Providing Governmental Consulting, Public Affairs and Lobbying Services to Small Businesses, Fortune 500 Corporations, Trade Associations and Governmental Entities for over 25 years.” www.arnoldlobby.com caarnold@arnoldlobby.com (314) 971-1000

Charles Andy Arnold Principal Consultant

OPINION

Utility infrastructure updates dire (6%), and Alabama (24.5%). Unfortunately, the electric grid is not alone when it comes to the need for modernization and investment. In a recent podcast from Public Utilities Fortnightly, Missouri American Water’s parent company, American Water’s CEO Susan Story discussed the challenges of aging infrastructure. “Every year, we lose twenty percent of treated water, or two trillion gallons. We’ve gone through the expense of getting the water, treating it, putting it in the pipes. But before it ever gets to its destination, we’ve lost it because of leaks and main breaks, generally caused by infrastructure well beyond its useful life.” In addition to affordability, safety, security, and reliability are greatly enhanced by a more modernized regulatory framework in Missouri. According to a January 6, 2017 article on Bloomberg.com entitled, “U.S. Grid in ‘Imminent Danger’ From Cyber-Attack, Study Says,” a recent U.S. Energy Department study found that cyber-attacks are “growing more frequent and sophisticated.” Missouri’s investor-owned utilities work on a daily basis with state and federal officials to protect the utility system from physical and cyber-attack, but as the report states, the amount of funding necessary to meet the threat is ever increasing, “… total investment requirements necessary for grid modernization [in the U.S.] range from $350 billion to $500 billion.” A modernized grid generally allows the utility to identify and correct faults on the system that cause outages more quickly. A modernized grid also allows for faster restoration of service because smart devices allow the

TREY DAVIS President Missouri Energy Development Association As Missouri moves forward under the leadership of Governor Greitens, the state is looking to update and/or eliminate outdated and burdensome regulations that stand in the way of job creation. Much of Missouri’s utility infrastructure is 50 years or older and the relatively unchanged regulations for investor-owned utilities date back to 1913. Since that time our industry experienced decades of predictable load growth after World War II, followed by a shift towards energy efficiency, which has factored into a decline in usage. Customers’ expectations are on the rise, technology is evolving rapidly, and there is a strong need to replace and modernize our aging infrastructure. The regulations that worked in 1913 no longer work today. That’s because these outdated policies do not facilitate investment levels needed to provide optimal service and long-term reliability for customers. For example, in the United States, four states have not significantly updated their utility laws (Missouri, Idaho, West Virginia, and Montana). Three of these four states have had the most significant electric rate increases from 2007-2016: West Virginia (70% increase), Idaho (64.1% increase), and Missouri (46.7% increase). Compare this to states during the same timeframe that have implemented significant regulatory reforms, resulting in more stable and predictable cost adjustments, as well as a modernized grid: Florida (-2.8%), Mississippi

utility to locate problems on the system more quickly and perform automatic switching to restore power to customers in a matter of seconds. A recent review of the Edison Electric Institute’s “From Superstorm Sandy to Hurricane Matthew: Lessons Learned and Applied,” revealed the following from the storms in 2012 vs. 2016 regarding investment in infrastructure resiliency: “Since Superstorm Sandy, companies have invested more than $175 billion in transmission and distribution systems. Electric company investments in smart grid technologies made a major difference during Hurricane Matthew restoration efforts. The situational awareness data provided by smart meters directly supported a more efficient response by companies. Smart meter deployments are projected to reach 70 million by the end of 2016 and 90 million by 2020.” Flash forward to 2017. Governors, lawmakers, and stakeholders across the country are focused on moving their states forward and the opportunity to attract and retain business in Missouri remains a priority. Sen. Ed Emery has filed Senate Bill 190, the Missouri Economic Development and Infrastructure Investment Act. SB 190 is about making smart, forward-thinking regulatory reforms that will drive significant investment in Missouri to modernize the state’s energy grid. It will position Missouri for growth, like virtually every other state in the country has done, including Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois. Experience has already shown that these investments will drive meaningful long-term benefits to the citizens of Missouri and create or sustain thousands of good, quality jobs.

For example, based upon an incremental investment of $646 million by just Ameren Missouri for grid modernization as a result of SB 190, and at a cost of about $1.00 a month for a typical residential customer, customers would receive total benefits and savings of $1.6 billion. Missouri’s investor-owned utilities have continued to provide safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to their customers; however, aging infrastructure, a trending decline in customer usage, and an increasing need to modernize the state’s 100year old regulatory framework, have resulted in the American Society of Civil Engineers issuing a report card that gives Missouri a D+ on electric infrastructure. Senate Bill 242 and House Bill 747, filed respectively by Sen. Emery and Rep. Rocky Miller, are in response to the extensive testimony and suggested improvements received from experts across the country at the recently concluded Senate Interim Committee on Utility Regulation and Infrastructure Investment and the Public Service Commission (PSC) Working Case to Consider Policies to Improve Electric Regulation. To that end, a significant portion of the current pieces of legislation are dedicated to the necessary scripting of a more modern, applicable, and efficient regulatory framework for natural gas customers and utilities in Missouri. While maintaining all of the PSC’s oversight and ratemaking principles, SB 242/HB 747 provide enhanced customer benefits, such as: 1) more frequent and transparent financial reporting, 2) reciprocal performance metrics instituted by the PSC to benefit customers and to hold the natural gas companies accountable, and 3) caps to pro-

tect against rate volatility. Finally, Senate Bill 184, filed by Sen. Emery, and House Bill 243, filed by Rep. Charlie Davis, would allow small adjustments on customer bills to ensure that the utility collects no more and no less than the revenue requirement set by the PSC in a general rate case. The bill would provide revenue stability for the utility and fairness for customers by ensuring they only pay for the cost of service. Stable revenue will allow the utility to operate more efficiently, especially in planning needed infrastructure projects. This is important because for every $1 in operations and maintenance expense saved, the utility can invest $6-$7 in infrastructure projects without raising rates. The PSC retains oversight by reviewing the bill adjustments annually, and any utility wanting to use the mechanism would need to go in for a rate case first. MEDA member businesses are service providers, large employers, tax payers, investors, job creators, energy consumers, and local community members and supporters. MEDA members are long-standing corporate citizens in Missouri and the Midwest region and work to provide a reliable and low-cost service for their customers. MEDA is dedicated to addressing Missouri's energy and water future through a modern and streamlined regulatory framework with efficient investment mechanisms. Providing safe, reliable, and affordable service is at the core of every business decision our member businesses make and the policy ideas we bring forth. MEDA encourages the Missouri legislature to consider proposals that protect consumers and provide the necessary regulatory improvements to allow Missouri to make prudent investments while maintaining low-cost energy and water resources for years to come.

We look forward to continuing to work with Governor Greitens, legislators, regulators, businesses, and citizens to move Missouri forward. The time of succumbing to the status-quo is behind us. It is time to be part of the solution.

MEDA’s electric, natural gas, and water investor-owned utilities proudly serve over 3,750,000 customers across Missouri and employ more than 11,500 hard-working Missourians. MEDA member businesses have recently invested roughly $2 billion on capital expenditures in Missouri to benefit their customers and MEDA's member businesses and their employees continually contribute millions of dollars and thousands of hours in helping others in their vast Missouri community territories.

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O P I N I O N Missouri falling behind as crisis looms AMY BLOUIN Executive Director Missouri Budget Project Missourians work hard every day to provide a better life for their families. But in small towns, suburban neighborhoods, and urban centers across the state, many families are struggling to make ends meet. In between rushing to get kids to school before their shift starts, or quietly taking care of an elderly parent who can’t get around too well anymore, they’re worrying about how to pay the bills. While many metrics of the economy are improving, lots of Missourians don’t feel it. They don’t think they’re doing better than their parents before them, and they worry about the kind of jobs that will be available for their own kids. But while we may see that our middle class is struggling, our state is falling behind on the very human capital and transportation infrastructure needed to build a strong economy. Almost 900 of Missouri’s bridges are in poor condition, and our ongoing budget challenges will once again make it difficult to fully fund our state’s foundation formula. Our state has faced budget crises before. Often, they have been tied to nationwide economic recessions. But parts of the current budget shortfall have been self-created, and they look likely to get worse. Economies Depend on More than Just Taxes When Missouri voters passed the Hancock amendment, they did

not expect that decades later, our state would be cutting investments in the very services that help families, communities and our economy thrive. While our state struggles to pay its bills and fulfill its promises toward public education, state general revenue now falls nearly $4 billion short of the Hancock threshold. This is unsurprising given that despite misconceptions to the contrary, Missouri is actually a low tax state. The Show-Me State is 47th in the country in per capita state government revenue. And local taxes don’t change this figure much. Missouri comes in 43rd in state and local government revenue per capita. In other words, nearly all other states collect more in taxes than Missouri, relative to their populations. Moreover, Missouri’s effective corporate tax rate is also one of the lowest in the country. Yet despite being a low tax state, Missouri continues to struggle. Some states have outpaced Missouri’s economic growth because of factors Missouri simply can’t control. In particular, climate, tourism, and the availability of natural resources have given some states a leg up in the economic race. There are, however, ways for Missouri to compete, and to attract the kind of quality jobs we need to build a better future for us all. It Hasn’t Always Been This Way Decades ago, our parents and grandparents decided to make investments in the generations to come. They built roads and bridges and invested in K-12 and higher education systems that have edu-

cated millions of Missourians. But these investments have faltered in recent years as revenue has declined in proportion to the size of the state economy. In fact, Missouri’s general revenue collections are at a nearly 35 year low relative to personal income. This erosion makes it difficult to invest in the building blocks of a successful economy that the generations before us envisioned. Of course, society and expectations have changed a lot during these decades. We have a fast paced culture, and we expect quick results. But there are no magic bullets, or easy shots of adrenaline to spur real, ongoing economic growth. The Show-Me State has to take the long view to show real results. Economic growth depends on people. Businesses look for an educated and skilled workforce with the spending power to fuel our economy. People with creativity and talent spark the next innovation, the next idea that can change how we live our lives, and create entire industries. Unfortunately, our state now faces enormous obstacles to investing in the Missourians who make up that workforce, the human capital that might develop innovative solutions. The collapse in corporate tax revenues at the end of fiscal year 2016 forced the first round of cuts that will continue in the foreseeable future. Changes to how corporate taxes were calculated for multistate companies undermined state revenue more than expected. And even in the midst of this ongoing decline in state revenue, further income tax cuts are likely to go into effect in 2018. All the while, tax

credits cost upwards of $500 million a year. So legislators are now cornered into debating whether to fund K-12 education, higher education, or in-home services for Missourians with disabilities. No matter the final budget, policymakers will be forced to cut real services that affect real families – and our state’s economy. Cuts to education affect workforce readiness. But so do cuts to Medicaid services. About twothirds of those receiving Medicaid services are kids, and another quarter are seniors or Missourians living with disabilities or serious mental health issues. There is at least one working adult in the family of more than three-fourths of Medicaid enrollees. Working families that lose health services for their children or parents will have more trouble making ends meet and contributing to the economy. Pitting education against services for vulnerable Missourians is a penny-wise and a pound foolish. Safety net health services allow Missourians an opportunity to contribute to the economy while caring for an ailing loved one or maintaining their health. Quality early education helps parents make ends meet, and children enter school ready to learn. But investments in these and other services can also reduce state spending in the future. Missouri’s budget and revenue policies and outlook are a significant challenge to our state’s ability to making the investments in education and training, infrastructure, and quality of life that will draw businesses to our state and build the economy. But every challenge is also an opportunity.

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100 Years, 100 Facts

Missouri State Parks continue to make national footprint Compiled by the Missouri Conservation & Environmental Alliance

NATIONAL RECOGNITION OF MISSOURI STATE PARKS 2015: Ha Ha Tonka named #4 best state park in the country by a USA Today poll1

Watkins Mill

Johnson’s Shut Ins

use the Mississippi flyway during their annual migration.

The Audubon Center at Riverlands, which is just outside of the Edward “Ted” & Pat 2015: Nine Missouri State Parks & Historic Jones – Confluence Point State Park, Sites award TripAdvisor’s Certificate of augments the experience of people Excellence2 traveling to this state park by informing visitors of which types of birds fly through 2013: Named ‘Best Trails State’ by the confluence during migration. American Trails3 MISSOURI STATE PARKS MO State Parks manages almost 1,000 miles of trails Arrow Rock State Historic Site Finalist several years for the National The entire town of Arrow Rock was Recreation and Park Association Gold designated a National Historic Landmark Medal Award4 in 1964. 2015, 2013, 2011, 2003, 2001, 1999, 1997 Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial MISSOURI STATE PARKS VISITORS & State Park ECONOMIC IMPACT The first 88 acres of the park were Total visitors in 2011: 17,905,8085 donated to the state by Jacob and Henry Babler in loving memory of their brother, Total visitors in 2016: 21,273,3976 Edmund, a prominent St. Louis surgeon. A 2012 Economic Impact Study found, based on 2011 visitors’ data, estimates: $778 million annual expenditures by visitors

Sam A. Baker State Park The park is located in one of the oldest mountain ranges in North America – the St. Francois Mountains.

Battle of Athens State Historic Site The Thome-Benning house, locally known $307 million in payroll and related income as “the Cannonball House,” still exhibits two holes made through the kitchen walls $123 million in federal, state, and local by a cannonball during the battle. taxes Battle of Carthage State Historic $26 return on investment for every $1 Site spent on Missouri State Parks operation The historic site encompasses the Carter 14,535 jobs supported by visitors’ Spring area, which closely resembles the expenditures condition in which it appeared in 1861. $1.2 billion in sales

Lewis & Clark and Big Oak state parks are great places to grab your binoculars and seek out the over 325 bird species that

Battle of Island Mound State Historic Site The Battle of Island Mound, a short,

educational film depicting the story of the Boone’s Lick State Historic Site Battle of Island Mound, is available for sale In pioneer times, salt was indispensable at some state parks and historic sites or for preserving meat and tanning hides. The online at mostateparks.com. countryside around this salt spring was considered ideal for settlement. Battle of Lexington State Historic Site Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site The battle is nicknamed the “Battle of The residence began as a seven-room the Hemp Bales” after the strategy by cottage, but eventually grew into the much Southerners to use large hemp bales to larger 31-room mansion. protect them from enemy fire. Castlewood State Park Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic The Open Space Council of St. Louis Site helped the state acquire the land that in Although the Confederates captured Fort 1974 became Castlewood State Park. The Davidson, the casualties suffered at the park is the centerpiece of the Meramec Battle of Pilot Knob prevented Confederate River Recreation Association. Maj. Gen. Sterling Price from his originally planned attack on St. Louis. Clark’s Hill/Norton State Historic Site Bennett Spring State Park Measurements taken of the Missouri River More than 100 million gallons of clear by Capt. William Clark show that it was water gush from Bennett Spring every day. much wider in 1804 than it is today, mainly due to channelization. Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site Confederate Memorial State Historic A walk through the home reveals Benton Site and his family’s love for music. A baby At its height, the Confederate Soldiers grand piano is located in the living room Home of Missouri annually cared for more and two of the artworks in the house are of than 380 veterans and their families. his son playing the flute and his daughter the guitar. Crowder State Park The park memorializes a notable Big Lake State Park Missourian, Maj. Gen. Enoch Herbert During the winter, hundreds of thousands Crowder. of snow geese typically visit the park as a part of their Cuivre River State Park yearly migration. Big Sugar Creek is one of the finest undisturbed streams left in northeastern Big Oak Tree State Park Missouri. It is one of three natural areas in The park protects 12 species of rare plants the park. and animals, 250 kinds of plants and 25 mammal, Current River State Park 31 reptile and seven amphibian species. The complex of buildings left from the original Alton Club is one of only a few Big Sugar Creek State Park remaining intact examples of the private Notable and rare plants found in the park corporate and sportsmen’s retreats once include the Ozark Chinquapin tree, Ozark located along the banks of the Current and corn salad wildflower, mock orange and Jacks Fork rivers. low prickly pear cactus. Deutschheim State Historic Site Bollinger Mill State Historic Site Grapevines planted more than 100 years Construction of Burfordville Covered ago can still be seen on the property today. Bridge began before the Civil War and was completed in 1868. Dillard Mill State Historic Site The bridge linked Burfordville to the main Dillard Mill is the second mill structure at road. this site. Wisdom’s Mill, the first mill built here, was constructed in the 1850s. Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site Gov. Daniel Dunklin’s Grave State On the site’s trails, visitors can experience Historic Site several of the main highlights of the Gov. Dunklin is often called the father of historic site, including the 1837 Nathan Missouri’s school system for his efforts Boone home, the Boone family cemetery to establish public schools on a firm and and the African-American cemetery. stable basis.

Echo Bluff State Park Echo Bluff is composed of Eminence dolomite. Elephant Rocks State Park Granite from area quarries can still be seen today in the columns on the front porch of the Governor’s Mansion in Jefferson City.

symbolize the rock layers found naturally here in the St. Francois Mountains. Edward “Ted” & Pat JonesConfluence Point State Park Due to natural changes in the rivers, the confluence point is now two miles downstream from the point where the Lewis and Clark Expedition entered the Missouri River.

Finger Lakes State Park The park includes the park system’s first bicycle pump track, an 87-foot, concrete Scott Joplin House State Historic Site track that allows bicyclers to speed around The site includes an operating player piano an oval ring and over eight bumps or in the music room that allows visitors to “pumps” to increase speed. listen to piano rolls of the ragtime era, including some that were cut by Joplin First Missouri State Capitol Historic himself. Site On Nov. 25, 1820, Gov. Alexander McNair Katy Trail State Park signed a bill making St. Charles the The use of “Katy” in the park’s name first Capitol of Missouri. The state’s first reflects the trail’s Missouri-Kansas-Texas legislators met in St. Charles for the first Railroad history. The trail logo was time on June 4, 1821. developed using the 1889 MKT Railroad logo as inspiration. Graham Cave State Park Archaeological findings from the cave Knob Noster State Park revealed different periods in man’s use of The park also features an oxbow slough, the cave, dating back to as early as 10,000 which has been officially designated as years ago. Pin Oak Slough Natural Area. Grand Gulf State Park In 1971, Grand Gulf was designated a National Natural Landmark.

Lake of the Ozarks State Park Visitors at Lake of the Ozarks State Park can take a guided tour of Ozark Caverns, best known for an unusual cave Ha Ha Tonka State Park phenomenon known as Angel Showers – a The Ha Ha Tonka area was one of the first never-ending shower of water that appears sites ever considered for preservation as a to emerge from a solid ceiling of rock. Missouri state park in the early 1900s. The effort to make it a state park was finally Lake Wappapello State Park successful in 1978. The lake was created in 1938 when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began Hawn State Park construction of a dam to control flooding Hawn State Park is one of the few places along the St. Francis River. in the state where you can see all three types of rock together: sedimentary, Lewis and Clark State Park igneous and metamorphic. As part of the commemoration of Lewis and Clark’s historic journey that began in Hunter‑Dawson State Historic Site 1803, a Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Plaza The home exhibits Georgian, Greek Revival was incorporated into the landscape of the and Italianate architectural features and park in 2006. took nearly a year to construct, being finished in May of 1860. Locust Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site Iliniwek Village State Historic Site Located midway between Laclede and The word Iliniwek means “we are men” Meadville, the bridge once served a local and it is the expression used by 12 tribes population that included the young John to describe their loose alliance with one Joseph Pershing. another. Long Branch State Park More than half of northern Missouri once Jewell Cemetery State Historic Site was covered with native prairie. Two The earliest grave in Jewell Cemetery dates specially recognized Natural Areas in the from 1822, with the most recent dating park provide examples of the landscape as 1968. it was prior to European settlement. Johnson’s Shut‑Ins State Park Rock layers on the Black River Center

Mastodon State Historic Site The Kimmswick Bone Bed is one of the

oldest known archaeological sites in Missouri. Meramec State Park Hidden within the park’s expansive forest are several springs and more than 40 caves.

head freely graze across the landscape shaping the earth with grazed patches, trails and wallows. Roaring River State Park As one of the oldest and most scenic Missouri state parks, Roaring River State Park is often called “one of the grand old ladies.”

Missouri Mines State Historic Site At its peak, the mining complex consisted of 25 buildings, including the powerhouse, Robertsville State Park headframe and primary crusher, mill, The Spice Bush Trail meanders through a flotation plant, filter and dryer building, rich bottomland area and features several machine shop, carpenter shop, sawmill kinds of bushes, including the spice bush and electrical shop. for which the trail is named. Cuivre River State Park Finger Lakes State Park

Missouri State Museum & Jefferson Don Robinson State Park Landing State Historic Site In the late 1960s, Don Robinson started The Missouri State Museum houses a buying parcels of land until he had exactly collection of exhibits in its two main the same amount of acreage as Central exhibit halls – the History Hall and the Park. Resources Hall. Rock Bridge Memorial State Park Montauk State Park Devil’s Icebox Cave, located in the park, Established in 1926, the park still boasts has a total mapped passage distance of many features built in the 1930s by the 6.5 miles. Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Rock Island Trail State Park Morris State Park Founded in 1847, the railroad operated The natural landscape associated with under several names during its history Crowley’s Ridge harbors more than 300 including the Rock Island and LaSalle Rail different types of plant species, some Road Company; Chicago, Rock Island and which are native to Missouri only on the Pacific Railroad Company and Chicago, ridge. Rock Island and Pacific Railway Company. Onondaga Cave State Park Onondaga Cave became popular as a tourist attraction during the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair.

Route 66 State Park Route 66 was designated as a federal highway in 1926 and occupies a special place in American popular culture and history.

Osage Village State Historic Site From the late 18th to the early 19th St. Francois State Park century, the Osage accounted for over half The first acreage for the park was of the total trade in furs on the Missouri purchased after a door-to-door fund drive River. by the citizens of St. Francois County.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park

General John J. Pershing Boyhood St. Joe State Park Home State Historic Site The park includes a radio controlled flying In 1919, Pershing was named the General field – a large area with a grass runway of the Armies of the United States (one that is maintained by a local organization rank above five-star general) by a special and set aside for operating radio act of Congress. controlled airplanes. Pershing State Park The best way to explore the park’s wetlands and view wildlife is the interpretive boardwalk and the Riparian Trail that meander along Locust Creek. Pomme de Terre State Park Pomme de terre literally means “apple of the earth,” which means “potato” in French. Prairie State Park A reintroduced bison herd of about 100

Sandy Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site Sandy Creek Covered Bridge was constructed in 1872 as part of a countywide building program in Jefferson County. Sappington Cemetery State Historic Site The two-acre cemetery contains 111 headstones and markers and is enclosed by a limestone wall and wrought iron fence.

Stockton State Park Archaeological evidence indicates that man occupied the area in and around the park as long ago as 10,000 years. Table Rock State Park Table Rock Lake totals 43,100 acres and includes nearly 800 miles of shoreline. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Taum Sauk Creek, which flows the length of the park, has been recognized as a State Outstanding Resource Water for its aesthetic and scientific value. Thousand Hills State Park At the park’s petroglyph site, ancient rock carvings of images such as crosses, arrows, snakes, thunderbirds and other animals can be found. Towosahgy State Historic Site Towosahgy (tah-wah-saw-ge) is a borrowed Osage Indian word meaning “Old Town“. Trail of Tears State Park Trail of Tears State Park is a certified site on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. Harry S Truman Birthplace State Historic Site In 1882, the Truman’s purchased the 20by 28-foot house for $685. Harry S Truman State Park The park’s dry, open oak woodlands with bands of rocky prairies are a prime example of what the western Ozarks looked like when the first European settlers came on the scene. Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site The small, two-room cabin sheltered eight people after Samuel was born. Mark Twain State Park Mark Twain State Park is the third oldest state park in Missouri and the first established north of the Missouri River. Union Covered Bridge State Historic Site The bridge is 120 feet long, 17 1/2 feet wide and has an entrance 12 feet high – high enough to admit a wagonload of hay.

Felix Valle House State Historic Site The site includes an impressive diorama showing the village of Ste. Genevieve in 1832, which is on exhibit in the BauvaisAmoureux House. Van Meter State Park The park’s Oumessourit Natural Area features a freshwater marsh, fens and bottomland and upland areas reminiscent of those that occurred in the area in the 1600s. Wakonda State Park The park’s name traces back to a word taken from the Osage and Missouri Indian tongues meaning something consecrated, referring to the spiritual. Wallace State Park Wallace State Park was one of the first recreational areas in northwest Missouri. Washington State Park The African-American company of the Civilian Conservation Corps that helped develop the park was inspired by the park’s Indian petroglyphs, a theme reflected at the former dining lodge. Watkins Woolen Mill State Park The land that makes up Watkins Mill State Park and the adjoining state historic site incorporates a large section of the Watkins home farm, including the original 80-acre tract upon which Watkins first settled.

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Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site By 1880, Watkins’ landholdings in Clay and nearby Ray County reached 3,660 acres. The farm where the mill and house were located totaled approximately 1,300 acres. Weston Bend State Park Weston Bend is a part of the Iatan/ Weston Bend River Corridor Important Bird Area and is one of several state parks located on America’s two great rivers, the prime routes for spring bird migration.

SOURCES:

1 http://www.lakeexpo.com/news/lake_news/ha-ha-tonka-ranks-in-usa-today-best-poll-of/article_72bcba4ad88f-11e4-8bfa-473b127ced0f.html 2 http://dnr.mo.gov/news/newsitem/uuid/8582427e-ba65-4394-ad31-31285fdd772b 3 https://mostateparks.com/page/60418/missouri-named-best-trails-state 4 https://www.nrpa.org/ All photos courtesy of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources

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KAY HOFLANDER

Nick Meyers, Hoflander, Gov. Eric Greitens, Todd Graves, Pat Thomas PHOTO/FACEBOOK

A Passion for Politics KADEN QUINN INTERN, THE MISSOURI TIMES Passion can be a rare thing to find in a person these days. In a world where it seems as if everyone trying to find motivation to even get out of bed, it’s refreshing to know that there are people who are always ready and willing to put their best foot forward. This sentiment has never been more well-represented than in Missouri Republican Party (MRP) vice chair, Kay Hoflander. Hoflander’s enthusiasm and determination for her work has led her to have a much storied life. From her career as journalist/ writer to her transition as a politician, Hoflander has made sure that no stone has been left unturned. In her words, as MRP vice chair she tries to keep the party moving on a grassroots level and works to ensure their volunteers and candidates have the tools they need to win. Hoflander was elected to her position on January 7, 2017 by the MRP State Committee, after Governor Eric Greitens took office allowing her to fully realize her potential in local government. But of course, her passion for politics doesn’t start there, it actually began in spring of 2004. When

Hoflander received a phone call from her son, a then Bush administration appointee, she was asked to work locally to help re-elect President George W. Bush. With her son guiding her, she found a local headquarters hidden away in Independence, Missouri just off Noland Road. “When I walked in the door, I found a bustling world of men and women manning phone banks, assembling mailers and organizing yard signs,” Hoflander said. “It was alive, vibrant and exciting.” It was there Hoflander was introduced to her local Lafayette County Republican central committee. While positioned there she saw a small inactive central committee with only three remaining members turn into a prominent local committee responsible for electing numerous Republicans to local and statewide offices. Sen. Bill Stouffer and his staff were instrumental in helping reorganize the central committee and inspire all of the 21st Senatorial District to work at great lengths to earn supporters. “To try and elect conservative candidates to all levels of government ultimately became my passion,” Hoflander said. “The year 2004 was definitely life-changing for me with regard to politics.”

Also in 2004, Kay was informed by her husband, Harold, that a campaign manager for gubernatorial candidate, Matt Blunt had contacted her wanting to know if they could organize an event. The clincher to this request was that the event would be in two days. Seeing as the local newspaper’s next publishing would be in two weeks and social media was unknown at the time, radio advertisement seemed like the only option. “Subsequently, I decided to get the word out the old-fashioned way and begged some friends to help me walk door-to-door with flyers.” Hoflander said. “We visited businesses, churches, scout groups, home schools and public schools to spread the word.” Soon after, local citizens came to her husband to “warn” him of the ramifications regarding politics, with many explaining that it would be bad for business to hold such an event in their showroom. Regardless, the Hoflander family remained steadfast in their convictions later to be rewarded with 150 people crowded into a small showroom to see then-Treasurer Matt Blunt. “We started down the political road that day and never looked back.” Hoflander said. With President Bush re-elected,

Blunt elected governor and Bill Stouffer as Missouri State Senator, it was clear that Hoflander’s work had paid off and that her passion had been ignited. “That did it. I was in and in to stay,” Hoflander explained. Although above all things, it’s important to mention Hoflander’s strongest beliefs, those with which she is the most committed to in her work and life. To that she says, “Being a good mom. Being kind and helpful. Loyalty is a trait I possess and one I value a great deal in others.” Passion is something that many people would say is missing in their lives and some say they can do without. That’s why most look to special individuals to inspire and guide them. It’s evident that Kay Hoflander is one of those individuals. After being elected to vice chair of the state party after less than a decade of involvement, Kay Hoflander is proof that passion is pivotal for success. While her passion has lead her life in many directions such as journalism, authorship and politics, the quality of her work is evident in all that she does. Kay Hoflander shows that passion is key and that a passion for politics is something that is truly honorable.

O’DONOGHUE’S A gem in the capital crown KADEN QUINN INTERN, THE MISSOURI TIMES On 900 East High Street, stands a historic and storied building. From the end of the late 19th century to teens of the 21st century, the Kaullen Mercantile Building has served the people of Jefferson City resolutely. Under its original owner, Peter Kaullen, it worked as a popular grocery and dry goods store. Later, it would be sold to Paul Griffin in 1942, turning it into marine store with the upper floors rented out to residents. Today, the building acts as O’Donoghue’s Steaks & Seafood restaurant, a place where keen individuals with good taste in cooking and a fine eye for ambience can no doubt satisfy their hunger. Upon entering the restaurant, costumers are greeted by the welcoming atmosphere of the bar. It’s here that patrons can meet for a causal drink and experience their senses on a whole new level being served only the best cuisine American fare has to offer. Past the bar lies the patio and the dining area where food is served. Both of these areas keep close to the kitchen, allowing the succulent smells of the grill to travel by those considering what to eat. The suspense that builds up as patrons question what smells so good simply adds to the satisfying experience that is made when the food is finally consumed. The food itself is nothing short of memorable. Looking at the menu, it’s clear that choosing a dish to eat will prove to be much more challenging than originally thought. Between the rib eye steak and the Kansas City Strip to the hand breaded shrimp and the battered twin lobster tails circumstances regarding what to eat are only limited by one’s budget. Once the food is finally delivered to the table, guests widen their eyes for a delectable surprise. A seemingly simple meal of the sirloin steak sandwich steams

from the meat immediately upon arrival from the grill. Biting into the sandwich was an experience all its own. The steak was as precise as “medium” could be. Tough, but still very chewy, tender, and juicy, but no means raw or bloody. This was complimented by the soft crisp bread which held the meat in place and the side of fries that were cooked to a dry golden perfection. Beyond the sirloin steak sandwich, for anyone who would want to eat something more representative of O’Donoghue’s, they might want to try their signature dish of chicken marsala. According to restaurant general manager, Robert Craig, many customers have said that O’Donoghue’s has best chicken marsala in town and while the restaurant is known for their steaks and seafood, the dish remains their hidden gem. It’s evident that a great deal of care goes into cooking O’Donoghue’s meals. In the kitchen, three cooks put a great amount of time and perfection into making sure the order is prime and ready. One of these cooks is owner, Chef Sam Donehue makes sure each dish is perfect. Notably, the cooks are not the only ones that make O’Donoghue’s such as great restaurant; the staff also lends themselves into making each experience there as comfortable as possible. Their service is very accommodating and personable. O’Donoghue’s Steak & Seafood restaurant proves that the Kaullen Mercantile Building still has a lot to offer Jefferson City. While it may have begun as a grocery store, it’s obvious that the building is being put to good use as hundreds of patrons flock to O’Donoghue’s for great food, great company and great atmosphere. If there was ever a place in Missouri to go to for quality service and top American fare, O’Donoghue’s Steak & Seafood restaurant is without a doubt that place.

KADEN QUINN INTERN, THE MISSOURI TIMES

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COFFEE ZONE

How many decisions are made over Rocket Fuel? BENJAMIN PETERS THE MISSOURI TIMES

Yanis Coffee Zone has been a staple for Jefferson City’s community of caffeine addicts for over a decade, but the story of just how it came to be is even richer than the deliciously crafted beverages sold at the establishment. Taisir and Christina Yanis have owned and operated the downtown coffee shop since October of 2003, and since then, the shop has taken off. Taisir first came to the U.S. from Jordan in 1996 with just $100 to his name, working as an actor in New York. After visiting his brother in Columbia, he fell in love with Mid-Missouri, and worked for his brother for eight years. But after a time, Taisir and Christina knew they wanted more, and decided to open the store, putting everything on the line to follow their dream. On the first day the shop opened, the Yanis remember serving just a couple of customers. “Downtown really was a ghost town, with not much happening,” Taisir said. “Now, you’re lucky to find parking. When I came to Jeff City, everything was on Missouri Boulevard. It took a lot from the Chamber of Commerce, the

Downtown Association, and small businesses to Fast forward to today, and they can expect to see anywhere from 300-500 coming in for a cup of Joe or some authentic Mediterranean cuisine, all of which is freshly made. The small shop has made big waves in its time here, claiming several awards for “Best of Jefferson City”, Small Business of the Year, and has been voted best coffee shop by the local newspaper’s readers more than a few times. While most come for the signature “Rocket Fuel”, a house brew that jolts even the strongest caffeine addicts, the shop also boasts a variety of drinks that rivals most coffee houses. The family atmosphere and friendly faces make it a place that invites the customer in and encourages them to keep coming back. Inside, the familiar coffee house feel is just as warm and inviting as the staff, and its central location in Jefferson City makes it a prime spot for lawmakers and Capitol staff, as well as local businessmen and women and the thousands of state, city and county employees housed in the Capital City’s downtown area. That connection that customers

feel with the Yanis and their staff can be traced back to the owner. Nearly every visitor will remember Taisir’s smile and voice issuing a friendly “Hala, haha”, something he has lovingly become known for here in Jefferson City. Hala hala means “hello, goodbye, and thank you” in Arabic, just a small piece of culture that Taisir shares with customers. “Every customer that comes here, we treat them as a friend. We just want to show them that we love them and welcome them here,” he said. Taisir says that the staff is like family, and in turn, they treat the customers like family. Just walking in, one might reminisce of “Cheers”, where everyone knows your name. “We’re really proud of what we serve, and the customers know that they’re going to get the best that Jefferson City has to offer.” Saisir stays busy with work, both at the shop and out in the community - he can often be found at his children’s extracurricular activities, whether it’s coaching his son’s soccer team or cheering on his daughter at a gymnastics meet. Most would need a lot energy to keep up with Taisir, but the self-proclaimed coffee addict ad-

mits that coffee has always put a little extra pep in his step. Working at the shop, he has plenty of access to Rocket Fuel, and drinks plenty of it. Taisir says that what really makes it all possible, though, is the love and support of his wife. But the story of Taisir and Coffee Zone is also one of a survivor. While on a family trip, Taisir found a lump on his neck, and was later diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Taisir has overcome the cancer, thanks to modern medicine, the love of his family and the support of his staff, friends and community. “After that, it opened my eyes. I want to give back to the community, to give back what God gave me,” he said. “To be able to take, you have to give. And God gives you these tests in life to show you that.” To sum it up, the story of Coffee Zone is many things: a love story, a survivor’s story, and the American Dream. So, whether you’re looking for a quick cup on the go, or maybe a place to stop in and stay awhile, Yanis Coffee Zone is always ready to welcome any customer with a happy smile and a “Hala hala.”

THREE DRINKS TO TRY While Rocket Fuel is the staple of Coffee Zone, we asked Taisir for three recommendations. He happily obliged, and even told us of a drink not on the menu. 1. Banana Nut Latte “It’s one of my favorites. It’s banana, hazelnut, skim milk and double espresso. It’s really kind of awkward sounding, but it’s heaven.” 2. Depth Charge “The Depth Charge is double espresso and Rocket Fuel.” Taisir says that it’s not for most people, since it’s just like a straight shot of caffeine, but on a slow morning, it might be just what you need.”

Taisir Yanis PHOTOS/BENJAMIN PETERS

3. Double the Double This one is not on the menu. “It’s a double espresso that we run through the espresso machine twice,” Taisir says. “It’s really smooth, and very selective customers ask for it.” 23

THE 100 LIST

It’s finally here - the 100 List - the list of 100 of the most influential lobbyists, government consultants, association directors and more. On a daily basis, they try to educate the legislature on behalf of their client(s) and we’ve noticed they’re pretty good at it.

Aaron Baker Clout Baker solidified his place on the 100 List for his work with Axiom Strategies, which now leads their own lobbying venture called Clout. During the 2016 campaign season, he revolutionized grassroots for legislative outreach. He has taken his legislative, political, and lobbying experience and combined them to create a new triple threat as an operative.

Adam McBride Laborers’ District Council In a challenging time for labor in Missouri, the quality work of the Missouri Laborers’ Union in government relation and membership services means they are in one of the best positions for a union and will not suffer from right-to-work. McBride is known as one of the brightest in labor, and they will continue to rely on his knowledge and abilities as the legislature continues pushing labor reform. Alex Eaton

Catalyst Group

Eaton an integral part of one of the fastest growing lobby shops in the state. Eaton’s career began in the field before leading to lobbying in Jefferson City, but he’s one of the most experienced and knowledgable lobbyists for his age in the entire state. Andy Arnold Arnold & Associates There’s plenty of lobbyists in the 100 List, but none more honest than Arnold. He’s known as one of people’s favorite to partner with on endeavors. His integrity is unquestioned. By definition, he’s old school, using strong relationships and hard work to maintain a strong, hands-on practice.

Andy Blunt

Statehouse Strategies

Blunt has been lobbying for less than a decade and is already one of the top 2-3 lobbyists in the state of Missouri. His clients include some of the state’s most respected associations and corporations, and his growth has been so rapid that he has added several more lobbyists at Statehouse Strategies to meet the demand. Austin Walker

St. Louis Regional Chamber

Walker’s legislative career was propelled forward when he worked with

the Chamber to push the Workplace Opportunity Act, and has shown a true bipartisan touch to match his membership. Walker has a very bright future in Missouri lobbying.

every issue debated in the Capitol. He has a unique insight on campaigns from his time working for Republican candidates. He is a consummate public policy veteran.

Barry Hart

Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives

The co-ops are always one of the most influential and successful lobbying groups in the legislature, and Hart’s leadership is a key component. They are extremely effective, as they can get the attention of any rural Republican and specialize in utilizing their co-op boards throughout the state to be a driving force in their clout, which never seems to fade.

Brian Grace Dentons

In past issues, we’ve mentioned him being one of the most upwardly lobbyists on the list. That cannot be said anymore, as he has arrived as one of the top lobbyists in the state. He has one of the state’s most impressive client lists in a growing firm, and his dedication to the job is like no other. He’s a daily fixture, constantly found in the Capitol.

Bill Gamble

Cara Hoover

Gamble has been a mainstay in the Capitol for decades, working in partnership with Jorgen Schlemeier to form one of the biggest firms in the state. He’s a strong force for a number of Kansas City and business staples, who have relied on his abilities and knowledge for years.

No sector is more heavily regulated than energy, and Hoover lobbies for KCP&L. Part of the gold standard of corporate lobbyists, she’s part of a team that is dealing with regulations in acquiring Westar and birthing a new fortune 500 company right here in Missouri.

Becky Lohmann

Charlie Hinderliter

Becky made a bold career move, going to law school to becoming a lobbyist, but it landed her at one of the largest lobbyist shops in the state: Catalyst. Since then, she’s learned the ropes faster than most people, even those with decades of experience. With a high-energy attitude and a multitude of talents, the #moleg Podcast co-host has truly become a force to be reckoned with.

Hinderliter is now the vice president of the Chamber of Commerce Executives, which is giving him a ton of visibility around the Capitol and throughout the state. In addition to making his own way, he continues to be an indispensible resource for the St. Louis Chamber of Commerce.

Brad Jones

Liese is partner at one of the most diverse lobbying firms in the state. He is easily one of the most professional lobbyists which translates to his entire firm.

Gamble & Schlemeier

Catalyst

National Federation of Independent Business

Jones has finally seen the legislature bear fruit to many of the goals of small business. He leads one of the largest small business organizations in the state, with an active membership to back up his leadership. Brandon Butler

Conservation Federation of Missouri

Butler came in at a time when conservation was at their lowest point with the legislature, but through hard work, he helped to systematically fight off anti-conservation legislation. His work has led to a complete 180 on how the conservation sector is viewed in the Capitol these days. Brent Hemphill

Brent Hemphill & Associates

Hemphill has built one of the most established firms in Missouri with clients from industry to interest groups. His firm has clients within almost

Kansas City Power & Light

pled her Capitol network, which makes her all the more powerful as a lobbyist for American Water.

to grow and produce lobbyists that quickly rise to this list.

Chuck Hatfield

UFCW 655

Stinson Leonard Street

Let’s be honest - there’s probably no attorney in the state that knows more about the judiciary and the executive branch as Hatfield. Any issue you find in politics in the courts, you’re most likely to find Hatfield on one side or the other. He is a someone who can see a bill through the legislature lobbying on it and see it through the courts after it’s been passed. Craig Overfelt

Missouri Bankers Association

If energy is the most heavily regulated industry in the state, the bankers are next up. The bankers have become one of the most respected associations in the state. Overfelt is known for honesty and being able to deal with certain people, which is what makes him and the association so successful. Craig Unruh One of the top corporate lobbyists in the state, Unruh is known for spending more time at hearings than any other corporate lobbyist. He has built a sterling reputation on that work ethic and has the rare quality of being a corporate lobbyist that everyone trusts.

St. Louis Regional Chamber of Commerce

Chris Liese

Burton and Liese

Chris Roepe

John Bardgett and Associates

A lobbyist with extensive experience between senate staffing, state party politics, and corporate and association lobbying, Roepe is now at one of the top firms in the state. The addition of Roepe, who is widely regarded as a perfect fit, helps ensure a bright future for the most successful firm in the history of state lobbying. Christine Page

Missouri American Water

One of the more genuinely honest and legislatively smart corporate lobbyists, Page truly made her mark on the Capitol by leading the Women’s Policy Network into existence - no small feat. It seems that, almost overnight, she tri-

Dan Mehan

Missouri Chamber of Commerce

Probably the Missouri politico of the year, Mehan has worked for a long time with a Republican majority and a Democratic governor, but this session he’s been able to see every effort he’s championed come to fruition. While held in very high esteem on past lists, there’s currently no one better to be right now than Dan Mehan. He also has a stable of lobbyists that got their start at the Chamber who are fiercely loyal to him.

Danny Pfeifer Catalyst Group

Pfeifer might be the youngest principal of any firm in the state of Missouri. It’s no coincidence that he is also principal of the fastest growing firm as well. He has quickly gone from being a Republican staffer to leading a multi-state lobbying firm, representing national clients like Uber, Tesla, DraftKings, to name a few, and his staff continues

Dave Cook The St. Louis Labor Council has one of the most effective unions in the state. UFCW is one of the most important players, not only in labor, but in the Democratic Party. A great deal of their clout is simply derived from Cook’s clout, a strong advocate serving as the president of Local 655. David Jackson

Gamble and Schleimeier

Jackson made the move to Gamble and Schlemeier in one of the rare moves where a great lobbyist brings a lot of great clients as well. He’s quickly been accelerating his influence in the state and is probably one of the most honest and well liked people in Missouri’s political realm. David Kent

Heartland Credit Union Association

Kent is a very well liked and well respected lobbyist who is a fixture in the rotunda, monitoring a myriad of legislation affecting the credit unions. Very well thought of, he is someone you see working the halls of the Capitol as much as anyone in lobbying. David McCracken

Flotron and McIntosh

After 10 years in the profession, McCracken has worn the soles out of countless pairs of shoes working on many hot button issues and will continue to pound the marble floors for years to come. David Overfelt

Missouri Retailer’s Association

Few association directors have to monitor as many different issues as the Overfelt, as there are very few bills that do not affect his members in one way or another. He is someone whose position and advice are sought on so many bills that his fingerprints may be on as many pieces of state law than any Missourian over the last several years. David Smith

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Known as one of the most successful business lobbyist in Missouri, Smith spent time developing his reputation as being knowledgeable on every aspect of insurance law and as a straight shooter. While developing relationships in the past, they’re paying off now with Blue Cross Blue Shield. He’s one of the few people on this list everyone should make a point to know. David Winton

Penman & Winton

Winton has a lengthy list of clients in a firm that truly espouses what the partners believe in. Few people in the state of Missouri know as much as

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3/2/17 9:20 AM

Winton when it comes to health care policy, and it shows, as we have seen even legislators working on bills he opposes ask his advice because they truly respect him.

the table. Greg Porter Catalyst

Dawn Nicklas

Franc Flotron

Nicklas is now in her second year as the principal of Nicklas Lobby. She has a great team around her and a list of awesome and growing clients including Planned Parenthood and the Missouri Coalition for the Environment.

A former state senator, Flotron has a unique way of thinking outside the box and working both sides of the aisle. His reputation as a policy wonk and his knowledge and relationships in the business community have made him a person that lobbyists and legislators seek for advice. Flotron long ago achieved guru status in the education reform arena, where he continues to bring wisdom and depth of knowledge to the cause. It is rumored that his ponytail holds all the secrets of lawmaking.

Nicklas Lobby

Deanna Hemphill Gate Way Group

Hemphill is a force, representing clients like RAI, Fairtrade Missouri, and AT&T, and has been a big reason why the firm has remained successful. Hemphill’s relationships in the Capitol are a key reason why those clients remain with her and Gate Way for the long haul. Elizabeth Lauber E L Consulting

Lauber was introduced to the Capitol working on energy issues, but has broadened her practice to include multiple clients. She has worked hard to build a reputation for being a tenacious advocate for her now-growing list of clients. No one tries harder than Lauber.

Flotron & McIntosh

Fred Dreiling Known as one of the Kansas City area’s true heavyweight lobbyists, building a relationship with him is really an envoy into the top business and political leaders in the Kansas City area. Many have credited the clout of people like Dreiling as one of the reasons for Kansas City’s explosive growth over the past decade. He’s one of the people everyone reading this should want to know. Gary Marshall

Missouri Corn Growers Association

Ellie Glenn

St. Louis Children’s Hospital

If we had a ‘quality people’ list, she would be on it, probably at the top of it. She might be the most passionate lobbyist in the entire State Capitol; no one fights harder for their client than she does for the patients of Children’s Hospital. Erika Leonard

John Bardgett and Associates

This is one woman who truly seems to have more time management skills than everyone in the Capitol combined. Leonard brings energy, resourcefulness, and organization everywhere she goes. In addition to being one of the state’s top lobbyists, she assists with managing several associations.

Marshall is well-known, not just in Missouri, but nationally, as one of the most respected voices on behalf of the Missouri Corn Growers Association. Both Marshall and the group have been around for a long time and moved into particular prominence among Missouri ag groups. He has grown the organization into a premiere position in not just the agriculture field, but the state as a whole. Gary Wheeler

Missouri Soybean Association

Perhaps the most respected voice among Missouri agricultural groups, Wheeler has quickly built personal relationships at the highest levels in the legislature. His influence also extends far into the business community, and if we could only name five people on this list, he would still be on it.

Estil Fretwell

Missouri Farm Bureau

Fretwell is a legendary figure in Missouri politics, helping to lead the MFB to one of the most prestigious organizations in the state. His is one name that would be on the Mount Rushmore of Missouri politics.

Ginger Steinmetz A lot of lobbyists know politics inside and out - Steinmetz is definitely one of them. She’s one of the most sought after lobbyists to partner with on issues, and is very well-liked on both sides of the aisle because of her reputation for honesty and ability to bring people to

Porter is a leader to the now ever-growing Catalyst team. He brings diverse passions and strong experience to the Capitol, which only strengthens the firm’s reputation as adaptable and modern.

Jane Dueker Spencer Fane

The former chief of staff for Gov. Bob Holden currently works at Spencer Fane. She’s well-known to Missouri politicos from her time at KMOX, being involved in many high leverage lobbying fights, and arguing in front of the Missouri Supreme Court, she’s a name known to most everyone, and one of the best Twitter accounts in the state. Jason Klindt

Kansas City Power & Light

Guy Black Bryan Cave Impeccably dressed as he is professional, Black is the head of government affairs in the state for one of the largest law firms in the world and is one of the most respected lobbyists, also in the world. In a time when it’s fashionable to paint lobbyists as shady, Black is someone whose word is unquestioned in his profession. Hart Nelson

St. Louis Regional Chamber of Commerce

Nelson leads the most active chamber in the state, a leading voice in business with Chamber on public policy matters concerning the economic engine in the state. Under Hart’s leadership, the RCGA has grown in influence not only in St. Louis but also in Jefferson City. Irl Scissors

Gateway Government Relations

Scissors has been a longtime advocate for reducing Missouri’s energy costs and modernizing the electrical grid. But it’s his experience in lobbying and government at both the state and federal level that draw attention. He’s able to use his background as an attorney to his client’s’ advantage, and draws from his experience in campaigns, giving him an edge, especially when it comes to messaging. That combination has led to growth in his firm and his issue-area of expertise. He is in a prime spot to continue that growth going forward. Heath Clarkston

Gallagher Consultants

Clarkston is known as an old school lobbyist whose word is respected and someone who a growing list of legislators rely on for advice on complicated issue areas. He has grown a large book on business in his own right. You won’t find a more honorable and respected person on this list. Jacque Bardgett

John Bardgett and Associates

A leader in a rising generation of young lobbyists, she is already registered for some of the top corporations in the state and is one of the hardest working people in Jefferson City.

One of the few political consultants to make a seamless and natural transition into corporate lobbying, Klindt is at the top of a top flight government affairs operation for one of missouri’s most storied and respected companies. His status has increased as he has been a key in managing the regulatory approval of the Westar merger. Jay Atkins

Husch Blackwell

As Atkins left the Missouri Chamber to join Husch, he has amassed a lengthy list of blue chip clients. His background is what makes him a perfect fit to lead one of the state’s fastest growing and thriving firms that has always maintained an interest in public affairs. Jay Hahn

Hahn O’Daniel

Hahn is a lobbyist who is not only liked, but respected by almost everyone in the Capitol. It seems that each session, his business grows and with the Hahn O’Daniel firm in place, they are not only adding clients but associate lobbyist as well. His passion for lobbying and for his clients is an example for young people entering the government relations field. Jay Hardenbrook AARP

One of the most passionate for his cause, which is one of the most admirable causes in the Capitol, Hardenbrook is very talented at using his active membership to coordinate relations and get results in the Capitol. He also has the best beard on this list, without question. Jay Reichard

Statehouse Strategies

Reichard clearly made a shrewd decision entering lobbying with Statehouse Strategies and is now leading a rapidly growing team of lobbyists representing one of the most impressive client lists in the state. He’s one of the few on this list of lobbyists whose word you can always take to the bank. Jeff Aboussie The former head of the St. Louis Building and Construction Trades has now established himself as the leader of government affairs and principal for

Regional Strategies. He’s always been known as someone who understood the business side of labor negotiations and is now one of the most respected senior counsel for labor as well. Jeff Brooks

Gamble and Schleimeier

Brooks knows the Missouri Senate inside and out, which is not a compliment you would expect for a former house chief-of-staff. But he’s become a master of both sides of the building and known as one of the most tactical practitioners in the building. Jeff Rainford

Rainford & Associates

Rainford is perhaps best known for his years working in Mayor Slay’s administration, but you might recognize him as a frequent guest on political shows around the St. Louis area. He returned to Rainford and Associates, which is involved in many economic development matters in the St. Louis area, and his wit and communication skills are a major asset to a rather lucrative list of clients. Jessica Pabst SSM

Pabst lobbies for one of the fastest growing healthcare providers in the state. She is a lobbyist with a wider net of relationships than almost any other corporate lobbyist on our list and is an invaluable asset to SSM in the Capitol. Jewell Patek

Patek and Associates

Patek is deliberately quiet but everyone knows he is one of the most effective lobbyists in Jefferson City. Patek has an outstanding client list which includes some of the top corporations associations and institutions in the state of Missouri. Now some are pointing to him as one of the few contract lobbyist in the state that have a relationship with the governor. John Bardgett

John Bardgett and Associates

The Babe Ruth of Missouri lobbyists, he is the principal of one of the largest firms in the state with the most influential clients lists and it’s no coincidence why. No one on this list has the breadth of personal relationships that John Bardgett does.

Jon Dalton

Armstrong Teasdale

Dalton is an attorney who somehow manages to balance being a top lobbyist in Jefferson City and a top attorney in St. Louis. He’s one of the true gentlemen of Missouri lobbyists, and is someone you’ll want to know.

He is also the longtime mayor of Town and Country. Jon Parris

John Bardgett and Associates

Parris doesn’t meet a stranger. Working for the firm of his high school best friend, Parris is gracefully assertive and an authority on serving the clients of Bardgett and Associates. Truly one to bring a smile to the face of anyone, he is a Capitol staple whose absence is always noticeable. Jorgen Schleimeier

Gamble and Schleimeier

Unquestionably one of the top lobbyists in the state, Schleimeier is very experienced, coming from staff work and now being half of one of the top lobby shops in Missouri. Schleimeier is one of the few people on this list that is universally respected. Josh Haynes

Missouri Cares

The former chief of staff to Congressman Smith, Haynes has quickly taken to lobbying, specializing in healthcare issues. His sector will be on of the most active this year as managed care is implemented and Haynes is one of the best representatives they could have lobbying for them. Kristi Smith Wyatt

Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce

Kansas City is a place that is on fire right now and at the center of that activity is the very active Kansas City Chamber. Wyatt is a veteran of city politics and is at the center of one of the state’s fastest growing areas. Katie Casas Dentons

Casas made the move to Dentons over the interim and seems to have not missed a beat, maybe even scoring more victories in the education reform issue area. She has built a stellar reputation in the Capitol and is at the top of a new generation of Missouri lobbyists. Kathi Harness Kathi Harness is an experienced lobbyist known for a very stable list of clients and known to have the utmost integrity. She was one of the only lobbyists to see the Republican majority coming in the late 90s and made no friends with Democratic speakers by being one of the few lobbyists to support Republican campaigns, but that proved to be a wise investment today.

Missouri Chamber of Commerce. Kyna Iman As a lobbyist, Kyna had been one of the most reliable lobbyists in Jefferson City, as referenced by the number of longtime clients who have been with her. Her work ethic and loyalty to clients have worked to build a strong relationship, making her a top lobbyist in Missouri. Larry Pleus

Matt Forck Ameren

Pleus is one of the foremost experts in utility law in the state of Missouri, and is one of the hardest working lobbyists in the Capitol. Utility issues have been a mine field for some time in the state, and Pleus is one lobbyist who knows every aspect of his legislation.

Forck has established himself in the Capitol after working with Ameren on the front lines. He relates to people like no one else and moves the needle for his company which is widely known as one of the top corporate citizens in the state. Forck is known as one of the most accessible professionals in the Capitol.

Mark Bruns

Mike Deering

The former House chairman has made the transition from successful legislator to successful lobbyist, which, contrary to many media reports, is a very challenging move to make. Bruns’ time in the House made him an expert in public saftey law and he understands better than most how client’s priorities can become Missouri state law.

Deering and the Cattlemen’s Association continue to increase their influence in the Capitol. Their Allen West event this year was a success, and Deering continues to bring new ideas forward to further the cause. He has established himself as a leading voice on the national level for cattlemen’s issues.

Laclede Gas

Burton & Liese

Missouri Cattlemen’s Association

Mark Dalton

Mike Gibbons

Dalton and the Carpenters run one of the strongest and most effective political organizations in the state. As the political director, Dalton has been vocal and influential as a labor leader in the state, and is primed to continue that role for years to come as some have said that he has the best political instincts in the state.

Gibbons’ success in previous years led to the creation of his own firm with Tricia Workman. He’s well-known for a reputation of crafting solid legislation and then using the process to his client’s advantage.

Carpenters Union

Mark Habbas

State Council of Fire Fighters

Habbas represents some of Missouri’s true heroes and has been very successful in doing so. He’s known for being one of the most honest earnest and sincere, which has led him to become extremely close to several members in both chambers. He’s easily one of the most liked and respected men around. Mark Jones

Missouri National Education Association

Kelly Gillespie

Jones is an aggressive firebrand who has a take-no-prisoners approach that has proven to be part of a successful legislative strategy. He represents the education lobby during a very tough political environment and has successfully played defense while seeing education funding increase.

Gillespie has been a popular figure in Missouri politics for several sessions, and is definitely worth a chat in the rotunda. He’s served one of the most innovative the associations in the state for over a decade now as president and C.E.O., following his time with the

Mark Rhoads Mark Rhoads is a contract lobbyist who has built his company on long standing client relationships and impeccable integrity. He came from Senate staff and learned from the public policy process before entering

Missouri Biotechnology Association

lobbying. He now uses that knowledge in the term limits era to produce results for his clients. Rhoads is known for his honesty.

Gibbons Workman

Mike Lodewegen

Missouri Association of School Administrators

Lodewagen has been in the heat of the battle nearly every session since joining the organization. A veteran of Engler’s office, he has been the winner when the dust settled in nearly every session. Few people have to know more about more issues than him. Mike Louis

Missouri AFL-CIO

Louis stepped into his role during a time of changing political climates in this state. He’s one of the most honest and sincere fighters for his members even in one challenging political environments in the history of the Missouri labor movement. Under his leadership, the reports of labor’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. Mike Talboy

Burns & McDonnell

Talboy was known as one of the most skillful operators while he was in the legislators, impacting many bills from the minority, which is a challenging role. Now his role is reversed trying to push major legislation dealing with construction legislation. He is someone who is met with hugs, not handshakes,

when he enters the Capitol. Nancy Giddens

The Giddens Group

Giddens exudes energy and tenacity fighting for her growing list of clients. The group is one of the fastest growing lobby shops in the state and people are eager to follow her lead on several pieces of legislation. What’s been most interesting is to watch the group diversify their clientele.

Richard McIntosh Flotron & McIntosh

McIntosh may know the Missouri budget process better than anyone in the state. This isn’t a secret to anyone in the Capitol anymore, but when a business or interest group needs help in the budget process, Flotron & McIntosh is the go-to firm in Missouri. Rob Monsees

Missouri Hospital Association

Noel Torpey

Statehouse Strategies

Torpey recently transitioned from his own shop to Statehouse Strategy, which has proven to be a bold move for both parties. Using the same strategies he used to be an effective legislator to being a very effective lobbyist, Torpey is rising as one of the most respected lobbyists in the field. Pat White

St. Louis Labor Council

White has taken his role with the Greater St Louis Central Labor Council AFL-CIO to being active in the Jefferson City business and political community. He’s respected on both sides of the aisle, known as someone who can cross the aisle to find solutions. Phil Schneiders

Missouri Automobile Dealers Association

Known as one of the most focused and effective political operators in the Capitol, he seems to quietly know literally everyone. Those relationships have served him and MADA well. Schnieders is absolutely one of the 100 people to know in the Missouri public policy process. Ray McCarty

Associated Industries of Missouri

McCarty and AIM this year witnessed the fruition of their hard work with the final passage and signing of a rightto-work law. As the man in charge, McCarty is a key legislative player, and rising as a political one as well. Rich AuBuchon

AuBuchon Law Firm

AuBuchon’s career has given him a variety of skills, whether it be from his time under Gov. Matt Blunt and Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder or serving in the Office of Administration. He has built a very strong practice, both lobbying and lawyering, a rather unique combination mostly representing the interests of business clients. An honest and understanding guy, his good nature is matched only by his intelligence on a number of issues.

Monsees’ history of working with Republicans has led to a number of contacts and relationships being built, and he relies on that in his role of representing the Missouri Hospital Association. He’s focused his efforts building bridges and winning fights for the MHA Rodney Boyd Dentons

Boyd can be found in Jefferson City or St. Louis, heading up a talented group of lobbyists and building a reputation for effectiveness. In his time, he’s served as a police officer and in City Hall, skills that have served him well. It was a clear statement of the growth in both business and prestige with their bringing on Kate Casas this year. Rodney Gray Polsinelli

Gray has wealth of experience, from getting voters to change public policy to using the legislative process to serve his clients. He’s one of the most experienced and respected lobbyists in the Capitol and is easily one of the 100. people to know. Ron Leone

Missouri Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association

Leone is one of the most savvy operators in Missouri politics. To put it simply, there is a reason that MPCA is one of the toughest associations to tangle with in Jefferson City, and a big part of that is Ron Leone. Ryan Johnson

Missouri Alliance for Freedom

Johnson has exploded on the scene with a flurry of action, building the brand of MAF with a very active social media presence, scoring votes and handing out awards to those who vote for legislation he approves of. Johnson is now doing workshops around the state that will certainly help himself continue to build his brand going forward and continue to secure him a spot on this list. Ryan Rowden

Missouri Petroleum Council

Rowden has been a forceful advocate for the Petroleum Council, taking on issues from EPA regulations and tax increase proposals aimed at the members of his association. Rowden has been on the front line balancing political messaging alongside maintain legislative relationships.

Sam Licklider

Missouri Realtors Association

If you don’t know the name of Sam Licklider, let’s break it down. He’s an institution in the Capitol, having started with the Realtors Association in the late 60s as a field representative. Today, he is head of their lobbying effort, managing one of the most diverse and dynamic legislative agendas in the state. He is one of the most dedicated lobbyists in the Capitol, constantly working day in and day out. Sam Panettiere

Core Coalition Consulting

Coming out of Republican politics in the last decade, Panettiere knows literally everyone up and coming in state political circles. Today, he has a marquee client in helping the City of Kansas City navigate the political waters. He impresses nearly everyone he comes in contact with. Sam Wiles

Wiles & Associates

Wiles is one of the top names in a new generation of lobbyists, also becoming a leader in the Clayton business community. For some time, Wiles has been known as the Mayor of High Street, but those who know him well know he could easily be the Mayor of Clayton. He has some of the top relationships with members of the House, which will bode well for Wiles for sessions to come.

when assisting in campaigns and lobbying in the Capitol on issues from energy to trial attorney issues. With experience working in the Capitol, she has experience on how to use the process to both make laws and stop them. Scott Penman

Penman and Winton

Penman probably has more experience than any elected official these days, having spent more than 20 years in the Capitol. A partner at a firm carrying his name, he represents clients in the healthcare, technology, telecommunications and many other fields. Penman and his partner have also built an impressive business in association management with a growing client list in that field as well. Scott Swain He might be as respected personally as he is professionally in the Capitol, looked up to by many legislators in the Capitol. He’s one of the most trusted and sought after to coordinate with others on projects, and may be one of the easiest people to work with in the State Capitol. Sebrina Barrett The Missouri Bar

In a year in which tort reform measures have been front and center, Barrett works for one of the most prestigious associations in the state. She is a Missouri native who has also been spent time working for another bar association before returning to the Show-Me State, and played a significant role in the 2014 revamping of the criminal code.

Shannon Cooper

The Giddens Group

Cooper served as the first chairman of the House Rules committee before becoming a lobbyist and joining the Giddens Group. Since then, he has developed a reputation as one of the top committee witnesses in the entire lobbying core.

Sara Schuett

Sharon Jones

The current political landscape places no one with steeper odds than Schuett. It’s no coincidence than she has accomplished as much as she has, and has frustrated those trying to pass legislation that she is on the other side of. Schuett and her team spend more time at the Capitol during session than many actual legislators.

There is no harder working lobby in this state than MATA, and there are few other people who spend more hours in the rotunda than Jones. She’s a fierce advocate for her association and one of the most respected and feared lobbyists in the Capitol.

Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys

Sarah Wood Martin

Gateway Government Relations

Martin takes a multi-headed approach

Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys

Shawn Furey

Home State Health Plan, Centene

In the Capitol, he is known for his current role lobbying on health care issues or as the former chief of staff to

Eric Schmitt. Either way, he is a true political and government genius. He may be known as a soft speaker, but there is no one in Missouri politics better on strategy than Furey. Shawn Rigger

Strategic Capitol Consulting

Rigger has quickly made a splash in the Capitol as reliable, friendly and resourceful. He is an integral part of SCC, quickly taking his passion for law and politics and turning it into a career. Steve Tilley

Strategic Capitol Consulting

It’s extremely rare for a legislator to become a successful lobbyist, but Tilley has built a very successful firm over time which has led him to register for some of the top corporations in the state. He also has the healthiest growth projection in the state and has successfully made a power play to become a historically successful lobbyist. Steve Ahrens

Missouri Propane Association

Ahrens took a wealth of knowledge and relationships with him to the Missouri Propane Association, where he leads an association with active members all over the state. Ahren’s leadership will continue to keep MPA on the map and in the back of the minds of the legislature and departments.

paid off well. His relationships from his time in the General Assembly have served him well, developing a loyal following. He is earning a position of respect in the lobbying corps equal to that he earned in the state senate. Tom Krewson Comcast

Representing Comcast, Krewson is not only respected, but very well-liked. He’s honest, sincere, and because of it, Comcast has been successful in the legislature. Tommy Robbins

Strategic Capitol Consulting

Being an attorney is a big part of Robbins success, but perhaps moreso is the fact that he is liked by nearly everyone in the Capitol. Robbins is with Strategic Capitol Consulting and many credit him and his relationship building as a reason for their recent success. Tracy King

Missouri Chamber of Commerce

Some people might think that the Trump revolution is the only reason for the recent success pro-business legislation this session, but Tracy has been on the ground doing the hard work to lay the foundation for today’s success.

Susan Klein

Missouri Right to Life

Klein very effectively represents the most effective interest group in the state, and seems to every year leave session with a bevy of laws important to MRL. If you are in Republican politics, she is definitely someone to know. Ted Powers

Anheuser-Busch

Powers influence was on full display last year when the legislature opened up more free market opportunities for AB. Outside of his effectiveness, Powers is one of the most professional lobbyists in the state. Tim Green The former senator left elected office, but hasn’t left government. Since leaving the Senate, where he fought for union workers and union contractors, he joined the advocacy corps continuing fighting for the same in the relationship-building, bi-partisan manner in which he served in the Senate.

Trent Watson Watson has done just about everything. His diverse resume boasts time in politics, business group lobbying, serving as a senate chief of staff, policy director, an associate lobbyist, and he now runs his own shop. He seemingly knows every facet of government, something that keeps his loyal clientele coming back. Trey Davis

Missouri Energy Development Association

There are many different associations to run, but when you’re running MEDA, you’re running one of the most complicated as it encompasses every type of energy in Missouri. He’s a master at what he does, and is always on the front burner of every legislative session. One has to wonder if he ever gets time off. Trisha Workman Gibbons Workman

Along with Mike Gibbons, she runs one of the Capitol’s premiere lobbying shops. They have a long list of top shelf clients and their business continues to grow. Tom Dempsey

Gate Way Group

Leaving the office of Senate Pro Tem to join Gate Way Group is a move that has

Warren Wood Ameren

Wood sits at the top of government affairs at one of the most complex and heavily-regulated corporations. Few companies are forced to rely on their VP of government affairs as much as Ameren relies on Wood. His reputation for being a straight shooter and knowing his issues better than most people in the state is what sets him apart. Whitney O’Daniel Hahn O’Daniel

The National Rifle Association’s contract lobbyist is now one part of the new and growing lobby shop Hahn O’Daniel. O’Daniel is as knowledgeable and influential as an association lobbyist can be, leading the charge to make Missouri one of the most gun-friendly states in the union. He has the ability to come in at last minute, turn everything upside down and come out smelling like a rose Woody Cozad Cozad Company Cozad knows many aspects of policy and politics on a more professional basis than most, previously serving the Missouri Republican Party and the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission. He not only has the pulse of Kansas City, but also the legal and business communities. He has chosen a solid associate to back up his experiences in Ward Cook. Yancy Williams There may be no person who has a better grasp on state government than Yancy Williams. Being a key part of writing five budgets, he knows every in and out of the state government and being a vet of several campaigns, he understands a different section of politics. If you’re looking to meet a very savvy person you should start here.

Zach Brunnert

Flotron & McIntosh

When it comes to the process of appropriations, look no further. Brunnert has probably forgotten more about it than most will ever even learn. He’s made a name for himself by working year-round as an associate at Flotron & McIntosh. He is also seen working on behalf of the firms multiple healthcare clients.

In the next edition, look forward to the

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A TURNING OF THE TIDE

Labor leaders feel shift after election losses, right-to-work passage TRAVIS ZIMPFER THE MISSOURI TIMES Pat White, the president of the St. Louis Labor Council, went to what was supposed to be Chris Koster’s victory celebration at the Chase Park Plaza in St. Louis on election night last year. Koster, a longtime friend and champion of organized labor, even when he was a Republican, would beat political newcomer Eric Greitens and continue in Gov. Jay Nixon’s footsteps as the bulwark protecting unions from legislation like right-to-work, paycheck protection and prevailing wage laws. Polls had drawn the pair of candidates closer, but the typical Democratic swing in presidential years might just have given Koster the boost he needed to sit behind the big desk on the second floor and secure the future of the state’s labor movement for the next four years. Less than three months later, White and other members of the labor community watched in horror as Gov. Eric Greitens signed right-to-work into law. How had Greitens won in the election? And by a convincing seven-point margin? In his autopsy of the 2016 election, White believes it came down to messaging. Greitens promised something new, and White says many members of the labor community, who should have turned out for Koster, responded to Greitens’ message. “I know that a lot of people voted for Eric Greitens and Donald Trump and voted for some of these Republican senators and representatives in areas like Jefferson County and St. Charles County, not really believing what we were telling them they were going to do,” White said. “There are union officials I know that talked about [Greitens] saying ‘he won’t really go through with it. He won’t really go through RTW.’” White notes Greitens, as some-

one who had never run for public office before this year, had an elusive quality when it came to policy. He supported ideas like right-towork and pledged to sign the legislation should he get into office, but White notes Greitens did not have a fervor to sign that bill in the same way Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder and former House Speaker Catherine Hanaway did. But White knew better. “I knew the second we got the results down at the Chase Park Plaza that right-to-work was going to be the first thing out of the box.” Sure enough, right-to-work was the first bill Greitens signed. Some of those members White heard from who voted for Trump, Greitens and other candidates pushing ideas opposed by the labor community believed that the Obama administration had failed to deliver on its promises to unions and that the Democratic Party alienated a significant portion of white, middle-aged men, a demographic which flocked to Trump nationally. Disillusioned, they turned to the other major political party. But after those losses, labor leaders have recollected themselves, and for a group that just suffered one of its worst electoral defeats in state history, they seem optimistic about what the future holds. Lew Moye, the former president of the St. Louis branch of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists for 35 years, said his members were “fired up” and “gung ho” about mobilizing. Some already asked when they could start passing out petitions for a referendum initiative planned by Mike Louis, the president of the Missouri AFL-CIO. “There are some of us, like myself... that played a role in defeating right-to-work in 1978,” the 73-year-old said. “We have to be coordinated getting the black vote out to vote against right-to-work. We know what we have to do to win again.”

A prior referendum petition, filed the same day Greitens signed right-to-work by Louis and Missouri NAACP President Rod Chapel, was denied by Attorney General Josh Hawley for technical rules. A new referendum petition was filed March 6. Similar to Moye, Mark Dalton of the St. Louis Carpenters Regional Council said the state of his union was “more unified than ever.” After years of a loosely affiliated confederation, labor, he believes, has begun to consolidate around a common theme to address the big issues affecting all labor members. “We need to be together to fight,” Dalton says. “All of the trades for years prior to this one… were dealing with their own issues and stuff that directly affected their own organizations… Each union had different issues and everyone was just taking care of themselves. Everybody realizes some of the other stuff is kind of petty in relation to the attacks we’re dealing with currently.” That newfound unity extends beyond just union lines. While white, working-class voters may have felt slighted or forgotten by the Democrats’ message, Moye says minority voices need to be included in those conversations because of the positive work unions have done for organized labor. Moye recognized unions have not always successfully incorporated black people and other minorities into their activities, but he says a concerted effort over the past few years has led to greater inclusion, especially with an increase in minority recruiting. White himself has led some of those efforts from the other side of the racial divide, hiring Rep. Josh Peters last year to become a community outreach director for the labor council, with a focus on connecting labor unions to African-American communities. “We’re seeing union boards become more inclusive, some of the unions are making their staff more

inclusive, and we’ve got a diversity committee in the union community,” Moye says. “These are still in the makings in the last year or so, focus on that. Doesn’t mean that there’s still not work to be done. As a black trade unionist, I think we’re moving in the right direction.” White added he’s also seen a lot of enthusiasm from his own members. “It’s really kicked the sleeping bear,” White says. “I’ve been speaking in front of a lot of groups, lots of labor clubs and I’m getting calls at the office almost every other day about retiree clubs that want us to come speak. I think it’s similar to what the Tea Party did eight years ago. I think it’s actually lit our base up.” Now, Dalton, White and Moye say maintaining that momentum is the most important thing, since the next major election of note will occur in November of 2018, more than 18 months away. Dalton says he expects the results to go based on whether or not the Greitens and Trump administrations perform to expectations. Regardless, with right-to-work presumably on the ballot for referendum, he expects a huge turnout from labor supporters and even more working class voters. White says if the election on right-to-work were held tomorrow, labor would win easily. “Right now, it’s an inferno, but if we can keep some kind of pilot light going until 2018…” he says, trailing off. “We don’t have the money or resources to sustain a campaign for a year and a half. Our job right now is to make sure everybody’s fired up, get the signatures in we need to get in, and next year, make sure we reignite that fire.” For Moye, one of the true veterans of the St. Louis labor movement, staying in the fight is one of the most important things, not just for union members, but for all workers.

www.free2treat.org STAND UP FOR OUR VETERANS BY PROTECTING PREVAILING WAGE

OPINION

AL BOND BRIAN MURPHY Executive Secretary-Treasurer President Carpenters Regional Council BAM Construction In the construction industry, we get to work with many remarkable veterans who come home to Missouri and literally build up their communities. People like Danny Burlison and Eric Phillippe, who are veterans, construction workers and fathers. Danny served our country in the U.S. Navy, then came home to Springfield where he's worked as a carpenter on public building projects in his community. One of the buildings he worked on was the high school his three kids attended. You can bet that he made sure that those buildings were well built and safe.

Eric is an Army veteran and father of two who is now back in northwest Missouri. He's worked on public buildings in his community, including schools as well. He's also in the volunteer fire department. Both Danny and Eric and their families rely on prevailing wage laws. In fact, many veterans benefit from prevailing wage laws, which ensure that jobs are kept local and that Missouri workers receive fair compensation for their labor. Prevailing wage laws are like minimum wage laws for construction workers. That's why it's so troubling that

Governor Eric Greitens and the members of the legislature are taking aim at these important laws and the families who rely on them. Repealing prevailing wage would mean firms could bring in cheap, out-of-state labor to outbid Missouri companies. Construction workers’ wages would be cut. 10.5% of Missouri’s construction workforce are veterans compared to 6.7% of its state workforce. Repealing prevailing wage in Missouri would not only hurt working families, it would disproportionately affect Missouri veterans. Missouri veterans could lose their jobs. Prevailing wage laws also en-

sure our schools and roads are built safely, by qualified and skilled workers, not by out-of-state companies or undocumented workers. It allows working families to get better benefits, reducing reliance on government assistance. And it strengthens our economy overall, because higher wages mean more spending power and economic activity all across the state. Danny and Eric and other veterans like them defended us, we owe it to them and their families to protect prevailing wage laws, not destroy them.

Webber PHOTO/SUBMITTED

WHERE DO MISSOURI DEMOCRATS GO NEXT? TRAVIS ZIMPFER THE MISSOURI TIMES On an unseasonably warm day in mid-February, Stephen Webber shakes hands with regulars outside of his favorite coffee shop in his hometown of Columbia. He wears a camo baseball cap and speaks for a minute or two with a few men and women enjoying their drinks and Monday morning sunshine. He looks every bit the man who campaigned for nearly two years to become the city’s next state Senator, a race he lost by just over 2,000 votes to his former colleague, Caleb Rowden, then a fellow Boone County representative. When Webber lost that seat in the Senate, one most Democratic leaders in Jefferson City expected him to win, he focused on why he wanted to run for public office. He wanted to fight for more accessible and better quality education and health care and to ensure rights for

workers. He felt he could accomplish those things as the leader of the Missouri Democratic Party. “When I couldn’t do it in the Senate, I wanted to find somewhere else to fight for those things,” Webber says. “This was an awesome way to continue fighting for the issues I care about.” After being elected as the party chair in December, over Democratic National Committee representative for Missouri, Webber and other new members of party leadership have wide plans to change the state’s minority party before it becomes even more irrelevant in the Show-Me State than it has already become. A Fractured Party There may be no worse time to be a Missouri Democrat than in 2017. Every single statewide Democrat who ran in 2016 lost to their Republican counterpart. The weak shield of Gov. Jay Nixon’s veto pen

against a Republican supermajority has been replaced by a Gov. Eric Greitens intent on signing as many bills as Speaker Todd Richardson and Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard send him. While U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill and State Auditor Nicole Galloway still occupy two of Missouri’s statewide seats, Republicans are salivating at the chance to cement their hold on the state’s highest offices. The GOP is especially licking their lips at dethroning McCaskill who bragged in her memoir on how she influenced the Republican field to run against then-Congressman Todd Akin, who became a national laughingstock in 2012 after his comments on conception during rape. Only 46 of the 163 seats in the Missouri house of Representatives belong to Democrats, and just a handful of those come from outside of St. Louis and Kansas City. Nine Democrats compared to 24 Republicans occupy the Missouri Senate.

Both of those figures are historical lows. To say the party is on life support is probably generous. “The Democratic Party needs to be rebuilt, there’s no denying that, certainly in Missouri and around the country,” Webber says. The party is also arguably a fractured one, with a fairly clean cut cleaved between the moderate liberal branch of the party and the leftist, progressivism of Bernie Sanders who proved enormously popular with younger Democratic voters. A contentious primary between Sanders and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for the 2016 Democratic nomination was perhaps best illustrated at Missouri’s own state Democratic convention where Sanders supporters repeatedly attempted to overturn the rules to award Missouri’s delegates to Sanders, despite his loss in the state, with at times bitter debate. Sanders supporters showed up in force and also voted their slate of

four delegates to the Democratic National Committee, including Apple – himself a major Sanders supporter. Reasons for optimism Lately, there are signs the relationship is mending. The chair of the Democratic National Party Tom Perez, a candidate backed by more moderate voices, selected the Sanders-endorsed Congressman Keith Ellison to serve as his vice chair as his first order of business in the office. “I can’t tell you how much excitement there was in that room,” Emily Waggoner, the new executive director of the state party, said of the election. Both Waggoner and Webber say the issue is not necessarily a fight between ideas or policy concerns, but more a problem with the messaging used by both sides, which Webber says can be more easily overcome. Rep. Lauren Arthur, the newly-elected treasurer of the party, believes the infighting will end when the party reminds itself that it’s not necessarily about being progressive or moderate. “Democrats sort of get sucked in this debate of should we go left, should we go closer to center, where should we go, and really, we just have to remind ourselves that we are for people and making sure all people get a fair chance, a fair shot and an equal opportunity,” Arthur says. “If we are grounded and stay focused on that, everything else will sort of resolve itself.” And that union makes the new force leading the Democratic Party sound optimistic about the party’s future. Waggoner says the party, both statewide and nationally will try to win from the bottom up rather than the top down as they seemed to in 2008 during President Barack Obama’s meteoric rise. She wants to facilitate the growth of the local party organizations and enable grassroots leaders. “Their energy is something we can help amplify and I think that’s something that’s a big change mostly because it’s a totally different political climate than the one the party was operating under before,” she says. The new political climate is one where Republicans have dominant control at the national and state levels. President Donald Trump and a majority-Republican Congress

and U.S. Senate means the onus is on the GOP to lead instead of being a thorn in Obama’s side. In the same way Republicans in Missouri demonized Obama, Democrats are set to campaign against Trump as early as 2018. Many of Trump’s cabinet picks, like Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and Environmental Protection Agency chair Scott Pruitt, have faced a litany of scrutiny from Democrats and even independents for their hard-right views. Trump himself has fumbled policy-wise on two travel bans for citizens of certain Middle eastern nations, and most polls have shown Obamacare has gotten more popular since its existence is now in jeopardy by House Republicans. Those unpopular policy decisions trickle down to the state level as well. Greitens’

budget cuts on K-12 school transportation and for programs that allow the mentally and physically disabled to live independently have attracted criticism. Waggoner says the leaders making those decisions need to be held accountable on the consequences of their decisions. “We have entirely Republican leadership across the board,” Waggoner says. “When you’re seeing cuts to higher education, when you’re seeing immigration policies that people don’t like, they have to be held accountable solely.” Webber also points to Trump’s personality, which can also be used as a rallying cry for those other Democrats. “I think people are appalled at Donald Trump’s behavior,” Webber said. “They would never accept his behavior from their children, they would never accept it from a dinner guest, they would never accept

it from a friend. And they’re appalled the president is acting this way.” Webber also links that at the safe level by casting Greitens as a man driven only by his own political success and criticizes him for running an administration with little to no true transparency. “He’s hiding donors, he’s not answering questions, he’s very defensive, and he’s demonstrated he’s not an outsider,” Webber says. “He’s been to D.C. three times already, and he’s meeting with Pence and Trump more than he’s meeting with Missouri teachers. A lot of the things he ran on are already being exposed as frauds, and ultimately, you have to answer to the people of Missouri, not just three or four billionaires.”

Party chapters as part of the restructuring of the party. Both Waggoner and Webber say the tone has changed, and people already want to know what they can do to elect Democrats in 2018. “Everywhere I go, they say there’s more people than there’s ever been,” Webber says. “It doesn’t matter if it’s St. Louis or Kansas City or Cass County or Pemiscot County, the bootheel, everywhere I go, they have more folks coming to their meetings than they’ve ever had.” Those trips, Waggoner says, can be used to recruit candidates they would otherwise miss as they come from areas they party would not usually tap. Webber says these meetings and forums lay the groundwork for other candidates Waggoner who decide to run in 2018 who have no idea as of today they will run. And they’re both confident those kinds of candidates can have success. “You’ll see Democrats more competitive everywhere, just like Republicans in 2010 were more competitive everywhere, I think you’ll see an opportunity for us to really expand the map and push for some Senate seats and some House seats that might have been out of reach four years ago,” Webber says. Arthur too believes there are Democratic voters to be found in those rural areas, adding that inPHOTO/TRAVIS ZIMPFER stead of staying in St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri’s bastions Still on the trail of liberal thought, candidates and So far, all of those messages, party members need to speak with among others have resonated with individual voters on issues like eduthe Democrats and political in- cation, health care and labor rights. dependents to whom Webber has “Democrats retreated to the arspoken. eas where they’re comfortable. It While Democrats will look to happens naturally, you want to talk defend Sen. Jill Schupp’s West to people who agree with you,” ArCounty Senate seat, Webber sees thur says. “But we need to engage opportunities to win some seats in in an honest and open dialogue: the Senate as well. Sen. Rob Schaaf, Quickly they’ll realize that some of R-St. Joseph, will term out in 2018, the decisions made by the majority as will Sen. Bob Dixon, R-Spring- party are not representative of what field. He also wants to try winning they would want to see happen in back Sen. Paul Wieland’s seat in Missouri.” Jefferson County. Waggoner says For Webber, that likely means fundraising from many of the par- more long nights rallying a base ty’s largest donors will be less con- of Democrats and independents in centrated in the executive offices every nook and cranny of the state, as well and instead will go towards searching for a way to not just keep legislative races. the party alive, but make it successFor the House, the approach ful, in one of its most trying times. has been even more hands on. At least three nights a week, Webber drives to a new county in Missouri to speak with local Democratic

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MIKE CUNNINGHAM No wasted words BENJAMIN PETERS THE MISSOURI TIMES

Sen. Mike Cunningham comes across as a quiet person to the casual observer seated in the Senate galleries. He doesn’t often rise to speak, but that’s simply because the senator chooses not to waste words. When he does rise, his words carry the weight of an elder statesman who has been around the block. When he rises, you take note. “I tend to be quiet, tend not to say very much,” Cunningham said. “I think you’re more effective if you’re not involved in every discussion, only the ones that are important. I think it’s best to sit back and listen, and when you’re passionate about something, you speak up.” “And every time you open your mouth, it gives you an opportunity to put your foot in it,” Cunningham added with a chuckle. The senator from Webster County has seen some things in his time as a lawmaker. He’s one of the senators who can actually recall what it’s like to have a Republican governor to work with, but says that this

year, things are different. “I served under Gov. Blunt, but to have the House and Senate cooperating, with leadership working great on both sides, and it’s great to have a governor that will sign bills,” he said. “It’s actually fun this year. I love seeing business items like jobs, tort reform and more. It’s kind of a big deal to me as a businessperson.” Cunningham subscribes to the belief that government can be run just like a business, and as a businessman, he takes a pragmatic approach toward legislation. It’s something he’s learned through years of experience in Missouri’s business world, working his way up the ladder. As a young man, Cunningham earned money from rebuilding cars to working on the railroad. He served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army during Vietnam, and afterwards worked his way through college. His life as a businessman truly began when he purchased a supermarket in Marshfield. Though he only started with eight employees and $50, he built Cunningham’s

Fresh Foods into one of the top stores in southwest Missouri, eventually employing 135 people. He eventually sold the store to a group out of Springfield. Cunningham also prides himself on his understanding of Missouri’s farmers. He’s been farming for decades, handling up to 250 Holstein heifers, but stopped doing it when he became a legislator. He first entered Missouri’s General Assembly as a representative in 2002, and served four terms, where he worked as the chair of the Banking Committee and served on the Budget Committee. After that, Cunningham worked as the chief of staff for Sen. Jay Wasson, one of the fellow legislators that started with him back in the House. After two years, he was elected to the Senate in 2012, and Cunningham joined him on the Senate floor, reuniting the two as fellow legislators. In his time in the Missouri legislature, he has stood ready to defend Missourians from big government, something he strongly opposes, as well as standing for pro-life and

pro-gun measures. He says the key to being a good legislator is listening to the constituents and trying to hear every side of the story, but the most important thing is to stay true to himself, and be the person he has always been. “You can’t be something that you’re not,” he said. “You have to stay true to who you are, and realize your limitations first and your abilities second.” For Cunningham, the life of a lawmaker boils down to one simple word: service. He says that it’s the reason he got into politics in the first place, because he felt he had been blessed and it was a chance to try and give back. He has always tried to be of service to people, whether it was packing up groceries, lending a hand, serving in the military or working as a legislator. And after all those years of service, Cunningham says that when his time in the General Assembly is up, he intends to hang it all up and return home to Webster County, where he can spend time with friends and family on the farm.

SCOTT SIFTON Fighting for South County TRAVIS ZIMPFER THE MISSOURI TIMES Not many Democrats survived the Trump surge last November as the populist president carried huge victories for the Republican party in a year when Democrats were supposed to perform well. Sen. Scott Sifton was one of few Missouri Democratic legislators to withstand the surge, and he did so in historic fashion. The South St. Louis County native not only beat a strong Republican contender in Dr. Randy Jotte, but he won by just over six percent in a split district. It flipped Republican to former senator Jim Lembke in 2008 when Democratic President Barack Obama ascended to the presidency. Since the turn of the century, Sifton did not believe any candidate had won Senate District 1, or the approximate area when district lines were different, with 51 percent of the vote, always finishing just above 50 percent, but never quite reaching that mark. Sifton won in November with over 53 percent of the vote. “You do have a very substantial diversity of opinion on different issues, it’s a district, and this is one example, that has pro-life Democrats and pro-choice Republicans. It has a little bit of everything,” Sifton says. “And to win the district or to represent it, you have to have a healthy respect for that diversity of viewpoint. You have to be willing to listen and work with folks you

might not agree with on every issue across the aisle in this building to get things done.” The senator believes his success comes from getting involved and active in the community on local issues. He took a lead role on two issues in Oakville, an incorporated town in South County. First, he worked with Rep. Marsha Haefner, who represents Oakville on the House side of the Capitol, in opposing a National Church Residences development in the town which was widely unpopular because it was pushed through with little notification to or regard of the community. Second, he backed Proposition R for the Mehlville School District, one of the larger districts in St. Louis County. The proposition was a 49-cent property tax increase in a district which had not seen a tax increase in decades, and it also has one of the lowest expenditures per pupil in the entire county. Mehlville was also selected by the Riverview Gardens District in 2013 for transfer students after the district became accredited. Sifton believes his strong stances on those local issues bolstered his appeal in the district. It also contributed to his decision in 2015 to not run for attorney general. He believed there was still work to be done in the district, and he especially wanted to “ get another shot” at a school transfer bill. Sifton’s own transfer bill was heard in Sen. Gary Romine’ Senate Education Committee Feb. 28. Staying in the Sen-

ate was the right thing to do for his district and for the state. He also did not want to dilute the legal expertise in the Senate even further. Currently, Sifton is the only practicing attorney in the Missouri Senate, though Sen. Bob Onder has his juris doctorate as well. Former Sens. Kurt Schaefer, Eric Schmitt and Joe Keaveny, also lawyers, all left the Senate after last term. In no better way has Sifton made that contribution than in discussions around tort reform, which has become a major legislative priority of both chambers behind only labor reform. “Not everyone is equally engaged on these issues and not everyone has the same vantage point,” Sifton says. “I work to help members who might not have the depth of exposure to legal matters as I do on some of these bills.” Sifton has resisted many prospective tort reform changes like the Daubert expert witness standards bill and the collateral source rule change, but with the prospect of a Republican governor, Sifton sees the writing on the wall and that most of the bills are going to pass and be written into law. However, his priority now is to get these bills to the point where he can agree to disagree with sponsors of the legislation. He contrasts the collateral source bill offered by Sen. Ed Emery with Romine’s employment discrimination bill. “You can engage in principled negotiation, without negotiating away your principles,” Sifton says.

“Both of those bills have in the past had been perfected and sent out of the Senate and sent to the governor’s desk, despite the fact I was a ‘no’ vote. What’s different is the collateral source bill we got back this year was word for word identical to the bill we perfected last year. That made it hard for me to say we needed to have another all night filibuster over it. “The employment bill is not the bill we have perfected. It’s a much, much worse version.” Both bills however, eventually made it through the Senate, though the latter faced a week long onand-off filibuster before its eventual passage. Sifton has not opposed all of the tort reform measures however; he supported a bill establishing medical malpractice caps to give insurance companies have some pricing certainty. Sifton approaches each different bill seperately, acknowledging some statutes probably need to be changed to help defendants, but not to the extent it shuts out working-class people from accessing the state’s court system. “The challenge is how do you correct without overcorrecting,” Sifton says. “Unfortunately, a lot of the legislation that’s in front of us overcorrects and makes it difficult and in some cases impossible for someone with a meritorious claim to have a realistic chance of bringing it forward and getting justice. That I can’t accept.”

PHOTOS/TRAVIS ZIMPFER

IN HIS OWN WORDS

Sifton explains how he came to the decision to represent his district in Jefferson City One of my formative experiences in life was what my father went through when he was just a few years older than I am now. I decided to run for the House in 2010, when our backyard neighbors happened to be one of the very early subprime foreclosures. At that point, things were moving very quickly. The mother lost her teaching job, and the father had two jobs. He was a cook at night and I forget what he did during the day. A three income family, and they lost one of their three sources of income between the two adults. They were out of that house in six months flat. Their kids were about the same age as my kids are now. They were maybe a first grader and a preschooler and I remember watching those kids playing in their backyard for the last time as the moving truck was packing up. I just remember wondering what the future was going to hold for them. But I identified with that because the same thing happened to me when I was 15, and the same thing happened to my family. My

father lost his job, at the front end of a significant recession in the early 1990s. Ultimately, we landed on our feet, but we lost the home that I grew up in. My parents went through bankruptcy and I emerged from that experience in ways that I didn’t appreciate until literally decades later, a very different person. My work ethic went from… I was maybe not the most industrious eighth grader, but I worked 25-plus hours a week for the rest of my high school career, doing different jobs, food service, retail. Unfortunately in our society, bad things happen to good, hard-working people who were playing by the rules and government can’t be and shouldn’t be the indemnitor against that. However, government policy has an awful lot to do with prevailing economic conditions and how we deal with the fallout from them when they’re bad. I emerged from that determined to make it such that there are fewer families that have to go through what mine did and what my neighbors did.

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SCOTT FITZPATRICK The new steady hand TRAVIS ZIMPFER THE MISSOURI TIMES Missouri’s budget has entered one of its most difficult years in recent memory. A combination of mounting Medicaid costs along with a steep decline in corporate revenue have led Gov. Eric Greitens to cut nearly $600 million from the FY 2018 budget. But in times of the troubling budget crunch, who better to handle the state’s finances than someone who used their free time in college to look up publicly traded companies’ balance sheets instead of shotgunning beers and streaking across campus? Despite a controversial measure to repeal a tax credit for low-income senior renters in March, new House Budget Chair Scott Fitzpatrick has delivered a budget which restores funding cut by Greitens to K-12 transportation, restores some cuts Greitens recommended for Medicaid and fully funds the state’s foundation formula for the first time since it was adopted by the state more than a decade ago. He credits Greitens for making some difficult choices, but he has shuffled some money around and made a few alternative cuts that he believes will lead to a better outcome for the state.

Still, it’s taken awhile to get to that point, and the budget situation is still difficult. “The challenge there is real and the belt-tightening does need to happen to the extent we’ve talked about in the past,” Fitzpatrick said in February. “We always start out from a perspective of what’s the worst case scenario and that’s the best thing to plan for. I think that’s where we’ve kind of gotten off track in some budgets in the past.” The crunch, however, has not been entirely bad. As a fiscal conservative, Fitzpatrick says the tight budget situation has given him the ability to cut or reduce appropriations for certain programs that in prior years had been a given. “The only time you’re going to be able to eliminate something in the budget, is when the money is not available to pay for it,” Fitzpatrick said. “If the money is there, generally speaking, the will to spend is greater than the will not to spend. In that perspective it’s been helpful having a challenging budget.” However, there’s a difference between cutting excess fat and cutting into flesh. “We have gone beyond a lot of the stuff I didn’t like in the budget, and we’re now into vital services type stuff,” he continued. “It’s somewhat frustrating

because there’s some stuff that’s so difficult to control.” One of his other big commitments during the budget process was to get rid of any line item’s estimate – marked on the budget sheet with an “E” – to get a more definitive cost and end excessive spending. A lot of departments use the E on certain items to spend at will. Even though Fitzpatrick is entering just his first year as the budget chair, he has served on arguably the most important committee for the last four (since he arrived in Jefferson City), and served as vice chair for the last two. He has an intimate knowledge of the budget process and those around him say he has a predilection with numbers and seeing how all of the finances work. His current vice chair, Rep. Justin Alferman, has seen firsthand how Fitzpatrick’s reputation has grown. “I was still a staffer when he was placed on Budget, and I just remember people saying ‘Who the hell is this guy?’ and ‘My God, he seems to have a phenomenal grasp of the financial interests of the state,’ “ Alferman said, adding that Fitzpatrick has changed the committee from the top down by making information more accessible to all members of the committee and keeping himself in the loop as vice chair.

“He’s completely changed the way that we are working as a team,” Alferman continued. “He’s making it a team sport rather than saying ‘I’m the budget chair and this is how it’s going down.’” Ranking minority member Rep. Michael Butler noted Fitzpatrick is “extremely intelligent” and one of the leading experts in the budget on the state. On top of that, he’s been open to Democratic ideas. “He has been fair in committee,” Butler said. “He hasn’t, just as any majority member wouldn’t, given us the amount of power we want on the committee, but you can’t deny his desire to get it right.” On top of that, Speaker Todd Richardson has the utmost confidence in Fitzpatrick’s abilities. “Rep. Fitzpatrick’s one of the strongest young leaders that we have in this state,” Richardson said. “I’m thrilled to have him as our House Budget Chairman. He’s doing a phenomenal job and he continues to impress me every day.” So despite the budget crunch and a gloomy outlook for the state, House leaders seem comfortable with Fitzpatrick at the lead.

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MARSHA HAEFNER Always choose the people BENJAMIN PETERS THE MISSOURI TIMES

Rep. Marsha Haefner has been a staple of the Missouri House for seven years now, and with her final term underway, we sat down with her to discuss her accomplishments as a legislator and discuss what the future may hold. The Webster Groves native first burst onto the scene in 2010 after capturing a House seat previously held by a Democrat by a wide margin. The Republican has never shied away from the hard issues in her time as a Missouri lawmaker, taking on several contentious issues over the years. “I try not to make anything personal. I identify a problem and try to find a solution,” she said. During that time, she has become a key member of the House Budget Committee, and currently chairs the fiscal review committee. She also serves on the committees

on ethics, health and mental health policy, as well as three joint committees on child abuse and neglect, tax policy and legislative research. “I look at budgets differently, because it’s not always about if we have enough money to fix this bridge, or build that school, but are we making sure that people get the care they need,” she said. “We only have so much money to go around, but I always say we have money, we just have to choose our priorities.” For her, that choice is always going to be the people. In 2017, she took a stand for the men and women serving in law enforcement by pushing for harsher penalties for those seeking to threaten or harm them, a measure which passed the House earlier this year. But she’s been an even stronger advocate when it comes to the health and welfare of children, which she says is in her nature as a mother and grandmother. She says that some of her biggest ac-

complishments would be her work to protect children in Missouri through legislation and finding money for foster care programs. “When we take a child into foster care, we become the parents, and sometimes, we’re not very good parents,” she said. “But with the help of the departments and my colleagues, we’re turning it around.” This session, she has also been pushing her perinatal care bill, a piece of legislation that she has spent nearly half of her legislative career working on. That bill seeks to combat the state’s high infant mortality rate by establishing and implementing levels of maternal care and neonatal care designations for birthing facilities based on specified criteria. That bill passed in the House in late February. But her efforts do not end outside of the Capitol. Haefner has often used the time between sessions to continue working and learning, often attending conferences on issue like healthcare, budgeting and

more. She says that it’s made simple because she truly loves her job. “I want to be a positive face of what goes on in this building, because it’s not always a glamorous subject,” she said. “I try to spend some of my time educating my constituents that we are doing some good things.” As for the future, Haefner’s eyes have already been set on continuing her career in the legislature. She intends to run for the Senate when her term is up in the House, looking to claim the Senate’s 1st District seat, currently held by Sen. Scott Sifton. She’s formed a Senate committee in preparation for that eventuality. “I know I don’t want to retire. I’ve learned so much, and I think I can really do more good here,” she said.

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JON CARPENTER Everyone’s favorite Democrat? BENJAMIN PETERS THE MISSOURI TIMES

More than a few legislators have admitted that Democratic Representative Jon Carpenter might be one of their favorite lawmakers in the Missouri Capitol. Rep. Rocky Miller admitted it during an episode of the #Moleg Podcast. “Jon’s a smart guy,” Rep. Shawn Rhoads agreed. “I’m glad to hear that. It just warms my heart,” Carpenter said with a laugh. The Democratic representative from Gladstone is known as a strong progressive thinker, someone who proudly will fight for the liberal values of the minority party. He’s become the kind of liberal representative voice that many have looked for. On the floor, he’s a force to be reckoned with, matching his passion and intensity with his wit and a quick tongue. But what is it Carpenter that

makes him such a likable personality in the House? It goes beyond the charm and quick smile. What it really boils down to is respect, which has been earned during his three terms. While he strongly stands for the principles he believes in, he is also able to provide balance and compromise on issues that go beyond party lines. “One of the most valuable things I’ve learned is that you can both actively and passionately defend your point of view and values and make your voice heard on issues, which I do on and off the floor, and still maintain personal and friendly relationships across the aisle. I make a real effort to do both.” He’s particularly passionate when it comes to the state’s finances. He’s been a strong proponent against tax cuts, arguing that oftentimes, the cuts go to groups who don’t need them. So, it may come as a shock to some to hear that the progressive has filed legislation this year to give a tax break to a group of people:

disabled veterans. His legislation, HJR 27, would give property tax relief to totally disabled veterans. “These are people who have sacrificed a lot in service to their country, and I can’t think of a group that needs and deserves a tax cut more than totally disabled veterans,” he said. “I think it’s time that we as a legislature help them out.” He’s also quick on issues of healthcare and labor. He’s filed a bill this session, HB 611, which creates a framework for a long term care insurance in order to ensure that consumers are getting a fair deal and that their premiums aren’t raised without merit. And when a bill seeking to limit unemployment benefits arrived on the House floor, Carpenter made a strong stand, delivering an impassioned speech on how it would hurt workers in the state while providing data from other states to prove that the legislation wasn’t necessary. Carpenter is one of just 46 Democrats in the Missouri House, outnumbered by their 117 Republican

counterparts. Being the superminority in the House means that the Democrats can’t always win on the issues, but Carpenter says that only means they have become even more passionate and vocal. “A lot of these things are partisan issues, like slashing unemployment benefits, and we’re going to very loudly and passionately oppose those things, because it’s wrong for the workers of Missouri,” Carpenter said. “I, for one, think we need to raise our voice when it comes to issues like that, because there are a lot of people in Missouri who expect the opposition party to make their voice heard and fight for their values.” “It’s true that we can’t always be as productive as we would like, and that can be frustrating at times,” he continued. “But the work is still important, and every now and then, we can make things better. It just takes hard work and a willingness to stand up and fight the good fight.”

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LAUREN ARTHUR Progressive and progressing TRAVIS ZIMPFER THE MISSOURI TIMES One of the most famous lines in HBO’s popular fantasy drama Game of Thrones is when Daenerys Targaryen laments to Tyrion Lannister about the pointless battles of the major families in Westeros and how the power to rule is a wheel, where those on top quickly become those crushed by the other families. “I don’t want to stop the wheel,” Daenerys says. “I want to break the the wheel.” Rep. Lauren Arthur, despite being a huge fan of the show, says she doesn’t have quite the same ambitions for her time in the statehouse. That being said, Arthur has gone from an observer within the body last session to one of the more vocal Democrats on the House floor. While she may not be using dragons to consolidate political power, she’s made some early moves that show she may become one of the go-to minority members of the body for the rest of her tenure in office. Arthur attached a key amendment onto the Rep. Kirk Mathews’ Uber bill and she worked hand-inhand with Rep. Justin Alferman on his lobbyist gift ban bill, both of which passed through the House easily and early in the session. Her work on perfecting those two bills paved the way for little resistance from Democrats in the House, despite the fact the supermajority Re-

publican party does not necessarily needs input from the left to govern. “Republicans are open and willing in some cases to work with us on some issues,” she said. “We recognize they don’t have to do that. Ultimately, when they are willing to work with us I think we get a better product.” Arthur says focusing on truly perfecting those bills, which were not necessarily partisan in nature, means working with Republicans to get a better product, mostly by using her professional and personal relationships with her fellow colleagues to get some things done for the superminority party. “When it comes to the actual daily, boring mundane work of trying to get a bill through the legislative process, we really depend on relationships and trust and working across the aisle,” she says. However, Arthur believes that way of politics has started falling by the wayside, especially during a time of stark political division. Both liberals and conservatives have tended to become less tolerant in opposing political viewpoints, and a Pew poll from 2015 showed more Democrats and Republicans respectively saw themselves as strictly liberal or conservative than at any point since the early 1990s. “The more we can compromise the better,” Arthur says. “It’s incumbent upon legislators to reach across the aisle and build friendships and go to dinner with people

they may not otherwise be drawn to. “I think increasingly, we see less and less of that and it’s really hurt the legislative process and the outcomes and the legislation that comes out of the statehouse,” she continues. “That idea is important to people on both sides of the aisle, when we have people that are still open to conversations and dialogue.” At the same time, she and other Democrats are looking for angles and issues where Republicans have some significant disagreements among their own caucus. Although Democrats were not successful in stopping Rep. Rebecca Roeber’s charter school bill from passing in March, the close 83-76 vote presented one of those opportunities. Arthur and her fellow Democrats will still look to leverage what issues they can, but to do that, they’re still putting in the work, despite their superminority status. “We are still showing up to committees, reading legislation, putting forward our best effort and passing legislation that’s going to help all Missourians and that’s where our focus and our commitment is,” Arthur says. “Just because we’re in a superminority doesn’t mean we’re not going to put our best foot forward.” This mindset contributes to her idea about leadership. She shies away from questions on whether she had plans to become a mem-

ber of House leadership, but she also says leadership comes in many forms. To her, leadership simply means doing a good job being a strong legislator. She has a progressive district and wants to represent their ideals and want to ensure that what legislation gets passed does as much good or as little harm as possible. A lot of that involved sitting back and taking in the workings of the body last semester, but she’s moved on from that now. “This year I feel I have my bearings more,” she says. “There are so many ways one can exert leadership qualities. If I can help my colleagues, my caucus... I’m looking for opportunities where I can help people.” She’s also helping the new class of representatives, which includes a large swath of millennial voters, and more young women, which is something she likes to see. Arthur, joined the body when she was just 27 and was easily one of the youngest legislators in the statehouse in 2015. But the new class brought with it plenty of people born in the 1980s, which makes Arthur optimistic. “I don’t know if it’s a millennial thing, but we think we can solve problems,” Arthur says. “It’s an attitude of wanting to get involved and be proactive. We should think of things in a way we haven’t always done it and be open to new ideas, new solutions and adapt to the times.”

PHOTOS/SUBMITTED

MAJOR GENERAL STEPHEN L. DANNER

A lifetime of service to Missouri

BENJAMIN PETERS THE MISSOURI TIMES

Major General Stephen L. Danner’s story is a fascinating one, full of devotion, leadership, action, bravery, decisiveness and commitment. While many will recognize him as the leader of Missouri’s National Guard, there’s much more than meets the eye. I sat down with the adjutant general for an interview that was expected to take maybe a half hour or so of his time, but the conversations led us into a discussion on a variety of topics that spanned a two-and-ahalf hour period of time. He’s served in just about every brigade of the Guard, as well as serving as a lawyer, judge, soldier, businessman, husband, father, and son, and it’s that service that we seek to highlight. Growing up Danner’s life began in his hometown of Macon, called the “City of Maples” due to the existence of over 275,000 maple trees in the area. The Danners have long called Macon County home, as Danner says he has traced his family back to the 1830’s. Danner has pictures of his ancestor’s Civil War uniform, and a replica of the battalion flag his great-grandfather fought under. Born in 1953, Danner grew up with the typical life on a family farm with his three siblings, where he learned about hard work, faith and Midwestern values from his mother, Pat, a homemaker, and his father, Lavon, who worked for the railroad. He says that he was very active growing up, playing on a number of sports teams, taking part in FFA and student council, as well as building his knowledge through study. He credits his parents for how they raised him. “My parents, like any parents, were very influential in my life,” he said. “My dad was always very sports-minded, so you had to start on football, baseball, basketball and track, while my mother always said that was fine, but you had to get good grades, too, so I was always on the honor roll. That’s the way it was in my family.” Life of a soldier Danner says he knew from a young age that he wanted to be a soldier. After graduating from Macon High School, he enlisted with

the Army during the Vietnam War at the age of 18. “I didn’t know where I was going to end in the draft in 1972, so I decided to go ahead and enlist, and took the tests. I then got a call from a colonel at West Point, saying I had scored very high, and wanted to know if I’d be interested in West Point.” He went to the United States Military Academy Preparatory School in 1973, but decided that West Point wasn’t really the right fit for him, since he only could have received an engineering degree. “I always wanted to go to law school,” he said. “I always wanted to be a soldier and a lawyer, but they could not guarantee me that I could go on to law school, so I came back home.” Lawyer by trade Upon returning home, Danner finished his time in the active Army and reserve time, before finishing his undergrad at University of Missouri - Kansas City in less than three years. After that, he went to law school at the University of Missouri, finishing that in about twoand-a-half years. “I actually took the bar before I graduated law school,” he said. “I had laid out a semester to manage the campaign for Sen. Phil Snowden.” He finished up his final courses in the summer, but took the bar when it was offered in July. He passed with honors in 1980, and after graduation, set up his own practice. In the Guard The Missouri National Guard has played a large role in Danner’s life, not only through different experiences, but actively shaping and molding him as a man. He joined the Guard in 1981, when Gen. Keafner approached him about it and has been there ever since. During that time, he’s seen a two-year stint in Iraq from 20052007 as well serving three tours as a trainer for the State Department as part of the African Contingency Operations and Training Assistance (ACOTA) program. Then-Colonel Danner was deployed with the 35th Area Support Group to Balad, just north of Baghdad, where he served as command judge advocate.

Danner was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for “exceptionally meritorious service” and the Combat Action Badge for being “engaged by the enemy during combat operations.” To this day, he still keeps memorabilia from his time in Iraq in his office, including the worn and creased language book he carried with him, with key phrases highlighted for his use in the field. Politics In 1980, Danner worked on Bob Griffin’s successful election campaign to become Speaker of the House, and subsequently became the Speaker’s legal counsel. Two years later, he decided to take his own shot at making a difference in Missouri. He announced his intent to run for the Missouri House of Representatives, and served three terms from ‘82 to ‘87 in the 11th District.

During his time in the House, Danner earned a reputation for his legal knowledge and work as a legislator, which led to him eventually being appointed an Administrative Law Judge of the Division of Transportation by then Gov. John Ashcroft. In 1989, Danner was appointed by Lieutenant Governor Mel Carnahan as Deputy Lieutenant Governor and Chief of Staff, and was elected to the Missouri Senate in November of 1990, where he served until 1994 when he unsuccessfully ran for State Auditor. Danner has long held an inter-

est in politics and history, and one might even argue that politics is in his blood, as his mother, Pat Danner, served as state legislator and then as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from ’93-’01. The Danners served at the same time in the state senate in 19911992.

soldiers, removed the politics out of the process in which promotions are given, and equipped the Guard the best he can with the funds allocated. Perhaps the biggest way he has made changes is the wonders he has worked with the Guard’s budget, using a zero-based system to keep them fiscally safe at a time when others struggle. But he says that one of the things he’s most proud of is the work to look out for the wellbeing of those serving. “When I came in as the adjutant general, I really wanted to concentrate on taking care of our traditional soldiers and airmen that sacrifice an awful lot,” he said. For a period of time in 2010, the Missouri National Guard held the the unwanted title of having the most suicides of all 54 states, territories and the District of Columbia. Danner took action to combat that by hiring a full-time director of psychoABOVE: DANNER’S logical health, a suicide preSENATE PORTRAIT, 1991 vention program manager, and several military family LEFT: GEN. DANNER life consultants, establishing the Missouri National D a n n e r ’ s Guard’s resiliency program. They mother an- also raised more than $1 million nounced in 2000 to build a chapel in 2014 for that that she would purpose. not seek re-elecThe Guard reduced the number tion because she of suicides drastically by 70 percent was undergoing within one year. treatment for “The vision, strategic planning breast cancer, and focus of Maj. Gen. Danner in and he eventual- this accomplishment is evidence of ly tried to follow the quality of leadership that Danin her footsteps, ner can bring at the national level,” running for former Sen. Kit Bond said. Bond the 6th district seat against Sam was a founding member of the NaGraves, but he was defeated 51-47. tional Guard Caucus in the Senate and served as its co-chairman for As the Adjutant General more than a decade. Danner has served as Missouri’s Adjutant General since 2009 where Managing crises he has overseen mobilizations and As the adjutant general, one of responded to state emergency mis- the major duties is to take charge sions. in the event of major disasters and In that time, he has revamped emergencies. Danner changed the the Guard in more than a few ways, ways in which the Guard handles implementing a plan focused on state emergencies, reducing the size three key pillars: taking care of of the manuals and instead relying the troops, empowering them, and on communication and trust to responsible stewardship of their carry out the plans. resources. Through those keys, he During his time time in the role, has changed the way that they train Danner has helped see Missouri

through some of the toughest times in recent memory. When floodwaters threatened Missouri farmlands and the town of Cairo, Illinois in May 2011, Missouri’s farmers fought hard in the courts to save their crops and land. But the federal government sided in favor of the town, ordering the Army Corps of Engineers to blast a levee and divert the waters toward Missouri. The Missouri National Guard was called down to southeast Missouri to help stabilize the situation, as the engineers felt they needed protection. It was the first time that Danner had sent armed troops anywhere. But, in the end, as the waters made their way over the land, what had been a protection detail quickly turned into an evacuation effort - and rescue mission. As the Guard finished up and began their trip back to the base, Danner had to break the news to the troops that they were needed in southwest Missouri. An F-5 tornado had struck Joplin. Within a matter of hours, the same men and women who were diverting floods were directed to the wreckage left behind by the forceful cyclone. “What a horrific scene,” Danner said while talking of Joplin. “We had soldiers in civilian clothes saving people, just going right to work. Our folks rolled in around midnight.” Crews worked in support of the police, providing security, search and rescue, and recovery. “Our last soldier did not leave Joplin until March 30, 2013,” Danner said. One of the hardest experiences was during the 2011-12 floods in northwest Missouri, when a trooper and his dog had been lost after a levee washed out. They used Blackhawk helicopters to drop sandbags in an effort to try and divert the riv-

er, but were unsuccessful. “Since assuming the duty in 2009, Maj. Gen. Danner has proved himself to be one of the most effective adjutants general in the country. He has effectively ensured that the Missouri National Guard is trained, equipped and resourced for its dual state and federal missions. At no time was this more evident than during the response to devastating tornadoes that ripped through the state in 2011,” U.S. Senator Roy Blunt said in an interview with The Sentinel in 2012. Ferguson: A True Test Perhaps no period of time has been more polarizing in the state of Missouri than the events in Ferguson in 2014. Following the death of Michael Brown in August, protests grew intense, prompting Gov. Jay Nixon to order 700 members of the Guard to Ferguson. “It was intense for a while, because we didn’t know if the protesters would overrun our lines, but they didn’t,” Danner said. “They respected our line and our troops, and there was no threat after that, and things died down while we moved in.” Danner said it was important to him to make sure the troops were used in the intended capacity: supporting and assisting police and first responders. When police officers appeared in the streets wearing riot gear, considered by many to be a militarized look, Danner decided his troops had to act differently. The decision was made to go in support of the police with soft caps and sidearms, foregoing the heavy gear. It was a controversial one, with many leaders disagreeing with Danner’s choice. “I thought it was the best thing for my soldiers and for the situation, and it ended up being exactly

that,” he said. In the days before the grand jury’s decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson, Danner and his staff traveled to Ferguson in a van and in civilian clothing, talking to people in the streets. When the decision came down in late November, riots broke out, and additional troops were ordered to the city. “I’m really proud of my soldiers and airmen,” Danner said. “I don’t know of anyone in the country that has been able to move more than 2,000 troops in three days, put them into St. Louis, where not even the press knew where they were.” This time, troops did don the gear, and while standing face to face with a potentially dangerous situation, the Guard stood their ground as dozens of gunshots could be heard. They never once fired a shot. “Our soldiers were disciplined. They took fire and did not return. We did not fire a single shot there, and no one was killed,” Danner said. An honored history He was nominated for the Missourian Award in 2016, adding him to an impressive list of military leaders who have received the honors, including Gen. Omar Bradley, Gen. John Pershing, and President Harry S. Truman, who had served as a captain in the Missouri National Guard. He’s been decorated with numerous awards of merit and promotion in his career spanning more than three decades, but he says the best reward is seeing the Guard flourish, and the men and women living successful and fulfilling lives. He says that, in the end, his job simply means leading the Guard and trusting them as they trust in him. “If you’re going to run a large

organization, you cannot feasibly know everything about it. You have to pick the right people. When I sit down with my senior officers and staff, I hope to be the dumbest one in the room,” he said with a laugh. “You have to keep your hands off and let them do their jobs. I put a lot of faith in my commanders. I tell them what the issue is, they are enabled to figure out the how.” If a man is to be judged by his actions, then quite simply, the actions of Major General Stephen L. Danner speak volumes. US DECORATIONS AND BADGES Legion of Merit Bronze Star Medal Meritorious Service Medal Army Commendation Medal Army Achievement Medal Army Good Conduct Medal Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (with 1 Silver Oak Leaf Cluster 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster) National Defense Service Medal (with 2 Bronze Service Stars) Iraqi Campaign Medal (with 2 Bronze Service Stars) Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Humanitarian Service Medal Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with Silver Hourglass & M Device) Army Service Ribbon Overseas Service Ribbon Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon Missouri Conspicuous Service Medal Missouri Expeditionary Ribbon Missouri State Emergency Duty Ribbon Missouri 20-Year Long Service Ribbon (with Bronze Hawthorn Cluster - 25 Years) Meritorious Unit Commendation Combat Action Badge Bronze Order of the de Fleury Medal

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Bring the Benefits of Powerful New Wireless Networks to Missouri The Missouri Legislature is considering two important pieces of legislation that could transform telecommunications in the “Show Me” state for generations. House Bill 656 and Senate Bill 354 provide the foundation for massive innovations in wireless networks across the state. It’s probably hard to remember what the world was like when smartphones, laptops and tablets were luxuries instead of necessities. The evolution of wireless technology has changed how people communicate and receive information; transformed how businesses and schools operate; and even improved how cities function. Advancements in wireless connectivity can’t come fast enough for today’s tech savvy and data driven consumers. The wireless industry is working overtime to enhance its existing infrastructure and deliver all that is possible for the fourth generation of wireless (4G) – as well as the power of fifth generation (5G) networks as quickly as possible. There is a lot of buzz about 5G and what it will deliver to consumers. And for good reason. According to a recent report by Accenture, once deployed, 5G networks are expected to contribute $500 billion to the U.S. economy, add up to 3 million jobs, and enable communities across the country to offer smart city solutions that will generate significant energy and transportation benefits. To make 5G a reality, Accenture projects that wireless companies will invest $275 billion over the next decade to build out their networks. That’s on top of the billions of dollars the industry has already spent expanding wireless coverage across the country. Those networks will run in part on low-power small cells - wireless antennas that can be the size of a pizza box - that will be mounted everywhere from utility poles to street lamps. Unlike traditional “macro” cell towers, which are large in size, small cells are designed to be “low and tight” and blend in to the existing environment making them less obtrusive. The wireless industry faces obstacles when it comes to deploying small cells in communities throughout Missouri because many cities and towns approach small cells permitting like they would large, traditional towers. The lack of statutory certainty affects not just wireless service providers but municipalities as well. A streamlined process will allow wireless providers to leverage the technology they need to enhance the existing 4G LTE network and create the footprint for 5G, which is coming fast. As importantly, it will give municipalities certainty when processing applications. Missouri policymakers have a unique opportunity through House Bill 656 and Senate Bill 354 to meet massive consumer demand, while streamlining the regulatory structure and making it less timely and costly for wireless providers to deploy small cells, just as they did for the construction of macro cell towers in 2014. That means Missouri will become a more attractive place for the wireless industry to innovate and invest. And, the bill has been structured so that it won’t eliminate any local governments’ right to oversee the public rights-of-way. Missouri needs a smart wireless policy statewide to realize the power, solutions and economic growth that new wireless networks will bring. Everyone has a role at ensuring the state’s wireless future stays bright. The wireless industry needs the support of state and local policymakers to help usher in the benefits of new networks in a timely, efficient and cost effective manner. Missouri’s motto is the Show Me State and lawmakers are urged to show their support for wireless innovations and advancements in technology by passing this legislation. Doing so will qualitatively enhance the lives of consumers, as well as the state’s own economy, for years, if not decades, to come. House Bill 656 and Senate Bill 354 have our industry’s strong support and we hope it has yours as well. ### Jamie Hastings is the Senior Vice President of External and State Affairs at CTIA

MUST VISIT

MUSEUM OF MISSOURI MILITARY HISTORY BENJAMIN PETERS THE MISSOURI TIMES

BENJAMIN PETERS THE MISSOURI TIMES

PHOTOS/BEN PETERS

Since taking over as the Adjutant General in 2009, Major General Stephen Danner has made a number of changes to the Missouri National Guard facilities and practices, but perhaps no change has been as noticeable as the changes made to the museum. The museum, formerly housed in one of the oldest buildings on the Algoa facility, hidden away behind the main compounds, now has a new home in the Guard’s mechanical school. Upon arrival, Gen. Danner wanted to see the museum done right. The artifacts and pieces of history housed inside the museum are of remarkable importance in showcasing not just the history of the Missouri National Guard, but of the state itself. So, Gen. Danner ordered the movement of the museum right to the front of the complex, giving museum director Charles Machon the chance to truly do the museum in a way that it has long deserved. Machon says that the new facility, which has temperature control, required of federal museums, has exceeded his wildest expectations. Danner not only helped relocate the museum to a better, larger facility, he has also helped acquire a number of items along the way, the most notable of which is the C-130 cargo plane, a massive display crowning the museum’s list of impressive vehicles used by the Missouri National Guard and Air National Guard. The new expanded space opened to the public in December of 2014, and the number of visitors each year has wildly grown in that time. Machon says the changes brought by Gen. Danner to the museum have greatly increased their ability to do the Guard’s history justice. He also says that the museum is a perfect example to represent just how things have changed under Gen. Danner - what used to be hidden away has now been brought forward and made better than ever. Preserving the history of the Guard - and the state - is a major priority for Gen. Danner. Visitors can explore the museum Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the exception of state and federal holidays.

PHOTO/SUBMITTED

OUTSIDE THE DOME

More and more policy issues aren’t just won inside the Capitol BENJAMIN PETERS THE MISSOURI TIMES

Each year, the General Assembly will file hundreds upon hundreds of legislative bills, only a fraction of which will pass into law. But each year, more and more of these bills are being pushed through by the efforts of people outside of the Capitol, forming legislative coalitions to drive issues forward on the House or Senate floor. Perhaps one of the best examples of a coalition succeeding in their efforts was the large group opposing the cigarette tax, or Amendment 3 on the November ballot. It failed to pass, with 60 percent of voters casting a ‘no’ vote on the ballot. Other legislative coalitions have helped bring light forward on several issues, whether it be the Missouri Coalition for the En-

vironment’s work in holding the EPA accountable, or the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence’s efforts in fighting sex trafficking. The Missouri Voter Protection Coalition is working with the the Secretary of State’s office to educate people on the new Voter ID laws that are being implemented. The definition of a legislative coalition is “an alliance of political groups formed to oppose a common foe or pursue a common goal;” and Missouri now sees literally hundreds of these groups forming, as they realize their potential as a unit. As things continue to change in this new era of social media, so do the methods of how things function

in the Capitol. It stands to reason that some of the strongest efforts to affect policy decision-making are being made outside of the Capitol, as more people can get involved thanks to technology.

limits may have given constituents a stronger voice. “Things that are happening outside of the dome are adding up today much more than they ever have because of term limits. Legislators are looking more towards their district and what folks back at their district know or think about issues than perhaps traditional lobbyists because they haven’t been there long enough to maybe form a relationship with traditional lobbyists,” Baker said. “Perhaps in the era of social media, the wishes, desires and cares of constituents are actually much louder than they used to be.” Baker says that another major factor in the equation is the media. “Traditional media has less and less of an impact on the legislative

“It doesn’t have to be a big, complicated thing, it’s just finding people that will be a champion for that cause who are willing to take the time to do so.” But the changes could also be a result of other factors, such as lawmaker term limits. Aaron Baker of Axiom Strategies says that term

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process. Where we used to have several newspapers with several reporters that were on the Capitol beat or policy beat, that’s less than 10 now doing that kind of work,” he said. Baker noted that Don Hinkle, who writes for Missouri Pathways, the Southern Baptist Convention’s newspaper, may have a much larger audience than most outlets, as it’s one of the largest newsprint publications in the state. “It’s pretty wild when a newspaper for a church organization has a larger distribution than what traditional media has,” he said. So, it has become more and more important for lobbyists to work with everyday Missourians on the issues they care about. By working with the associations or groups Missourians are involved in, they can discuss those issues and work

from the bottom up to the legislators, building up a cause with a following already built to back the legislation. The rise of grassroots movements could be described as a reaction to those deciding factors, or simply a change in how the public feels they can accomplish their goals to be heard as voters and citizens. So how are these coalitions formed? Baker says that typically, they’ll find like-minded groups or individuals and ask them if they have an interest in getting involved. “Firms like Axiom Strategies, who work in politics every day, have that network of folks that we’re used to working with on various campaigns,” he said. “So we know what issues matter to them, and those folks want to be involved. It’s not that hard to take an inter-

est in an issue, particularly if it’s something you care about, and we match them up with issues that are important to them.” More often than not, the people getting involved at the grassroots level are already involved in a political party’s infrastructure. That makes it easier to locate people who may be interested in working for or against whatever cause is being championed. “You may have a project that you are supportive of, and talking to legislators about, whether it’s infrastructure, education reform, or something as small as what vendor the state uses for a specific service,” Baker said. “And it is beneficial to find constituents, particularly of committee members, that care about that issue. But they won’t care about it unless you go out and talk to them and present both sides

of the issue and see if they would like to champion that cause.” It doesn’t always have to be a large group. Sometimes, Baker says it can just be a few people. “It doesn’t have to be a big, complicated thing, it’s just finding people that will be a champion for that cause who are willing to take the time to do so.” Whether this will continue to develop as the years go by remains to be seen, but Baker believes that, as long as term limits exist, and the media continues to downsize their presence in the statehouse, the growing grassroots push by means of coalitions will continue. In this day and age, a bill can make it or break it before even entering the chambers. But as the saying goes, “A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.”