His Accidency, Mike Parson, the unelected Governor of Missouri decreed that a special session of the Missouri General Assembly start two days after the General Election.
Parson…wants lawmakers to deal with funding for schools, job training, homeless relief, domestic violence and child support…he is open to adding other items to the agenda, including a pro-business proposal to exempt nursing homes and other businesses from lawsuits related to the pandemic. – STL Today
So, the governor who refused to act responsibly this past spring now feels Missouri needs an emergency effort to deal with COVID 19 – including exempting employers for liability, even when their actions contributed to sick workers.
Remember, the governor sets the charge for what gets considered during a special (or extraordinary) session. Mike Parson’s power allow him to add topics to the agenda.
Scenario One
A governor-elect Parson wastes the time of 197 legislators, plus their staff, to enact housekeeping bills to move federal funds to state departments. The legislators meet for two days, host a lot of fund raisers where lobbyists and special interests slip them money, then everyone goes home.
Scenario Two
Knowing governor-elect Nicole Galloway actually owns scruples, his Accidency adds a variety of GOP near and dear topics to the special session:
► Right To Work
► A ban on unions representing state workers
► Charter school expansion and private school vouchers
► A suspension of state minimum wage increases
► A total ban on all abortions
► Gutting of the MO HealthNet Division to make Medicaid Expansion impossible
Thanks to term limits, this post-election session heralds the swan song for many termed-out reps and senators. Plus, a defeated Mike Parson –- unlikely to ever stand for election again – would own no fear of voter reprisals.
What, you say, the legislature knows approving Right To Work would cause an instantaneous response? Yes, but with their assured super majorities in both houses the lame duck forces might get an emergency clause attached to RTW, making opponents mount a monster petition drive over the December Holidays and in the worst of winter.
As those in the know recall, Missouri under Parson has repudiated its labor agreements. An outright ban on unions for state employees is only a baby step more into the swamp.
Yes, I know voters approved the state’s series of minimum wage increases and Medicaid Expansion. Just like voters rejected expanded gun rights and put restrictions on puppy mills. As many members of the majority party have told us, time and again, most issues are too complicated to let voters decide.
In other words, the post-election special session has great potential to take Missouri on a steep right turn.
What could go right? That’s a good question we probably will never get answered.
Glenn