West County Democrats hosted Mary Gross, the membership lead- Missouri for Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, a non-partisan group advocating for responsible gun ownership associated with the national organization Everytown for Gun Safety. Ms. Gross’ presentation discussed the progression of political efforts to loosen fire arms regulation within the State of Missouri and the heartbreaking rise of homicides and suicides within our state. MOMS organizes education, awareness campaigns, legislative lobbying and expert testimony in State hearings to help contain contain the rise of gun violence in our region and the frightening rise in avoidable gun death among our children.
If you would like to get involved and learn more, text READY to 64433 or follow the links above.
MOMS will also be offering a legislative kickoff teleconference in January 17th to present the pre-filed bills in our state and to discuss priority legislation in 2023. It is open to all and well worth your time.
Glenn Koenen’s Legislative Report
Federal Items:
Son: Dad, why are there no more circuses?
Dad: All the clowns went into politics.
As expected, the Republicans can’t govern.
Yes, a few extreme members (even by GOP standard) will never vote for California’s Kevin McCarthy for Speaker of The House. The problem now facing the majority party in the House, alas, goes back a generation to the era of Newt Gingrich who willingly upset the apple cart to score points against the Democrats (especially President Bill Clinton). That approach morphed into the racist Tea Party syndrome, thence to the MAGA “philosophy” now in force.
Simply put, if critical institutions fail to function but bomb throwers get time on FOX News, all is good.
For example, Rep. Ralph Norman (R – SC) told CNN that he’s “willing to shut the government down rather than raising the debt ceiling.” Or, negotiating with the terrorists, McCarthy promised to allow any one member to offer a Privileged Motion to call to vacate the speaker – promising chaos any time a member feels slighted (or wants to get on Sean Hannity’s FOX show).
By The Way…Republicans criticized the Pelosi/Democrat rule requiring 50 members sign-on to a motion to vacate. Traditionally, Republican Speakers have required that one-half or more of their conference sign such a motion.
Despite the humor in watching Republicans thrash about, there are real consequences to not having a functioning House of Representatives. If the top chair is not filled by January 13 no House staff members will be paid! And, the House Agenda includes pages of “housekeeping” items necessary to keep the government running – in effect a slow-motion government shut-down!
Meanwhile, the Biden Administration oversees strong job growth and the continued reduction in the rate of inflation. Also, the business press reports that much of the inflation has been fueled not by the price of materials or higher wages but by corporate greed. Big business is using “inflation” as a smokescreen to greatly increase profits.
The majority of Americans support giving military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Recent deliveries of high tech and long range arms has helped push the Russians out of eastern Ukraine. Missouri’s Josh Hawley remains one of the few elected who has criticized the aid.
State Items
The first item on the Missouri House’s bill list: a Remembrance against retired Senator Roy Blunt over several votes he made, such as acceptance of marriage equality. [Rep. Michael Davis, R – KC]
To date the Missouri House of Representative members have proposed 700+ bills while the Senate has enrolled around 460 bills. While a few good ideas are on the list – most from Democrats – many of the items are recycled bad ideas.
Many of those bad ideas have a chance to become law. It is expected that the legislature will enact new restrictions on curriculum, and, allow every parent to object to any item taught by any of their children’s teachers. It is also probable that this session complete concealed carry and other gun ‘rights’ will start at age 18.
Now, the governor and many Republican legislators have crowed about the state’s $6 billion “surplus.” To reduce that amount, several members are pushing for tax cuts, reductions which will enrich the rich much more than help working families.
Here are a few nagging details related to that “surplus”…
- $6 billion would cover about two months of Missouri’s total expenses.
- Most of that money came from federal pandemic payments Missouri did not use to help its citizens.
- The state remains around $4 billion a year below the Hancock limit, so, using the money over two years would not require refunds to taxpayers.
- The “surplus” in unlikely to be replenished.
Remember, the state admits that its workforce is 10% below what is authorized – and at least 15% below the number of workers needed to do all the jobs! Plus, MoDOT, DESE, DSS and other departments have long lists of vital projects which would be perfect uses for ‘one-time’ money. This extra money could be very well spent relatively quickly.
Traditional General Revenue is running about 14% ahead of last Fiscal Year, due in part to higher sales tax collections due to inflation; more individual income taxes collected; and, an unusual 42% surge in “Other General Revenue.”
Still, sources in the Capitol expect that despite a good bank balance the GOP-controlled legislature will not seriously consider several desired items, such as…
Meaningful raises for state employees
A substantial raise in base teacher pay (from the current $25,000)
Using General Revenue to pay for critical road projects
Likely to be enacted are onerous restrictions on initiative petitions.
It is also possible that attacks on the City of St. Louis – including the state retaking control of the police and limiting/expelling the current circuit attorney – will pass.
In keeping with hos tradition, His Accidency Mike Parson appointed an insider to replace Attorney General Eric Schmitt. Andrew Bailey served as the governor’s general counsel before being elevated. He joins many other former governor staffers and legislative friends of Parson in getting a critical job.