MOScout Daily Update: PBM Polling - Bean Backs JP - Murray’s Branson Question - CCM’s New Project and more…
Branson Safe for Black Folks?
Rep. Marty Joe Murray Jr. has a question…
Selected answers…
· Rep. Darin Chappell: Come on down. It's not as great as the ad says, but you won't have any problems beyond terrible drivers and stupidly long lines...
· Rep. Cathy Jo Loy: We lived in Branson several years and have great friends that still live there and happen to be black. Go, take your family and enjoy!
· Rep. LaDonna Appelbaum: Is anywhere safe?
· Rep. Scott Cupps: Oh definitely. All of southwest MO is more than perfectly safe for black folks..... but I consider you a friend..... and for that reason I cannot in any way advise you to go to Branson.
· Rep. Bill Lucas: It makes me sad that you asked a question to stir up a race debate. I am disappointed
· Rep. Scott Miller: What kind of stupid question is that??? I’ve been to every manner of southern or country corner in this country and all i see is white and black getting along. Branson is safer for black folk than St. Louis City.
· Phyllis Hernandez: I would just advise to fill up your tank and don’t plan on taking too many bathroom breaks on the way there. My kids are half white and still we weren’t comfortable stopping at the stations that are covered in confederate flags. You’ll definitely encounter places on the way that will let you know you’re not welcome.
Bean Fundy
I’ll be putting together a full list of Veto Session fundraisers in a couple of weeks. But this one was interesting.
Sen. Jason Bean continues his record of supporting his colleagues (Sens. Jamie Burger, and Curtis Trent) and potential Senate candidates like Speaker Jon Patterson.
· I’m told that Bean and JP quietly have a strong working relationship. The two of them represented Missouri at the recent RSLC (Republican State Leadership Committee) conference last month in Colorado.
What It Means
With the Trump redistricting plan seemingly on track for next month, some folks are already dreading next session as a potential five-month trainwreck. And it makes sense then, that folks are already talking about the 2026 leadership race in the Senate.
That race is WIDE OPEN. Though both Bean and Trent’s names come up when you talk to folks about it. And the incoming Republican senators will likely play a determinative role in that vote.
PBM Polling
Prescription benefit managers have been getting a fair amount of ink over the past six months. One side says they save consumers money; the other says they’re middle-men causing the demise of rural pharmacies.
It looks like someone’s polling on the issue…
MO OK, Eye on MOSERS
The Illinois Policy Institute, right-center think tank, published a piece that focuses on Illinois’ pensions troubles. It shows Missouri in a relatively good spot.
But MOSERS is still a plan to keep an eye on…
Hancock Kicks Off
St. Louis County Councilman Dennis Hancock kicks off his County Executive bid tonight.
Republicans are cheered by incumbent Sam Page’s indictment woes, but my view – hardened over the last couple cycles – is that St. Louis County is just too far blue for Republicans to be able to flip at this point.
Help Wanted
Consumer Council of Missouri Seeks Social Media Specialist – Medical Debt Project. The Medical Debt Project is a new initiative of CCM focused on consumer protection within the healthcare system. The project builds on grassroots research into medical debt lawsuits and aims to expand understanding of healthcare debt collection, support individuals impacted by medical financial harm, and drive systems change through research, policy, and community advocacy. See the posting here.
Lobbyist Registrations
Scott Swain added Law Enforcement Legislative Coalition; and deleted CFM Insurance Inc, and Missourians Improving Higher Education.
Alex Tuttle deleted Safer St. Louis, LLC.
$5K+ Contributions
Senate Democratic Campaign Committee - $50,000 from UAW Region 4 Midwest States PAC.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Rep. Bruce Sassmann, and Doug Healy.