Tuesday, April 01, 2014

Flanigan, Richard top Joplin area legislators in lobbyists' gifts

Sen. Ron Richard, R-Joplin, and Rep. Tom Flanigan, R-Carthage have received the most lobbyists' gifts of Joplin area legislators during the first two months of 2014.

Missouri Ethics Commission records show Flanigan has received $523.18 in gifts, including $318.20 in the February records, which were posted this morning. Richard has $512.95, including $231.49.

For both men, the biggest gift in February was a $75.50 meal from lobbyist Kit Crancer representing Students First, the Michelle Rhee-led organization that pushes for the elimination of teacher tenure, the evaluation of teachers through student scores on standardized tests, and educational vouchers.

Sen. Ed Emery, R-Lamar, has received $111.51 in gifts, but none in February.

Rep. Charlie Davis, R-Webb City, has $125.03, including $79.42 in February. His biggest gift in February was a $37 meal from lobbyist William Gamble representing the Missouri Beverage Association.

Rep. Bill Lant, R-Joplin, has $85.46 in gifts, including $76.85 in February, topped by a $47.18 meal from lobbyist Gary Burton, representing Missouri American Water.

Rep. Mike Kelley, R-Lamar, has $123.79 in gifts, with $27.89 of that coming in February, topped by a $24.01 meal from Mary Scruggs, representing the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives.

Two legislators, Rep. Bill Reiboldt, R-Joplin, and Rep. Bill White, R-Joplin, have not accepted any gifts from lobbyists.

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