Missouri Democratic Party Chairman: Greitens is the most corrupt of them all

(From the Missouri Democratic Party)

Facing a new lawsuit from an open government organization for “allegedly breaking state public records laws,” Governor Eric Greitens is entering today’s first day of the 2018 Missouri state legislative session entangled in even more legal trouble and corruption.

According to the Kansas City Star, “The Sunshine Project which aims to ‘hold the government responsible for turning over public records,’” has filed a lawsuit accusing “Gov. Eric Greitens and his staff of engaging in an ongoing conspiracy to violate Missouri’s open records laws.”

“Corrupt insiders and corrupt politicians: Instead of weeding them out like he promised, Eric Greitens has become the most corrupt of them all. There’s no doubt questions about his never-ending scandals will linger throughout this year’s legislative session.”
MISSOURI DEMOCRATIC PARTY CHAIR STEPHEN WEBBER

Despite promising to clean up corruption in Jefferson City, this is only the latest in a long list of scandals that have lingered over the Governor’s mansion during Eric Greitens’ first year in office. 

Among other controversies, Eric Greitens was fined for violating Missouri campaign ethics law. He also created his own dark money group to hide who is influencing his agenda. The non-stop ethical questions about dark money led a bipartisan group of state Senators to call for a legislative investigation into Greitens.

Country legend Mickey Gilley injured in rollover accident while headed to Branson

Country singer Mickey Gilley suffered a broken ankle during a rollover accident in Corrigan, Texas Wednesday.

From Rolling Stone:

Gilley was traveling through southeast Texas on his way to Branson, Missouri, when a vehicle ran a stop sign in front of Michael's 2013 Toyota SUV, causing them to swerve, strike the other vehicle and roll over several times before landing upside down in the highway's median. Both men were transported to a local hospital, treated and released.

On his Facebook page, Gilley offered reassurance to his fans:

"I have a big boot on my left leg. Other than that, I got to tell you, I'm doing pretty good. To be 81 years old and putting myself through what I've been through, it's kind of tough sometimes on the old man ... but I don't intend to retire. I'll be out there on the road and see you very soon.

Gilley owns and performs at the Mickey Gilley Theatre in Branson.

(Photo from Mickey Gilley Facebook page)

Farmington Republican's bill aims to stop future Greitens State Board of Education power grabs

(From Sen. Gary Romine, R-Farmington)

In addition to working on several committees, I am privileged to serve as the Chairman of the Education committee. As always, my goal is to prepare Missouri’s kids for the future and ensure they receive the education they need to be successful.

The appointment process for the State Board of Education was created to be insulated from political whims; however, the recent appointments to the Board are very concerning. The interim appointees were on the job for a short period of time with one making a decision minutes after being sworn in. They could not possibly have reached an understanding of the strides the department has made to improve student performance, much less understand the ramifications of firing a commissioner who is well liked and respected across the state. Additionally, this decision was based on old data collected in 2015, before the commissioner had been appointed to the position.

With this in mind, I have filed SB 794 which would require the Governor to inform the Missouri Senate, in writing, of any appointments to state boards or commissions made while the General Assembly is not in session. After appointment and notification, the Governor will also be prohibited from withdrawing or rescinding the appointment, except in the case of charges of malfeasance, misfeasance or nonfeasance. Additionally, five members who have been confirmed by the Senate must be present to establish a quorum, and no official actions may be taken unless a majority of the Board, all of whom have received the advice and consent of the Senate, vote therefor. This bill addresses issues with the State Board of Education while also ensuring the same standards apply to other state oversight boards.

I have also filed SB 576 which changes the Missouri Virtual Instruction Program (MOVIP) to the Missouri Course Access and Virtual School Program. This will allow any eligible student to enroll in program courses of their choice to be paid by the school district or charter school. This act expands access to online courses for students across Missouri and provides opportunities for enrichment that are unavailable in their individual districts.

Finally, SB 577 provides that community colleges may grant baccalaureate degrees if authorized by the Coordinating Board for Higher education. The West Plains Campus of Missouri State University and the State Technical College of Missouri may also offer baccalaureate degrees if authorized by the Coordinating Board. An institution may also be authorized to offer non-research doctoral degrees in allied health professions. Finally, the boards of state colleges and state teachers colleges have the power and authority to confer degrees in engineering only in collaboration with the University of Missouri if the collaborative agreement is approved by the governing board of each institution.

These three bills will move Missouri forward into providing access to relevant and high-quality education opportunities to students throughout Missouri. I am passionate about keeping our students at the top of the priority list and ensuring that K-12 and higher education remain free from political maneuvering.

As always, I am blessed to work with a talented and hard-working staff. Dan Hutton and Karen Jacquin are instrumental in my ability to serve the 3^rdDistrict to the best of my ability, and I am happy to have them working with me again in 2018. This year we also welcome Heather Kopp, our new intern! Heather, originally from Odessa, is a junior at Truman State University studying History and Political Science. I am honored to continue representing the citizens of Missouri’s 3^rd Senatorial District. As we progress through the session, please know I value your input and I invite you to visit my Capitol office if you are ever in the Jefferson City area.

Macy's to cut 5,000 jobs, close seven stores, Joplin store not on closing list

Macy's announced today it is cutting 5,000 jobs and closing seven stores, but the Joplin store at Northpark Mall was not on the list.

From USA Today:

The moves are part of a plan announced in August 2016 to close 100 stores. Altogether, the company has now revealed 81 of the 100 locations.

Net job cuts, including the closures and reductions at remaining locations, will total about 5,000, Macy's spokesman Blair Rosenberg said in an email.

Thirty-seven Sears stores to close, Joplin store survives again

Sears announced the closing of 37 more stores today, but the store at Joplin's Northpark Mall was not among the cuts.

Approximately 940 Sears stores will still be open after the closings.

The company also announced the closing of 66 K-Mart stores today

Warrensburg Republican: We're coming after prevailing wage

(From Sen. Denny Hoskins, R-Warrensburg)

After the opening of the 2018 legislative session on Jan. 3, I recognize there are several hot button issues on my colleagues’ agenda within the Missouri Senate, but for my constituents, I think it boils down to three things: labor reform, tort reform and welfare reform.

In lieu of all the legislation coming through the pipes, I encourage my constituents to keep watch for three specific bills I have pre-filed that really get to the core of these issues.

Senate Bill 608, known as the Business Premises Safety Act. This legislation would protect businesses against frivolous lawsuits stemming from third-party criminal activity that occurs on their property without their knowledge.

Only in the case where repetitive offenses occur in a designated amount of time would the business be more apt to be held accountable for those criminal acts. The burden of violent crimes should be on criminals, not law-abiding business owners.

When it comes to labor reform, one issue our neighbors are confronted with is the negative effects of our state’s existing prevailing wage laws. I’ve come to notice whether there is a project for the city or one of the schools in my eight-county district, each project is forced to pay the same wage as a similar project in Jackson County. In turn, this increases the cost of construction for a lot of our rural school districts, towns and cities. Your call for reform in this area helped lead the way for the creation of Senate Bill 609, which eliminates Missouri’s prevailing wage laws.

Hopefully, repealing the prevailing wage will be a priority for lawmakers this year, but I am open to continued discussions on how to approach this issue.

For my constituents, welfare reform is not about eliminating government assistance, but it is about accountability to taxpayers. Parents who pay child support should be held accountable for making their payments on time.

Through Senate Bill 610, parents who are delinquent on their child support payments forfeit their benefits through the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, with the exception of prior approval by a judge or the Department of Social Services.

I think is very important that able-bodied adults who are not meeting their child support commitments be held accountable for their actions against their children. As a result, taxpayers should not be funding SNAP benefits for the able-bodied adult.

Outside of these bills, I am passionate about funding for education and the well-being of veterans in our communities. Even in a tough budget year, I hope we can fully fund the education formula again this year and at least maintain our current funding levels for higher education institutions across the state.

With Whiteman Air Force Base and the Warrensburg Veterans Home in our back yard, it is important for all of us to recognize their value and contributions to the community and our country. As the newly appointed Chairman of the Missouri Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, I am dedicated to ensuring the needs of veterans across the state are taken care of.

Jasper County justice: Joplin murder suspect charged with shooting man in 2015, stabbing another in 2013

When Artilius Jordan, 47, Joplin, pleaded not guilty during a video arraignment this morning in Jasper County Circuit Court to the Christmas Eve murder of Sean Harris, 43, Joplin, Judge Joseph Hensley asked him if needed to have a lawyer appointed for him.

He should have asked how Jordan was still on the streets and able to be charged with such a crime.

As noted in the December 25 Turner Report, Jordan, who allegedly shot Sean Harris to death, was charged with assault after allegedly shooting Corey M. Walstead, 23, Diamond. The shooting took place at a time when Jordan was already serving a five-year probation after pleading guilty on July 28, 2014 to a felony burglary charge.

Walstead told Joplin Police officers the shooting took place at Jordan's apartment and after executing a search warrant at the apartment, the police seized evidence and arrested Jordan.

Though a probation violation citation was made, the judge continued Jordan's probation and did not extend the probation period.

No record of the assault charge remains on Jasper County Circuit Court online records indicating the charges were dropped.

Apparently, the same thing happened with another violent crime Jordan allegedly committed.

A blood-soaked Stanley Watkins, 35 at the time, told Joplin Police on January 3, 2013 that Jordan stabbed him.

The probable cause statement said Watkins had been stabbed in the shoulder, abdomen and had a cut to the face.

When police arrived at Jordan's apartment, he said he had been asleep and did not know anything about the stabbing.

The officer did not believe Jordan's story, since Jordan had blood on his hands and pants and a bloody pillowcase was in plain sight just inside the apartment doorway.

Jordan was charged with first degree assault and armed criminal action.

Those charges were also dropped at some point.

A public defender has been appointed for Jordan.

The other man charged in the murder of Sean Harris, Moses Ramsey, 27, Jopiin, also pleaded not guilty this morning and a public defender was appointed for him.

The next hearings for both men are scheduled for Wednesday, January 17.

Graves: 2018 checklist includes rebuilding infrastructure, building the wall

(From Sixth District Congressman Sam Graves)

The beginning of every New Year is a good time to look forward and set goals for the future. However, it’s also a great time to reflect on the accomplishments of the previous year.

In 2017, I was proud to help pass the biggest tax reform package in over 30 years, provide our nation’s brave service members with their first pay raise in eight years, increase efforts to fight the opioid epidemic, and defend every American’s Second Amendment rights along with all of the liberties afforded to them by our Constitution. Moreover, our President nominated and confirmed a conservative voice on our Supreme Court.

These accomplishments have lasting effects on all of us. Most noticeably, more money in your pocket, a stronger national defense, and a conservative check on some reckless interpretations of our nation’s laws.

Now, as we look toward what we want to accomplish in the New Year, I hope to maintain a focus on efforts that will build a stronger and safer nation and further improve the lives of Missouri families.

Rebuilding our degrading infrastructure is a great place to start. Fixing crumbling roads, bridges, locks, and dams all need to be part of an infrastructure package that improves the efficiency and delivery of goods and services to the world. Improving our infrastructure will improve our state and our nation.

Moreover, improving our safety doesn’t end with investing in a strong defense. It includes reforming our immigration system and building a wall; two things that have been a priority of mine since being elected to Congress. I’ll continue to support efforts that tighten our immigration system and prevent terrorists from entering our country.

I’m also eager to get to work on a Farm Bill. Farming is the engine that drives North Missouri and a strong Farm Bill oils that engine. I look forward to advocating for the priorities of North Missouri farmers so we can continue to feed the world and maintain a robust Ag economy.

I’m excited about the year ahead. We’ll build on what we’ve been able to accomplish in 2017 and continue down a more prosperous road for all Americans in 2018.

Rosenberg, Gipson appointed to MSSU Board of Governors

Gov. Eric Greitens announced two appointments to the Missouri Southern State University Board of Regents today:

Bill Gipson and Benjamin Rosenberg were appointed to the Missouri Southern State University Board of Governors.

Gipson, of Shell Knob, was reappointed to the Missouri Southern State University Board of Governors. He retired from the Empire District Electric Company where he served as President and CEO. Gipson is an active member of Missouri Southern State University Foundation, where he served as Chair and Vice Chair of the Board. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Missouri Southern State University.

Rosenberg, of Joplin, is the owner and Pediatric Dentist at Benjamin D. Rosenberg DDS Inc., in Joplin. He has been very active in the community and has served as the president of the Boys and Girls Club, former president of the Joplin Public School Board, zone councilman of Joplin City Council, and member of the Joplin Airport Board. Rosenberg earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma and holds his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Greitens gives Senate more time to consider State Board of Education appointments

(From Gov. Eric Greitens)

Governor Eric Greitens announced that he will be reappointing five interim appointees to the State Board of Education at noon today. Those five interim appointees were withdrawn earlier this morning.

“We’re here to help teachers, students, and families succeed. We found a great group of leaders in our state to work with us. I appreciate the Senate reaching out, to let us know they want ample time to hear these appointees,” said Governor Greitens.

Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard expressed support for the Governor’s decision. “I know there is a desire among senators to be involved in this process and to give our advice and consent to well-qualified appointees. Today’s action will free up extra time for the Senate to give prompt consideration to a number of the Governor’s other important interim appointees.”

Sen. Jason Holsman (D-Kansas City) agreed. “I have had the opportunity to speak to the Governor about a number of his appointees. I believe that this decision by the Governor will allow the Senate to be more deliberative as we exercise our ‘advice and consent’ responsibilities.”

“The Governor has nominated a number of high-quality individuals to a variety of departments, boards and commissions that are now before the Senate for approval,” said Sen. Mike Kehoe, Senate Majority Floor Leader. “I believe allowing the Senate additional time to weigh in on these very important positions on the State Board of Education was a positive decision by the Governor.”