Seeking a Cleaner Missouri
If you liked “Clean Missouri,” you’ll love “Cleaner Missouri.” This was my message to Senate colleagues and the public as Senate Joint Resolution 38 came up for debate this week. Voters who supported the ethics reforms contained in Amendment 1, the so-called Clean Missouri measure which was approved by voters in 2018, will surely also support this resolution, which reduces the influence of lobbyists even more.
In November 2018, voters passed Amendment 1 to cap lobbyist gifts, limit campaign contributions and modify Missouri’s redistricting process. I believe the resulting confusion and numerous Ethics Commission opinions all point to one thing: Amendment 1 was poorly written. In my opinion, the language is unclear and was obviously drafted by out-of-state special interests with little understanding of existing Missouri law or the conflicts that would arise. Amendment 1 scrapped Missouri’s independent, bipartisan, citizen-lead redistricting process and placed it in the hands of an unelected state demographer, potentially chosen by the state auditor (an elected official).
In 2020, senators have proposed a new ballot issue to be placed before the voters. SJR 38 eliminates all lobbyist gifts and further limits campaign contributions. This measure would also restore the long-standing practice of a bipartisan citizen commission determining legislative districts. It does not undo any of the ethics reforms that attracted voters to Amendment 1. Also, provisions of SJR 38 will not go into effect without voter approval. It’s still up to Missouri voters.
CAPITOL VISITORS
I was pleased to welcome several visitors to the Missouri State Capitol this week. On Monday, I hosted members of Missouri Main Street Connection during that group’s grassroots visit to the Statehouse. This group is dedicated to preserving historic downtown commercial districts across Missouri and their efforts have already resulted in nearly $1 billion in investment in communities statewide. I was honored to meet with Jill Purvis of Warrensburg Main Street, Pam Jarding of Chillicothe Main Street and Katelyn Brotherton, the resource development coordinator for Missouri Main Street Connection.
Visitors representing the Missouri Dental Association were Emily Mattingly, Adam Stotts and Dr. Doug Wyckoff. District 21 residents participating in Missouri Press Association Day at the Capitol were Hannah Spaar, news editor of The Odessan, along with Jack “Miles” Ventimiglia, executive editor of the Richmond News and Town & Country Leader.
As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-4302. You may also email me at denny.hoskins@senate.mo.gov.
