A southwest Missouri state representative has been charged again – this time in an alleged 900-thousand dollar coronavirus fraud scheme. Alisa Nelson reports.
They’re back: Seersuckers in the Missouri Capitol
When the Missouri Legislature gets back to work this week, a lightweight cotton tradition is expected to make a comeback – Seersucker Wednesdays. The style, especially popular in the South, has been in full force for several years throughout the great halls of the Missouri Capitol.
Former House Speaker Elijah Haahr, Reps. Tracy McCreery and Travis Fitzwater (Photo courtesy of Tim Bommel, House Communications)
Beginning the first Wednesday after the General Assembly’s spring break, many lawmakers proudly fashion the striped ensemble. The practice has been to wear seersucker outfits every Wednesday until the regular session ends in May.
The weekly showing is about as united as you can get. Lawmakers from both parties, Capitol staffers, and even lobbyists dig out their seersuckers and are seen proudly strutting around in the clothing. Some enthusiasts have branched out from the earlier days of wearing the traditional blue striped pattern to wearing yellow, brown, pink, and other colors today.
Occasionally, you will find a lawmaker who wears a seersucker suit on a day other than Wednesday – instilling confusion (and maybe disappointment) among some people in the Capitol.
The Missouri Legislature’s seersucker craze dates back several years. How far back is unknown. But there is one notable moment in its history of wearing the airy trend.
In 2013, the Missouri Legislature made national headlines after former state Sen. Ryan McKenna, D-Crystal City, offered an amendment to an education bill that would have banned the wearing of seersucker suits by anybody older than eight.
Former state Rep. Craig Redmon, R-Canton (Photo courtesy of Tim Bommel, House Communications)
“Any person living in this state aged 8 and under may wear seersucker suits at their leisure. Any person over the age of 8 living in this state may not wear seersucker suits because adults look ridiculous in seersucker suits with the exception of Koolaid,” the handwritten amendment said.
People not familiar with the Senate might be puzzled by the reference to Koolaid. McKenna was referring Matt Michelson, the aide to former state Sen. David Pearce, R-Warrensburg, who was known for wearing an orange seersucker explosion on Wednesdays.
McKenna’s despise for the fabric fueled a playful clash among some seersucker-loving lawmakers. Not long after his attempt to ban the fashion, former state Sen. Eric Schmitt, Missouri’s current attorney general, was the ringleader of an effort to give some love to the summer wear. He and other lawmakers dressed to the seersucking nines and posed for pictures. They blasted the photos on social media. Members of the Capitol press corp joined in promoting the friendly fued online.
So, for the newcomers to the Missouri Capitol, you have been warned. The breezy wardrobe is a thing here on Wednesdays.
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Schatz: Missouri state senators may have some longer evenings to make up for missed snow week; emphasizes safety (AUDIO)
Missouri’s State Senate leader says nothing on the Senate’s agenda this week was time-sensitive or worth lawmakers trying to drive to Jefferson City in snow.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Color Guard presents the flags before the governor’s State of the State Address on January 27, 2021, as Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz (right) observes (file photo courtesy of Governor Parson’s Flickr page)
The Senate has canceled session for the entire week, due to multiple winter storms. Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz, R-Sullivan, says he looked closely at weather forecasts.
“So there was nothing so pressing that it was worth risking members trying to get into the Capitol,” Schatz says.
Missouri state senators will return to Jefferson City on Monday afternoon. Pro Tem Schatz tells Missourinet that senators can make up the missed days later.
“We know that everyday that we do lose is something that will be precious time that would be garnered sometime later in session, but we’ll take that into consideration and we know that we’ll have to move some things, maybe spend some longer evenings there (the Missouri Capitol) in the future to try to make up for some of the lost time,” says Schatz.
The Pro Tem says mild weather will finally return to the Show-Me State next week.
“I think next week we’re looking at temperatures are going to be in the 50s again,” Schatz says. “We go from having this completely minus-zero and below to 50s next week, so that’s Missouri weather for you.”
Schatz says the temperature was minus-4 at his home in eastern Missouri’s Sullivan on Tuesday, with very slick roads.
Click here to listen to the full interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz, R-Sullivan, which was recorded on February 16, 2021:
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Missouri House takes coronavirus-induced break
The spread of COVID-19 has set in at the Missouri Capitol – one week into the legislative session. A statement from Missouri House Republican leadership says due to the rising number of cases in the building, the lower chamber will not be in session next week.
The Missouri House and Senate convene on January 9, 2019 for a joint session to commemorate the 100th General Assembly (photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)
House Speaker Rob Vescovo of Arnold, Speaker Pro Tem John Wiemann of O’Fallon, and Majority Floor Leader Dean Plocher of St. Louis say the move is out of an abundance of caution to protect members, staff, and visitors.
This week, Sen. Greg Razer, D-Kansas City, and Rep. Keri Ingle, D-Lee’s Summit, announced they are quarantining after being exposed to someone carrying the deadly virus.
On Tuesday, Missouri House Democrats offered up a proposal to require all members to wear a mask while on the floor because some members, often Republicans, choose not to wear a mask and follow COVID-19 safety guidelines. The plan was voted down.
The House is made up of 114 Republicans and 48 Democrats.
Media reports say members of the Senate Republican Majority Caucus are discussing Friday whether to also take a break.
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Missouri National Guard heads to Washington, D.C. to help with safety efforts
Gov. Mike Parson is sending members of the Missouri National Guard to Washington, D.C. to help with potential safety problems in the run-up to the presidential inauguration. They will help with security, medical evacuation, and logistics.
Missouri National Guard heads to Washington, D.C. to help with safety efforts
The move follows an internal FBI memo warning of possible “armed protests” at all state capitols, the U.S. Capitol, state, local and federal government courthouses and administrative buildings in the days leading up to the inauguration.
The Guard tells Missourinet the current authorization allows them to help up to 31 days, but the length could change depending on the need. Due to operational concerns, the number of soldiers involved is not being released.
Security has also ramped up around the Missouri Capitol after the FBI bulletin was leaked. Multiple law enforcement agencies are helping with the efforts in Jefferson City.
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Missouri Capitol heightens security after FBI warning of armed protests; House discusses emergency plans
The Missouri Capitol has extra law enforcement keeping an eye on the building after reports of possible “armed protests” at all 50 state capitols and the U.S. Capitol. The increased presence follows an FBI warning of threats of an “uprising” in the days leading up to the January 20 inauguration of President-Elect Joe Biden.
During a press conference Monday following the inauguration, Gov. Mike Parson said the state is taking precautions.
Rep. Keri Ingle, D-Lee’s Summit (Photo courtesy of Tim Bommel, House Communications)
“We’re quite aware of what’s going on there,” said Parson. “I think our state is a little different, compared to a lot of other states where you are seeing maybe some of these issues coming.”
Pro-Trump rioters at the U.S. Capitol last week and the FBI memo are making some state lawmakers feel uneasy. On the Missouri House floor Tuesday, Rep. Keri Ingle, D-Lee’s Summit, says the Capitol needs a comprehensive emergency plan.
“One of the things that we are, you know, being made aware of from law enforcement agencies on a daily basis is that, while we know right now we are under increased threat, they don’t see it ceasing in the near future. But I think what is important for us to remember, gentlemen, is that we may never know when an event happens. Right now we are getting tips and we’re being tipped off to holes within our system, but emergency preparation is what saves lives and we are finding that we are not prepared and that is terrifying I think for most of us. We’ve got to figure out a way to address it,” says Ingle.
Majority Floor Leader Dean Plocher, R-St. Louis County, says the Capitol Police team does not have the ability to respond in the event of a hostile takeover or most other emergencies.
Rep. Dean Plocher, R-St. Louis County (Photo courtesy of Tim Bommel, House Communications)
“I think it’s incumbent upon us, if it’s not going to be provided for us, to provide security – essentially crafting our own method of security. We’re trying to work with the executive branch and that has occurred over several years,” says Plocher. “When the executive branch is on the third floor, I feel quite safe. But when the executive branch is not on the third floor, we kind of are left in the dark. We don’t have the resources. We haven’t crafted a game plan, if you will, to address some things. Fortunately, Missourians haven’t tried to take such actions into their own hands. But I think it’s something we need to look into.”
The executive branch is another term to refer to the governor.
Rep. Ron Hicks, R-Defiance, has been working for years to update security plans. He says the Legislature needs to come up with a bipartisan approach to address the gaps.
“We’re all sitting on this floor right now discussing this together and we’re going to do a little bit more of this in a little while – for one reason and one reason only. This is the one thing we are all on the same team on. I know my wife wants me to come,” says Hicks. “We are trying to build up security in the building. Our Capitol Police – they are a 34-unit team. They try to do their best that they can. But they are 34 members that do not have the equipment or the updated equipment they need to do what needs to be done.”
Rep. Ron Hicks, R-Defiance (Photo courtesy of Tim Bommel, House Communications)
Hicks says lawmakers should think about some of their most vulnerable constituents – children.
“What would happen if an incident did occur and you have a hallway filled with children outside your office that you’re speaking to. Would you know what to do? Let’s just say a tornado is hitting,” says Hicks. “Would you know where to take them? I may not be someone with a weapon. It could literally be someone having a heart attack right here on the House floor.”
ABC News reports state, local and federal government courthouses and administrative buildings could be targets. The FBI is also getting reports of threats to harm Biden, Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris and U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
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Jefferson City mayor describes Gold Star monument location at Capitol as solemn area (AUDIO)
Jefferson City’s mayor says the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument being built on the Missouri Capitol grounds is one of just five monuments located at state capitols nationwide.
Members of Lincoln University’s ROTC presented the flags at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in Jefferson City (November 11, 2020 photo by Brian Hauswirth)
Mayor Carrie Tergin spoke at this week’s Veterans Day groundbreaking ceremony, describing the spot as a perfect location.
“This is a place here on the beautiful Capitol grounds where thousands of people are going to be convening. So this very spot right here is going to have a lot of visibility,” Tergin says.
The monument is being built next to the Missouri Veterans Memorial and next to the Bicentennial bridge entrance. It will have four panels with themes of homeland, family, patriot and sacrifice.
“It’s a solemn area,” says Tergin. “It’s a place where many students come so they can learn the stories, learn what this is about and why this is so important that we always remember our Gold Star families.”
Fundraising efforts are continuing for the monument.
Gold Star families, veterans, state lawmakers and Jefferson City business leaders are leading the fundraising effort, and they’ve already raised about $30,000. It will cost $75,000 for the monument and granite benches.
The benches are being designed to give visitors an opportunity to reflect on the meanings of the four panels.
Click here to listen to Brian Hauswirth’s interview with Jefferson City Mayor Carrie Tergin, which was recorded on Veterans Day 2020 on the Missouri Capitol grounds:
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Missouri House Ethics Committee meets in closed session for 50 minutes
House Ethics Committee Chairman J. Eggleston, R-Maysville, speaks on the Missouri House floor in Jefferson City on May 15, 2020 (file photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)
The Missouri House Ethics Committee met in closed session Tuesday afternoon in Jefferson City, but what they discussed is unknown.
The committee gaveled-in at about 12:30 p.m. for a roll call, before immediately voting to go into a closed session.
A Missourinet reporter waited outside the Capitol hearing room during the 50-minute closed session, and didn’t see any state lawmakers who aren’t on the committee enter the room.
Committee Chairman State Rep. J. Eggleston, R-Maysville, spoke to Missourinet after the closed hearing, saying that confidentiality rules prohibit him from commenting on these matters.
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‘Political trailblazer for women’ inducted into the Hall of Famous Missourians
America’s first female county clerk has been inducted into the Hall of Famous Missourians. A bronze bust of Annie White Baxter of southwest Missouri’s Carthage joins 47 others in the esteemed hall already showcasing journalist Walter Cronkite, radio host Rush Limbaugh, and the 33rd U.S. President – Harry Truman. They line the third floor of the Missouri Capitol Rotunda in Jefferson City to pay tribute to the legacy they have left.
Bronze bust of Annie White Baxter unveiled on August 26, 2020 (Photo courtesy of Tim Bommel, House Communications)
As House Speaker, Elijah Haahr, R-Springfield, gets the final say on who is inducted into the hall. During a ceremony today in the Missouri House of Representatives, White Baxter was remembered as one of the state’s best county clerks and a political trailblazer.
In 1890, she defeated her opponent by about 400 votes to become the Jasper County Clerk during a time when women did not have the right to vote. White Baxter, a Democrat, later served as state registrar of lands and financial secretary of the Missouri Constitutional Convention.
Her induction coincides with today being Women’s Equality Day to commemorate the 1920 adoption of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution – prohibiting government from denying the right of American citizens to vote based on gender. Women of color were not guaranteed the right to vote until later.
Rep. Peggy McGaugh, R-Carrollton, led today’s opening prayer. She is a former Carroll County clerk.
“Thank you for allowing her to pave the way for the 85 female county clerks and personal friends serving throughout the 114 counties in Missouri today,” she said.
The Pledge of Allegiance was then flawlessly led by Haahr’s three daughters.
Former state Rep. Charlie Davis, the current Jasper County Clerk, said White Baxter blazed the trail for women – not only in Missouri but in America. He notes the county auditor, assessor, circuit clerk, public administrator, prosecuting attorney, recorder of deeds and treasurer in Jasper County are all women.
“It’s amazing that half of our elected officials in Jasper County are women,” he said. “That kind of shows the importance that women place on our society, but especially our community of Jasper County.”
Davis said the second female Jasper County Clerk was elected 100 years later. Out of the last 30 years, he said 20 years were served by female Jasper County clerks.
According to Davis, a bust of White Baxter will also be placed in the Jasper County Courthouse.
Wendy Doyle, the President and CEO of Women’s Foundation, said millions of people who visit the Missouri Capitol each year, including many students, will enjoy the symbol of inspiration that White Baxter represents.
“I’m thrilled she’s getting the recognition she finally deserves,” she said. “By writing women back into history, we can ensure that women can see themselves in the change makers and barrier breakers of the past.”
Women’s Foundation and its supporters, particularly generous Missourians from White Baxter’s home county, funded the project.
“It’s important to the Women’s Foundation that we are able to go back in time to preserve legacies and history so that we can see how far we’ve come but also for us to see who we could be, to show women that there is a path forward – that we are working toward equality,” she said. “We are demonstrating to Missouri women that we are making progress.”
The cost of the bust is in the neighborhood of $15,000.
Haahr said putting White Baxter in the hall was a no-brainer.
“There’s a lot of really talented people that are not yet in the Hall of Famous Missourians. I started thinking about Annie White Baxter back in 2018 when I first became Speaker. It made a lot of sense – it’s the 100th General Assembly, it’s the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote. So, it all kind of dovetails together,” said Haahr.
He hopes today’s event will serve as a learning experience for his three daughters.
“My mom was my first political advisor,” he said. “But having three daughters, they are going to grow up in a world where they are never going to worry about not being able to vote, not being able to hold office. And so for me, without having to go through that struggle to remind them of the people that did, I feel like is very important.”
The sculpture was crafted by E. Spencer Schubert of Kansas City.
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Protesters hit streets of Jefferson City to oppose governor’s special session crime bill
Protesters marching down High Street in Jefferson City
Protesters marched the streets in the heart of Jefferson City today to voice their opposition to the governor’s crime package. They walked down High Street in front of the Missouri Capitol and made a pitstop at the Governor’s Mansion. Police were on the scene to try and keep protesters from blocking the streets.
Gov. Mike Parson’s special session crime plan would let judges choose whether children 14 to 18 years old should be tried as adults for certain weapons crimes. It would also allow the Missouri attorney general to prosecute some St. Louis murder cases. Parson says out of at least 161 St. Louis murders so far this year, 33 suspects have been charged.
Rep. Rasheen Aldridge
State Representative Rasheen Aldridge, D-St. Louis, participated in the protest.
“Charge them as an adult because that is how we are going to fix violence – by being tough on crime to individuals that have made a mistake and should be held accountable but you are charging our youngest babies,” says Aldridge. “When does we go to ten? When do we go to nine? What’s going to be next? Eight? Seven? Are we locking up literally babies and putting them in jail with serial killers?”
Missouri Congressional candidate Cori Bush
Cori Bush of North St. Louis County, who defeated longtime St. Louis Democratic Congressman Lacy Clay in this month’s primary election, was among the crowd of protesters. They marched to the Cole County Jail and Bush had a message for law enforcement.
“We are about saving lives,” she says. “And so if you think we want to destroy your property – we don’t. If you think that we want to just disrupt just to disrupt – we don’t. We’re disrupting because you won’t stand up and do the right thing and make sure your work is to save lives.”
The legislation would also scrap a requirement for St. Louis police officers to live within the city and would create a witness protection fund to compel more witnesses to come forward in crime cases.
The Missouri House of Representatives gets back to work next week on the legislation. Three committees have scheduled hearings for Monday afternoon.
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