State Rep. Justin Hill Archives

Missouri House Committee approves Presidential election resolution; Giuliani and Missouri Democrats clash

December 15, 2020 By Brian Hauswirth

A Missouri House committee approved a resolution Monday night in Jefferson City that declares the Missouri House’s lack of faith in the 2020 presidential election results.

Missouri House Special Committee on Government Oversight Chairman Robert Ross, R-Yukon, speaks at the Statehouse in Jefferson City on December 14, 2020 (photo courtesy of Ben Peters at House Communications)

The party line vote was 6-3, with Republicans on the House Special Committee on Government Oversight in favor and Democrats opposed. The hearing, which took more than two-and-a-half hours, was heated from the start, and featured testimony from former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who clashed with Democratic lawmakers on the committee.

The GOP chairman of the House Rules Committee announced Monday evening that he will not hold a hearing on the resolution, so the issue won’t be heading to the Missouri House floor.

State Rep. Justin Hill, R-Lake St. Louis, sponsored the resolution, saying future elections are at stake. His resolution names Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Georgia, Arizona and Nevada. The resolution says that if a full and fair investigation isn’t done, Congress should refuse to accept the electoral votes from those six states.

During the hearing, Hill testified that critics have called for him to be hanged for his resolution, and that he’s been called a seditionist. He says the fraud in other states is enough to change the election results. Hill read letters he’s received from Missourians and others supporting his effort.

“This obviously is perceived by the public nationwide as an election that there is very little confidence in the results of those six swing states,” Hill testifies.

During the hearing, State Rep. Keri Ingle, D-Lee’s Summit, questioned some information contained in Hill’s three-page resolution. She says the allegation that 20,000 nonresidents cast ballots in Georgia has been debunked. Hill says it has not been.

Former Mayor Giuliani, who’s leading the Trump campaign’s post-election legal challenges, testified via zoom before the committee. Giuliani describes Philadelphia as a “crooked Democratic machine,” and alleged fraud in Georgia as well. State Rep. Peter Merideth, D-St. Louis, clashed with Giuliani, with the two speaking over each other several times.

“I think we’re right to be upset about this action and about your spreading of misinformation and lies that are inflaming things across our country, at a time when we need to move on and accept the results of an election. Thank you,” Merideth tells Giuliani.

“Obviously, you have no interest in the truth. All you have an interest in is lecturing me,” Giuliani responds.

“I have no interest in more and more lies from you,” Merideth says. “I am tired of your lies. America is tired of your lies, and they are dangerous, sir. They are dangerous.”

“You are very dangerous, because you’re covering up a massive election fraud,” Giuliani responds.

The two continued to speak over each other, until committee chairman Robert Ross, R-Yukon, hit the gavel multiple times.

Veteran State Rep. Jon Carpenter, D-Gladstone, voted against Hill’s resolution. Carpenter and Hill note they are friends, despite being from different parties.

“We’ve just had a national election and what the current President of the United States and what a number of his supporters, including yourself, are doing is incredible divisive. I think it undermines faith in our democracy,” says Carpenter.

Giuliani and Carpenter also clashed during the hearing, saying the other has demeaned themselves.

Hill’s resolution alleges that 50,000 votes held on USB cards are missing in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. It also says that 86,000 Pennsylvania absentee ballots are questionable.

66 Missouri GOP state representatives signed Hill’s resolution. They include House Majority Floor Leader Rob Vescovo, R-Arnold, who will be Speaker in January.

House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, D-Springfield, participated in the hearing. While she’s not on the oversight committee, she is an ex-officio member of all House committees.

“The only evidence of fraud at tonight’s hearing was the litany of lies and debunked conspiracies House Republicans put forth in their dishonest attempt to steal the presidential election for Donald Trump,” Quade says, in a written statement.

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft (R) also testified at the hearing, for informational purposes. Republican and Democratic members on the committee requested that he appear, to answer questions about Missouri’s November election. Ashcroft answered about 20 minutes of questions from the committee.

Missouri lawmakers to hear testimony Monday on 2020 presidential election resolution (AUDIO)

December 14, 2020 By Brian Hauswirth

A Missouri House committee will hear testimony Monday evening in Jefferson City on a proposed House resolution that declares that the House has no faith in presidential election results from six key states.

State Rep. Justin Hill, R-Lake St. Louis, speaks on the Missouri House floor in Jefferson City on November 10, 2020 (file photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

State Rep. Justin Hill, R-Lake St. Louis, filed the resolution, which names Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Georgia, Arizona and Nevada. Hill represents St. Charles County in the Legislature.

“Many of my constituents through all forms of media reached out to me, asking me to do something. And it’s not just me, it’s all representatives throughout the state,” Hill says.

66 GOP state representatives have signed Hill’s resolution. They include House Majority Floor Leader Rob Vescovo, R-Arnold, who will be Speaker in January. Outgoing Missouri House Speaker Elijah Haahr, R-Springfield, and Speaker Pro Tem John Wiemann, R-O’Fallon, did not sign the resolution.

State Rep. Rasheen Aldridge, D-St. Louis, is critical of Hill’s resolution, saying President Trump lost the election. Aldridge describes Hill’s resolution as meaningless, and says it “will do nothing of substance.” In a statement, Aldridge says Missourians want lawmakers to come together to work on issues like COVID.

The resolution says that if a full and fair investigation isn’t done, Congress should refuse to accept the electoral votes from those six states.

“We’re seeing in key states where we have razor-thin margins, lots of evidence of fraud, and most of it is not being investigated. So, we as a state have to make a statement,” says Hill.

Hill’s three-page resolution alleges that 50,000 votes held on USB cards are missing in one Pennsylvania county, and that more than 20,000 nonresidents cast ballots in Georgia. It also says that absentee ballot and mail-in ballot laws passed in the six states were likely ignored and violated.

“Future elections are at stake,” Hill says. “If we don’t do anything now, even though we’re Missouri and we did it right, if we don’t do anything now, if we don’t file our grievances, then we have no argument later.”

The House Special Committee on Government Oversight will hold Monday’s hearing at 5 p.m.

The oversight committee’s ranking Democrat, State Rep. Peter Merideth, D-St. Louis, wants Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt (R) to appear before the committee on Monday, regarding his decision to join the Texas federal litigation.

The U-S Supreme Court on Friday rejected the Texas lawsuit. The “New York Times” reports the lawsuit sought to bar Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin from casting their electoral votes for former Vice President Joe Biden (D).

Representative Merideth says Schmitt’s recent decision is directly relevant to the resolution that will be heard on Monday.

“To be clear, you did not simply join in the Texas federal litigation. You led a group of 17 attorneys general in backing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s baseless legal theories,” Merideth writes, in part.

Merideth also says there is no evidence of alleged widespread election fraud.

If the oversight committee approves Hill’s symbolic resolution, it would then head to the Missouri House floor for debate this month.

Click here to listen to Brian Hauswirth’s interview with State Rep. Justin Hill, R-Lake St. Louis, which was recorded on December 10, 2020:

Rehder urges Missourians to get involved to pass PDMP legislation (AUDIO)

December 2, 2020 By Brian Hauswirth

A veteran southeast Missouri lawmaker who is heading to the Senate in January has filed prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) legislation for the ninth consecutive year.

State Rep. Holly Rehder, R-Scott City, speaks on the Missouri House floor in Jefferson City on May 11, 2020 (file photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

State Sen.-Elect Holly Rehder, R-Scott City, has filed a compromise bill that she says had the support of the majority of Senate and House members in 2020.

“Just the main PDMP bill with that compromise on the board that directs the database,” Rehder says.

A PDMP is an electronic database that collects data on controlled substance prescriptions within a state.

While both the Missouri House and Senate approved PDMP this spring, they passed different versions. Missouri is the only state in the nation without a PDMP.

Rehder disagrees with privacy concerns from fellow State Rep. Mike Moon, R-Ash Grove, who was also elected to the Missouri Senate in November. Moon has expressed concern about potential data breaches involving your prescription information.

“The data breaches that we see across the U.S. are those dealing with credit cards or those dealing with financial services,” says Rehder.

State Rep. Justin Hill, R-Lake St. Louis, has also expressed privacy concerns about PDMP.

As for Representative Rehder, she’s urged the Legislature not to judge people “unless you’ve walked a mile in their moccasins.” During an emotional May House floor speech, Rehder revealed to colleagues that her late mother and late sister were both sexually assaulted multiple times, and turned to prescription drugs for their pain.

She says she’s thankful that God has given her the ability to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves. Rehder also says Missouri’s medical professionals must have the knowledge of what their patients are on, prior to prescribing more medication.

“The more that the public gets involved, the more that those who are dealing with this epidemic reach out to their representatives and senators, tell their stories, that’s what moves the needle,” Rehder says.

December 1 is the first day that Missouri lawmakers can pre-file legislation for the 2021 session, which begins January 6 in Jefferson City.

Click here to listen to the full interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and State Rep. Holly Rehder, R-Scott City, which was recorded on December 1, 2020:

UPDATE: Missouri House gives initial approval to $1.2 billion supplemental budget

November 10, 2020 By Brian Hauswirth

The Missouri House voted Tuesday to give preliminary approval to a proposed $1.27 billion supplemental budget, a supplemental that is the reason for the special session.

Missouri House Speaker Elijah Haahr, R-Springfield, (right) talks with House Budget Committee Chair Cody Smith, R-Carthage, and Majority Leader Rob Vescovo, R-Arnold, on
May 7, 2020 in Jefferson City (file photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

The supplemental budget includes funding for school nutrition programs, job training grants, $1 million for witness protection funding and money for child support payments.

Governor Mike Parson (R) called the special session, saying there is still CARES Act funding that needs to be distributed to Missourians.

One key part of Tuesday’s debate involved funding for the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for food.

State Rep. Justin Hill, R-Lake St. Louis, tells Missouri House colleagues that the money would be better spent on other things, saying some Missouri school districts have become “glorified lunchrooms.”

Representative Hill is specifically critical of the school district in eastern Missouri’s Wentzville, telling colleagues on the House floor that leaders there have failed. State Rep. Bryan Spencer, R-Wentzville, expresses similar concerns. Both Hill and Spencer note they have heard from many Wentzville parents.

State Rep. Raychel Proudie, D-Ferguson, responded by saying there shouldn’t be a child in the state who is hungry.

State Rep. Peter Merideth, D-St. Louis, spoke on the House floor this morning about day cares across the state, warning that many of them are suffering financially. He says it’s a major issue across the state and must be addressed.

St. Louis Police residency requirement legislation heading to Missouri House floor

August 17, 2020 By Brian Hauswirth

Legislation that eliminates the residency requirement for St. Louis Police officers has been approved by the Missouri House Judiciary Committee. Monday afternoon’s vote was 12-4.

State Rep. Ron Hicks, R-Dardenne Prairie, testifies before the Missouri House Judiciary Committee on August 17, 2020 (photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

The bill is a key part of Governor Mike Parson’s special session call on violent crime.

State Rep. Ron Hicks, R-Dardenne Prairie, the bill sponsor, presented his bill and testified before the committee on Monday. Hicks tells State Rep. Justin Hill, R-Lake St. Louis, that improving public safety in St. Louis will help the entire state.

“This is a statewide thing,” Hicks testifies.

“St. Louis is our economic hub, and we have a crime problem,” Hill tells Hicks. “And we’ve identified that policemen that are being forced to live in there are making decisions to move out so that their families can feel safer.”

House Bill 46 was amended during the hearing. It now also eliminates the residency requirements for St. Louis firefighters and EMS personnel, and has a three-year sunset clause.

St. Louis Police Chief John Hayden traveled to Jefferson City to testify for the Hicks bill, saying his department is more than 100 officers short. Chief Hayden tells state lawmakers that St. Louis has had 169 homicides this year, compared to 125 at this time last year.

“As of today, (the) St. Louis Police Department is down 143 officers from its authorized strength. We continue to be challenged by meeting the demands of this ongoing gun violence, continuous demonstrations. Our officers have had to endure 12-hour shifts,” Hayden says.

Chief Hayden says there were 53 St. Louis homicides in July, and 16 so far in August.

He also says six St. Louis police officers have been shot in the past few months, and that retired Police Captain Dorn was shot and killed.

Advocacy group “Empower Missouri” testified against the bill. Former State Rep. Jeanette Mott Oxford, D-St. Louis, is the organization’s policy director. She says when officers live in communities and know their neighbors, they can create partnerships and strategies for reducing crime and unhealthy living conditions.

Mott Oxford testifies that Empower Missouri would rather see more investment in St. Louis schools.

“And the solution is for us to invest in communities, so that we all have safe communities and good schools,” says Mott Oxford.

Oxford also notes St. Louis residents will be casting ballots in November, on residency requirements. She says Missouri lawmakers should recognize the right of St. Louis City to govern itself.

Chief Hayden has testified that the residency requirement is the greatest challenge that his department has with recruitment and retention.

The four no votes were from Democrats: State Reps. Gina Mitten, D-Richmond Heights, Ian Mackey, D-St. Louis, Steven Roberts, D-St. Louis, and Robert Sauls, D-Independence.

The Judiciary Committee also unanimously approved two other crime bills on Monday.

The committee voted 17-0 for witness protection legislation from State Rep. Jonathan Patterson, R-Lee’s Summit. It would create a pretrial witness protection services fund, to be administered by the state Department of Public Safety (DPS) to law enforcement agencies. The money would be used to provide security to witnesses, potential witnesses and their immediate families in criminal proceedings or investigations.

The Judiciary Committee also voted 17-0 to approve legislation from State Rep. Barry Hovis, R-Cape Girardeau, that increases penalties for witness and victim tampering.

Missouri PDMP debate personal for Rehder: Don’t judge “unless you’ve walked a mile in their moccasins”

May 11, 2020 By Brian Hauswirth

Legislation that would create a prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) is now heading to a Missouri House-Senate conference committee in Jefferson City, for negotiations.

State Rep. Holly Rehder, R-Scott City, speaks about her PDMP legislation on the Missouri House floor in Jefferson City on May 11, 2020 (photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

Missouri is the only state in the nation without a PDMP, which is an electronic database that collects data on controlled substance prescriptions within a state.

While both chambers have approved PDMP this session, they’ve approved different versions. The Senate version contains a provision about fentanyl that isn’t in the House bill.

Monday’s House floor debate was emotional, as the bill sponsor delivered a passionate speech on why she believes PDMP is needed. State Rep. Holly Rehder, R-Scott City, urged colleagues to not judge people “unless you’ve walked a mile in their moccasins.”

“Many demeaning things have been said on this (House) floor over the years about those who are addicted,” Rehder says. “Things like, an addict will always get their fix, regardless of what we try to do to help.”

Rehder revealed to colleagues on Monday that her late mother and late sister were both sexually assaulted multiple times, and turned to prescription drugs for their pain.

She also says that many homeless veterans are addicted to some drugs, for their pain.

Not everyone in the House supported Rehder’s call to send the bill to a conference committee for negotiations.

State Rep. Justin Hill, R-Lake St. Louis, has privacy and other concerns about the bill. Hill, who’s been a vocal PDMP opponent, says House Republicans are divided 50-50 on the issue.

The Missouri House approved the bill in February by a bipartisan 95-56 vote, with every House Democrat voting for it. All 56 “no” votes came from Rehder’s fellow Republicans.

Hill opposes sending it to conference.

“And now we (the full House) are going to give our power to a select few to decide if this bill is going to be the bill that we pass this year,” says Hill.

State Rep. Tony Lovasco, R-O’Fallon, also urged against sending the bill to conference. He says 87 percent of Missouri is already covered by PDMP.

“Let’s have this discussion next year,” Lovasco says.

In the end, the House voted 110-33 on Monday to send Rehder’s bill to conference.

Time is the biggest factor now, and could be the biggest obstacle to the bill. The Legislature must adjourn by Friday evening at 6, under the state Constitution.

Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz, R-Sullivan, tells Missourinet he’s optimistic.

“It’s always a coin toss on any bill this time in session. Any Senator can easily stop a piece of legislation,” Schatz says. “But I do think any bill that is still moving could potentially pass. We put a lot of effort into this early in session, and it would be disappointing if it fails.”

Pro Tem Schatz supports PDMP, as does Senate Majority Leader Caleb Rowden, R-Columbia, House Speaker Elijah Haahr, R-Springfield, and House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, D-Springfield.

PDMP legislation could get final Missouri House approval on Monday

February 16, 2020 By Brian Hauswirth

The Missouri House is expected to give final approval to prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) legislation this week in Jefferson City, possibly as early as Monday afternoon.

State Rep. Holly Rehder, R-Scott City, briefs Capitol reporters on February 13, 2020 in Jefferson City. House Speaker Elijah Haahr, R-Springfield, and Speaker Pro Tem John Wiemann, R-O’Fallon, look on (photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

Missouri is the only state in the nation without a PDMP, which is an electronic database that collects data on controlled substance prescriptions within a state. State Rep. Holly Rehder, R-Scott City, the bill sponsor, says we must listen to addiction specialists and doctors.

“We have to allow our recovery people to be the ones that tell us what they need for the tools in their toolbox, not those of us in the Legislature,” Rehder tells Capitol reporters.

The House voted last week 95-56 to give initial approval to the bill. Rehder’s bill had bipartisan support, with every House Democrat voting for it, including House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, D-Springfield.

The debate took about five hours and was emotional at times, as Representative Rehder talked about getting her grandchild out of a meth lab. She also talked about the impact the opioid epidemic is taking on Missouri families.

House Speaker Elijah Haahr, R-Springfield, voted for Rehder’s bill, as he has every year. He’s a longtime PDMP supporter.

The 56 no votes came from Republicans, including House Speaker Pro Tem John Wiemann, R-O’Fallon, and House Majority Leader Rob Vescovo, R-Arnold.

State Rep. Justin Hill, R-Lake St. Louis, criticizes PDMP legislation on the Missouri House floor on February 12, 2020 (photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

State Rep. Justin Hill, R-Lake St. Louis, and other PDMP opponents say it would not stop illegal drug problems.

As for Rehder, she says Missouri Senate leaders would like to get it off the table earlier this session. She notes Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz, R-Sullivan, and Senate Majority Leader Caleb Rowden, R-Columbia, back PDMP.

“I’m so hopeful that possibly it will come to the floor early (this year) in the Senate and that it will be allowed the time for a filibuster,” says Rehder.

Rehder’s 2019 bill was approved by the House on a bipartisan 103-53 vote, but it died in the Senate, primarily because of opposition from State Sen. Denny Hoskins, R-Warrensburg, and other members of the Senate Conservative Caucus.

Hoskins, who has privacy concerns, tells Missourinet that state government databases haven’t worked in other states. He says PDMP “has a long way to go to become law.”

“I’m not in favor of passing a bill that doesn’t work just to say we’ve ‘done something.’ Simply said, state government databases have not worked well in other states that have them. I, as well as many of my Senate colleagues, have concerns about this legislation as currently drafted. The Conservative Caucus has some ideas on how to make this House bill better to protect the privacy of Missouri citizens and we look forward to working on the bill during the upcoming weeks,” Senator Hoskins said on Sunday.

Rehder disagrees with Hoskins’ privacy concerns, saying 49 other states have PDMP. She says Missouri needs to battle drug addiction problems on the front end, and that PDMP gives physicians and medical professionals easier access.

Before Thursday’s adjournment, Floor Leader Vescovo told House members to be ready for PDMP on Monday afternoon. The House gavels-in at 4 p.m.

State lawmaker says St. Louis MLS team will spur economic growth in Missouri

August 20, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

St. Louis is reportedly about to land a Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion team. Some St. Louis-area state lawmakers had urged the league to consider the Gateway City.

Photo: MLS4TheLou.com

An announcement is scheduled for 11:30 Tuesday morning in downtown St. Louis, and multiple reports indicate MLS will award an expansion franchise to St. Louis.

The league says MLS Commissioner Don Garber will be there. Commissioner Garber visited St. Louis this spring.

State Rep. Justin Hill, R-Lake St. Louis, sponsored a House resolution this year, urging MLS to select St. Louis as an expansion team.

During a January speech on the Missouri House floor in Jefferson City, Hill said “St. Louis has a rich tradition and avid fan base,” adding that more than ten percent of St. Louisans participate in soccer, which he says is three percent higher than the national average. He says that offers a large potential fan base to an MLS team.

Hill’s House concurrent resolution 7 sought to affirm Missouri’s and St. Louis’ commitment to sporting excellence. Legislative resolutions are largely symbolic, and Hill’s proposal did not receive a House hearing in 2019.

What it did do, though, was bring attention to the issue, both to lawmakers and to the general public.

“Another major professional team in St. Louis will spur economic growth and development for the region and the state of Missouri,” Hill said in January. “Placing an MLS team in our state, in the Arch City, would be a smart investment for the league, the city and the state.”

Hill notes the success of the St. Louis Football Club (FC). He also points out St. Louis University’s multiple NCAA titles in the 1960’s and the success of the St. Louis Steamers from 1979 to 1988.

KMOV Channel 4 in St. Louis reports the proposed stadium would be constructed just west of Union Station.