Capitol Calling

CBT: Nixon calls for campaign finance limits

Gov. Jay Nixon called for campaign finance limits today in a conference call with reporters.

To read more about this issue, click here for my post on the Columbia Business Times blog.

CBT: Killer Tofu

In my latest post to the Columbia Business Times blog, I examine the arguments for and against curtailing lobbyist meals, entertainment and travel in Missouri.

Take a read here.

CBT: "Opt out" amendment could prompt showdown

There's some buzz in Jefferson City over Sen. Jane Cunningham's constitutional amendment that would shield Missouri from participating in any federal initiative that forces people to buy health insurance.

The health insurance is a big part of the federal health care bill, along with potentially barring the denial of insurance due to "pre-existing conditions" and providing subsidies for people to purchase private insurance.

Cunningham, R-Chesterfield, told the St. Louis Beacon that she had 16 co-sponsors to her resolution, which states "no law shall compel a patient, employer, or health care provider to participate in any government or privately run health care system, nor prohibit a patient or employer from paying directly for legal health care services." The amendment would need to be approved by voters in order to be implemented.

But the thing about the Missouri Senate is that a majority vote - even a solid majority vote - doesn't equate to passage. If a group of senators filibuster the measure, it can spell doom.

Read more on the Columbia Business Times blog.

CBT: The Gift and the Curse

My latest post for the Columbia Business Times explores the impact of Sen. Kurt Schaefer's ascension to the vice chairmanship of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

The post also looks at how Rep. Chris Kelly, D-Columbia, will be involved in the budgetary process since he will no longer serve as the ranking member of the House Budget Committee.

You can read the post here.

CBT: Forsee letter sparks debate

University of Missouri System President Gary Forsee's letter opposing "Cap and Trade" legislation is attracting a lot of attention from both sides of the political spectrum.

Republicans such as U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Springfield, and popular radio host Rush Limbaugh are praising Forsee's opposition to the bill. But supporters of the legislation aimed at cutting carbon emissions aren't so enthusiastic.

You can read more about Forsee's letter and the reaction at the Columbia Business Times Blog.

CBT Blog: McCaskill forum stirs passions

Sen. Claire McCaskill's health care forum in Jefferson City was a bit... testy.

The Democratic senator said afterward that the Wednesday forum ranked high in terms of the crowd's impoliteness. But she said the anger of those against Democratic health care proposals showcases a healthy First Amendment.

Read more here at the Columbia Business Times Blog.

CBT: Zweifel offering unclaimed assets at fair

State Treasurer Clint Zweifel is setting up shop at the Missouri State Fair to get people to pick up unclaimed assets.

Read more about it at the Columbia Business Times blog.

CBT Blog: Nixon makes a pitch for the fiar

Gov. Jay Nixon held a presser today to promote the upcoming Missouri State Fair.

You can read more about it in the Columbia Business Times Blog.

Luetkemeyer votes against extending "Cash for Clunkers"

Following up on a blog post I wrote for the Columbia Business Times, the U.S. House voted today to infuse $2 billion into the so-called “Cash for Clunkers” program.

The program – which offers government rebates to consumers who trade in old cars or trucks – quickly ran out of money after just a few days of existence. That spurred Congress into pumping in more money to keep the program afloat.

The legislation passed today would shift money already allocated in the federal stimulus package to the rebate program. It still needs the approval of the U.S. Senate.

U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-St. Elizabeth, voted today against extending the program. Luetkemeyer spokesman Paul Sloca said that the first-term congressman voted against authorizing the program in the first place.

“Like many folks, Blaine was disturbed that this program blew through $1 billion in hard-earned taxpayer dollars in just one week and that the problem was revealed only 24 hours ago,” Sloca said in an e-mail. “If this is how the government handles taxpayer dollars on a program like this, you have to wonder how government is going to deal with something like health care.”

The bill passed 316-109.

CBT Blog: McCaskill opposes extending "Cash for Clunkers"

The big news out of Washington, D.C. today is the sudden insolvency of the so-called "Cash for Clunkers" program.

While Congress is currently deliberating whether to add more money into the program meant to spur the purchases of fuel efficient cars, Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Missouri, has expressed opposition at the idea.

Read more at the Columbia Business Times Blog.