THE 100 REPORT
If You Missed It: “Reflections on the Senate Winter Meetings”
Q&A with Senator Bill Eigel
Read the full Q&A here.
Rick Brattin Launches Congressional Bid in 4th District
Sen. Rick Brattin, a member of the Conservative Caucus, launched a bid for the 4th congressional district Monday. He announced to a small crowd in Columbia, where Brattin criticized the leadership of President Joe Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Brattin also pointed out that he did not believe Joe Biden one the election.
“I truly fear that if they are not stopped, our children and grandchildren will not have the same freedom to pursue the American Dream that we have enjoyed,” Brattin said.
Brattin joins a crowded field but currently represents a large portion of the district in the state senate. He is highlighting his military service in the Marines as part of the campaign. Brattin’s service in the legislature was highlighted in this recent story: https://themissouritimes.com/rick-brattin-a-timeline-of-his-career/
Architect of Missouri’s Gas Tax increase, Sen. Dave Schatz, Files for US Senate
Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz filed paperwork Monday with the FEC which will allow him to begin raising money for a U.S. Senate bid. He formally announced his campaign on Tuesday. Schatz is perhaps best known for his role as the sponsor and chief advocate for increasing Missouri’s gas tax. Schatz drew criticism last year for what many saw as a stalling of conservative legislation between Senators Schatz and Rowden until the gas tax was passed.
His tenure in the legislature was highlighted this week in this article: https://themissouritimes.com/dave-schatz-a-timeline-of-his-career/
McCloskey Travels to Wisconsin to Support Kyle Rittenhouse Ahead of Verdict
US Senate Candidate Mark McCloskey has traveled to Wisconsin ahead of the Rittenhouse verdict in an attempt to bolster his campaign. In a release, McCloskey drew parallels between Rittenhouse and himself who he said were both just trying to protect themselves from “the mob” of protestors and rioters.
Read McCloskey’s full statement here: https://twitter.com/mccloskeyusa/status/1460692528580210690?s=20
Schmitt Sues Springfield Public Schools Regarding CRT probe
Attorney General Eric Schmitt filed a lawsuit against Springfield Public Schools (SPS) Tuesday, alleging Sunshine Law violations after his office requested records on critical race theory (CRT) from the district. The lawsuit alleged the district publicly admitted it taught CRT in a report published in December. Schmitt’s office requested the district’s training materials but was provided with a $37,000 fee estimate, according to the lawsuit.
“Parents have every right to know exactly what is being taught to their children, especially when public school systems are implementing components of critical race theory and so-called ‘antiracism’ teachings in teacher training and applying social justice scorecards to math and other core curriculum,” Schmitt said.
“Springfield Public Schools has skirted our efforts to demand answers and transparency for parents who send their kids to Springfield Public Schools by demanding exorbitant fees for public records,” the Republican attorney general continued. “Now, we’re taking Springfield Public Schools to court for those public records. I will always fight for parents’ rights to know exactly what schools are teaching their children.”
The lawsuit, filed in Greene County, urged the court to find the district violated the Sunshine Law, levy $1,000 civil penalties for any knowing violation of the law, and order the district to release its documents.
Schmitt recently was endorsed by Americans for Prosperity—a conservative free-market advocacy group.
ACTION: Sign this petition to help fight back against CRT!
Brian Gelner, Springfield Businessman, Launches Bid for SD 20
The race to replace Senator Eric Burlison, who is running for congress, has heated up with the entry of businessman Brian Gelner in the race. Gelner serves as president of Crown Distributing and owner and executive of Heart of America Beverage, said he would focus on pro-business and fiscal issues if elected. It’s speculated that he is seeking to own the more moderate lane in the primary against conservative Rep. Curtis Trent.
(Rep. Curtis Trent joined us as a “Candidate Spotlight” in October. He has served in the House and has worked with the conservative caucus on a number of different issues. Watch his presentation from October's Meeting).
Caleb Jones Says “No” on Speculated Congressional Bid
Former State Representative Caleb Jones says he will not be running for congress. Jones represents about 6,000 Missouri families as the executive director and CEO of the Association of Missouri Electric Co-ops. Last week Jones ended much speculation that he would jump into the ring for open 4th congressional district seat saying he was focused on his family and role with AMEC.
Biden Admin Targeting Trump Religious Liberty Protections
The Health and Human Services Department (HHS) is considering revoking authority the former Trump administration delegated for the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) to prevent violations of religious liberty – prompting concerns about conscience protections under Secretary Xavier Becerra. A draft memo obtained by Fox News targets two actions related to the First Amendment from earlier this year, and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), which prohibits federal infringements on the free exercise of religion. The RFRA delegation came on Dec. 7, 2017, in response to the administration's broader efforts to beef up religious liberty protections. Citing President Trump's executive order on the issue, former Attorney General Jeff Sessions provided executive agencies with a long list of guidelines on RFRA, free exercise claims, contraception in insurance plans and other issues. HHS followed by granting OCR authority to, among other things, conduct RFRA compliance reviews and "initiate such other actions as may be necessary to facilitate and ensure compliance with RFRA." HHS' internal memo is expected to be rolled out this week, according to a source familiar.
Read the full story here: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/hhs-ocr-memo-rfra-trump-religious-liberty
The 100 Newsletter is intended to be a conservative review of the most up to date, inside information of what is going on in Missouri Politics and does not reflect an endorsement of any campaign or committee.