Love note from Jeff City

Greetings, My Fellow Missourians

As I write this report, a great big dark cloud of uncertainty is hovering over the Capitol about charges pending against Governor Eric Greitens.  After the release of a report made by the House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight, and with new information that Attorney General Josh Hawley has evidence to support another felony charge on an unrelated matter, the members of the House leadership team this week called for the governor’s resignation:

“At the outset of this process, we said the governor needed to be forthright and accountable for his actions. After thoughtful consideration of the findings in the House committee’s report and today’s news that the attorney general has evidence to support another felony charge, we believe the governor needs to take responsibility for his actions.

Leaders at all levels of government are entrusted with an incredible responsibility to the Missourians we represent. When leaders lose the ability to effectively lead our state, the right thing to do is step aside.  In our view, the time has come for the governor to resign.”

House Leadership was joined by Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard, who also called for the governor to resign. The governor responded by saying he will not resign his position. Legislative leaders will wait for the investigative committee to complete its work. The House Speaker has said the legislature should call itself back for a special session to consider any recommendations the committee has for action against the governor. The Speaker has said his goal is for the legislature to remain focused specifically on the tasks Missourians count on its lawmakers to complete.

Legislation this week:

One of the pieces of legislation that was passed by House members this week and now moves to the Senate for consideration includes HB 1542, which would prohibit a pharmacy benefits manager (PBM), third party administrator such as Express Scripts, from charging a copayment for a prescription or pharmacy service that exceeds the amount retained by the pharmacy from all payment sources for filling that prescription or providing that service. It would also prohibit a PBM from prohibiting a pharmacy from informing a person of the difference between his or her co-payment and the amount he or she would pay if a health benefit plan was not used to cover the cost. Currently, pharmacies are not allowed to discuss price options unless the customer asks questions.  This bill would allow pharmacies to help customers get the best product for the best price.

Buy Missouri initiative – April 27

Lieutenant Governor Parson will present BUY MISSOURI! at the El Dorado Springs Civic Center on Friday, April 27, beginning at 11:00 a.m.  The public is invited to attend and support Missouri businesses!  This national advertising campaign developed by Lt. Gov. Parson promotes Missouri-made products, services and businesses.