The Politically Speaking crew this week returns to a “split show” format. On the first part of the show, St. Louis Public Radio reporters Chris McDaniel, Jason Rosenbaum and Jo Mannies discuss the expectations for the General Assembly’s home stretch.
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The trio also talked about whether the “private option” in a wide-ranging student transfer bill will hurt or help its chances of being implemented. And they delved into the politics and policy behind animal control in St. Louis County.
House Majority Leader John Diehl returned for the second part of the show. The Town and Country Republican controls the House calendar, and therefore will have a major say in what occurs in the final week of session.
During the show, Diehl said:
- He rejects Gov. Jay Nixon’s argument that a recently-passed tax cut contains a “fatal flaw” that would wipe out most of the income tax. Like other Republicans, he noted that former Supreme Court Judge William Ray Price discounted that possibility.
- He expects to be able to have at least one Democratic vote in the case of a tax cut override. He also said he’s confident that the lone Democrat who voted for the bill – Rep. Jeff Roorda, D-Barnhart – won’t get bullied by the governor to change his vote.
- If the tax cut override isn’t successful, Republicans have several irons in the fire. That includes the possibility of putting a tax cut on the August ballot.
- It won't be easy for a sales tax increase for transportation projects to pass if it makes it to the ballot this fall.
Follow Chris McDaniel on Twitter: @csmcdaniel
Follow Jo Mannies on Twitter: @jmannies
Follow Jason Rosenbaum on Twitter: @jrosenbaum
Follow John Diehl on Twitter: @johndiehljr
