S1E8

On this special end of session podcast, Jake is joined by a new face to the podcast, the lovely Stephanie Bell who will now be serving as the co-host of the podcast. On this episode, Jake and Stephanie, and sometimes Kelton, break down the weeks leading up to the end of the 2026 general assembly.

The MoLeg Podcast with Jake and Rachael — Week of April 27-May 1As session enters the final stretch, the pressure is building—and not just under the dome.This week, Jake and Rachael break down where things stand on the state budget and the ongoing income tax debate, as lawmakers work toward the finish line with major decisions still on the table.On the executive side, Governor Kehoe signs a slate of bipartisan bills, including measures addressing antisemitism standards in education, hemp regulation, and financial licensing, while also signaling tension with the Senate over budget priorities.Statewide officials remain active across the board. Secretary of State Hoskins rolls out new election-integrity tools and continues work tied to redistricting-related petitions. Treasurer Malek highlights expanded access to financing programs for farmers and small businesses. Auditor Fitzpatrick raises concerns about taxpayer fairness and statewide financial reporting issues. And Attorney General Hanaway continues her crackdown on unlicensed THC products.Meanwhile, the lighter side of Missouri politics delivers one of the week’s more talked-about moments, a legislative softball tournament controversy that raises serious questions about scorekeeping… and fairness.In the courts, officials highlight Juror Appreciation Week and the foundational role of jury trials, while continuing to warn Missourians about scam messages targeting residents.Plus: campaign movement, local political shakeups, a rough start for the Kansas City Royals, and a major stadium development that could reshape the region’s future.All that and more in your weekly insider look at Missouri politics, where even the scorecards aren’t always settled.

The MoLeg Podcast with Jake and Rachael — Week of April 20–24As session enters the final stretch, the pressure is building—and not just under the dome.This week, Jake and Rachael break down where things stand on the state budget and the ongoing income tax debate, as lawmakers work toward the finish line with major decisions still on the table.On the executive side, Governor Kehoe signs a slate of bipartisan bills, including measures addressing antisemitism standards in education, hemp regulation, and financial licensing, while also signaling tension with the Senate over budget priorities.Statewide officials remain active across the board. Secretary of State Hoskins rolls out new election-integrity tools and continues work tied to redistricting-related petitions. Treasurer Malek highlights expanded access to financing programs for farmers and small businesses. Auditor Fitzpatrick raises concerns about taxpayer fairness and statewide financial reporting issues. And Attorney General Hanaway continues her crackdown on unlicensed THC products.Meanwhile, the lighter side of Missouri politics delivers one of the week’s more talked-about moments—a legislative softball tournament controversy that raises serious questions about scorekeeping… and fairness.In the courts, officials highlight Juror Appreciation Week and the foundational role of jury trials, while continuing to warn Missourians about scam messages targeting residents.Plus: campaign movement, local political shakeups, a rough start for the Kansas City Royals, and a major stadium development that could reshape the region’s future.All that and more in your weekly insider look at Missouri politics—where even the scorecards aren’t always settled. 

The MoLeg Podcast with Jake and Rachael — Week of April 12–18After a night of severe weather in Henry County’s Clinton—leaving damage but thankfully no loss of life—Missouri turns back to business in Jefferson City, where the pace hasn’t slowed.This week, Jake and Rachael break down the latest movement on the long-running income tax debate, the passage of MSHSAA reform, and a Senate that has now wrapped up markups as session enters a critical stretch.Meanwhile, a push from organized labor to crack down on off-the-books construction work brings a new front in the fight over wages, worker protections, and tax enforcement. Supporters argue it’s about fairness and accountability—critics warn of increased regulation and unintended consequences.Elsewhere under the dome: a packed Capitol fish fry, the usual behind-the-scenes maneuvering, and a sense that the final weeks of session are starting to take shape.On the executive side, Governor Kehoe signs an executive order preparing Missouri for the global spotlight of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, activating state coordination and National Guard support ahead of Kansas City’s moment on the world stage.Statewide officials remain active, from major audit findings in Arnold raising serious questions about transparency and taxpayer accountability, to ongoing enforcement pressure on Torch Electronics, and a reminder that billions in unclaimed property are still sitting out there waiting for Missourians.In the courts, a major ruling upholds the state’s school choice funding structure, while officials continue to warn about scam messages targeting residents.Plus: financial literacy month reminders, what to watch as session winds down, and why—even after the storm—Missouri politics never really settles.All that and more in your weekly insider look at the Missouri Capitol.

The MoLeg Podcast with Jake and Rachael — Week of April 6–10It may be perfect outside, but inside the Capitol, things are heating up.This week, Jake and Rachael break down an early preview of Missouri’s looming solar battle, as a reworked proposal sparks concerns over taxes, rural property rights, and what a compromise might actually look like when the dust settles.Elsewhere in the legislature, endorsements shake up key races, a Senate district sees a notable exit, and lawmakers take aim at local policies in Kansas City—showing once again that nothing stays local for long in Missouri politics.On the executive side, Governor Kehoe signs major legislation into law, including a wide-ranging criminal justice bill and a closely watched measure dealing with pregnancy and divorce. Meanwhile, Attorney General Hanaway turns up the pressure on Torch Electronics, giving the company a firm deadline to shut down operations.Statewide officials stay active with financial literacy pushes, community announcements, and audits—including one that didn’t exactly earn high marks.In the courts, officials warn Missourians about a new wave of scam messages targeting unsuspecting residents, while key appointments and legal developments continue in the background.Plus: municipal election fallout, breakfast pastry rankings, rising gas prices, and a reminder that even in a “light” week—there’s no such thing in Jefferson City.All that and more in your weekly insider look at Missouri politics.

The MoLeg Podcast with Jake and Rachael — Week of March 30–April 3It’s raining, filing is closed, and Missouri politics is doing what it does best—getting messy.This week, Jake and Rachael break down a chaotic close to candidate filing with more than 500 candidates in the mix, plus what comes next as races begin to take shape across the state.In the Senate, lawmakers move major pieces of legislation, including agricultural tax credits, a push on critical minerals tied to national security, and a marathon hemp debate that ended in a late-night compromise after hours of filibuster and backroom maneuvering. Meanwhile, video lottery terminals and voter-driven gaming proposals continue to simmer.On the executive side, Governor Kehoe has bills on his desk—including legislation dealing with pregnancy and divorce—while statewide officials stay busy. Treasurer Malek hits the road promoting financial literacy and MOABLE accounts, Lieutenant Governor Wasinger calls for Veterans Hall of Fame nominations, and Attorney General Hanaway launches a lawsuit targeting kratom products sold across Missouri.In the courts, officials warn Missourians about fake Case.net scams, while broader legal developments continue to shape the backdrop of session.Plus: April Fools antics, rising gas prices, an economic snapshot, antiquing rankings (yes, really), and a reminder from MODOT to watch for farm equipment on rural roads.And in a week that started with a simple “I love America because…”—it ends with a reminder that, for better or worse, Missouri politics never really slows down.All that and more, packed into your weekly insider look at the Missouri Capitol.

Redistricting never dies… and neither does Missouri politics.This week, Jake and Rachael break down the ripple effects of Congressman Graves’ expected exit, the early jockeying in the potential replacement field, and what it all means with candidate filing deadlines fast approaching.On the legislative side, the Senate moves a surprising number of bills while a revived attempt at Missouri’s Second Amendment Preservation Act hits a bipartisan wall. Meanwhile, the House advances a massive budget proposal that could reshape higher education funding and expand school choice programs.Over in the executive branch, all eyes are on Governor Kehoe as major legislation heads to his desk, including a wide-ranging criminal justice bill. Statewide officials stay active with audits, education initiatives, and enforcement actions, while Missouri’s political calendar continues to tighten.In the courts, a key redistricting ruling adds another layer to an issue that refuses to go away.Plus: a bizarre tofu truck saga, unused marijuana tax revenue, a fentanyl scare involving Barbie dolls, and the return of baseball season with the Royals kicking things off.All that and more—packed into one fast, insider look at Missouri politics.

Spring break is here and Jake and Rachael are still at it. On this weeks episode: Lawmakers take up major proposals on solar regulation and critical minerals, while debate over VLTs continues to build.Gov. Mike Kehoe’s proposed transit funding cuts draw concern, new audit data raises transparency questions, and state officials ramp up enforcement and messaging.Courts issue a scam warning and hand down a major ruling on marijuana licensing.Plus: income tax protests, a local government controversy, Missouri State’s NCAA run, spring activities, Royals updates, and your weekly economic snapshot.All that and more on The MoLeg Podcast.

Jake and Rachel break down a busy week in Missouri politics. The House sends its first bills of the session to Governor Mike Kehoe, including a $3.1 billion supplemental budget, while lawmakers debate income tax cuts, speed limits, and pass SB 888. They also discuss the return of Sen. Roberts and the latest Senate “airing of grievances.”In statewide news, Secretary of State Denny Hoskins releases initiative petition signature reports as the Missouri Supreme Court hears arguments in Luther v. Hoskins. Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick issues an audit of the Department of Conservation, and statewide officials gather for a packed pro-life rally at the Capitol.Plus: Kansas City City Hall’s unexpected water leak, a cattle theft case in southwest Missouri, Missouri State’s tournament upset, and the latest economic snapshot — from gas prices to the “Potato Chip Index.”