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Hyperloop won’t take resources away from other infrastructure needs, Kehoe says

Bringing a high-speed Hyperloop system to Missouri wouldn’t take away resources from other infrastructure needs in the state, according to Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe. 

The Blue Ribbon Panel on Hyperloop, chaired by Kehoe, released a nearly 200-page report last week, pitching Missouri as the ultimate location for a test track. Appearing on Sunday’s episode of “This Week in Missouri Politics,” Kehoe noted the Hyperloop already has a small test track in Nevada but argued it should build a bigger one in Columbia in partnership with the University of Missouri. 

Proponents of the Hyperloop have recommended one connecting St. Louis and Kansas City with a stop in Columbia. It would reduce the commute to about 30 minutes. 

“We’re not going to have a Hyperloop tomorrow,” Kehoe said. “At some point in time, we’re going to look at the way transportation evolves in this country. … I’m not going to stop talking about [funding Missouri roads and bridge systems]. This is not about taking away those resources to go to a different technology. This is about having a dual effort.” 

Aside from the Hyperloop project, Kehoe also discussed the 2020 campaigns. He said President Donald Trump’s support in Missouri is “still very strong,” particularly praising his tax reform efforts and judicial appointments. 

Kehoe said he’s “excited” about Gov. Mike Parson’s gubernatorial campaign, saying the Republican has the ability to talk to people from all kinds of walks of life. 

Abortion debate

State Rep. Steve Butz, Victory Enterprises consultant Brett Dinkins, former state Sen. Jim Lembke, and St. Louis alderman candidate Anne Schweitzer joined the panel on Sunday’s show. 

The group discussed the legal battle between the state’s health department and a St. Louis Planned Parenthood facility which was before the Administrative Hearing Commission last week. 

Reports surfaced last week that the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) director tracked the menstrual cycles of Planned Parenthood patients in a spreadsheet. DHSS defended Director Randall Williams, saying the information was “important in the investigative process in ensuring that facilities are safe for patients.” 

Planned Parenthood officials called the tracking of information “unacceptable.” 

On Sunday’s show, Lembke defended Williams and DHSS for doing “what the law directed them to do.”

“As a matter of fact, Planned Parenthood had to collect the same data. This is more faux outrage by the left,” Lembke said. 

“It does seem that Missouri is determined to be the creepiest state for women to live in,” Schweitzer said. “We continue to pass laws in the statehouse that make it harder for women to trust government and make it harder for us to access medical care that we need.” 

Check out the full episode of “This Week in Missouri Politics” for more on the Buy Missouri program, upcoming special elections, and other topics.