JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – If anyone in the State Capitol believed that there would be a reprieve in the rumors and whispers concerning Gov. Eric Greitens this week, even in the midst of Senate filibusters, then they were quickly proven wrong.
Talk about the Governor’s scandal, or allegations of corruption by his office, only increased this week as news broke that investigators from the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office were speaking with legislators at the State Capitol this week.
Investigators expand Greitens probe, begin interviewing lawmakers
Several lawmakers confirmed that they had met with the investigators, including members of the legislative leadership like House Speaker Todd Richardson, Sen. Mike Kehoe, and Sen. Gina Walsh.
Earlier in the week, the House tried to third read and pass one of the Governor’s priority bills, which would have placed increased penalties on those who assault law enforcement animals.
That bill, however, failed to muster the needed votes after questions were raised about the bill that never arose earlier in the process.
Another setback in the Governor’s legislative priorities came in the form of a committee approving a Senate tax reform bill and sending it forward, making it the seemingly chosen bus for tax reform this year.
Meanwhile, Gov. Greitens continued his tax reform tour, visiting Altec Industries in St. Joseph. He also made stops at the Veterans Homes in Warrensburg and Mexico.
We’re ending special interest rip-offs and putting more money back in your pocket with tax cuts for working families.
We stood strong with 300 workers in St. Joseph yesterday, and we’re proud to be fighting for working families across Missouri. pic.twitter.com/vsYO7BQRvG
— Eric Greitens (@EricGreitens) February 14, 2018
The Governor and First Lady also welcomed visitors to the State Capitol on Thursday for the first Lunar New Year Ceremony.
First #LunarNewYear celebration at the MO State Capitol hosted by @MoDOLIRDirector. Even though this is nearing my bedtime I had to come watch this historic moment. Great performances by the St. Louis & Columbia Chinese School students. @EricGreitens @SheenaGreitens pic.twitter.com/oSpVAJRn3t
— Stephanie Hirata (@shirataKRCG13) February 15, 2018
Benjamin Peters was a reporter for The Missouri Times and Missouri Times Magazine and also produced the #MoLeg Podcast. He joined The Missouri Times in 2016 after working as a sports editor and TV news producer in mid-Missouri. Benjamin is a graduate of Missouri State University in Springfield.
