The MoLeg Podcast

MOLEG S1 E17: Sessions End and New Friends

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.

MOLEG S1E16: Dr. No Comment

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.

MOLEG S1E15: Stormy Weather

The MoLeg Podcast with Jake and Rachael — Week of April 20–24 As 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.

MOLEG: S1 E14: Fish Fry and Taxes

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.

MOLEG S1E13: Torch Breaker?

The MoLeg Podcast with Jake and Rachael — Week of April 6–10 It 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.