JEFFERSON CITY - Budgets, bonds and politics are the dominant issues being discussed on the eve of Missouri's 2004 legislative session. Ominous signs of imending chaos echoed a week earlier with the crash of a Senate chandelier, followed by a frantic e-mail from the Senate trying to locate the chamber's gavel (it was never found, but they bought a new one).
But with legislators returning to Jefferson City on Tuesday afternoon, the business of government is poised to resume this morning. Nearly all signs point to the budget being the central battleground once again between the Republican-led legislature and Democratic Governor Bob Holden. Holden is expected to propose many of the same tax increases he did last year, and the Repulicans appear just as likely to reject them again.
Part of the problem with the budget is the numbers themselves: no one can agree on how much money is really needed. Governor Holden has estimated the shortfall in state funds for the coming fiscal year to be nearly $1 billion, while House Budget Committee Chairman Carl Bearden, R-St. Charles, stated earlier this week that it would only be a quarter of that amount.
Adding to the mix is upcoming elections this fall, where not only is the Governor being challenged from within his own party, but also -- and perhaps more importantly -- a number of prominent legislators in both the House and Senate leadership will be running for state-wide office. With term limits expected to oust even more veteran legislators, particularly in the Senate, the scramble for power could result in one of the more interesting legislative sessions in recent memory.
However, while gridlock is certainly a possibility, some legislators say the situation could also present a unique opportunity for deal-making -- as those with aspirations of higher office will be looking to take credit for something in November.
Some of the major issues to be taken up are expected to include education, taxes, worker's compensation and tort reform. Another contentious issue, particulary for those is Southwest Missouri, is expected to be toll roads.
Rep. Ron Richard, R-Joplin, said he believes Joplin area residents won't take too kindly to tolls on their highways, and plans to oppose them. "They've already paid for them once," Richard said.
Local legislators have also introduced some bills of their own this session.
Richard has sponsored a bill to create the crime of "intimidation of an athletic coach, manager, or sports official," as well as one to require the Department of Insurance to provide an itemized report of its expenses when an insurance company is examined. Richard said he is also looking to come up with some job training legislation as well in the coming weeks.
Rep. Kevin Wilson, R-Neosho, has introduced a bill to limit the anti-discrimination policies of state-funded institutions. The measure was prompted by the University of Missouri's recent decision to add "sexual orientation" to the list of groups protected under the school's policy. Wilson's bill would prevent that by prohibiting public institutions and other organizations receiving state money from adopting a policy that "exceeds current federal protections against discrimination."
Sen. Gary Nodler, R-Joplin, has introduced several bills, including one to do away with the designation of I-44 in Jasper County as "George Washington Carver Memorial Highway." He has also sponsored legislation to allow the sale of the National Guard Armory in Neosho. Neosho has been interested in converting the Armory into the city's police station.