State senator sets forth latest legislative agenda

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While none of Missouri's legislators receive a crystal ball when elected, there is a good bit of soothsaying that goes on prior to the start of each legislative session. In my own case, I find a number of clues about what will be on the General Assembly's agenda in the list of prefiled bills, the activities of various interim committees and discussions at numerous legislative briefings in the weeks before returning to Jefferson City.|ret||ret||tab|

Our agenda will undoubtedly be affected by the fact that 2000 is an election year. Unfortunately, this often creates a very partisan atmosphere in the legislature and can make it more difficult to build consensus and achieve the compromise often necessary to accomplish our work on behalf of Missouri's citizens. |ret||ret||tab|

One of the issues sure to receive a great deal of attention this year is the tobacco settlement fund. There are several differing viewpoints on how these funds should be used, which will drive the debate. |ret||ret||tab|

One school of thought proposes keeping the dollars in a trust fund and spending the interest on smoking cessation, education and awareness of the dangers of tobacco use, especially among young people. Others argue the funds should be paid directly to those, such as health care providers and individuals, who have borne the costs of tobacco's harm. Still others propose the funds should be returned to the state's taxpayers who also have underwritten many of these costs. It has been suggested, as well, that funds should be used for other state projects.|ret||ret||tab|

Transportation will likely dominate much of the legislature's time this year. One of the state's fundamental responsibilities is the maintenance and improvement of our roads. This function is critical to economic development and personal safety. The failure of the Department of Transportation's 15-year plan to accomplish its goals with the tax funds earmarked for that purpose has paralyzed the state's ability to fulfill its basic responsibility for highway infrastructure. It is urgent we enact solutions to meet this challenge.|ret||ret||tab|

We continue to struggle with a number of issues related to education, including how we fund it and its quality. I believe methods to ensure quality will preoccupy much of our discussion. I expect to see continued consideration of legislation dealing with charter schools and voucher proposals as methods to promote quality.|ret||ret||tab|

The use of technology in our schools should be a hot topic, as well. I hope to address the need for more computer and other technical training for our teachers. It does little good to have computers in every classroom when our instructors do not know how to use them and don't have the tools or the support services necessary to enhance curriculum.|ret||ret||tab|

Business has an overwhelming interest in this, as I believe it relates to our ability to educate a superior work force that can compete in the global marketplace. Also related to this competitiveness issue, I am sponsoring legislation, recommended by the K-16 Mathematics Task Force, which is designed to help teachers bolster student performance in math.|ret||ret||tab|

The alarming impact of methamphetamine production and use in our state, especially southwest Missouri, should motivate continued discussion about remedies for this heinous problem. Many legislators, including myself, believe we must commit resources specifically to combat meth. If we do not, the results will be devastating and the cost, in lives and dollars, even higher. For example, experts contend that needle sharing by meth users is directly related to the 18 percent increase in AIDS cases in our area.|ret||ret||tab|

Another challenge in education the legislature may deal with this year is the cost of a college education. A year ago the governor set up a Commission on the Affordability of Higher Education. This was one of the top concerns mentioned in a recent nationwide survey of parents. I served on the commission, chaired by president emeritus of the University of Missouri Dr. Jim Olson, which recently released its report. |ret||ret||tab|

Among the findings was the discovery that there has been a shift from scholarships and grants to loans for students. Many families worry about mortgaging the future with the need to repay these large loans. Missouri must provide more needs-based scholarships. College costs have outstripped inflation this decade.|ret||ret||tab|

Cost containment measures by colleges and universities should be improved and carefully monitored. The state's new savings plan, MO$T, offers assistance to families through tax relief and a start-early savings plan. Finally, one surprising finding was that tuition and fees in 70 percent of the public colleges and universities are less than $5,000 annually.|ret||ret||tab|

With regard to taxation, the legislature will probably consider a number of tax-cut proposals again this year. I also have heard a great deal about scrutinizing existing tax credits to make certain they are being used properly and serve the purpose for which they were designed.|ret||ret||tab|

Electric deregulation may receive greater focus from legislators this year. I am especially concerned about these proposals as the impact on consumers may not be positive in Missouri. |ret||ret||tab|

In Springfield we are very fortunate to already pay some of the lowest rates in the nation. In addition, the complexity of this issue for consumers of municipal utilities such as ours is even greater. I want to be certain, if we go forward with legislation, that the playing field created is fair for all. I have served on two interim committees this fall which studied immigration and adoption. Immigration is an emerging issue in our state which affects all of us. For example, this year 72 percent of the first-graders in the small community of Noel are Hispanic and don't speak English fluently. I predict we will see the first of many discussions about how Missouri must respond in positive and proactive ways to this trend. |ret||ret||tab|

As chairman of the Missouri Children Services Commission, adoption continues to be one of my legislative priorities. I hope to further streamline the system and increase awareness about adoption. I certainly want to continue supporting planned economic development in our state, especially programs that provide assistance to small business the engine that drives Springfield's prosperity. Please do not hesitate to contact me by phone at 869-9933 or by e-mail at rbentley@services.state.mo.us during the upcoming session. Together, we can make a difference. |bold_on|(Roseann Bentley is a Republican state senator representing Springfield in the 30th District.)|ret||ret||tab|

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