AREA LAWMAKERS BACK EDUCATION PROPOSAL

State legislators from Southeast Missouri say they plan to vote for Proposition B and are doing whatever they can to provide voters with information to help them make a decision Nov. 5.

All of the lawmakers say they have been flooded with calls about the proposal, and have had many opportunities to speak about the issue with groups in their districts. They agree that there is a lot of misinformation that needs to be cleared up before election day, but most feel the measure stands a good chance of approval.

"I'm not campaigning for it, but I am out there informing the people," said Sen. Jerry Howard, D-Dexter. "I'm going to vote for it. If people want me to talk about it, I talk about it in a positive way every chance I get.

"I'm concerned that a lot of average voters have formed an opinion based on inaccurate information. I think there is still a great deal of feeling out there that this is a free lunch, and that schools can continue to operate and cut services and provide a quality education without an increase in funding," said Howard. "Unfortunately, that's not the case."

Rep. Ollie Amick, D-Scott City, added, "I'm supporting it. I have some reservations about parts of the bill but overall it is the best we can expect to get right now and in the next two to three years."

"I think it's a dire necessity for the state," declared Rep. Herb Fallert, D-Ste. Genevieve. "How can I not talk in favor of it? It is just that necessary right now. Lose or win, I think this is the last shot for more money for education for the near future. On the other hand, this is not the answer we are searching for, but it is the best we can do right now."

Rep. Marilyn Williams, D-Dudley, said she is finding a lot of "skepticism" on the part of voters in her district.

"I don't think there is any doubt something needs to be done for schools and funding, but I don't know if this is the direction to go," remarked Williams. "But, I will vote for it, with reservations."

Rep. David Schwab, R-Jackson, said he's "hearing a lot of comments both pro and con." Some people are complaining that lottery revenues were not spent on education, and that a new foundation formula is not in this bill, he said.

Schwab said he will vote for it, but anticipates that statewide it will be a close vote.

Sen. John Dennis, D-Benton, declared he is strongly behind Proposition B and "talking for it every chance I get. I really think we need it. I've never been for raising taxes unless it is an emergency situation, but I think this is an emergency. We have to do something for our schools.

"It's not a perfect bill, but it's the best we can get."

Rep. Mary Kasten, R-Cape Girardeau, has been one of the most vocal legislators working for Proposition B. "Every place where I have had a chance to speak, I have spoken in favor of it," said Kasten. "I think the reforms and accountability called for in the bill are important and will help overcome some of the distrust people have."

Unlike some of her colleagues, Kasten is generally pleased with the provisions of Proposition B. "It is just totally a well thought out package," she observed. "I think we have a very, very fine piece of legislation for voters to consider."

Rep. Dennis Ziegenhorn, D-Sikeston, said he's not openly supporting the package, but "I want to give people the right to make the decision ... (and) I will vote for it."

"I am definitely for Proposition B and will vote for it," stated Rep. Joe Driskill, D-Doniphan. "I think it is my responsibility to let people know the severity of funding in the state and that Proposition B is an acceptable, partial solution to that problem.

"I'm not out beating the drum for it, but I am pointing out to people that if we don't pass it, we will be in great trouble and education is in for even more cuts next year," he said.

Rep. James Graham, R-Fredericktown, also sees his role as informing voters about what Proposition B will do and what will happen if it does not pass. "If this doesn't pass, it will be awhile before they get another chance to increase funding for education," said Graham.

"I am trying to make sure people are informed. I personally plan to vote for it. I dealt with this for five months (during the legislative session) and now it's in the hands of educators and business leaders to sell, and let the people have an opportunity to voice an opinion."

Rep. Larry Thomason, D-Kennett, said he is not totally pleased with the plan, but will vote for it. He fears what will happen to education if it fails.

"It's not a perfect piece of legislation, and as a representative, I'm not in favor of higher taxes. But we've reached the point where no one disagrees that education in America and the state of Missouri has to improve," said Thomason. "Proposition B is the best chance the kids of our state have for receiving a better education.

"I don't like taxes and I don't like paying them, it's just money out of my pocket that doesn't get into the economy. But as distasteful as taxes are, some things are of vital importance and paying taxes for something like education is really an investment in the future of our state."

Thomason and several other legislators believe one reason Proposition B stands a good chance of passing is because the tax impact on most Missourians is very small.

He pointed out that for a family of four, with two parents working and making $32,500 a year total, the cost is 42 cents a month. But for a family of four, with both parents working and making $105,000 a year total, the tax burden is $108 a month.

"This is heavily weighted to people who can afford to pay it," said Thomason. "For the average person, it's a great bargain."

Driskill added, "People in our region and rural areas of the state will not pay a lot of these taxes but will get a lot in return. It is a good deal for the people in my area."

Dennis said the tax component of Proposition B is "very fair."

Kasten said the tax "won't be hard on any group of people. The impact on most taxpayers is going to be minimal."

Howard and most of his legislative colleagues believe having reforms tied to the additional funding will ultimately move a majority of voters to support the plan next month.

"Reforms are the key because what the public has been saying to us is, `We want education reformed. We want some way to measure a student to see that he has been educated and to see that he has received the kind of education he is entitled to,'" said Howard.

Kasten said the reforms and steps toward accountability should address the concerns of people in Missouri about education. "It has the accountability and reforms I believe we need," said Kasten.

She pointed out that in elementary and secondary education, funding is available for smaller classes in lower grades; Parents As Teachers and Children At Risk programs; guaranteed diplomas; alternative certification for teachers; and improvements in vocational education.

In higher education, Kasten likes the focus on improving math and science, providing scholarships, upgrading laboratories and equipment, providing funds for maintenance and repairs, and eliminating some duplication of programs.

Williams and Graham were among the lawmakers expressing concern that the tough economic times and general discontent with government might cause some people to oppose the issue.

"There are a lot of layoffs in our area and with the economy the way it is, people are afraid to mention tax, no matter how little it will affect them," observed Williams.

"I think the times we are in will have a lot to do with it," noted Graham. "There is an anti-government, anti-spending sentiment out there. It's not that people are against education, but the overall atmosphere and the recessionary times are bad right now."

Several legislators said the general public is not doing much talking right now, but listening carefully to the facts.

"We have a lot of listeners but not too much expression either way," said Fallert. "A month and a half ago I had the feeling that it was going to be in dire need of help. Now, I think it's starting to turn around and by election day it should have a good chance of passing."

Driskill said he's a lot more optimistic now than he was several weeks ago. "The last several days I think a great deal of people have been examining Proposition B to the extent they have not been before. I see the tide starting to flow in a positive direction," he said.

"I think it's going to be close," Dennis said. "I think it is starting to catch steam. I won't predict it will pass, but I will do whatever I can to help it pass."

Howard said it's "too early to call. Support is still building."