AREA SENATORS LEAN TOWARD SUPPORT OF GAS TAX HIKE

JEFFERSON CITY - Efforts to pass a 6-cent fuel tax increase are focused on the Missouri House of Representatives, but if the measure passes there, area senators believe it stands a good chance of getting quick approval in their chamber.

"We're waiting for the House bill," said Sen. Danny Staples, D-Eminence. "I'm in favor of going for a quick vote. We have got to pass this. I have analyzed the bill the last few days and I am in favor of it."

Sen. John Dennis, D-Benton, said the measure has not been discussed much in the Senate because they are first waiting on House action. He agreed with Staples, however, that the Senate would likely act quickly if they get a bill.

The measure that passed the House Transportation Committee last week provides for a 6-cent increase phased in, with a 2-cent hike immediately and 2-cents in 1994 and 1996. The increase would take effect without voter approval.

In bypassing a vote of the people, highway officials say the state will be able to take full advantage of this summer's construction season and be able to match all available federal highway money. A public vote probably could not be held until later in the year, which means the entire 1992 construction season would be lost.

Proponents also stress that 7,800 jobs could be created this year with a quick passage, to provide a boost to Missouri's economy.

Many legislators, including Dennis, are having difficulty with the decision on whether to bypass a vote of the people. However, the senator said last week that while he prefers a public vote, he would support legislative implementation if that is what needs to be done.

"I won't be a stumbling block to this bill passing," Dennis said. "But if they want to pass this, they need to get in a hurry and get it passed before the opposition builds up."

Sen. Jerry Howard, D-Dexter, said there isn't much the Senate can do until after the House acts, but points out he has been trying to evaluate the bill and get input from the people in his district.

In his weekly newspaper column this week, Howard outlined the pros and cons of the proposal and its impact on Southeast Missouri. Howard urged constituents to let him know how they feel because most of his input has come from business leaders.

He noted in concluding the column: "I will vote yes on this issue unless I hear from an overwhelming number of you to do otherwise."

Because of questions about the proposal, House Speaker Bob Griffin agreed last week to delay putting the bill on the floor of the House a week. This delay was to give highway officials an opportunity to provide additional information and to give representatives more time to assess public reaction and study the plan.

Staples said he hopes the House will act quickly so the bill can get to the desk of Gov. John Ashcroft, who has promised to sign it.

"I think it is time the Missouri General Assembly showed leadership and brought Missouri to the front; this bill will do that," said Staples.

"Since this is an election year there will be a lot of saber rattling and analysis, but in the final analysis, I think we will pass this bill because it is of the utmost importance to people in our state."

Staples said no one likes higher taxes, and since he owns 13 trucks with his canoe rental business, will personally be hit hard with the additional taxes. "It will cost me more than it will a lot of people, but we will have better roads where people can get to my front door."

Howard said most of his calls have been in support of quick action on the gas tax. But the senator stressed that legislators need to understand that when prioritizing highways for funding, there are other needs like education, mental health and corrections that are also underfunded.

"We need to consider the fact that if we prioritize our needs and make highways our number one concern, then we are putting other needs on the back burner," said Howard.

Sen. Mike Lybyer, D-Texas County, agrees with his three colleagues that the Senate is poised for fast action on the measure. Lybyer said he has no problems enacting the fuel tax without a vote of the people because of the economic boost it will mean to all areas of the state.