AREA SENATORS REAPPOINTED CHAIRMEN

JEFFERSON CITY - Sen. John Dennis, of Benton, will retain his chairmanship of the Committee on Elections and General Laws of the Missouri Senate for the next two years.

The committee handles a variety of bills, including major items chosen by President Pro Tem James Mathewson when he wants a prompt hearing or does not want a controversial bill tying up the work of other committees.

Since the panel handles a variety of major legislation, it is considered one of the most important committees in the chamber. This is the fourth time Dennis has been appointed chairman of the panel.

"I told Sen. Mathewson I would do whatever he wanted me to this session and I'm looking forward to continuing with this committee," observed Dennis.

The 14-year Senate veteran will serve on the same committees he did the last two years, as vice chairman of the Administration Committee that oversees expenditures of the Senate; vice chairman of the Transportation Committee and the Local Government and Economic Development Committee; and a member of the committee that reviews gubernatorial appointments.

Sen. Norman Merrell, D-Monticello, chairman of the committee on local government, is recovering from surgery and may not be in the capitol for several weeks. Until he returns, Dennis will be directing that committee.

Another Southeast Missouri senator, Danny Staples, D-Eminence, was appointed to another term as chairman of the Conservation, Parks, and Tourism Committee.

Newly elected Sen. Jerry Howard, of Dexter, who represents the 25th district, said he had some surprises when he saw his list of committees. "I got some of the things I had asked for, but several I didn't," noted Howard.

Howard was named vice chairman of the Agriculture and Rural Business Development Committee. In addition, he was appointed to serve as a member of the committees for criminal jurisprudence; judiciary; commerce and consumer protection; and financial institutions.

Howard said he was hoping to get seats on committees that deal with insurance, local government and economic development, and transportation.

But the senator said he realized that as a new member of the chamber, he would not get all of the committee assignments he wanted.

"As a new senator, it is incumbent on me to show the pro tem and other senators that I am capable of handling whatever they give to me," stressed Howard. "I know Sen. Mathewson had some tough choices to make in filling out committees and I will do the best I can."

Staples, starting his ninth year in the Senate from the 20th district, will also serve as vice chairman of two committees - Insurance, and Interstate Cooperation.

Staples will also serve this session on the committees on agriculture and rural business development; aging, families, and mental health; and financial institutions.

Most committees have been assigned bills and will begin serious work next week.