CARNAHAN PRAISES NOW-ENDED SESSION

JEFFERSON CITY -- Gov. Mel Carnahan and Democratic leaders in the Missouri House and Senate praised the accomplishments of the 1994 legislative session that adjourned Friday night, even though a health-care reform bill that was a focal point of their agenda failed to win approval.

In comments at traditional post session press conferences, House Speaker Bob Griffin, Senate President James Mathewson, and Senate Majority Leader J.B. "Jet" Banks were critical of efforts by insurance company lobbyists to kill the health-care reform bill. But none of the three were as critical as Carnahan, who blasted insurance lobbyists for "distorting facts."

"We'd all like to be known here for being truthful ... lobbyists who are good are truthful," said Carnahan. "I serve notice, I have noticed those who misrepresent.

"The insurance industry and all their lobbyists did a great job in distorting the facts and creating false issues. I take my hat off to them. They never let the truth stand in their way. The fact is, the insurance industry opposed us every step of the way because they don't want increased competition, they don't want to be required to cover pre-existing conditions, and they don't want to give up their ability to terminate your insurance if you get seriously ill," said Carnahan.

"The insurance industry and all their lobbyists should get out of the way and let Missourians have the health-care reform they deserve."

The governor said his plan would have given every Missourian the opportunity to purchase and keep health care, for as long as they want, at reasonable rates.

Carnahan, and Democratic leaders, charged that opponents of the health-care reform attempted to confuse legislators and their constituents and created an atmosphere which made passing this kind of legislation impossible.

Said Mathewson: "This was one of the best organized efforts to kill legislation I've ever seen.

Said Banks: "This bill would not have allowed the insurance companies to make the money they want. They are more concerned about wealth than health."

Despite the failure of health care, Griffin predicted the legislation would pass next year.

"The dialog and commitment we had this year moves us closer to health-care reform than we would have been without that effort," said Griffin.

"We certainly got the awareness out to people of Missouri, but we have never had this level of intense lobbying before," said Banks. "We shall return -- we will be back."

Carnahan predicted that next year, his health plan will have a good chance of passing. "When people finally see what we were trying to do with this bill, they will rally to our cause," he declared.

Among the issues that passed, which drew praise from the governor were new crime legislation, welfare reform, campaign finance reform, and compliance with the federal Clean Air Act.

Speaking about the crime bill, Carnahan said: "We have passed a tough crime bill that will put violent offenders away for a long time -- and we have initiated a process to build more prison cells and juvenile justice beds, so that it will not be a hollow threat. At the same time, we have passed legislation that will help us rehabilitate non violent offenders and juveniles that can still become productive members of society."

Mathewson said that lawmakers were able to focus this year on priority issues, mainly because of cooperation between the houses and strong leadership from the governor.

"Gov. Carnahan has spent more time in the General Assembly this session than many members of the General Assembly," quipped Mathewson. "It is that spirit that helped this session to again be successful."

He pointed out that 185 bills were passed in all, which is about the same number as last year.

"This is the year we took on the large issues for the people of Missouri," said Banks.

Griffin remarked that after the success of the 1993 session and the fact this is an election year, many felt it would be difficult addressing tough issues. "On numerous occasions, partisan politics and special interests attempted to bog down the process, but the commitment of our members and Gov. Carnahan to accomplish what was needed to move this state forward kept gridlock at bay so that we could finish with a list of solid accomplishments."

Republicans were critical of the campaign reform bill that was approved, and suggested that certain provisions of the act related to limiting expenditures could be unconstitutional.

"Republicans opposed the bill; let them challenge it in the courts," said the governor. "If that's what they believe, let them challenge it.

"I feel we have passed what may well be the toughest campaign finance reform law in the nation. It includes contribution limits, spending limits and stronger reporting requirements. We have finally taken a major step in reducing the influence of money in the political process."

But Senate Minority Leader Franc Flotron, R-St. Louis County, claimed the bill was flawed.

"It will be seen as an unconstitutional bill. There are so many leaks in it, the boat will be sunk before it goes into effect," said Flotron, who referred to it as "an incumbent protection bill."

Flotron, speaking at a post session press conference with House Minority Leader Pat Kelley, R-Lee's Summit, took issue with Carnahan's contention that health issues were not addressed because of lobbyist influence.

Said Flotron: "The plan died because it would have limited consumer choice, driven up insurance costs for small employers and younger workers, and force unnecessary governmental control of health-care delivery."

Kelley pointed out that initially the health plan was defeated in the House by a bipartisan coalition and was only revived after it was submitted during the hectic last week of the session.

"A bill so complex that it requires four months of review by one chamber cannot be properly considered by the other chamber in three days," said Kelley. "A bipartisan majority of the legislature wisely chose to err on the side of caution over recklessness."

Flotron said he was pleased that in the 1994 session, the people were "spared another year of tax hikes and massive increases in government."

Asked to compare this session with last year's, Flotron said he felt the 1994 session "was much less volatile. All in all, this session was infinitely superior to the last session."

Flotron said he did not think a concealed weapons amendment, added by Sen. Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau, led to the demise of a juvenile crime bill. The issue went to the floor in the final minutes and was put aside after disagreement was expressed on the weapons provision.

"I think the strength of opinions on both sides was so strong that adding it or not adding it would have killed the bill," said Flotron.