Changes to state constitution proposed as campaign issues

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- If you don't like something your political opponents have done, just ask voters to make the action unconstitutional.

Democratic Gov. Bob Holden last week became the latest politician in this election year to suggest such tinkering with the Missouri Constitution as a way to thwart the other side.

Responding to Republican-sponsored legislation that would restrict eligibility for a state health insurance benefit for children, Holden proposed a constitutional amendment that would require the Senate and House of Representatives to muster two-thirds majorities in order to reduce coverage provided by the program.

"A constitutional amendment is not something to be taken lightly, but it is the right choice to protect Missouri kids," Holden said.

Given that Republicans control the legislature and the late stage of the legislative session, Holden's proposal is unlikely to gain traction.

Senate President Pro Tem Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau, was one of the first this year to offer a constitutional change as a political maneuver when he suggested an amendment that would prevent a future governor from including revenue from proposed -- but not approved -- tax increases in the annual budget recommendation he submits to the legislature, as Holden has done twice.

Since lawmakers aren't obligated to follow the governor's recommendations, Republicans simply dismissed Holden's suggestions both times and crafted budgets based primarily on existing revenue. Kinder's proposal is awaiting debate in the Senate.

Proposed constitutional amendments must be ratified by Missouri voters.

Ethanol v. football

During the fall election campaigns, expect Democrats to accuse some rural Republican House incumbents of favoring millionaire professional athletes and billionaire team owners over corn farmers.

By a 101-50 vote, the House defeated an amendment to the state budget sponsored by a rural Democrat that would have shifted $1.57 million of the $12 million annual debt payment Missouri makes on the taxpayer-financed Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, home of the NFL's Rams, into an ethanol incentive program.

While floor amendments may be adopted by acclamation, recorded votes are often requested on issues that may yield future campaign fodder.

Inclusion of the amendment in the budget could have caused the state to default on the stadium's bond debt. Most Republicans, joined by urban Democrats, opposed the proposal.

Veterans videos

Since Missouri is losing its World War II veterans to age, some lawmakers decided it would be a good idea for the state to get their wartime stories on videotape while it has the chance.

While not disagreeing with the concept, state Rep. Vicky Riback Wilson, D-Columbia, thought the $1 million budgeted for the purpose would be better spent on state veterans homes. Her attempt to reallocate funds sparked a lengthy debate but ultimately failed.

House Budget chairman Carl Bearden, R-St. Charles, called $1 million "a drop in the bucket" for a noble cause.

Budget banter

House Majority Floor Leader Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau, raised some eyebrows in the Capitol last week with his antics during the budget deliberations.

While a Democratic lawmaker attempted to engage him in debate, Crowell repeatedly made siren noises into his microphone to drown him out. Crowell later chanted "Earth to gentleman, Earth to gentleman" to interrupt and deride the point the Democrat was trying to convey and made a "raspberry" into the microphone.

mpowers@semissourian.com

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