DANFORTH JOINS HANCOCK II SCRAP

Republican Sen. John Danforth has joined Democratic Gov. Mel Carnahan in leading a group opposing Missouri's proposed Hancock II amendment, which critics say would cripple state government.

Danforth's decision gives anti-Hancock forces a high-profile Republican to campaign against the Nov. 8 ballot issue.

"It's an indication that Amendment 7 has wide bipartisan opposition," said Rodney Gray, a spokesman for the anti-Hancock Committee to Protect Missouri's Future.

It also places Danforth, who is retiring this year after three Senate terms, at odds with a member of his own party and the amendment's namesake, U.S. Rep. Mel Hancock.

"The only thing I can say is, this is sort of an unholy alliance," Hancock said Thursday. "I'm not all that surprised. Jack Danforth opposed the initial Hancock amendment."

Danforth's decision has only added to the controversy surrounding the Hancock II issue.

State agencies and local governments are advising citizens about the potential impact of Amendment 7.

They are telling the public what would happen to their programs, while trying not to cross the line that separates information from advocacy.

State law prohibits the use of tax funds to support or oppose political candidates or ballot issues.

However, it allows for tax funds for information about ballot issues as long as the information doesn't support a position.

Amendment 7 has drawn sharp criticism from most government officials because it is expected to force a cut in state revenues and massive programs.

There is some debate over exactly what the impact will be, but cuts could be drastic for many agencies.

Carnahan's communications director, Chris Sifford, said the governor has advised state department heads to communicate about the impact of Amendment 7 in whatever way they feel is appropriate.

Much of that information is being shared with state employees and with groups that benefit directly from state services.

Carnahan personally is opposed to Amendment 7 and helped form Citizens to Protect Missouri's Future, a group opposing its passage.

"The governor feels we have an obligation and duty to communicate how the state will be impacted if this thing passes," Sifford said. "We have been very careful to provide only informational documents, not advocating one position or another."

Art Wallhausen, assistant to the president at Southeast Missouri State University, said the state budget office advised university officials that Amendment 7 could cost the university between $11.5 and $17.3 million in state funds.

Wallhausen said that information is being shared with faculty and staff members through meetings on campus.

Some universities are sending letters to students, but he isn't sure whether that will be done at Southeast.

He pointed out that both supporters and opponents of Amendment 7 agree it will force spending cuts. The only question is how big.

Wallhausen has prepared an informational sheet that discusses Hancock I, what Hancock II would do, how they differ and what the impact would be.

Potential budget cuts for Southeast and other state departments are also listed.

Holding informational meetings on campus, even during work times, is proper because the amendment has spawned many rumors and some panic, Wallhausen said. Giving people information about the amendment's impact on the university is important, he said.

"It would place an enormous squeeze on our operating budget."

Some classes would be cut back, some programs eliminated, tuition would be increased, and faculty and staff would be reduced under Hancock II, he added.

"We think we have a duty to inform people. These are people who have made the university their career and they have every right to understand what the potential is so they can make informed decisions," said Wallhausen. "Students have that same right."

Larry Dew, business manager for the Cape Girardeau Public Schools, said the board of education will consider a resolution Monday night opposing Amendment 7.

The Cape schools are projecting a loss of $850,000 from state appropriations, including nearly $400,000 from its operating budget and the rest for vocational programs and special instruction programs for low-income children.

Both teacher groups, the NEA and MSTA, have taken positions against Amendment 7. That means teachers are already well informed about the issue. Those groups are also sending out advisories to school districts on how to avoid violating the law.

Dew said school officials are very careful not to break the law or use any school resources to oppose the issue. Any information the school district might provide is "strictly informational," Dew said.

Cape Girardeau County Presiding Commissioner Gene Huckstep said he plans to send a memo to county employees advising them of the impact of Amendment 7.

"I think we owe it to county employees to let them know the effect it might have on the county," said Huckstep.

He added that the county likely would lose $250,000 in road and bridge funds from the state annually. Huckstep said the county needs more road and bridge money, not less.

Because the county is in sound financial condition, Huckstep, said the impact of Amendment 7 is not as serious for it as for other governmental entities.

"It is not a disaster to us, but for some of these school districts and cities and counties not financially strong, it could break them," Huckstep said.