HOLDEN OUTLINES PROPOSAL TO HELP ELDERLY WITH DRUGS

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bob Holden wants to use part of Missouri's tobacco settlement money to help the elderly pay for costly prescription drugs.

Holden, Missouri's treasurer, touted the idea during a visit Wednesday to the Cape Girardeau Senior Center. Holden spoke to about 30 supporters on the center's front lawn as part of his four-day, 11-city tour of the state to kick off his campaign for governor.

"When one of our seniors has to scale back their grocery budget so they can afford their medications, that's a bitter pill to swallow," Holden said.

"We're seeing some movement in Washington on prescription drug relief, but it's not happening fast enough," said Holden.

"We need a prescription drug assistance plan now," said Holden, adding that such a measure would be one of his first priorities if elected governor.

Holden told reporters he wants to help Missourians who make too much money to be covered by Medicaid but can't afford costly drug bills. Holden said those Missourians in need have incomes in the $10,000 to $50,000 range.

Holden said his plan would help those Missourians who spend over $1,000 a year on prescription medicine.

He also vowed to work to improve public education. "I started out in a one-room schoolhouse but graduated from a state university," he told supporters.

Holden said he wants Missouri to increase the number of nationally certified teachers in the state from the current 29 to 1,000 within four years.

Holden suggested Missouri's annual report cards on school districts should include a building-by-building assessment rather than a districtwide analysis.

"It all comes back to accountability," he said.