House Democrats outline agenda

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - A month into the session, House Democrats on Wednesday outlined their legislative priorities beyond their previously announced support for full funding of public schools.

The House Democratic Caucus package includes proposals on school accountability, seniors' issues, law enforcement and transportation.

"It's very clear that we have a budget crisis in Missouri. However, we can't let the budget situation blind us from the other very important issues facing Missouri citizens," said House Speaker Jim Kreider, D-Nixa.

Since the start of the session, Kreider has said fully funding the education formula was his top priority, as has Democratic Gov. Bob Holden and Republican Senate President Pro Tem Peter Kinder.

Like Holden, Democratic House leaders said Wednesday that they wanted to hold poorly performing schools accountable and promote character education.

The Democrats also said they want to fund a prescription drug plan for low-income seniors -- a new program passed during last September's special session -- and better protect them from abuse and neglect.

To fund the prescription drug plan will cost $50 million, said Rep. Mark Able, D-Festus. Holden's proposed budget includes $75.8 million for the first year of the Missouri Senior Rx Program.

Other Democratic priorities include homeland security, funding for transportation and establishing in law that there is no statute of limitations on rape prosecutions.

Kreider also responded to recent complaints from House Republicans that he wasn't assigning many of their bills to committees -- the starting point toward passage.

Kreider said most GOP bills filed so far would cost money.

"Bills that have a cost are going to stay in that office," Kreider said, referring to his own office. "We have a budget crisis. The Republicans have bills that cost."