HOW THE REGION'S LAWMAKERS VOTED

All four Southeast Missouri Republicans were among the 85 House members voting against legislation creating a new school funding formula Wednesday. Republicans voting against the bill were: Reps. Mary Kasten of Cape Girardeau; David Schwab of Jackson; Jim Graham of Fredericktown; and Mark Richardson of Poplar Bluff.

Among the 27 Democrats voting against the bill were: Reps. Gene Copeland of New Madrid, and Marilyn Williams of Dudley.

Among the 68 Democrats supporting the bill were: Reps. Dennis Ziegenhorn of Sikeston; Herb Fallert of Ste. Genevieve; Don Prost of Caruthersville; and Larry Thomason of Kennett.

The legislation, defeated by a 69-85 vote, would have increased taxes by $361 million to fund the formula. The taxes would not be submitted to a vote of the people unless the Missouri Supreme Court eventually overruled all provisions of an order by Cole County Circuit Judge Byron Kinder declaring the present school foundation formula unconstitutional.

Earlier in the day, the House approved an amendment by Speaker Bob Griffin 81-75 to stipulate special conditions for going to a statewide vote. The amendment was offered as a substitute to one by Rep. Don Koller, D-Summersville, to send the tax package to a vote.

All Southeast Missouri Republicans voted against Griffin's amendment, and all area Democrats voted for it, except for Copeland.