Missouri Senate's traditional old guard does not compute

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Considering the Missouri Senate's adherence to tradition and reluctance to change, it came as no surprise last week when the chamber's old guard blocked a move to allow computers at senators' desks.

Given the historically stubborn nature of the Senate, one wonders if there was similar opposition from old-timers to switching the chamber from kerosene lamps to electric lights.

While the larger House of Representatives has allowed laptop computers in the chamber for years, the Senate, with its high regard for decorum, has resisted.

Because of term limits, however, there has been an influx of new members, including many former representatives, who feel it is high time the Senate moved into the 21st century, or at least the late 20th century.

"I think we have gone beyond a technology gap," said state Sen. Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph. "I think we have a technology chasm in this chamber."

Shields, a freshman senator just arrived from the House, proposed a rule change to allow desktop computers. He said he feels "handcuffed" by no longer having all the tools necessary for him to be most effective as a legislator.

One of the Senate's Luddites on the issue, state Sen. Harold Caskey, D-Butler, expressed disdain at that notion.

"If we are so lacking without technology that you feel handcuffed without it, that is sad senator," Caskey said.

State Sen. John Russell, R-Lebanon, said he was concerned senators will be so engrossed with their computers that they wouldn't pay attention to important debate.

"I'm not opposed to computers, as such. I'm just opposed to them being viewed as a magic box," said Russell, a 40-year veteran of the General Assembly.

Shields offered a substitute rule that would have allowed computers at the Senate staff table in the chamber with senators also having access. After more than an hour of debate, that proposal was stopped as well.

Term limits cleaned out the House this year but because Senate terms are staggered there are still a number of long-time veterans such as Russell and Caskey serving in the upper chamber. Term limits will take out the rest of them in 2005, clearing the way for computer proponents.

"If they can wait two more years, they can do whatever they want to do," Caskey said.

Budget reform

As a step toward controlling future state spending, the Senate last week gave first-round approval to a bill that would require performance-based budget reviews of all state agencies at least once every five years.

Lawmakers are grappling with ways to keep the current budget in balance while preparing to write a spending plan for the next fiscal year that will require them to address a shortfall as high as $1 billion. The state's continuing financial troubles have prompted a movement to reform the budget process and control spending.

Performance-based reviews are intended to ensure that agencies are using their money wisely and that state programs are worth their cost.

The bill, sponsored by state Sen. Norma Champion, R-Springfield, requires a second vote to send it to the House.

Turnabout

During the decades Republicans spent as the minority party in the House, they would routinely cry foul when Democratic leaders would shut down debate and force a vote on controversial issues.

It's amazing, however, what a change of perspective can do.

On Wednesday, House Majority Floor Leader Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau, for the first time exercised his power to call the previous question, as the parliamentary technique is called. Crowell used it to halt discussion on a bill that would allow the governor to borrow against the future proceeds of the state's financial settlement with cigarette producers in order to help balance the state budget.

This time it was the Democrats' turn to complain about the majority party's use of power.

"For 11 years I heard how awful it was to cut off debate around here," said House Minority Floor Leader Mark Abel, D-Festus, in a gentle dig at GOP leaders.

mpowers@semissourian.com

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