REP. SCHWAB ANNOUNCES HE WILL SEEK RE-ELECTION

JACKSON - State Rep. David Schwab will file today for re-election to a third term in the Missouri House of Representatives. A Republican, Schwab has a farming operation near Jackson.

Schwab promised to continue his efforts to reduce excessive government regulation if elected to another term.

"Our state and our community need to have people involved in public service who have a background in business and management," said Schwab. "Whether retailing, farming, or manufacturing, there are common principles by which we operate. Excessive regulation increases the cost of doing business, which makes less money available for growth of new jobs and construction.

"During tough business times, excessive regulation may even close businesses that support our communities. Enough is enough; I have pledged and will continue to fight excessive regulations."

One example of the regulations cited by Schwab are ones that are supposed to protect the environment. "They are politically popular in Jefferson City, but they are not practical here in Southeast Missouri," he said. "I am supportive of a clean environment, but we must find a balance. We are going to bankrupt the very businesses we depend upon for the revenue to clean up the environment."

Schwab is co-sponsoring legislation in this session calling for modified zero-based budgeting. He said this system will help make agencies more accountable to the people by requiring them to more carefully scrutinize expenditures and programs.

Under the legislation, three or four agencies would be examined by a detailed program analysis team on a five-year cycle. The team would consist of budget analysts from the Office of Administration, the state agency involved, the legislature, and a staff member from the state auditor's office.

In addition, Schwab said a "rainy day fund" would be set up as an incentive for agencies to participate in the program. A portion of the savings from this process would go to the fund to provide more money for critical programs.

Schwab estimated the annual savings from the process to be between $40 million and $80 million.

Under the present system, Schwab noted that little attention is given to the efficiency and effectiveness of existing programs that are routinely funded year after year.

"Presently there is no review process of a program that is passed by the legislature," said Schwab. "In fact, it may never be reviewed again. Agencies and their programs are not reviewed at all to see if they are still effective in serving the needs of the public, or efficiently administered. As a result, we may be spending a large number of dollars supporting programs that are outdated and unproductive.

"Modified zero-base budgeting would require mandatory review of agencies and their programs and allow us to cut weak programs and replace them with more effective ones."

Schwab serves on four committees in the House: agriculture; elections; transportation; and economic development-professional registration.

Schwab was born in Cape Girardeau County. He and his wife, Phyllis, have three children: Kevin, Melissa, and Christopher; and two grandchildren.

He is a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, where he has served as president and chairman of the board of elders. He is a member of Farm Bureau and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce. He is a past member of the governor's Advisory Council on Agriculture, a board member of the Christmas Tree Growers Association, a past chairman of the Farm Bureau political action committee, and was a past member of the state Agriculture Stabilization Conservation Committee.

Schwab has been honored by the Cape Girardeau Jaycees as its "Outstanding Young Farmer;" by the University of Missouri with its farm management award; and was named "Farmer of the Year" by the Soil Conservation Service. In 1990, he and his wife received the "Friend of the Farmer" Award from the Cape County Farm Bureau.

As part of his campaign, Schwab said he plans to hold a series of picnics around the 157th District this summer and fall to explain legislative issues and to hear constituent concerns.

"When I ran, I ran on the Republican Party ticket, but I've always believed my obligation is to the people first," said Schwab. "The solutions to our health care system, education, and our economy need not be Republican solutions or Democratic solutions, but practical solutions.

"I ran to be part of the solution, and with the help of the voters of this district, I will continue to make my voice heard in echoing the concerns and needs of all people of this district."