Review panel submits its final report to Blunt

~ The governor hasn't set a deadline for acting on the report.

A statewide commission submitted its recommendations to revamp state government to Gov. Matt Blunt on Wednesday.

The governor will review the recommendations, said Jessica Robinson, the governor's spokeswoman. Blunt hasn't set a deadline for acting on the report, she said.

Some of the Missouri State Government Review Commission's proposals would require legislative action. The governor alone could implement others by executive order.

Commission co-chairman Warren Erdman of Kansas City said it's unlikely the legislature and governor will enact all of the recommendations.

The commission's nearly year-long effort marks the first attempt at a major restructuring of state government in 30 years.

The commission made 84 formal recommendations, ranging from the streamlining of state budgeting and taxation to consolidating banking, securities and insurance regulation within a single department.

The board also proposes restructuring the administration of higher education and elementary and secondary education.

The commission included an 85th proposal in an addendum to the report.

Under that suggestion, the Missouri Department of Public Safety would assume control of all non-tax motor vehicle and drivers' license programs.

But the Missouri Department of Revenue would continue to collect drivers' license fees and vehicle-related taxes, commissioners said.

Erdman said it wasn't listed as an official recommendation because the 20-member board didn't vote on it.

Commissioners previously tabled the proposal because of concern that it might impact funding for the Department of Revenue. But commissioners later learned it wouldn't jeopardize funding.

Rather than try to schedule another meeting, the proposal -- which would require approval of the legislature -- was included in the addendum.

Thirteen of the commissioners signed the addendum in support of the change. They included Erdman, Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder and Gary Rust, chairman of Rust Communications which owns the Southeast Missourian.

The Department of Revenue currently enforces laws regarding driver tests, safety inspections, drunk-driving records, suspended licenses, speeding-ticket records and mandatory insurance.

"It is not a tax function," Erdman said. "It is a licensing function." Commissioners said such licensing is a matter of public safety.

mbliss@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123

On the Net

http://review.mo.gov