SENATE COMMITTEE ENDORSES HEARNES

JEFFERSON CITY -- The Missouri Senate Committee on Gubernatorial Appointments unanimously confirmed Betty C. Hearnes of Charleston last week for a seat on the Missouri Mental Health Commission. She awaits confirmation by the full senate next week.

The seven-member body serves as the principal policy advisers to the director of the Department of Mental Health.

Hearnes was appointed to the commission last week by Gov. Mel Carnahan and appeared before the gubernatorial appointments committee in the Senate on Wednesday. Her nomination in the Senate was sponsored by Sen. Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau, who defeated Hearnes for the seat in 1992.

"Mrs. Hearnes is a hard worker who takes great pride in what she does," said Kinder. "She has a long and distinguished record of service to Missouri and a strong background in mental health. She will be a great asset to the Mental Health Commission. I am proud to have the opportunity to sponsor her nomination in the Senate."

Hearnes' term will run through June 28, 1997.

For 10 years Hearnes served as a state representative from the 160th district in Scott and Mississippi Counties and was the Democratic nominee for governor in 1988.

She recently completed the course of study at the Judevine Center in St. Louis in training and teaching of the autistic child, and is the president of the Autism Society of Missouri. She is vice chairman of the Southeast Missouri Autism Center and currently serves on the board of the Bootheel Counseling Center.

Members of the commission are not salaried, and receive only a per-diem compensation when meetings are conducted.