SIKESTON WILL HOST LEGISLATIVE HEARING

SIKESTON -- Citizens from across the state can discuss statewide problems and solutions at a series of six hearings hosted by Missourians First next month. The Southeast Missouri regional meeting will be held in Sikeston Sept. 14.

Missourians First was established by House Speaker Bob Griffin last year to implement long-range planning in state legislative policy. Interested citizens must register at least two weeks in advance by contacting the House Research staff at 751-2979.

State representatives and and members of the Missourians First task forces will be on hand at each of the hearings. Participants will then be divided into small discussion groups of 20 people to create prioritized lists of problems and solutions in the state. The solutions suggested will be presented to the Missourians First task forces before the start of the 1993 legislative session in January, said Griffin.

Other hearings are scheduled in Cameron, Kansas City, St. Louis, Mexico and Springfield.

During the past year, nine House bipartisan task forces have developed strategies for education, economic development, health care, highways and transportation, agriculture, environment, crime prevention, tourism and human services.

Task force members were nominated by House members. These participants, about 100 in each region, have been surveyed for their views on key state issues. Results of that survey are now being tabulated.