SOME SAY TALK SKIRTED CONTROVERSY

JEFFERSON CITY -- Area legislators voiced general satisfaction with Gov. Mel Carnahan's state-of-the-state address.

Several Republican members viewed the speech as evidence Carnahan was trying to move more toward the mainstream and away from controversial positions that might offend Missourians.

Rep. David Schwab, R-Jackson, said he was intrigued by the contrast of the governor's speech this year and last. Last year, Schwab said, Carnahan called for a number of new programs, many without plans to fund them, which put more government interference in people's lives.

This year he talked of less government, tax breaks for the self-employed and more community involvement, Schwab said.

Rep. James Graham, R-Fredericktown, said Carnahan "brought out a lot of Republican ideas."

But Rep. Larry Thomason, D-Kennett, the House majority whip, disagreed. He said Carnahan successfully dealt with many of the tough issues such as the school foundation formula and welfare reform during his first two years. Now, he said, the governor was moving toward issues the people want addressed.

"I don't see this as a takeoff on any agenda but the people's agenda," he said. "I think it's consistent with the feelings of Mel Carnahan."

Sen. Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau, joined other Republicans in criticizing the governor on other pressing issues like welfare reform and workers' compensation reform.

Even with the changes that have been made in recent years, Kinder said workers' compensation rates are still driving businesses from the state. He cited studies that show Missouri has one of the highest levels of involvement by lawyers in its system, which is driving up costs and needs to be addressed.

He criticized Carnahan's comment that he wants to restore public trust in government by pushing for a tax-limitation amendment. "This is the man who caused the situation we find ourselves in with Senate Bill 380," Kinder said.

He said not only did Carnahan push through a $310 million tax increase without a vote of the people, the outstanding schools act that the governor claims as a major achievement is seriously flawed.

Rep. Mary Kasten, R-Cape Girardeau, was pleased with the governor's call to increase funding by $21 million for the caring communities program and to expand programs to 30 to 60 more cites.

Kasten has been a longtime proponent of the concept of giving local communities more say in dealing with issues involving families and children.

"Overall, I was pleased with the tone, direction and focus on the right areas," she said. "He certainly reflected a conservative point of view."

Two area freshman House members viewed their first state-of-the-state address Wednesday.

"It is a very progressive and optimistic outlook for the state," said Rep. Joe Heckemeyer, D-Sikeston.

He said he liked the governor's approach to shifting money from some agencies to areas like increased spending for education and help for small businesses.

"My initial impression is good," said Rep. Pat Naeger, R-Perryville. "It sounded very bipartisan and offers direction in many areas where we need to be. I hope we can accomplish many of the things."

But Naeger expressed concern that issues like crime hadn't been addressed broadly enough. He said he hopes the legislature puts together a more comprehensive approach.