State Republicans offer cooperation, but not on tax increases

Associated Press WriterJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- As Missouri lawmakers prepared for an election-year session beginning Wednesday, Republican legislative leaders offered to cooperate with Democratic Gov. Bob Holden, but not if he once again proposes tax increases to help balance the state's budget.

Lawmakers were officially starting their annual session at noon Wednesday, with Republican leaders laying out an agenda that looked a lot like last year's -- a budget balanced without new taxes and the pursuit of business friendly changes to the state's legal system ranking near the top.

Among the new items to the GOP agenda: a bonding proposal intended to create jobs and economic development through the construction of engineering and health sciences buildings at the University of Missouri.

Republicans hold a 90-62 majority over House Democrats, with one vacancy. In the Senate, Republicans have a 20-14 majority.

In control of both chambers last year for the first time in a half century, Republican lawmakers clashed repeatedly with Holden over the budget and numerous other issues.

House Speaker Catherine Hanaway said she wants to put last year's troubles behind, and Senate President Pro Tem Peter Kinder also pledged to cooperate with Holden on certain issues.

But both Republican leaders stressed they would oppose efforts to raise taxes, just as they did last year while ignoring Holden's proposals to eliminate some business tax breaks and to increase taxes on casinos, tobacco products and wealthier Missourians.

Holden has said many of his revenue proposals are likely to be back this year, perhaps joined by some new money-raising ideas when he delivers his budget and State of the State address Jan. 21. He insists more money is needed to adequately fund public schools and other essential government services.

Republican legislative leaders, however, insist the solution is a more efficient government, perhaps redirecting money away from some agencies to education.

Underlying the different approaches is a basic disagreement over the scope of the state's budget troubles. Holden's administration says the budget for the upcoming fiscal year could be $700 million to $1 billion short. Republican House leaders think the shortfall could be as low as $150 million, and no higher than $335 million.

Besides a message of fiscal accountability for government, Republican legislative leaders also are emphasizing new limits on personal injury lawsuits and medical malpractice claims -- a repeat from last year when Holden vetoed their bill as too extreme.

Also vetoed by Holden and back on this year's agenda are proposed changes to the state's foster care system and unemployment insurance fund.

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Missouri Legislature: http://www.moga.state.mo.us