WILSON: MANY VOTERS STILL WAITING TO BE SOLD ON PROP. B

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Roger Wilson said Thursday he believes Proposition B stands a good chance of passing Nov. 5, but noted he feels voters are still waiting to be sold on the issue.

"My sense on this issue is positive," said Wilson, a Columbia Democrat. "The chance for this generation to do something for the next generation has some appeal."

Proposition B, if approved by voters, would provide an additional $385 million a year for education. The money is earmarked for education for at least 10 years and the legislation includes reforms for higher education and elementary and secondary education.

Wilson conceded that tax increases are not popular, especially with the present recession under way, but expressed confidence that voters will give the issue careful consideration because of their commitment to education. He is also encouraged that no organized groups are opposing the issue.

"When you take it on balance, people realize it is 99 percent aggressive and progressive with a lot of accountability," remarked the senator. He noted that the issue has a "comfort factor" for voters because they will know what the money is going for, much like the Proposition A gas tax increase.

"Whether we vote this up or down in November, we will not be finished with education in the state of Missouri," observed Wilson.

While Wilson is optimistic an aggressive, informational campaign will result in voter approval, he said defeat of the issue should not be viewed by legislators as a feeling from the people that they do not want to spend more for education.

"I think it is a good package, but what I don't know is whether the timing is right," said Wilson. He noted that the recession is having an impact on all levels of government and all citizens. "Sometimes it is hard to look beyond our personal problems to look at a cure," he said.

Wilson was in Cape Girardeau Thursday on a swing through Southeast Missouri as part of his campaign for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor in 1992. Wilson, who represents the 19th district, has been in the Senate for 12 years.

The senator discussed several other issues, including legislation he will sponsor next year creating the crime of elderly abuse. Wilson also expressed concern with the tight budget situation facing the state, and discussed legislative redistricting that is presently underway in Missouri.

Discussing the elderly abuse package, Wilson explained that for several years the legislation has been a top priority of the Silver Haired Legislature, the Missouri Division of Aging and others who represent the elderly in Missouri.

But Wilson said "technical difficulties and a lack of time" has killed the issue in the past.

Wilson said he has enlisted the support of Senate leadership and that Rep. Steve Waters, D-Canton, who will handle the measure in the House, has received a commitment of support from leaders in that chamber.

Wilson said right now they are trying to refine the bill to come up with good legislation that is enforceable by prosecutors. The bill would stiffen penalties and requires some reporting of elderly abuse.

Wilson said this type of legislation requires some new laws and some education about the problem. The law covers abuse that is physical, emotional, and financial.

He pointed out that Missouri has almost 1 million senior citizens and ranks as the 6th oldest state in the nation, which makes this type of legislation "something Missouri should take the lead on."

In looking at the state's financial situation, Wilson said he was hopeful that Gov. John Ashcroft would not have to increase his withholdings of state funds from agencies, but noted the overall situation "is not pretty.

"Revenues aren't coming in well and it is a little below last year," said Wilson. "One of the worst things that could happen to us is for Proposition B to fail and the economy to take a further nose dive."

Wilson will be starting his sixth year as chairman of the appropriations committee, a very time consuming assignment. Even though he want to spend some time on the campaign trail for lieutenant governor, Wilson plans to keep his post.

"I'll finish my job," said Wilson.

With the recent retirement of House Budget Chairman Al Nilges, D-Columbia, he will be working with Columbia Rep. Chris Kelly, who is the new House budget chairman.

"I know he can handle it and will do a great job with it," said Wilson, noting that Kelly has supported legislation in the past that has not been in the best interests of his district, but what is right for the state. That kind of willingness is important in the budget post, said Wilson.

A new map of the state's 163 House districts drawn by a bi-partisan re-districting commission has drawn some criticism, especially from Democrats who feel it is slanted too much toward Republicans.

Wilson said he hopes the commission can "go back to the drawing board." He declined to criticize Democratic commission members, but noted the way the map is drawn now it would likely not survive a court challenge because of flaws in complying with black representation and the federal Voting Rights Act.

He said the Republicans on the Senate redistricting commission attempted to gerrymander districts and force the issue to the courts. The commission could not agree on a plan and the 34 districts will likely be drawn by a panel of state appeals court judges.

"This is a process that is totally political and we have seen evidence of that," said Wilson.

The Democrat said he was surprised at the decision by Republican State Auditor Margaret Kelly to enter the race for lieutenant governor next year. Wilson said he hoped Kelly would make her position known on issues facing the state, such as Proposition B.

Citing many problems facing Missouri, Wilson remarked, "this is one of those times where you can't stay in the hammock."