DIAGNOSTIC LAB FUNDING DECISION UNDERSTANDABLE

Supporters of a proposed veterinary diagnostic laboratory in this area had their hopes dashed again this year when state funding for the project was excised from the General Assembly's budget. While this is a worthwhile project that has been worked hard for at the local level, and while we hope the advocates for this endeavor remain persistent, the legislative decision is understandable.

First, understand this: Southeast Missouri could use the diagnostic lab being discussed. The nearest facility of its type for analyzing the cause of death in livestock and diagnosing diseases is Columbia; transporting these carcasses to central Missouri is inconvenient and not conducive to a sound diagnosis. Other laboratories are in Springfield and Cameron.

Further, local proponents have made a good faith effort to support their proposal, not just forwarding a money request to Jefferson City but doing necessary research and fund raising to clear a path for the project; $61,000 has been raised here as a matching amount. A committee has been working since 1988 to secure funding for the lab, which has been discussed here for more than six years.

Beyond that, supporters have layered their arguments with an educational angle, asserting that the lab would greatly enhance the agricultural and science teachings at Southeast Missouri State University. The proposal is multi-faceted and well-reasoned, deserving of consideration in the legislative process.

Still, the $163,000 earmarked for the project and included in the Senate's budget proposal was removed in a conference committee negotiation and appears unlikely to resurface in any fashion before the legislature adjourns Friday.

Disappointment by local sponsors should not take the place of a necessary perspective in this development. While this is a project that will do considerable good for an educational institution and the region's livestock owners, it is among a great many worthy projects that won't get funded by the legislature this year. The coffers are not spilling over with money. We elect people to Jefferson City offices not simply to say "yes" to all requests; we elect them to safeguard the public treasury and make the best decisions with the money available. Southeast Missouri is occasionally told "no" in the process.

We support the concept of the veterinary diagnostic lab but understand the reasoning that it was again left out of the state budget. We would also urge a continuing effort to refine the proposal and keep it in front of the crew in Jefferson City. Persistence will pay off and one day the funding news won't be so bad.