GENERAL ASSEMBLY MUST MEET FISCAL CHALLENGE

Missouri's General Assembly convenes Wednesday in Jefferson City with a challenging task. The task is not new by any means, but it is no less challenging either. What lawmakers face in the upcoming session is a tight financial circumstance that will leave little room for legislative mobility. Just like business people in these tricky fiscal times, our elected officials will need all their resourcefulness and management skills to manage the public's money.

State Rep. Mary Kasten of Cape Girardeau, heading back to Jefferson City this week to begin her fifth term, last week sounded a properly restrained tone in addressing the coming session. She maintained that lawmakers will have several tax increase proposals to consider, specifically those involving highways and higher education. The representative was painfully blunt in saying that, given current economic uncertainties, chances are slim any tax proposal will find voter favor.

A former Southeast Missouri State University regent and strong advocate of higher education, Kasten was notably glum about the chances for colleges to realize a funding windfall; public pressure is not sufficient, she feels, to power such a movement. The legislature can not ride a horse that isn't there.

Still, her message, while stern on the improbability of new revenues arising, was one of resolve, not resignation. If the legislature has the willpower, it can work toward better utilization of the resources that are available. Missouri government need not stagnate because the coffers are not bulging. Good decisions and a prudent demeanor can not only span these unsure times but should also give the state a suitable direction to follow.

Again, we ask not more of the legislature than is asked of private businesses during lean times. Better management, better oversight ... those are challenges the Missouri General Assembly must embrace.