NO FREE TRIPS FOR REPRESENTATIVES

House Speaker Steve Gaw has taken a praiseworthy step in ending tax-paid trips to the presidential inauguration for selected members of the Missouri House. For years, seven representatives and seven senators have had the benefit of trips to the quadrennial inauguration on the taxpayers' tab -- just a little perk, hidden away in a $14 billion state budget, but one that wouldn't pass a reasonable cost-benefit analysis. The speaker is to be commended for ringing down the curtain on this inconsequential little junket, which costs the state approximately $30,000. Incoming Senate leaders have indicated their intention to continue the old practice. They would do well to reconsider and follow the example set by Speaker Gaw.