Now is good time to consider spending less

Missouri's congressional delegation, looking ahead to next year, appears to be diligent about finding new ways to spend tax dollars.

Interviewed by The Associated Press, each of the nine U.S. representatives and both U.S. senators had both spending and policy issues on their mind for the new year.

Obviously, it takes a lot of money to run the many programs funded by the federal government. And taxpayers like it when the government's spending benefits them.

But it was disappointing to see that not a single Missourian in Congress suggested fiscal caution for 2002, a year that is likely to feel the full impact of this year's economic downturn.