SPAT OVER VO-TECH FUNDS WASN'T NEEDED

It was a roller-coaster week in the Missouri Legislature for Cape Girardeau's proposed vocational-technical school.

On April 16, the House Budget Committee voted to remove $1.5 million in funding for the construction from the state budget.

To make matters worse, the aftermath of the meeting degenerated into finger pointing, name calling and political game playing. State Rep. Joe Heckemeyer, D-Sikeston, criticized state Rep. Mary Kasten, R-Cape Girardeau, for not calling a roll-call vote after the committee's voice vote to cut the funds. What was the point?

That roll-call option wouldn't have made any difference. Besides, if Heckemeyer was so concerned about the roll-call vote, he could have asked for one himself. Because of the personal nature of the attack, Republican lawmakers sprang to Kasten's defense. Name-calling on both sides ensued. And that's plain wrong.

What started this mess?

The motion to cut the funding came from state Rep. Tim Green of St. Louis who said he did so on philosophical grounds. He feels public school buildings should be built with local money, not state dollars. That has been true in recent years, but not always. Besides, vocational projects expand beyond a single school district.

In addition, this wasn't the time for this debate. The Legislature already gave its blessing to the vocational-school project last year. The state's share will match local dollars to build the state-of-the-art $6 million facility.

Thankfully, the $1.5 million was restored to the budget Wednesday on a voice vote. The amendment to restore the money was offered by Heckemeyer. Some criticized him for stepping in and taking credit. Others praised him for saving the day on a project outside his district.

The bill also includes the $5.6 million for the polytechnic building at Southeast Missouri State University.

When will lawmakers learn that taxpayers are tired of partisan sniping? This public's disgust for politicians has fueled term limits. Cooperation for the better public good is what people want, not grandstanding.

The fight is far from over. It still requires passage in the Senate and the governor's signature. Only three weeks remain in the legislative session.

It is only April, but the election season seems to be in full swing. Until the Legislature adjourns next month, lawmakers should stay off their soapboxes and roll up their sleeves. Southeast Missouri legislators should put their differences and politics aside to work for the good of the region.