Local legislators respond to Blunt's address
Higher education and health care were the main areas of interest.
Jan. 17, 2008
After Gov. Matt Blunt delivered his State of the State address on Tuesday evening, local legislators were not entirely satisfied.
Higher education was a major issue discussed, and the four Columbia legislators, hailing from a town with three colleges or universities, felt that more could be done than the governor recommends.
Blunt's plans for higher education include capital improvements, a 4.4 percent increase in the operating budgets of public colleges and universities and $100 million more for scholarships.
Despite the 4.4 increase, the local legislators feel it isn't enough.
"The governor has dug this state into such a deep hole," Rep. Jeff Harris, D-Columbia, said. "What he said is too little too late."
Harris said he'd like to make tuition at public colleges and universities tax deductible and to get the funding back to a much higher level. He said public higher education should be the top priority this session.
Ted Farnen, the chief of staff for Sen. Chuck Graham, D-Columbia, said the senator was disappointed with Blunt's address.
"They could've made higher education a higher priority," Farnen said. "It's hard to fathom the university doesn't have as much money to work with as it did back in 2002."
Rep. Ed Robb, R-Columbia, who has long been a proponent of funding for the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center in Columbia, was happy to hear Blunt recommend $31 million for renovation and construction to the hospital, but hopes to attain more funding in that area.
"I'd like to add some additional monies to that," Robb said. "About $52 million would bring us to the amount we need."
Attorney General Jay Nixon gave the Democratic response on Tuesday night, following Blunt's address, and chastised the governor for the way he has handled higher education.
"As tuition soars, Gov. Blunt and his allies have allowed Missouri to slide to dead last in our investment in higher education," Nixon said.
Despite a backlash of criticism following the address, higher education leaders commended Blunt for his commitment to education.
UM system Interim President Gordon Lamb prepared a statement to applaud Blunt's higher education investments, and the Coordinating Board for Higher Education was also appreciative.
"The additional support means our colleges and universities will be better positioned to meet challenges associated with increasing access and success of prospective students and ensuring Missouri produces a truly global workforce that will meet our future needs," CBHE chairwoman Kathryn Swan said.
Health care was discussed extensively, and Blunt laid out his ideas to improve access to affordable care. He mentioned his Insure Missouri and Mo HealthNet programs, which seek to strengthen the climate of health care in the state.
Blunt said unlike the "old system," HealthNet is about results.
Robb supported Blunt's plans, but Democratic legislators were strongly opposed to it.
"He said he wants to save the safety net," House Minority Leader Paul LeVota said. "He cut a hole in that net in 2005."
The "hole" LeVota mentioned references cuts Blunt made to health care in his first year as governor, which took coverage away from thousands of Missourians, primarily children, seniors and people with disabilities.
Although Blunt is working to improve health care in Missouri, House democrats don't believe Blunt's proposals will restore the cuts made in 2005.
"If you do have the money to work with why don't we restore the services cut in 2005?" Farnen said. "We already know who the people are that need help, so why not help them?"
Rep. Judy Baker, D-Columbia, said Blunt's plans would do nothing to restore the cuts and said she will work hard this session to make health care a priority.
Health care and education will undoubtedly be among the most debated issues this session, but Blunt continues to tout change.
"Change is working," he said. "Missourians are prospering."
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