Gov. Mel Carnahan said Thursday the recent passage of a tough crime package and a need to enhance education facilities makes Amendment No. 4 an important issue in the Aug. 2 election.

"I see a dual importance with Amendment No. 4," said Carnahan, who was attending a fund raising event in Cape Girardeau for Melinda Benton McCulley, Democratic candidate for the 158th House District.

"We just passed one of the toughest crime packages to make sure criminals serve 85 percent of their sentences," said Carnahan. "That means we're going to need adequate prison space. This amendment would allow for that."

The amendment, if approved, would authorize the Missouri General Assembly to issue $250 million in bonds to be repaid by an appropriation from state general revenues. The bonds wouldn't require a tax increase and are intended for the purpose of building or rebuilding prison space for the Department of Corrections, juvenile justice space for the Department of Youth Services and buildings for the states universities and community colleges.

The bond would provide $12.3 million for Southeast Missouri State University's new business building.

The amendment requires a simple majority for passage and would become effective 30 days after the election.

Added Carnahan,"It's important that we do all we can to improve our education facilities. This amendment would help us accomplish that, and it's important that the voters know what's at stake when they make their decision."

Carnahan also addressed allegations raised in a story by the Kansas City Star concerning House Speaker Bob Griffin. The story alleged that Griffin demanded a Las Vegas company give his clients a large share of a proposed riverboat casino or risk state licensing problems.

Griffin, of Cameron, denied doing anything illegal or unethical. "We will cooperate with any investigation to get to the bottom of this," said Carnahan. "The story by the Kansas City Star raises some serious questions that require a thorough investigation. We really don't know what the facts are at this stage, so it wouldn't be right for me to make any statement about that."