CAPE AREA LAWMAKERS SAY SESSION PRODUCTIVE

Some area state representatives said it was good to be home with their families after a frantic legislative session in Jefferson City that ended Friday.

"I can't wait to go back when it's almost time for the session to begin," said Rep. David Schwab, R-Jackson, "but I was ready to go back home the last day."

Schwab said although the House didn't tackle some legislation he had hoped to address during this session, he thought the last few months in Jefferson City were "pretty good" for Missouri.

"I think we were most effective where we prevented some things from happening," he said. "We killed something that would've allowed for collective bargaining for state workers and teachers. I think that was good for my people."

Schwab said he also was pleased with the juvenile crime bill that passed and the tax limitation package approved by the House.

Rep. Mary Kasten, R-Cape Girardeau, agreed: "It's good that there will be more open records and that prosecutors will be able to get involved at an earlier time when dealing with juveniles."

Kasten said in addition to the juvenile crime legislation, the tax limitation bill will provide Missourians protection from large tax increases. She said tax increases more than a percent of the general revenue or $50,000 -- which ever is less -- will have to endure a popular vote for passage.

"I believe we have a good tax limitation bill," she said.

Kasten and Schwab said this session proved to have less arm-twisting, with proposals left to stand on their own merit.

"I think its due to the fact that Republicans are close in numbers to the Democrats," Kasten said. "It's still been stormy, and it hasn't been fun. But that's what we're here for."

Rep. Joe Heckemeyer, D-Sikeston, this year was a freshman among the 162 other state representatives.

"It's like chickens establishing a pecking order," he said of the experience. "I'm used to it now. I know how to deal with it."

Heckemeyer worked to get a sales tax for third-class cities like Sikeston and for Scott County.

"My original piece was a half-cent sales tax earmarked for law enforcement," he said, "but 45 minutes before the bell, the bill passed without my language."

Heckemeyer said he is primed for the next session. He said he would pursue legislation dealing with schools and jails. Welfare reform and getting crime under control also are issues Heckemeyer is interested in pursuing, he said.

Kasten and Schwab both said they want to see reform within the workers' compensation system and welfare.

"We were remiss in that this session," Kasten said. "We should have given some people relief in the area of workers' comp, and we didn't.

"Next year, we're going to bring up welfare reform and workers' compensation reform."