GOP LAWMAKERS PLAN TO WORK WITH NEW ADMINISTRATION

JEFFERSON CITY - Republican members of the Missouri House of Representatives from Southeast Missouri admit the atmosphere for them may be different in the new legislative session. But they are still optimistic a spirit of cooperation will prevail across party lines.

For the first time in 12 years the state legislature and governor's office are controlled by one party. Without a governor who has the power to sign and veto legislation and exert other influence on the lawmaking process, some believe Democrats could be stronger and the role of the Republican Party may diminish considerably.

"We'll start the session off slightly weaker," admitted second term Rep. Mark Richardson of Poplar Bluff. "It will be different not to have a Republican governor from our perspective, but the Republican caucus in the House has been very active in developing policy and we will pursue our legislation just as in the past.

Rep. David Schwab, beginning his third term from Jackson, pointed out: "It's definitely going to be different. The tactics we used in the past we won't be able to use now."

He added, "We are used to having the governor, but for me it is too early to tell what the impact will be. It will be interesting to see how it goes, but I intend to work with Gov. Caranahn. "My responsibility is to my district and to working for good public policy."

Rep. Mary Kasten of Cape Girardeau, beginning her sixth term this week, said she has a positive outlook about the session and believes reality of the need to solve pressing problems will outweigh partisan considerations.

"There may be some changes, but I like to think agendas will have our attention and I like to think an effort will be made for both sides to look at those," said Kasten. "Certainly there will be a difference, but the role we have always had has been a minority role. We will just have to work harder than ever to be heard and have our issues considered. We have done that over the years."

Rep. James Graham of Fredericktown, starting his second term, agrees with Kasten.

"The atmosphere will, of course, be a little different. But on our side, our caucus has been in the minority for a long time. I don't see it being tremendously different," said Graham. "We don't have the governor's power of veto in our party, but yet I think overall Democrats and Republicans have to be accountable. On big issues, I think legislators will look at the specific issues and the needs of the people back home. We all have to answer to the people back home."

Graham noted that only two or three of the 62 GOP House members have served when there was a Democratic governor.

"I think we really need to concentrate and work for the benefit of our state and its people," said Graham. "I sometimes get aggravated at a lot of the politics of it, but that's life. I hope we can work in peace and harmony the best we can, and look at the overall good of the state."

All four express a high regard for the incoming Democratic governor and believe they will be able to work with him.

"He has been involved in government enough that he is familiar with what needs to be done," observed Kasten. "He is a very honorable man and very dedicated. I certainly feel he is going to try to put his goals forward, but I don't have a fear about that.

"I always believe when someone is honorable and honest, and their integrity is intact, good things will come of it. I'm hoping that will be the case."

Richardson said even though there is a Democratic governor and a Democratic legislature, it may not have as big of an impact as many people think because the two branches of government are separate.

"There is still a separation between the branches and that does not mean careless or reckless legislation will be signed by Gov. Carnahan," said Richardson. "He has proved over the years that he is a very prudent and cautious man. The fact he is a Democrat does not mean Democratic leadership in the legislature will have carte blanche."

Speaking of Carnahan, Schwab said, "I think most people are looking forward to working with him and feel like there can be a good working relationship."

Schwab explained that many of the differences in the legislature are not along partisan lines, but rather along philosophical or geographical lines. With 41 new members in the House, Schwab believes there will be more coalitions formed to work toward issues that cross party lines.

"It will be different this session but there will be challenges and this is a time when the whole country and world is having to meet challenges. We have a lot of very large problems to solve," added Kasten.

"I see a very challenging and difficult year ahead, but I just hope there is no partisanism and all of us can look at the issues looming over us and make good decisions for citizens of the state of Missouri."

All four Republicans agreed that with state finances tight, the budget process will require close scrutiny this year. Kasten served on the budget committee during the last session and will likely keep her seat there. Richardson expects to claim a seat on the panel this year.

"We are still dealing with the problems of a depressed economy and hopefully we're coming out of it," said Richardson. "We have precious few new dollars to spend and balancing the budget will be a difficult task for us."

Graham agrees that there are far more needs in the state than money available. "We have a lot of needs and we need to review everything possible to see if departments are doing what they are supposed to do," he said.

Like most other Missouri legislators, at the top of the list of concerns for these four are drafting a new school foundation formula and reform of the state's workers compensation laws. Dealing with health care costs and welfare reform are regarded as other issues of concern.

"The issue of welfare reform is getting to be at the center of attention and there are also health issues which everyone is trying address," noted Kasten.

Schwab said he believes most state action on health care will be minimal this year, waiting to see what will be done at the federal level.

In the last two sessions, Schwab said the House has passed a good foundation formula bill but it has not made it through the whole legislative process. He is hoping a similar measure will win approval this year.

During the interim period between sessions, Schwab said he has gotten more calls on workers compensation than on any issue before. Many businesses are in serious trouble because of the workers comp costs, and Schwab observed, "I feel like that is the big issue we'll have to deal with this year."

Schwab said he believes there is too much fraud in the workers comp system and feels a new process needs to be developed for settling claims without always having lawyers involved. He also hopes a limit can be established on what attorneys can collect in claims.

Another business issue, Schwab said, is finding ways to reduce the regulations and paperwork, especially in the environmental area.

In dealing with the state's tight financial condition, Kasten stressed lawmakers need to strive toward more efficient government, which will ultimately save money.

"I'm ready to meet the challenges and the opportunities this year," summed up Kasten. "I'm as ready as anyone can be."