Lant: Spirit of Bipartisanship Present, Even During Heated Debate

Ed. Note: HCR9 is mis-identified in this missive as HB9. HB9 is the appropriations bill for funding to the Department of Corrections.

It sure doesn't seem like we've already finished six weeks of session, but we have. Due to getting off to a great early start, we have nearly finished in our appropriation committees; that means that the budget committee can have all the information it needs by next week at the latest. The sooner we can get the budget to the Senate the better. It is never good to have to hurry to get the job finished on time.

All of the bills filed by legislators have a fiscal note attached that addresses the estimated costs the proposed legislation would have for the state of Missouri. This is the tool used by advocates for and against the bills. You can well imagine the attitude of lawmakers to a large price tag with the economy we have! Recent outrageous estimates have raised questions as to whether the Executive branch might be exerting influence on some fiscal notes. As a result, fiscal note contests have been filed to find any inaccuracies. Everyone is trying to find ways to do more with less, but if we're not getting genuine estimates, it undermines that effort.

Having said that, one of the biggest surprises I have had so far is the spirit of bi-partisanship within the House of Representatives. Oh sure, we have philosophical differences, but after airing our differences in committees and debate on the House floor, most everyone gets along fine. In fact, after a very spirited debate last week on HB 9 (a measure [HCR9] that would join Missouri with other states to call for a convention to alter the United States Constitution) the chief opponent to the bill gave the bill sponsor, a freshman some great advice on how to argue legal points. I have already made some great friendships with members from both parties and have had their support on my bill.

My bill [HB233] to restrict protesters to a 300 ft distance from funerals was voted out of committee last week. We should be presenting it on the floor in the next week or two. A bill [HB167] to require English only driving tests also was advanced last week. We should be seeing more bills to debate as the committees have had time to take testimony and recommend passage.

For my history moment this week, I have some more building specifications. The ceilings of the House and Senate chambers are 50 feet high. The floor space of the Senate is 68 by 70 feet and the House is 70 by 78 feet. Twelve granite columns line the sides of the House and sixteen marble columns line the sides of the Senate. Both chambers are lighted by art glass windows that extend beyond the roof, which is a feature peculiar to our capitol. Midway between the two chambers, overlooking the river is the Legislative Library room, another original feature of the building.

Anyone, individual or group, that wishes to visit the Capitol and tour the building or the Supreme Court, or any of the other attractions need only to call my office and I will arrange it for you. There is something of interest to all ages!

Please feel free to contact me any time at (573) 751-9801 or E-mail: bill{dot}lant{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov

Until next time, I am and remain in your service.