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Storm Clean-Up Keeps Lawmakers Away from Capitol

Lawmakers who represent storm damaged areas say they're torn between being in their districts and being in Jefferson City where the General Assembly is putting the final touches on the budget.

Missy Shelton reports.

When the tornado tore through the town of Stockton, State Representative Ronnie Miller lost his home.

Most other representatives whose districts endured storm damage didn't have a personal loss. Despite that, they're still in their districts helping clean up.

James Viebrock's Southwest Missouri district includes the towns of Battlefield, Clever and Republic.

He says he's torn between a desire to be in his district to lend a hand and the need to be in Jefferson City to vote on the state's budget.

Viebrock says he's likely to spend the next day or two in the district, not in Jefferson City.

Viebrock says he's taken dozens of phone calls from people in his district seeking assistance. He says being in the district will enable him to be available to those who want to talk about their specific needs.

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