Missouri state senator urges a ballot initiative for statewide expansion of 9-1-1 availability
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Missouri state senator urges a ballot initiative for statewide expansion of 9-1-1 availability

Date: April 20, 2010
By: Scott Kanowsky
State Capitol Bureau
Links: SB 966

Intro:  The Missouri Senate Commerce Committee discussed a resolution taxing the people for 9-1-1 service, even though similar legislation has twice been voted down.
RunTime:  0:37
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The act allows the Missouri Public Service Commission to impose a 25 cent to one dollar tax increase.

It would not require a vote from the people of Missouri.

But Savannah Republican Senator Brad Lager says the resolution can only pass without a ballot initiative.

Actuality:  LAGER2.WAV
Run Time:  00:13
Description: "The push has always been to pass it without going back to a vote of the people. At least, I think, it sounds like we've overcome that hurdle. So now it's O.K. what's the structure look like when we go to the people."

With only three weeks remain in the legislative session, the committee took no action on the resolution.

From the State Capitol, I'm Scott Kanowsky.

Intro:  An act similar to ones already denied by Missourians stalled in the Senate Commerce committee.
RunTime:  0:39
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The resolution lets the Public Safety Commission tax Missourians 25 cents to a dollar for using 9-1-1 services on their cell phones.

A vote from the people is not needed for the act to pass.

Clay Republican Senator Luann Ridgeway says the resolution cannot provide safety all the time.

Actuality:  RIDGE2.WAV
Run Time:  00:13
Description: "Look, government cannot prevent every harm in every instance. So the question becomes 'If you're on a bicycle trail and you're in the state of Missouri, how are they supposed to find you there?'"

Ridgeway says it also goes against the will of the people.

The Senate Commerce committee took no action on the resolution.

From the State Capitol, I'm Scott Kanowsky.