Senator Bill Stouffer - 2005 Legislative Survey

In an effort to better serve my constituents, I would like your opinion on issues facing Missouri. It is essential Missouri citizens have effective representation in state government. Therefore, I offer this short questionnaire on events relating to the current legislative session. Thank you in advance for your input.

PROPERTY RIGHTS

The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled private land can be seized if local governments can find a more productive economic use for it. This includes houses, churches and businesses. The U.S. Constitution states private property cannot be "taken for public use, without just compensation." Traditionally, this has meant roads, bridges and public-utility projects, not private development.

Do you think the government should continue to have the right to take private property for public use?
Yes No No Selection
Should government have the right to take private property for economic development projects, such as shopping malls?
Yes No No Selection
Should private utilities, such as cable television providers, have the same rights as public utilities, such as electric and natural gas cooperatives, to take private property to build infrastructure?
Yes No No Selection

Comments:

EDUCATION FUNDING

The governor has introduced a proposal requiring public school districts to dedicate at least 65 percent of their expenditures for in-class purposes. Federal guidelines dictate items considered classroom expenses include teacher salaries, textbooks, athletics, supplies, computers, special education instruction, music, drama and band. Items not considered classroom expenses include libraries, school security, teacher training, guidance counselors, health services, transportation and food service.

Do you support a measure requiring 65 percent of school funds to go to classroom expenses?
Yes No No Selection

Comments:

GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY

The Missouri Department of Conservation receives the vast majority of its funding through a one-eighth cent sales tax passed in 1976. The department is also the only state agency that does not have its funding approved by the General Assembly and governor, and the sales tax has never been put back on the ballot. Do you support a measure to require the sales tax to be put back on the ballot for voter approval every 10 years?

Yes No No Selection

Comments:

HUMAN CLONING

Stem cell research is very controversial. Some scientists want to experiment on stem cells taken from human embryos specifically created for this purpose by human cloning. Other argue Missouri should only allow stem cell research using adult stem cells. This type of research does not involve the killing of a human embryo. Please select the item closest to your opinion.

I support banning embryonic stem cell research. 

I do not support a ban on embryonic stem cell research.
No Selection

Comments:

HIGHWAY TOLLS AND TAXES

Some contend charging tolls for I-70 travelers is the only way to ensure out-of-state motorists help pay for the wear their vehicles cause to the interstate. Opponents argue Missourians should not have to pay a toll for what they have already paid through taxes. Please check the item(s) closest to your opinion:

I support the use of toll road to fund only the construction of new highways and bridges.

I oppose the use of toll roads in Missouri.
I support the creation of transportation development districts to identify and help fund local transportation projects.

Comments:

ANIMAL FEEDING OPERATIONS

Concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) have stirred debate over their impact on nearby communities and the surrounding environment. Some say high-density farming operations are an efficient way to produce agricultural products. Others say the social and environmental impacts require stronger restrictions by the state. Please select the item closest to your opinion:

I support legislation strengthening enforcement on CAFOs, including the continuation of county health ordinances.

I oppose further restrictions on agriculture.
No Selection

Comments:

MEDICAID REFORM

Missouri's Medicaid system has continued to grow throughout the years, and reforms have been made to keep it solvent. Some say reforms are needed to ensure the system can continue to provide medical coverage to those truly in need. Others say recent reforms deprive those in need of coverage. Please select the item closest to your opinion:

Medicaid should be kept under control to ensure it provides for those truly in need.

Medicaid coverage should be available to all those who say they need coverage.
No Selection

Comments:

TOBACCO TAXATION

Two ballot initiatives have been proposed by rival factions to increase Missouri's tobacco tax by 80 cents per pack. One proposal would dedicate funding, up to $61 million per year, to smoking-cessation courses and to paying doctors, hospitals and clinics more to treat Medicaid and uninsured patients. A different measure would use the revenue to restore Medicaid coverage to those who were cut from the health-care program in 2005. Please select the item closest to your opinion:

I support a tobacco tax increase to fund stop-smoking campaigns and to pay doctors more to treat Medicaid and uninsured patients.

I support a tobacco tax increase to restore Medicaid coverage for those cut from the program.
I do not support any further taxation of tobacco products.
No Selection

Comments:

Please list other comments about issues important to you:


First Name: Last Name:
Phone:
Email address: