JEFFERSON CITY -- The General Assembly's annual Spring Break is over and only six short weeks are left until the end of the 2003 legislative session. While legislation is moving through the House of Representatives at a relatively rapid pace, bills move much more slowly in the Senate because we are the body that allows unlimited debate.

This week the Senate was successful in perfecting legislation that will put in place various accountability measures relating to the operation of the Missouri Department of Transportation. In my opinion, this is one of the most important bills that the Legislature will vote on this year.

Ever since I was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in 1992, lawmakers have been wrestling with Missouri's transportation problems. The only remedy ever discussed was more money.

The voters have spoken. Before they come up with more money, they want reform. Senate Bill 481 will enact many reform measures that will restore people's faith in MoDOT.

I was successful in placing an amendment on this bill that would make the Inspector General a permanent position in the Department of Transportation. While that position exists right now, the Transportation Commission is free to eliminate the job at any time. Currently, Washington native Roberta Broeker holds the position

The Inspector General is the people's voice in the Department of Transportation, and by having this position placed into the Missouri Statutes, it ensures that this office will remain intact.

Other provisions in SB 481 deal with the Missouri Highway & Transportation Commission. The act prohibits members from engaging in political activities such as campaigning or fundraising and provides for a commissioner of each party to be replaced at the same time.

Prior to leaving on Spring Break, the Senate gave final approval to legislation I sponsored, Senate Bill 298, which will make changes to liquor license requirements, operational restrictions and enforcement provisions.

In addition, this bill requires that anyone who wants to work as an exotic dancer in Missouri must be at least 21. Currently anyone entering an adult club where they don't serve alcohol must be at least 18 and that's how old dancers are allowed to be. Dancers at these so-called "juice bars" can disrobe entirely while those working in clubs where alcohol is served must be partially covered.

It is my belief, that if you have to be 21 to drink, then you ought to have to be 21 to work in one of these clubs - whether they serve alcohol or not.

SB 298 has now been sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

We have begun deliberation on Senate Bill 556, an omnibus nursing home bill. I have included language that restricts and controls the state's choice of vendors when a nursing home is placed in receivership.

Over the past several years a number of homes, including ones in our district, have been placed under new ownership with connections to the good 'ol boy network and the executive branch of state government.

My language creates a revolving vendor list allowing all qualified firms the opportunity to restore these needed nursing homes to credibility in our communities.

As we enter these final weeks of session, legislation is beginning to move more rapidly and I will continue to keep you updated on my bills and all legislation that affects the people of the 26th District. My staff and I will be burning the "Midnight Oil" through the end of session.

If you are in Jefferson City, please feel free to stop by my office in Room 226 at the State Capitol. You may call me anytime at (573) 751-3678, or you may call my home at 239-2521 or 239-2523. My cell phone number is (314) 650-5777 and my toll free number is (800) 247-6102.