The search for compromise on ways to spend money Missouri might get from the tobacco settlement will begin soon in the state Senate. An estimated 6.7-billion dollars paid during the next 25 years is coveted by several interests. A vote in the House so controversial it has left that chamber bitterly divided on partisan lines has set up one plan. The Senate is going to substitute its plan the the House idea. Now the Senate has to decide what its plan will be. Senate leader Ed Quick hopes it’s his…but he knows there is likely to be drawn-out debate. Quick hopes nobody tries to put anti-abortion language into the bill. However, the Republican leader of the state Senate thinks it would be appropriate. If such an amendment is offered, a floor fight is anticipated. Quick says the debate could be lengthy if senators start offering amendments in a campaign year just to get people on the record for political purposes.
