A proposal to help a devastated school district raises concerns about public responsibility.

Senator rob Mayer wants to set up a special fund for school districts that suffer severe damage because of an act of God. The Caruthersville district is in his area. The district is still recovering from the devastating tornadoes two years ago.

He wants the state to loan repair and rebuilding money to school districts like that one anywhere in Missouri.

But Senator Matt Bartle of Lee’s Summit fears the worst. "Would we not create an incentive to underinsure for weather-related catastrophes or disasters?" he asks Mayer. Mayer says, "I just don’t think that would occur."

Bartle worries that hundreds of schools will reduce or drop their earthquake insurance in the New Madrid Fault area. But Mayer doubts that will happen.

It’s not impossible for the bill to pass this year. But the bill is running late in the session and still needs to clear the senate before reaching the House. Less than three weeks are left.

download bob priddy’s story (:58 mp3)