Debate on Tobacco Settlement Sparks Controversy

A plan to spend an estimated $6-point-7 Billion coming to Missouri from the national tobacco settlement has passed the House after three hours of, at times, sharp debate.In the end, an 87-to-67 vote sends the issue to the Senate. In between, debate grew sharp as Republicans released anger about how Democrats shut down debate early when the resolution could be amended.Lee’s Summit Representative Matt Bartle charged Democrats used their majority status to push through a proposal shaped by Governor Carnahan.The resolution asks voters to approved spending half the money on health care and access; 20% on health science research and 15% each on early childhood development and anti-smoking programs.Representative Chuck Graham of Columbia favored funding research and criticized Republican calls for it to become part of Hancock refunds. The debate now shifts to the Senate.