Special Interest Groups Press For More Money From Legislature

Members of several groups who say more money is needed for state social programs are changing their lobbying efforts from lawmakers to constituents. Advocacy groups representing children and some religious faiths are urging lawmakers to send to a vote of the people an increase in tax revenues. Beth Griffin with the group Citizens for Missouri’s Children says it’s important people realize just how badly needed the revenue enhancements are, despite the defeat of three separate tax increases in the past year. Griffin says her group is targeting their message at lawmakers’ constituents back in the home districts to get those constituents to pressure the legislators into changing their stance on tax increases. House Speaker Catherine Hanaway of Warson Woods says she’s glad the groups will be talking to the people out there, so they can see thre is little interest in tax increases. Hanaway feels confident she has enough votes in the House to prevent any tax measures from being sent to the ballot box.