Governor Praises Work of Legislature During 2006 Session

Governor Matt Blunt holds his end of the legislative session news conference – more than six hours before lawmakers wrap it up at 6 o’clock tonight. The Governor spoke of the General Assembly’s accomplishments, from increasing funding for public schools, to emineent domain legislation, to protecting children from sexual predators. The Governor also touted passage of the 10 percent ethanol requirement for gasoline sold in Missouri, calling it a win-win for Missouri’s economy and environment with the potential to generate new jobs and economic resources and a new fuel standard that will improve air quality throughout the state. The Governor says his biggest disappointment is the failure of the General Assembly to pass a bill authorizing the sale of assets of the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority. But, he says there’s a silver lining in that the MOHELA Board is moving ahead with the proposal on its own.