		The Information you need!
		Search Archive:
	Login \| Contact Us \| Site Map \| Archives \| Photos \| Alerts Tuesday, February 09, 2010

Entertainment

Print this story | Email this story |

Comment (No comments posted.) |

Rate |

Text Size

Gov. Hearnes remembered; special session possible

By Sen. Carl Vogel

Published: Monday, August 24, 2009 2:23 PM CDT

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Governor Warren E. Hearnes.

Former Gov. Hearnes, who served the people of Missouri from 1965-1973, passed away Sunday night at the age of 86.

Unlike legislators, whose terms expire at midnight on Dec. 31, statewide office holders begin their terms several days into the New Year.

Hearnes was the second Missouri governor to serve two terms and the first to serve them consecutively.

Phil Donnelly was elected governor in 1948 and again in 1952, sitting out 1948 because of a Constitutional ban.

During Hearnes' first year as governor, he convinced the Legislature to send a Constitutional Amendment to the voters allowing a governor to serve a second consecutive term.

The measure passed and since then, two more governors, John Ashcroft and Mel Carnahan, have been elected to a second consecutive term. Current United States Senator, Kit Bond, served two terms as governor, but they were not consecutive.

Gov. Hearnes was memorialized during a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda on Wednesday. Several lawmakers who served during his administration were on hand to pay their respects.

The recurring trait mentioned was the accessibility Hearnes displayed as governor. Several mentioned the likelihood of finding him in various lawmakers' offices while the Legislature was in session.

In the days before Blackberry's, blogs, MySpace, and Tweets, face to face interaction was more essential to successful interaction.

Gov. Hearnes leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Betty Sue (Cooper) Hearnes, an accomplished politician in her own right, and three daughters.

In addition he leaves behind a legacy indelibly imprinted on the history of Missouri politics. The Missouri Legislature will convene in less than four weeks for the constitutionally mandated Veto Session.

Bills which have been vetoed by the governor may be considered for override during this time.

While there may be some attempts, I expect Gov. Jay Nixon's vetoes will be sustained. Causing more suspense is the possibility of a Special Session to run concurrently with Veto Session.

Several issues have been mentioned as an impetus for the governor to call a Special Session and this week another arose.

The U.S. Department of Labor has issued a ruling on a law passed by the Missouri Legislature which will deny the state $133 million in funds for unemployment benefits.

The issue will not have an easy fix as it caused considerable controversy this past session.

In order to qualify for the money, Missouri will have to expand unemployment benefits into areas never before considered.

If a solution can be found, it may well trigger a call for a Special Session.

As usual, I can be reached at State Senate, State Capitol, Jefferson City, MO 65101, or 573-751-2076, or carl_vogel@senate. mo.gov for your questions, comments, or advice.

State Sen. Carl Vogel, R-Jefferson City, represents Missouri's 6th District.


		Iraq acts too proud to seek help

Article Rating

Before commenting read the News Tribune Forum's policies and procedures.
Thanks.

To add your comments you must be registered and logged in

*Member ID:
*Password:

Do not use usernames or passwords from your financial accounts!

Note: Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required!

*Create a Member ID:
*Choose a password:
*Re-enter password:
*E-mail Address:
*Year of Birth:
	(children under 13 cannot register)
*First Name:
*Last Name:
Company:
*Home Phone:
Business Phone:
*Address:
*City:
*State:
*Zip Code:

Return to: Opinion « | Home « | Top of Page ^

Online Poll