We do not share local Republican lawmakers' evaluation of the recent legislative session as either "good" or "very good."
Much of the action was blatantly partisan or political, designed largely to enhance candidates' campaigns for re-election or higher office. Amid the activity, we believe key legislation to help Missourians faltered and failed.
Multiple ethics bills were deemed a priority because Missouri seems incapable of attracting and electing fewer than 200 honest and honorable legislators. But the effort to prescribe and proscribe what lawmakers may do before, during and after their tenures fell short.
But, as state Rep. Jay Barnes, R-Jefferson City, said, "there's always next year" to enact additional standards to restrict grown-ups from unethical, egotistical, harassing behaviors.
Voter ID legislation, linked to a proposed constitutional amendment that requires voter approval, largely is designed for partisans, not the people or the election process. The Missouri Constitution is clear and has served the state well; no party - in this case Republicans - should enjoy an advantage at the polls based on a photo ID impediment, not the strength of the party's platform or candidate's ideas.
Among disappointments was failure to address state transportation funding.
The state transportation agency has been relegated to maintenance mode, while needed improvements - including I-70 - remain unmet. In the face of continued deterioration, lawmakers must begin an incremental financing method, and they must start by raising the fuel tax.
To those who argue the state should live within its means and use other money for roads, here's a not-so-gentle reminder: the fuel tax is a USER tax. The costs of road-building and maintenance should be borne by those who use the system.
Another disappointment, the subject of this forum Tuesday, was failure to create a prescription drug monitoring program to identify and help patients whose use of prescription opioids leads to abuse, addiction and deadly overdoses.
The failure of other bills, however, was entirely sensible and among the session's highlights.
Medical marijuana legislation is nothing more than a precursor to recreational marijuana use. Potential medication is evaluated and authorized by the federal Food and Drug Administration. We know of no physicians group in Missouri that supports smoking marijuana.
Similarly, lifting the helmet requirement for motorcycle riders would invite greater head injuries and deaths in accidents involving motorcycles. Operating a motor vehicle is a privilege, not a right, and requires adherence to specified restrictions and laws.
We continually have urged lawmakers to put Missourians before political party, popularity or re-election.
The actions taken during the recent session indicate they still are unable to do that.
And no number of ethics laws will substitute for electing honest and honorable legislators to represent the interests of the people.