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Republican senators propose amendment to limit school lawsuits

February 17, 2005
By: Victor Roberto
State Capital Bureau
Links: SJR 18

Under a proposed state constitutional amendment, Missouri school districts would no longer be able to sue the state.

Victor Roberto has more from the state Capitol.

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Three Missouri senators are proposing a consitutional change that would prevent school districts from suing the state.

Jackson County Senator Matt Bartle says this is an opportunity for Missouri voters to correct the constitution.

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Contents: What we are proposing to do is to allow the people of the state of Missouri to change their constitution. If they feel like unelected judges should have a say in the appropriations process, then they will vote against the amendment.

If the amendment passes the Missouri Senate and House, voters will decide the issue in November 2006.

From the state Capitol, I'm Victor Roberto.

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Missouri voters might decide whether school districts can sue the state.

Victor Roberto has more from the state Capitol.

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Three senators are supporting a constitutional amendment to change who can make school funding decisions.

The amendment would prevent school districts from filing lawsuits against the state.

Senate Majority Floor Leader Charlie Shields says lawmakers should determine education funding, not judges.

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Contents: We simply believe that the legislature can craft a formula that is most responsive to the needs of the citizens, and particularly the children of this state.

If the amendment passes the Senate and House, Missourians will be able to vote on it in November 2006.

From the state Capitol, I'm Victor Roberto.

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Three Missouri lawmakers have proposed a controversial amendment to prevent schools from suing the state.

Victor Roberto has more from the state Capitol.

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The constitutional amendment would prevent judges from deciding any school funding issue.

Columbia Senator Chuck Graham says the amendment would legally allow lawmakers to unfairly distribute public school money.

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Contents: To try to say that the judicial branch of government is not allowed to interpret the Constitution is...insane.

Graham says it would allow lawmakers to create rich and poor school districts.

Voters could decide the issue in November 2006.

From the state Capitol, I'm Victor Roberto.

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Missourians could be deciding if schools can sue the state.

Victor Roberto has more from the state Capitol.

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Some Republican senators are proposing a state constitutional amendment to prohibit Missouri school districts from suing the state.

Republicans say the proposal is designed to reduce wasting money on lawsuits.

But St. Louis Democratic Senator Maida Coleman says the amendment would eliminate a crucial branch of government.

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Contents: We need checks and balances, and that's what the judiciary does. It provides the checks and balances to the executive and legislative branches. And we need to make sure it stays as is.

Before voters can decide the issue, both the Missouri Senate and House must approve the amendment.

From the state Capitol, I'm Victor Roberto.