By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Missouri's incoming House Speaker wants to focus on so-called "pocketbook" issues during the 2009 legislative session, which begins next month.
Ron Richard (R, Joplin) says he wants to craft a "family recovery plan," which will include legislation to provide tax relief, job creation, and to raise living standards.
"When we're losing jobs and the economy's tough, we need to figure out a way to stay focused on job creation and do things that make people feel better and try to help them get through this tough time," Richard said.
Richard added that he'll provide more details once the legislation is written.
House Minority Floor Leader Paul LeVota (D, Independence) says he's encouraged by Richard's proposal, but hopes it'll include legislation to make health care more affordable.
"That is an issue that affects people's pocketbooks every day in the state of Missouri, and we've gone the wrong way in the last few years, and I hope that we can include that into a recovery act for families," LeVota said.
LeVota also says that lowering the cost of higher education would help the pocketbooks of Missourians.