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Gaw says he doesn't support smaller House

April 11, 2000
By: Aaron Cummins
State Capital Bureau
Links: SJR 53

The leader of Missouri's House says he doesn't support a plan to shrink his chamber by more than a third. Aaron Cummins has more from Jefferson City--

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A resolution that would ask voters to reduce the House from 163 to 105 members has already received initial approval from the Senate.

But, House Speaker Steve Gaw says that plan isn't fair to the people or the representatives.

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Contents: Gaw says it is unfair to ask a legislator to keep in contact with constituents in the large, rural districts and it compromises the House's ability to connect with constituents.

Gaw says that's why a large House is important-- especially in rural areas.

A final vote in the Senate could come as early as today.

In Jefferson City, Aaron Cummins, KMOX-News.

Missouri's House Speaker doesn't support a plan to shrink the size of his chamber. Aaron Cummins has that story from Jefferson City.

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Speaker Steve Gaw says the plan to reduce House seats from 163 to 105 isn't fair to rural Representatives.

He says the new districts would be too large... and constituents would lose touch with their representative.

But, that doesn't mean Gaw will stop the issue if it reaches the House.

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Contents: Gaw says there will be debate on the issue and he's going to wait to see what happens.

The Senate could take a final vote on the plan as early as this week.

Even if the resolution passes both chambers, voters would have to approve the size reduction.

In Jefferson City, Aaron Cummins, KMOX-News.