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Lobbyists support term limit change

February 9, 2000
By: Aaron Cummins
State Capital Bureau
Links: SJR 31

Several lobbyists testified in favor of a change in term limit laws today/Wednesday at the Capitol. Aaron Cummins has that story from Jefferson City--

Story:Cummins
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OutCue: SOC

Lobbyist Jerry Ford says the current 8 year term limit will shift power to special interests.

Actuality:ford1
RunTime: 14 sx
OutCue:
Contents: [150K WAV file - Ford says term limits are good for him as a lobbyist because of the amount of inexperienced legislators that will come to the Capitol.]

Ford says that hurts the public's voice in government.

That's why he supports a plan to ask voters to extend term limits on state lawmakers to 12 years.

That resolution will be voted on by a Senate committee next week.

From the state capitol, Aaron Cummins, KMOX-News.


A former lobbyist pledged his support for a plan to increase term limits on Missouri's legislators. Aaron Cummins has the story--

Story:Cummins
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OutCue: SOC

Former lobbyist Curt Long testified to a Senate Committee that term limits hurt the people's voice in Jefferson City.

Actuality:longajc1
RunTime: 13 sx
OutCue:
Contents: Long says term limits cost the people the right to have strong, experienced legislators represent them.

Long says that's why he supports a term limit increase from the current 8 years to 12.

Opponents of the plan say the people overwhelmingly approved term limits so there's no reason to ask the voters again.

The Senate Judiciary Committee will likely vote on the proposal next week.

From the state capitol, Aaron Cummins, KMOX-News.


Several lobbyists voiced support for a plan to make term limits longer than the current 8 years. Aaron Cummins has that story from Jefferson City--

Story:Cummins
RunTime:
OutCue: SOC

A resolution sponsored by Florissant Senator John Schneider would increase the limits on Missouri's lawmakers to 12 years.

Former lobbyist Curt Long says term limits hurt the legislature.

Actuality:longajc2
RunTime: 14 sx
OutCue:
Contents: Long says term limits mean two things: a stronger executive branch and a weaker legislature.

Long was one of four lobbyists to testify in favor of the plan even though term limits are expected to increase the power of special interest groups.

If passed by both houses, the resolution would ask voters to approve the increase in April 2001.

From the state capitol, Aaron Cummins, KMOX-News.