Thursday, March 29, 2007

Dems Slam G.O.P Staff Money

The $21 billion dollar Republican House budget includes $100,000 to create a new position of legislative budget director, and Democrats say it is unnecessary.

"House Republicans on Wednesday chose to pad the legislative staff over protecting the disabled, senior citizens and children," blasts the Democratic release.

State Rep. Margaret Donnelly, D-St. Louis, attempted to redirect the funding for the new budget position to the State Fire Marshal’s Office to establish the post of inspector general. That official would have been responsible with overseeing fire safety standards at nursing homes, day care facilities and all types of residential homes for the disabled.

“These facilities currently are overseen by a hodge-podge of state agencies. As a result, enforcement of safety standards is often spotty,” Donnelly said. “We need one person to coordinate and supervise efforts to ensure that no matter what the housing situation, people are safe.”

Republicans defeated Donnelly’s amendment on a vote of 66-86. Only two Republicans voted “yes;” no Democrats voted “no," according to the Democratic release.

1 comment:

The Libertarian Guy said...

I find it humorous that Democrats would be griping about spending taxpayer money and creating yet another legislative position.

Then again, *both* parties have been doing a lot of the above, so they're both guilty. A pox on both.