Missouri House blocks effort to keep governor off state plane

The Missouri House today thwarted an attempt to block the governor from using the state’s new $5.6 million plane.

During a debate over legislation that aims to continue provisions of the state Sunshine Law that protect security and safety plans from prying eyes, Rep. Mark Parkinson, R-St. Charles, proposed an amendment to bar the executive branch from using the state Highway Patrol’s new plane.

Highway Patrol commander Ron Replogle testified in a recent House committee meeting that the new plane, which Republican lawmakers have sought to tie to Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon in recent weeks, was needed because the state aircraft is often used by the executive branch and isn’t available for law enforcement. Nixon would use the new plane under the plan.

“This only applies to the brand new plane,” Parkinson said in explaining his proposal today to block the governor and others from using it.

But, seeing that the GOP-controlled chamber was not in favor of the restriction, Parkinson eventually withdrew his proposal.

“A lot of the members of this body don’t have the stomach to hold the executive on the second floor of this building accountable," he said.

Rep. Kevin Engler, R-Farmington, said it wouldn’t make sense for the state to block the governor's access to its new aircraft.

“I think it was stupid that we bought the plane. I think it was way out of line in the current economic climate,” he said. “The fact that we have it but would not use it would be further abuse.”

House members did adopt a provision that will classify flight logs as public documents. Already, the logs are released through Sunshine Law requests.

During that debate, Rep. Jeff Roorda, D-Barnhart, raised safety concerns and accused Republicans of turning unrelated legislation “into a ‘pull the governor’s pants down’ bill.’”

“I don’t think I’m trying to pull the governor’s pants down,” responded Rep. Caleb Jones, a Republican from California and the bill's sponsor.

Engler said the provision will ensure that the public can hold state officials accountable for their use of state aircraft.

 The legislation, House Bills 256, 33 and 305, is expected to come up for final passage in the House later this week. It must also be approved by the Senate and the governor before it can become law.

Elizabeth Crisp covers Missouri politics and state government for the Post-Dispatch.

Source:   http://www.stltoday.com