On the November ballot will be two issues for you to vote on that were placed there by initiative petition of the people. This week I want to discuss Proposition A which will attempt to reduce the number of billboards along many of our highways. The measure amends state statues to prohibit new construction of billboards, to further restrict existing billboards, increase the control local governments have over billboards, and prohibit the removal of trees and vegetation except for aesthetic or environmental purposes or the elimination of safety hazards.

The group promoting the issue is called Save Our Scenery 2000 Campaign Committee. They say that Missouri has more billboards that any of its eight neighboring states and would like to see the continued proliferation of highway signs stopped as they believe the signs are ruining the aesthetic beauty of our state. The roadways affected in our area would be highways 44, 50, 54, 63, 65, and 70.

An opposition group called Citizens Against Tax Waste Committee are fighting the proposal and point to a number of problems with it. They state that about 3400 billboards throughout the state that don't meet the guidelines will have to be removed immediately. The cost of doing so will fall on the state as not only will the sign company have to be reimbursed for their sign, but the landowner who leases his land to the sign company will also have to be compensated for the loss of income. The total cost to take down the initial group of billboards now and the rest as they fall into disrepair in the future is estimated at $500 to $700 million and would come out of the MoDOT budget. We the taxpayer will foot the bill not the sign company. This is mandated by law.

The business community which utilizes the signs to advertise their products and services estimate that many businesses, especially small businesses, will see a decrease of approximately 15% to 20% in sales. Recently, tourism became Missouri's number one industry. If this initiative passes, it will have a dramatic effect on our visitors as they try to find their way around our state to and from their destination. At the Lake of the Ozarks, many of the small businesses will definitely feel the pinch and some may be forced out of business.

You will see and hear a lot about this issue very shortly. Look at it very closely.

That's my look at the legislature this week. As always if you have a question or concern with state government, please don't hesitate to contact my office. My mailing address is Room 115-J, State Capitol, Jefferson City, MO 65101; Phone 573-751-2077; Toll free 877-571-7247; Fax 793-522-2441; Email bluetkem@mail.state.mo.us