Mizzou Coach Teaches the Measure of A Man

By Brian L. Baker

Martin Luther King Jr. once said “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

This past week, Missouri men's basketball coach Mike Anderson suspended five players indefinitely after a weekend altercation left his top scorer with a broken jaw.

In a statement from the school, Anderson called the infractions a violation of team rules. Columbia, Mo. police confirmed that several teammates were with senior guard Stefhon Hannah when he was attacked outside the downtown nightclub Athena early Sunday morning. The injury could cause Hannah to miss the rest of the season.

Hannah, a Hyde Park graduate, returned home to Chicago following surgery. Senior guard Jason Horton and forwards Marshall Brown, Darryl Butterfield and Leo Lyons were also suspended.

Four days of drama, one injury and five suspensions later, the Missouri Tiger basketball team had only eight players available for this past week’s game with Nebraska.

The Tiger basketball team took on the Nebraska Cornhuskers, playing only seven men. With five regulars, four of them seniors, suspended for the game, the Tigers were asking for - and received - a boost from their underclassmen. Junior Matt Lawrence played 36 of 40 minutes, and sophomores Keon Lawrence and J.T. Tiller each put in 35 minutes. All three combined for 30 of the team's 62 points.

This past week, Mike Anderson brought honor and integrity to the NCAA, Missouri University, and the great state of Missouri. His actions are, in my opinion, the actions of a true statesman who wishes to convey a message to young people around our state – RULES MATTER.

Further, he proved that a team can rally around discipline and unite to conquer obstacles and challenges. His actions, even amidst a very close loss, prove that team can weather storms. His stand proves that sound discipline works.

Mike Anderson became a true statesman for sportsmanship and honor. He has set a standard that every pee-wee league, volunteer, high school coach, and parent can follow. Further, the young Missouri Tigers showed they can rise above difficult times.

I had the privilege of attending the Missouri vs. Nebraska game. The five suspended players walked in with their team, stood with their coach, and accepted their fate with dignity and heads-held high. Did they break the rules – YES! Did they accept the consequences…YES! And…the entire Missouri team brought dignity to the sports arena.

The most significant action this week did not take place in the halls of our Capitol. The most challenging decisions were not those announcing their candidacy for Governor. The most news-worthy information was not found in the presidential primaries.

The most important action this week was a coach proving that rules matter, discipline works, and the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

Thank you Coach Anderson!

Every Difference of Opinion is Not A Difference in Principle

By Brian L. Baker

The most significant news from Jefferson City this week is unquestionably the announcement of Governor Matt Blunt stating that he will not be seeking a second term. This announcement eclipsed all other happenings at our state capitol and commanded major headlines all across the state. It was an annoucement that shook the halls of the Capitol.

As one could imagine everyone is asking why and few are accepting the Governor’s stated reason that he had achieved what he set out to do and has lost that sense of mission for the office. Regardless of your political views, agreement can be made that a governor must have a sense of mission. The Governor also stated his desires to spend more time with his wife, Melanie, and son, Branch.

Upon reflection, Inaugural Day in January 2005 was damp and cold sparking the then new Governor Blunt to keep his remarks short. Under the watchful gaze of Thomas Jefferson below the majestic columns on the south steps of the state Capitol before a large crowd Governor Blunt declared:

Over the next four years, we will be bold. We will be willing to experiment. We will not fear failure. We will bear setbacks with resolve and press forward with determined innovation. We will attack problems with the deliberation that accompanies this great responsibility and with the energy necessary to build a better Missouri.

Those words ring true.

Since that time, Missouri has made incredible improvements with the creation of thousands of new jobs, better roads, an improved education funding model, increased state revenues, three years of budget surpluses, and claims the sixth lowest cost of living in the entire nation. Despite the cry of the far-left this progress has been made with no new taxes, something the critics said was impossible.

Apparently, Governor Blunt and the General Assembly achieved the impossible.

An issue of great importance to me and to our community saw tremendous advances - Education. It is fact that we have made education our first budget priority. There is no escaping the fact that we have increased public education spending for five straight years. Our public schools will receive $121 million – a 4% increase over last year. Further, in the 2007 school year our fourth and eighth graders posted significant gains on national math tests and Missouri was one of only six states with fourth graders who scored higher on all five sections of the national math exam. Not only did a record 74% of Missouri seniors take the ACT, they beat the national average. Rising to the prospect of more students attending college, we saw an increase from 16,400 need-based scholarships being offered to assisting over 36,000 students from the Access Missouri Scholarship initiative.

You may or may not agree with Governor Blunt, but as you know, I look at facts. We have added 90,000 new jobs since 2005. We have had a budget surplus each year he has served as Governor. Education has seen an increase every year and he never with-held funds. In comparison to other states, Missouri’s success is highlighted even more. Illinois is facing a multi-billion dollar budget deficit (again) and their legislature is fighting over a proposed massive tax increase. California is suffering a $14 billion budget deficit (by comparison our total state budget is $21 billion). In contrast, our state revenues continue to be positive and our government has delivered on promises to fund health care, schools, and roads without raising taxes.

The critics have often attacked the Governor and the General Assembly for the paths they have taken to move the state forward, but leadership and reform require tough decisions and do not come without a difference of opinion. We would do well to remember Thomas Jefferson’s words that, “Every difference of opinion is not a difference in principle.”

Baker Opposes State Agency Plan to Control "Organ Transplant" Cases!

Belton, Mo. - Just this week Rep. Brian Baker quoted American hero and frontiersman, Davey Crockett, stating, “Remember that a government big enough to give you everything you want is also big enough to take away everything you have.” The state of Missouri might try to prove those words.

It looks like the state of Missouri maybe headed toward making medical decisions for citizens if the new Insure Missouri Plan moves forward. A new rule proposed by the Department of Social Services was shared with a legislative committee this past week. The rules states that enrollees in the new Insure-Missouri plan must submit to the following: “The bone marrow/stem cell or solid organ transplant will be prior authorized by the state agency and must be performed at a state agency approved transplant facility in accordance with the Insure Missouri participants’ freedom of choice.”

Rep. Baker (R-Belton) and Rep. Doug Ervin (R-Kearney) warn that this rule simply states that Missouri state agency will decide if a citizen needs an organ transplant, not a patient’s doctor. “According to this proposed rule, Missouri is moving toward a socialized-government run healthcare system…this is very alarming,” Ervin stated.

The proposed rules are part of the newly proposed Insure Missouri Plan. A special committee chaired by Rep. Rob Schaaf received the information last week in committee. Rep. Doug Ervin brought the issue to the attention of other legislators, including Baker.

Ervin expressed grave concern for the direction the state is moving. “The underlying theme here is that government will RATION transplants to control costs. This is an example where government is removing the decision making from the private sector and taking it on for itself. The only rationale for doing so is controlling costs, NOT improving patient care. Under this rule, a physician, a patient, and the carrier may agree to a life saving transplant and a bureaucrat can overrule the decision to control costs.”

“Can you imagine having to wait for bureaucrat to decide if you qualify for a transplant? Thank about how long you have to wait in line to receive other state services.” Baker commented.

Baker argues that if the rule moves forward unchanged, it would give the state tremendous power over major surgical procedures that should be decided by a patient and a doctor, not the state. “I have made it very clear that I have grave concerns about both the cost and the direction of these proposed plans. The intention may be to reform care…but what is really happening is that the state will be rationing care. This is opening a huge door.”

Rep. Baker expressed serious concerns about citizens giving the state so much control over their healthcare. “I am in favor of a safety net that creates a place for a patient and doctor to communicate and receive care. I am in favor of helping those extremely poor, sick, and disabled who are uninsurable. However, this rule opens a new door of control by the state.”

Rep. Baker and Rep. Ervin are encouraging Missourians to “sit up and take notice” of what is taking place in Jefferson City. It is important for people to pay attention to what government is doing.

Facing Facts about Missouri Government

By Brian L. Baker

Thomas Jefferson, one of our most beloved founding fathers, once said, “My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.”

Oh, that we would heed the words of those who laid the foundation for our country. For in Missouri today, we see government expanding at an impressive pace. This past week, Governor Blunt proposed a record budget for Missouri of $23.1 billion. This is a recommended increase of $1.4 billion over the current budget year.

I would respectfully ask that citizens to recognize some facts. First, the current budget represents the fourth year in a row we will have seen an increase in state revenues without a tax increase. It is a fact that Missouri has added 90,000 new jobs since 2005.

Second, it is fact that we have made education our first budget priority. There is no escaping the fact that we have increased public education spending for five straight years. Our public schools will receive $121 million – a 4% increase over last year. Further, in the 2007 school year our fourth and eighth graders posted significant gains on national math tests and Missouri was one of only six states with fourth graders who scored higher on all five sections of the national math exam. Not only did a record 74% of Missouri seniors take the ACT, they beat the national average. Rising to the prospect of more students attending college, we saw an increase from 16,400 need-based scholarships being offered to assisting over 36,000 students from the Access Missouri Scholarship initiative.

Third, Missouri roads have improved during the last five years and we are no longer ranked as a state with the “worst roads.” In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that Missouri had the largest drop in traffic-related fatalities in 2006. Between 2000 and 2005 Missouri jumped from 39th in overall highway performance to 17th.

Missouri has made great strides in becoming more efficient with state tax dollars, saving money, and reducing the size of government.

However, there seems to be a temptation to take our continued revenue increases go back to the spend-it-all mentality. The newly proposed budget is suggesting a massive expansion in government programs. Social services are a major budget issue.

Today, every state is looking for a way to address the healthcare issue. I would ask that you, as citizens look at simply facts provided by the Department of Social Services.

. Fact 1 – We are spending $6.447 billion on Medicaid.
· Fact 2 – We have around 830,000 people receiving Medicaid services.
· Fact 3 – That means we are spending $7,767 per person.
· Fact 4 – I recently sought a private (non-group) insurance quote for a family of five. It came to between $7,000 and $8,400 for a family of five. If you use a Healthcare Savings Account this cost drops tremendously.
· Fact 5 – I can pay for five people what the government pays for one. The Government spends on average $37,920 for five people. I can spend $7,000 for a family of five per year.

These facts give credibility to Jefferson’s statement…”bad government results from too much government.” Further, this discussion does not include what the state is spending on other social services ($1.179 billion) and mental health ($961.5 million).

The facts are simple. Government does not reduce the cost of healthcare. The tax-payer is not getting the best value for their dollar. Government must stop looking for quick solutions and look at the long-term impact our actions will have on future generations.

It is time for us to re-think the welfare system. We cannot simply think about co-pays or and premiums, but we must address the TOTAL cost of healthcare.

Thomas Jefferson is correct, “bad government results from too much government.” When you look at issues like social security, pork-spending, and policy issues like immigration, what makes us think government-run healthcare will be any better?

We need to go back to the drawing board. We need to start by making sure that all healthcare costs for families are tax-free. We need to spark competition, not stifle it with more mandates. We took a step forward last year HB 818, a plan that allowed small businesses to provide a tax-free contribution to health-care costs.

When we let government continue the expansion of welfare and we move to a government run healthcare system, then we truly do give them a piece of our lives to control.

American hero and frontiersman, Davey Crockett, stated, “Remember that a government big enough to give you everything you want is also big enough to take away everything you have.” I assure you, if we expand government healthcare, then we truly will have enabled government to be big enough to take away more and more. That is a roller-coaster we cannot afford to give future generations. We must ask ourselves if we really want government to control healthcare and its disbursement!

Welfare expansion is not the only concern. The budget also contains $37 million new dollars for ethanol production. However, officials admit the rising price of corn and the cost of production has not reduced gas prices for Missourians. In fact, the overall impact has had a negative impact on other farm operations. Plus, contrary to “pro-ethanol” arguments, gas prices continue to rise. I voted against the “ethanol plan” and will vote against an additional $37 million. We have to find better ways to produce renewable fuels and clean energy.

Another major concern is the continued funding of stadiums. Budget Bill 5 will contain more tax dollars for stadiums - Jackson County Sports Complex will receive $3 million; Bartle Hall expansion will receive 2 million; and Edward Jones Dome 12 million. I cannot support taxes for stadiums when we have other important needs.

While I believe intentions are good, I cannot support the current plans laid forth in the new budget. I simply cannot support increasing spending above the consensus revenue estimate. We have a real opportunity to enact real reform and should move to a more fiscally sound plan that improves aid to the truly poor, the severely disabled, low-income seniors, and the chronically ill. We cannot afford a “shot-gun” approach. Now is the perfect time for leaders to be asking if we are using our dollars in the most efficient and effective way!

A Memorial and A Reminder...

by Brian L. Baker

Harry Truman once said, “I always considered statesmen to be more expendable than soldiers.” This quote came to mind when I was informed of the loss of Spc. Todd E. Davis of Raymore.

I had intended to provide a report on the upcoming legislative session. However, as I put the words down, the issues seemed to get smaller and smaller in the light of this news. There will be a time to face those issues…but now let us all remember Spc. Davis and those who sleep in trenches tonight.

For a moment, as we enter 2008 and enter the fray of political arguments, as we enter the arena of debate and discussion, let us remember the honor with which these men serve.

Spc. Davis did not fight for his country for fame or notoriety. Like soldiers before him, he served his country with reckless abandon. We could learn much from the honor and commitment he has shown.

Our soldiers do not defend Democrat or Republicans…but all Americans. They do not base their action to protect the man next to them by asking if he voted for George Bush or John Kerry. They do not base their decision to lay their lives on the line by asking their neighbors if they are for or against Matt Blunt or Jay Nixon. It is about the men and women next to them…it is about answering a higher calling…it is about true honor.

What they do with their lives is a far greater thing than I do with my pen. How they defend is a far greater thing than how I debate the issues. What they give is a far greater gift than what I pledge to accomplish. I am expendable and they, the soldiers…the warriors, are priceless.

According to one news report, Spc. Davis and his squad were in an area where Al-Qaida was operating. Rest assured, Spc. Davis faced a much greater and formidable enemy than any perceived enemy that we face here at home. They fight real battles. They face these battles that we might carry the torch our founding fathers handed to us. May we carry that torch high in memory of their sacrifice!

It has been said that the 2008 Missouri Legislative Session will not produce many results. I admit, the atmosphere smells of partisan bickering and positioning. As I leave the legislature, I pray that I and my legislative colleagues will realize that the blood shed by Spc. Davis, our veterans, and our founding fathers gives us the means to bring our freedoms to life. There is not one law…not one budget bill that is greater than the sacrifice given by Spc. Davis and our veterans. Their sacrifice enables us to carry on a noble idea…that we are a nation…a people…we are all created equal with inalienable rights...that we are able to pursue happiness.

I offer my sincerest condolences to the Davis family. I would ask a special request. Allow me to congratulate Spc. Davis for his unwavering commitment to lay down his life. As it says in the God’s Word…”there is no greater love than this; that a man lay down his life for his friend.” Spc. Davis has given each of us a gift. May we remember that, like our founding fathers, Spc. Davis gave his life that we might enjoy this gift called America!