Focus
Bipartisan spirit will keep focus on urgent needs

By Fred Hemmings
State Senate minority floor leader

It is important to note that in the shadow of Sept. 11, Congress immediately took action in a bipartisan manner. The spirit of bipartisanship has taken hold here as well.

I hope that effort can be sustained through the Legislature's upcoming special session. The political balance this state so desperately needs can be achieved through bipartisan cooperation.

We have decided as Senate Republicans not to flood the legislative calendar with numerous bills. Rather, we feel it is important to address issues that we believe have been overlooked.

Our legislative initiatives include:

• The creation of a repair and maintenance fund controlled by school principals. This is the centerpiece of our package. This legislation will put large amounts of bond capital improvement project money directly into accounts set up in each school.
• Principals, who would administer these accounts, can hire or retain "facilitators" or experts in construction and/or contracts to help. There would be a deadline for the expenditure of money. The principals have a vested interest in getting the best deals and working with the local contractors to expedite the work.
• Allowing sole proprietorships, owners of small corporations and small businesses to collect unemployment. These people are forced to pay into the fund, but often are denied benefits when their businesses fail.
• A capital gains waiver to encourage capital investment.
• A general excise tax exemption for food and drugs. Poor people should not be taxed for being sick or hungry.
• A retail tax holiday. Such an event would be symbolic and would offer an incentive to return to consuming.

It is important that we stay focused on the matter at hand and depart from business as usual. Our efforts are positive and, it is hoped, will complement the majority party's legislative package.