MPA LEGISLATION REPORT
March 2001 Update

Greetings! This is my Eighth Report to you as MPA Members. First, Here's an update from Washington, D.C. The FAA needs to refine its cost-accounting system, says the Department of Transportation's Office of Inspector General (OIG), and it's already four years behind that process. In a recent report, the OIG said the FAA could more efficiently manage its resources if it had better data on the costs and benefits of specific activities and services.

The OIG wants the FAA to allocate more staff and money and "move forward with a greater sense of urgency" so the agency can have a new accounting system in place by the September 2002 deadline.

The OIG makes it clear why this is so important: "The cost accounting system could serve as the foundation for establishing user fees, if Congress eventually elects to restructure FAA's financing and authorize additional fees." Further aggravating the OIG, the accounting system is not only behind schedule, its over budget.

The FAA estimates it will cost about $35 million, about three times the original estimate. What I'm wondering is, what percentage of that $35 million is going to be charged to us as Pilots? Keep your eyes and ears tuned for more updates, on this vital topic.

Second, Now, here's a Legislation Update on the State Level. I would like to continue my discussion on "The Legislative Process in Missouri." Let's start with, "The General Assembly." Legislative power is vested by Section 1, Article III of the Missouri Constitution in the General Assembly, more commonly known as the Legislature, composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The Senate consists of thirty-four members, who are elected for four-year terms. Senators from odd-numbered districts are elected in presidential election years. Senators from even-numbered districts are chosen in the "off year" elections. Each Senator must me at least 30 years of age; a qualified voter of the state for three years; and of the district he represents for one year. The Lieutenant Governor is president and presiding officer of the Senate. In his absence, the President Pro Tem, who is elected by the Senate members, presides.

The House of Representatives consists of 163 members, elected at each general election for two-year terms. A Representative must be at least 24 years of age; a qualified voter of the state for two years; and of the district he represents for one year. The House of Representatives is presided over by the Speaker, who is chosen by the members, and in his absence by the Speaker Pro Tem.

The Missouri Constitution provides that new senatorial and representative districts be established after each federal decennial census. The last redistricting was in 1991. There will be a new redistricting in 2001 to determine the districts for the 2002 and subsequent elections.

Click here to view the Missouri House Bills for "AIRCRAFT AND AIRPORTS"

Here's information concerning, HB 436 Missouri Airport Protection Act.

Committee Action: Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Local Government and Related Matters by a vote of 15 to 2.

FISCAL NOTE: Estimated Net Cost to General Revenue Fund of $66,563 in FY 2002, $72,024 in FY 2003, and $73,828 in FY 2004.

Click here's for the Summary of the Committee Version of the Bill

Now, concerning SB 324, The Senate Transportation Committee has not voted to pass this Bill Yet. We need to get it out of the Senate Committee, send e-mails, make phone calls to these Committee Members. We have to let them know we are taxpayers and Pilots, and how vital this Legislation is, to protect our Missouri Airports.
Let's get busy, so we can get SB 324 out of Committee, then to the Full Senate for a Vote.

We have our work ahead of us, because we have to educate the Legislatures on Aircraft and Airports. Remember most of them are not Pilots.

Now, in Conclusion, We can make a Difference in Missouri! Speak Out, make your Voice Heard in Jefferson City!

More information next month.

Larry G. Harmon
Legislation Chairman
E-mail address: MPALHARMON@aol.com

Back to Larry's Main Page

Back to the current President's Main Page