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Legislators from Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri will return to their sessions this week. We wish them well in making decisions that will affect the lives and pocketbooks of the people who live in the states they represent.
We would also ask legislators representing Southwest Missouri, Northeast Oklahoma and Southeast Kansas to extend hands across the borders. Those living in this area are greatly affected by what happens just across the state line. Sometimes we all win, and sometimes we all lose.
As unique and diversified as we want our states to be, we can also conquer problems with unified voices.
Consider the methamphetamine problems seen in this region. Even if one state decides to pass laws that would allow cities to crack down on meth makers, it’s still too easy to pick up and start doing business in the neighboring state. Conversations between legislators and law enforcement personnel in all three states could send a strong message to those who sell and use meth that there’s no longer anyplace to hide.
Environmental concerns don’t stop at state lines. Tough state laws that will work together are needed to stem water and air pollution.
All three states face issues with transportation. Perhaps a meeting of the minds would help remove a few roadblocks.
On the flip side, business development in one corner of the state provides jobs for all of those living nearby. Big industry landing in Miami, Okla., has a positive effect on those living in Seneca, Mo. It’s a case of being able to see the big picture.
Education and health care are also areas where cooperation between states could benefit many.
We would strongly urge our House and Senate members in this region to consider holding the occasional round-table discussion.
Our laws and our politics may differ, but we are neighbors bound together by our borders.
Opinion
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Discussion
Our View: Bound by our borders
- Opinion
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Our View: ‘Why?’ has no answer
Just hours before, there was breakfast and laughter. There were pictures on the walls and memories in every room.
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Our View: Absent from House
We can’t figure out why two Missouri legislators think they should be elected to the U.S. House when it appears they can’t seem to show up to take care of business in the Missouri House.
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Your View: Terrorism is terrorism
In the May 13 issue of The Joplin Globe there was an Associated Press article concerning the New Orleans shooting.
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Your View: Should we be outraged?
Were there effusive apologies following the lockdown of Boston as most of the continent indulged vicariously in the ongoing manhunt?
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Your View: Terrible injustice
I see this Jasper County nuisance law as a terrible injustice on the rights of the residents of Jasper County.
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Other Views: Conflicts in SEC
Money talks. In the continuing dispute over the all-too-cozy relationship between the people who create and sell financial products and the people who rate their risk, the money says: Shut up and let us do what we want.
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Phill Brooks, columnist: Missouri Senate did what Founding Fathers had in mind
George Washington once described the Senate as being like a saucer in which you pour coffee or tea.
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Our View: Fixing failure
Some 1,200 injured workers will finally get the payments they are owed. In its final week in session, Missouri’s General Assembly, through bipartisan efforts, passed a solution to address the insolvency of the state’s Second Injury Fund.
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Herb B. Kuhn, guest columnist: Delaying Medicaid reform could hurt rural Missouri
The Missouri Legislature missed a rare opportunity in the just-ended session to transform Medicaid and make a real difference in the lives and health of hundreds of thousands of our neighbors. Rural Missouri has the most to lose from the legislature’s failure to act.
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Kevin Wilson, guest columnist: When fear wins out, so do the terrorists
I’m going to make a bold statement that’s sure to draw a lot of comments, but hear me out before reaching for the keyboard to type a rebuttal.
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