SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 76
WHEREAS, the State of Missouri has been subjected to extreme economic hardship as a result of a contracting national economy and terrorist attacks on New York and Washington; and
WHEREAS, this economic hardship has been exacerbated by the loss of jobs in the conversion of industry from manufacturing to technology bases; and
WHEREAS, key military contracts on which many jobs and huge businesses in this state have gone to states with more electoral votes; and
WHEREAS, this national economic contraction, loss of jobs and horrendous terrorist attacks have resulted in serious fiscal shortfalls for the State of Missouri; and
WHEREAS, these serious fiscal shortfalls have resulted in a financial situation declared by the Governor of the State of Missouri to be an actual emergency; and
WHEREAS, the fiscal emergency declared by the Governor of Missouri has reached a level where the state cannot pay its bills during the remaining months of Fiscal Year 2002; and
WHEREAS, the inability of the State of Missouri to pay its bills places in jeopardy the good faith and credit of the state, as well as the bond rating and the self-respect of this state and its citizens; and
WHEREAS, the remedy of this actual emergency is vested in the duly elected General Assembly of the State of Missouri under the Constitution of the State of Missouri; and
WHEREAS, the Senate of the 91st General Assembly has acted prudently and responsibly to allow the use of this remedy by the Governor of the State of Missouri by securing the two-thirds majority required by the Constitution, Art. IV, Sec. 27 (a) pertaining to the Budget Reserve Fund; and
WHEREAS, the House of Representatives has yet to act to spare our state and our citizens unnecessary financial chaos and humiliation,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: that we, the members of the 91st General Assembly of the State of Missouri do resolve to forego our monthly salaries, per diems, office allowances and appurtenances thereto for the last two months of Fiscal Year 2002 or until such time as legislation authorizing the use of the Budget Reserve Fund is Truly Agreed To, Finally Passed and delivered to the Governor, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that the Secretary of the Senate be instructed to prepare a properly inscribed copy of this resolution so that its intention and direction be expedited forthwith.