This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Oct. 21, 2008 - What would you do to improve the economy?
Jay Nixon: In the past year, Missouri has lost more jobs than all eight bordering states - combined. And now, our unemployment rate has reached 6.6 percent, the highest level since 1991. Meanwhile, prices for everything from gas to groceries are going through the roof.
To turn our economy around, we must invest in our greatest resource: our hard-working people. We need to build a better-educated workforce, a healthier workforce, a workforce ready to compete for 21st-century jobs. As governor, I'll focus on driving down the cost of health care for families and small businesses and improving public education and job-training programs. I'll use tax credits and other incentives strategically and efficiently to bring high-quality jobs to our state, and I'll embrace science, research and technology to attract the industries of the future.
Kenny Hulshof: It is crucial that we start creating jobs again. I have proposed the Missouri Rebate Emergency Jobs Act - MORE Jobs. Through the use of tax rebates, we can help businesses create more than 100,000 new jobs. Over the long term, we must maintain a pro-jobs environment. That means keeping taxes low, maintaining workers comp and tort reforms, and investing in education.
What would you do to improve health care?
Jay Nixon: In 2005, Gov. Matt Blunt slashed health coverage and benefits from 400,000 Missourians, creating a health-care crisis in our state. Today, more than 720,000 Missourians, including 150,000 children, are living without health insurance, and those who do have coverage have seen their premiums and co-pays skyrocket - by nearly $2,000 a year for many families. Meanwhile, because of the cuts, Missouri has turned down more than $1.5 billion in federal health-care matching funds.
I have put forward a plan to reduce the number of uninsured Missourians, expand access to coverage for every kid and drive down the cost of coverage for families and small businesses. We'll start by restoring the 2005 health-care cuts and drawing down hundreds of millions of federal matching dollars. Then, we'll expand access to all kids by: restoring coverage to the kids who were cut in 2005; reaching out to families with children currently eligible for Medicaid or the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) but not enrolled; and allowing families above 300 percent of the federal poverty level to buy quality, affordable coverage through SCHIP. And we'll use technology and market forces to mandate transparency in the health-insurance industry and drive down the cost of health care.
Kenny Hulshof: To make health care more affordable for all Missourians, I have proposed sweeping, market-based health-care reform through the Healthy Missouri Access Exchange, or HealthMAX. HealthMAX offers a proven, affordable and accessible way to provide health-care coverage to Missourians. It is a collection of the best practices being used by states across the nation, and it will provide a better quality of care to more people than simply hitting the reset button on Medicaid.
What would you do to improve education?
Jay Nixon: As a product of public education, all the way from kindergarten through law school, I have absolute respect for our teachers and the work they do. As governor, I'll fight every day to end the attack on public education and support our local schools. At the elementary and secondary levels, that means focusing on early childhood education to make sure our kids show up healthy and ready to learn. We must invest in our alternative schools program and reinvent the senior year of high school. Kids who are headed to college should be able to earn at least one semester's worth of AP credit before graduating, and kids who are headed into the workforce need better access to vocational and technical training. In addition, I will oppose voucher schemes to take funding away from public schools. If a voucher bill lands on my desk, I will veto it.
I have also put forward a plan, the Missouri Promise, to provide a debt-free, four-year degree for middle-class families. We'll build on our existing A+ Schools Program to make sure that middle-class students who start at a community college or technical school, earn good grades, stay out of trouble and perform community service can achieve the dream of a college education -- without the nightmare of never-ending debt.
Kenny Hulshof: Missouri's children should be able to achieve their dreams right here in Missouri. I have outlined a plan to address failing inner-city schools by providing choices for parents and flexibility for teachers in the public school system. We must take on the status quo if we ever expect to make any positive changes. We can do that by increasing access to opportunity scholarships and offering financial incentives to teachers based on performance.
How would you handle the state's budget?
Jay Nixon: During my years as attorney general, I've run one of the most efficient, effective and fiscally responsible offices in state government. Last year, we saved or generated more than $20 for every $1 appropriated to our office. We work hard, and we do a good job for the people of our state.
As governor, I'll ensure that our budget focuses on the right priorities while eliminating waste and unnecessary spending. I have called for strict performance reviews of every state agency, board and commission. When we find inefficient or ineffective programs, we'll figure out how to fix the problem -- or we'll eliminate the program.
Kenny Hulshof: It is likely that the state will see declining revenues in the coming years, which is why I have provided a way to pay for every new initiative I have proposed. It's not a matter of politics; it's a matter of basic math. I will neither raise taxes or cut funding to education.
What would you do about taxes?
Jay Nixon: We must hold the line on taxes - and provide additional tax relief to those who need it most. I put forward a plan to extend property tax relief to an additional 65,000 Missouri seniors to help them stay in their homes. Missouri always has been a low-tax state, and as governor, I'll ensure we stay that way. To do that, we've got to exercise careful fiscal responsibility.
Kenny Hulshof: I believe Missourians work hard for their money and should be able to keep more of it. I have pledged not to raise taxes.
Whom do you admire admire most?
Jay Nixon: My parents, Jerry and Betty Nixon, taught me the importance of public service and had a huge influence on my life and career. When I was growing up, my dad served as mayor of our small town, DeSoto, and my mom was a teacher and president of the school board. They showed me that elected officials can make a real difference for the people they represent. I've always tried to live up to their example.
Kenny Hulshof: My father had a significant impact on my life. He taught me lessons that still guide my life to this day. He never graduated from high school, but he was the smartest man I've ever met.
What politician of the opposite party do you admire most?
Jay Nixon: On a national level, President Teddy Roosevelt. On a local level, former state Rep. Bud Barnes.
Kenny Hulshof: One of my heroes growing up was U.S. Rep. Jerry Linton. Being a farm kid, like Linton, I was able to relate to his story. He showed me that a farm kid could achieve anything in Missouri. I also have a great deal of respect and admiration for Rep. Ike Skelton. I have been able to see Ike up close and personal these past 12 years and I can truly say that he is a dedicated public servant for our state.
What's the most interesting book you've read lately?
Jay Nixon: I truly enjoyed reading Stephen Ambrose's "Undaunted Courage." It's a pioneering story about discovery and the promise the future holds.
Kenny Hulshof didn't answer.
What's been your biggest accomplishment in politics?
Jay Nixon: When I became attorney general, I inherited an office rocked by scandal. In fact, my predecessor ultimately landed in federal prison. I restored integrity to the attorney general's office by cleaning up the corruption, cracking down on crime and protecting consumers. We've turned our office into one of the most effective and fiscally responsible agencies in state government.
Kenny Hulshof: Being the first Republican ever re-elected in the 9th District. It's a swing district that rejects the extremes of either side. By building consensus and standing upon principles, I've been able to earn the support of Republicans and many Democrats in the district.
What's been your biggest regret in politics?
Jay Nixon: It's been frustrating in recent years to watch Jefferson City become a more politically polarized environment. During my time in the state Senate, we worked together -- Democrats and Republicans alike -- and accomplished some great things for Missourians. Unfortunately, we've seen that spirit of bipartisan cooperation fade under the current administration and majority party. As governor, I'll reach across party lines and get our state moving forward. I'll work tirelessly to help folks in Jefferson City find common ground so that we can make real progress for the people of Missouri.
Kenny Hulshof didn't answer.
What's been your biggest personal accomplishment?
Jay Nixon: Being happily married with two healthy sons.
Kenny Hulshof didn't answer.
What's your biggest regret in your personal life?
Jay Nixon: One of the pains of growing older has been giving up some of my youthful pastimes. I love sports, but after three knee surgeries, I'm no longer able to run around the basketball court the way I used to. While I'm not as agile as I once was, I still get a thrill watching my sons compete.
Kenny Hulshof didn't answer.
