Lawmakers missing signs of real issues

I don't know Rep. Terry Young but the Independence Democrat made headlines this week. Rep. Young proposed a bill in the House that would replace the "Handicapped parking" signs with new signs that say "Accessible parking." Now I assume Rep. Young had the best of intentions. She says the term "handicapped" is offensive to disabled people and "accessible" more accurately reflects their needs in special parking locations.

As is often the case, I disagree.

I have had the true pleasure of working with several handicapped individuals through the Kenny Rogers Children's Center over the years. I have never heard a negative comment about the word "handicapped." But quite frankly, all of that is actually beside the point.

Missouri has an unbelievable problem with methamphetamines. Our roads, especially in the rural areas, are lacking. We are pumping one-third of our state budget into the Medicaid program with no end in sight. The test scores of our students continue to lag behind the nation.

In the midst of these massive issues, comes Rep. Young with an idea she believes is politically correct. I don't fault her compassion for trying to address a concern I assume she has heard.

But it's legislation like this that makes the public wonder why we have elected officials. A change in signs to alter the wording is such an insignificant item in the great scheme of things. And I don't need Rep. Young lecturing me on the importance of recognizing those individuals in our society who have special needs. Been there, done that, Rep. Young.

I'm confused on exactly what "Accessible parking" actually means. It's accessible so does that mean it's simply convenient for everyone? Out of fear of being labeled prejudiced somehow, the House approved the bill - though I would note that Rep. Peter Myers of Sikeston voted against it.

I am frankly tired of legislation naming a new state bug or changing handicapped parking signs. We have much more pressing matters in this state and I am offended when our elected officials waste my tax dollars on their pet issues.

It's easy to garner support for some "politically correct" legislation designed to offend no one. It's difficult to address the explosion in Medicaid expense.

And I, for one, am tired of our elected officials failing to tackle the tough issues and instead, feeding us softball legislation that makes us feel good as we wander down the road to bankruptcy and decline.