Blunt says no to activist judges, yes to fair property taxes

No member of the executive branch should receive lobbyists' gifts, Gov. Matt Blunt just said during his State of the State message.

Blunt launched an attack on activist judges, (judges who disagree with the way Blunt thinks). The governor urged the legislature to place on the ballot a proposal to keep judges from raising taxes.

On the issue of property taxes, Blunt said property assessments are used to levy hidden taxes. He asked for legislation asking for truth in assessments and mandatory rollbacks. "It is imperative that all Missourians benefit from this relief. Let's protect all Missourians from these massive local property tax increases."

Blunt, who eliminated thousands from health care during his first year with the help of the GOP legislature, said, "I will not rest until every Missourian has adequate health care."

After that statement, he attempted to justify the draconian Medicaid reforms that were the hallmark of the first year of the Blunt administration. He praised his HealthNet initiative, saying it treats people like they are the primary interest and not just numbers.