Budgeting means planning

The Examiner, Independence, Mo.: The Missouri General Assembly, done with its regular session since mid-May, seems to be edging toward a special session.

The speaker of the House, Steven Tilley, R-Perryville, has named a committee to gather information on a variety of pressing issues: this spring’s flooding in southern Missouri, the Joplin tornado (which struck after legislators adjourned) and the Missouri River flooding that’s coming our way and is expected to last most of the summer.

Beyond the immediate question of whether Gov. Jay Nixon should call a special session — something he would likely only do if he and legislative leaders have key issues worked out in advance — the committee will keep meeting and take the longer view. By the end of the year, it is to report on recovery strategies and how the state can be better prepared for natural disasters.

We don’t know exactly when or where, but we know they will come. This year has already seen an extraordinary number of tornado-related deaths in our state and elsewhere, plus blizzards and forest fires. Hurricane season has just started.

Preparedness is about more than sandbags and first-aid kits.