JEFFERSON CITY—The Second Regular Session of the 95th Missouri General Assembly began at noon today (1/6) as state lawmakers gathered in their respective chambers in the Capitol for what promises to be a challenging session. Lawmakers will confront revenue shortfalls and complicated issues such as promoting economic development and cutting down the costs of health care.
As is custom, Senate President Pro Tem Charlie Shields (R-St. Joseph) kicked off the legislative session by addressing the Senate and outlining his priorities for the year. Senator Shields expressed his desire for state government to focus on long-term solutions, acknowledging that with 10 senators term-limited this year, and an additional 10 senators term-limited in two years, focusing on the future will require lawmakers to take a forward-thinking approach to public service. He said that he will propose legislation this year to make long-term planning a permanent part of the legislative process.
Senator Shields congratulated members for taking the first step in long-term strategic government planning last year by creating the Missouri Senate 2020 Committees, which were designed to develop long-term solutions for Missouri in the areas of education, health care and job creation.
The Senate leader also recognized the additional challenges that lie ahead, particularly because of the state revenue declines that will likely require budget cuts for fiscal year 2011.
In regular Senate business, all bills prefiled by senators before session began were read for the first time today on the Senate floor.
The Missouri Senate was scheduled to reconvene tomorrow, but will not due to inclement weather. The body will instead reconvene at 4 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 11.
For more information about the Missouri Senate, visit www.senate.mo.gov. To contact the Senate Newsroom, call (573) 751-3824 or e-mail newsroom@senate.mo.gov.
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