For Immediate Release: Jan. 9, 2013
Senate Begins 2013 Legislative Session with Several New Faces
Upper Chamber Unanimously Elects New Senate Leader

JEFFERSON CITY — Friends, family and constituents throughout the state of Missouri watched on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013, as the Missouri Senate welcomed 12 new members to the upper chamber. Newly elected and re-elected senators — 17 total — took their oath of office to “support the Constitution of the United States and of the state of Missouri, and faithfully perform the duties of my office.”

Sen. Scott Sifton, D-St. Louis (D-1); Sen. Gary Romine, R-Farmington (D-3); Sen. Jamilah Nasheed, D-St. Louis (D-5); Sen. Jason Holsman, D-Kansas City (D-7); Sen. Paul LeVota, D-Independence (D-11); Sen. Gina Walsh, D-Bellefontaine Neighbors (D-13); Sen. Ryan Silvey (D-17); Sen. Doug Libla, R-Poplar Bluff (D-25); Sen. Wayne Wallingford, R-Cape Girardeau (D-27); Sen. David Sater, R-Cassville (D-29); Sen. Ed Emery, R-Lamar (D-31); and Sen. Mike Cunningham, R-Rogersville (D-33), make up the newly elected class in the upper chamber.

Senators who were re-elected to the Senate chamber include Sen. Shalonn “Kiki” Curls, D-Kansas City (D-9); Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Glendale (D-15); Sen. Kurt Schaefer, R-Columbia (D-19); Sen. David Pearce, R-Warrensburg (D-21); and Sen. Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles (D-23).

In addition, Missouri senators today voted unanimously to elect Sen. Dempsey to serve as Senate President Pro Tem, the highest-ranking position in the Missouri Senate.  As Senate leader, Sen. Dempsey is responsible for managing procedural functions and ruling on parliamentary procedures. 

Sen. Dempsey honored Senate tradition by addressing his colleagues from the Senate dais and detailing the legislative priorities for the chamber this year.  His speech highlighted ways in which the Legislature can build infrastructure, invest in education, and grow the state’s economy.

Before concluding the predominately ceremonial day, Senate bills previously filed before the start of the legislative session were introduced on the floor, a process also known as “first reading” of Senate bills.

To see a complete list of legislation filed for the 2013 session, read the Pro Tem’s entire speech, and to learn more about the members of the upper chamber, visit www.senate.mo.gov.