Lawmakers begin 2024 legislative session
The General Assembly returns to Jefferson City with Republicans holding super majorities in both legislative chambers
On Wednesday, Jan. 3, lawmakers returned to the State Capitol for the start of the Second Regular Session of the 102nd General Assembly. Currently, Republicans hold a 24-10 majority over Democrats in the Missouri Senate and a 111-51 majority in the Missouri House of Representatives.
Speaker Dean Plocher delivers his opening day address to members of the Missouri House of Representatives. Photo Courtesy of House Communications.
During his address on the first day of the legislative session, House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-St. Louis, urged his colleagues to put public policy above politics. "In this election year, I'm confident we will all do what we believe is the right thing, and I want each of us, Republicans and Democrats, to come together and vigorously debate the laws that affect our citizens," said Plocher. "We must continue to treat each other as friends, respect each other's intentions and work together to improve our great state."
In addition to urging his colleagues to come together, Speaker Plocher used his speech to lay out his agenda for the year ahead. He called on House members to prioritize education, including passing a Parents' Bill of Rights to ensure parents are involved in their children's education. He asked lawmakers to address the property tax increases Missourians are seeing on their homes throughout the state. The speaker's speech also mentioned several other policy issues, including public safety; the state's initiative petition process; energy production and infrastructure; unlawful immigration; health care costs and access to health care providers; property rights; agriculture; and more.
On the other side of the State Capitol, Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden, R-Columbia, issued a similar message to the members of the Missouri Senate. "What I am about to say isn't breaking news — political experts and onlookers don't think this session is going to amount to much," said Rowden. "I say let's prove them wrong."
Senator Rowden's opening day speech also included calls to help children stuck in failing schools; provide relief to Missourians struggling with high inflation; and to protect the liberties and economic opportunities of all Missourians.
Following the opening day of the legislative session, lawmakers now turn their attention to Jan. 24, when the governor will deliver his annual State of the State address. During the governor's speech, he is expected to lay out his legislative agenda and deliver his proposed budget for the state's upcoming fiscal year.