January 9, 2012

The 2012 session of the Missouri General Assembly began officially last week.

Redistricting has radically altered the mood among legislators as they “jockey” for position in the new districts.

The budget is the “big gorilla” in the room. The federal stimulus money is gone and the state is looking at a deficit projection of $500+ million. The actual state GR is now down to $7 billion out of a $23 billion budget.

According to House leadership three business priorities will be addressed. These include: changes to the workers compensation and Second Injury Fund Laws, workplace discrimination and tort reform.

Two major school districts have lost accreditation and legislators will be hard pressed to keep education funding.

The rest of the first week was primarily ceremonial with the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast. Thursday only 300 bills have been filed. Ultimately approximately 1,500-2,000 measures will be filed.

The legislature will adjourn as constitutionally required May 18th.

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