January 7, 2011

The First Session of the 96th Missouri General Assembly convened officially this week and new Senators and Representatives were sworn in on Wednesday.

There are now 14 new Senators and 79 new Representatives. In the House 106 Republicans and 57 Democrats took the oath of office. A great deal of education will need to be forwarded to the new legislators on issues as a result of term limits.

Rob Mayer was elected the new President Pro Tem of the Senate after a bitter race with former Majority Leader Kevin Engler. Republicans now hold the largest number of GOP seats in history.

Speaker Tilley, on Wednesday, has allowed the Ethics Committee to have subpoena power. This may be aimed to investigate Representative John Rizzo’s (D) one vote victory in November.

The state budget estimates have been re-evaluated and it appears that the state will be between $300-500  million dollars short as opposed to original estimates ranging from $500-700 million dollars in the red.

State revenue is up 4 ½ % from last year which was one of the worst years on record.

The General Assembly will focus primarily on the shortfall of the budget. Additional issues will include: Tax Credits, Right to Work, Fair Tax, School Open Enrollment  Teacher Tenure and Managed Care for Medicaid.

Although job creation will be on legislators minds it is doubtful that meaningful legislation will be passed.

Senator Mayer has waited to name his committee chairs until Monday or Tuesday of next week.

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