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JEFFERSON CITY — In the Missouri Senate this week, Senate President Pro Tem Charlie Shields (R-St. Joseph) named and assigned the 18 Senate committees that will review legislation for the 2009 session. He also appointed senators to serve as chairmen and chairwomen of the committees.
Of note—and perhaps in a nod to the spirit of cooperation in the Capitol this year—is the appointment of Senate Minority Floor Leader Victor Callahan (D-Independence) to a chairman position on the newly created Senate Progress and Development Committee. Chair positions are typically reserved for members of the majority party.
The Senate committees and their respective chairmen and chairwomen are (in alphabetical order):
- Administration: Sen. Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph
- Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources: Sen. Dan Clemens, R-Marshfield
- Appropriations: Sen. Gary Nodler, R-Joplin
- Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment: Sen. Brad Lager, R-Maryville
- Education: Sen. Rob Mayer, R-Dexter
- Financial and Governmental Organizations and Elections: Sen. Delbert Scott, R-Lowry City
- General Laws: Sen. Jack Goodman, R-Mt. Vernon
- Governmental Accountability and Fiscal Oversight: Sen. Chuck Purgason, R-Caulfield
- Gubernatorial Appointments: Sen. Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph
- Health, Mental Health, Seniors and Families: Sen. Norma Champion, R-Springfield
- Jobs, Economic Development and Local Government: Sen. John Griesheimer, R-Washington
- Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence: Sen. Matt Bartle, R-Lee’s Summit
- Progress and Development: Sen. Victor Callahan, D-Independence
- Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions and Ethics: Sen. Kevin Engler, R-Farmington
- Small Business, Insurance and Industry: Sen. Scott T. Rupp, R-Wentzville
- Transportation: Sen. Bill Stouffer, R-Napton
- Veterans’ Affairs, Pensions and Urban Affairs: Sen. Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau
- Ways and Means: Sen. Carl Vogel, R-Jefferson City
Senate committees are responsible for holding public hearings and refining legislation before it heads to the Senate floor for consideration by the full body.
The Missouri Senate stood adjourned on Monday, January 19, in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
The annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration was held in the Capitol Rotunda on January 14. The theme of this year’s event, hosted by the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus, was “United Communities—Past, Present and Future.” The celebration included performances and tributes to the life and legacy of Dr. King, including tributes from the governor, attorney general, secretary of state and state treasurer. The National Anthem was led by Sen. Rita Heard Days (D-St. Louis).
Senate seminars designed to inform senators about some of the key issues they will be facing this session continued this week. On Tuesday, senators attended two seminars—the first covering transportation infrastructure and development in Missouri, and the second focusing on agriculture, Missouri's primary industry.
Lawmakers also attended seminars on Wednesday, with presentations on education and economic development. The education seminar covered early childhood and elementary and secondary education. They discussed the newly established “Schools First Elementary and Secondary Education Improvement Fund,” which was part of a ballot initiative passed by voters in November 2008, as well as urban schools. During the economic development seminar, lawmakers discussed how Missouri can compete with other states.
The Senate seminars wrapped up on Thursday, with discussion on higher education and a focus on what measures other states have taken to strengthen their coordinating boards.
It was also announced that the governor will speak before the Legislature next Tuesday, January 27, during the “State of the State” address. The governor is expected to outline his plan for the state budget.
Listen to the Senate Minute on the “State of the State” address.
The Missouri Senate will reconvene at 4 p.m. Monday, January 26. The First Regular Session of the 95th Missouri General Assembly will run through Friday, May 15, 2009.
The Missouri Senate General Column is written on a weekly basis. To follow these and other issues facing the Missouri Senate, visit www.senate.mo.gov . Visitors can track legislation as it passes through the General Assembly, learn more about their Senate district, or listen to streaming audio of legislative debate as it happens.
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