Senate Majority Caucus Elects New Leadership
Majority Caucus Leaders Said Top Issues for Next Session Include Labor and Regulatory Reform
JEFFERSON CITY— The Senate Majority Caucus today (11-10) re-elected Sen. Ron Richard, R-Joplin, to serve as President Pro Tem of the Missouri Senate for the 99th General Assembly. Richard was elected Pro Tem at the end of the First Session of the 98th General Assembly. He had previously served as Senate Majority Floor Leader and Speaker of the House.
“I am excited to work together with my current and newly elected colleagues, and we won’t waste time getting ready for next session,” said Richard. “We will have a new governor this year, and I’m encouraged that we will work together to bring jobs to the Show-Me State. We will act quickly so Missourians can get back to work.”
The President Pro Tem is responsible for appointing committee members, assigning legislation to committees, and ruling on points of order raised during debate in the Senate Chamber, among other powers.
Also elected to Senate Majority Caucus Leadership include:
- Sen. Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City, re-elected as Majority Floor Leader. The Majority Floor Leader is responsible for setting the schedule of bills up for consideration by the full body, the time allotted for floor debate on legislation, and session meeting times and dates.
- Sen. Bob Onder, R-Lake St. Louis, re-elected as Assistant Majority Floor Leader. The position is responsible for assuming the Majority Floor Leader’s role in his or her absence.
- Sen. Brian Munzlinger, R-Williamstown, re-elected as Majority Caucus Whip. Copied after Congress, the whip traditionally makes sure caucus members are present to cast votes.
- Sen. Dan Hegeman, R-Cosby, elected as Majority Caucus Chairman.
- Sen. Jay Wasson, R-Nixa, re-elected as Majority Caucus Secretary.
“I expect to have a good working relationship with all of the senators once again this session,” said Majority Floor Leader Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City. “With good communication we can work towards our goals of economic development, labor reform, and regulatory reform.”
Richard said the entire caucus will meet later this month to discuss priorities for the upcoming session. The 99th General Assembly will convene on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017.
Lauren Hieger , Senate Majority Caucus Communications Director
(573) 751-7266 – lauren.hieger@senate.mo.gov