Jefferson City, Mo. – On Wednesday, Jan. 3, lawmakers returned to the Capitol in Jefferson City for the start of the Second Regular Session of the 99th General Assembly.
The first day of the 2018 legislative session in the Missouri Senate included the swearing in of Sen. Mike Cierpiot, R-Lee’s Summit. Sen. Cierpiot was elected to serve in the Missouri Senate during a special election in Nov. 2017. He represents the 8th Senatorial District covering Eastern Jackson County.
Senator Cierpiot was escorted to the dais by Sen. Jason Holsman, D-Kansas City, where the lieutenant governor and Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court Zel M. Fischer administered the oath of office.
Lawmakers list of priorities for this session include working on various tax issues including low-income housing development, making changes to certain labor laws and tackling tort reform. Restoring cuts to in-home and nursing care for seniors and those with disabilities remains a priority as well as addressing funding for the Missouri Department of Transportation for much needed bridge and road construction and repair.
The Missouri Senate consists of 34 members elected for four-year terms. Senators from odd-numbered districts are elected in presidential election years. Senators from even-numbered districts are elected in the midterm elections. Each senator must be at least 30 years of age, a qualified voter of the state for three years and of the district he or she represents for one year. Currently, there is one vacancy in the Missouri Senate.
The 2018 legislative session will end on May 18.
To view a list of legislation filed for the 2018 legislative session, please visit the Missouri Senate’s website at www.senate.mo.gov.