A Peaceful Conclusion
Whoever said there’s only 24 hours in a day never served in the Missouri Senate. Twice during the final week of the 2019 legislative session, lawmakers found themselves working during the wee hours of a morning. The late hours proved productive in the end, as the Senate concluded the week with a mood of relative harmony. It didn’t always seem that would be the case, however.
With the constitutional deadline for legislative action looming, the Senate gaveled in for the start of its final week on Monday afternoon and spent the next 29 hours in limbo while a group of lawmakers delayed passage of a package of economic development measures. Senate Bill 68 authorizes a number of programs intended to attract new employers to Missouri, grow existing businesses and help workers better prepare for the complex, high-tech jobs of tomorrow.
The legislation contained tax incentives for business expansion, training for employees and tuition assistance for adults pursuing higher education. Originally presented as gubernatorial priorities during January’s State of the State address, these proposals took on added importance after General Motors announced it was considering expanding a truck and van manufacturing facility near Wentzville. The extended filibuster pitted a group of legislators, who felt the scope of the package was larger than necessary, against the governor and most of the other members of the Senate.
Monday extended well into Tuesday as skeptics of the workforce and jobs development legislation held the Senate floor. After passing the filibuster baton among themselves for a day and half, the opponents were finally persuaded to stand down and the legislation was approved.
To end the filibuster, Senate leadership agreed to bring a comprehensive pro-life bill up for debate. The legislation, which originated in the House of Representatives, prohibits abortion at a variety of different stages of fetal development. As the Senate reconvened on Wednesday morning, lawmakers were prepared for a protracted discussion about the bill, and they were not disappointed. Opponents argued against the bill’s passage for the next four hours, until a brief recess was called late in the afternoon.
Determined to avoid a rarely used and highly contentious procedural maneuver to cut-off debate, Senate leadership sought to find a compromise. Senators huddled into offices and doorways for the next 11 hours in search of a peaceful way to bring the measure to an up or down vote. Two press conferences and a whole bunch of talking later, the Senate reconvened at 3 a.m. and passed a pro-life bill that made national news.
In truth, there was never much question whether Missouri’s abortion bill would pass, since supporters clearly outnumbered opponents. The only question was how debate on the measure would end. Typically, highly controversial bills are brought to a vote on the last day of session, because the call to end debate is so divisive that nothing else gets done once the tactic is employed. Mid-week, Capitol insiders were suggesting the 2019 session might come to a sudden halt, two days prior to its constitutional deadline.
While opponents were not happy with the bill, they agreed to accept the inevitable and allowed a vote on the pro-life legislation. Careful negotiation brought the Senate back from the brink of a shutdown. The nuclear option was avoided, and good will was preserved in the chamber. With a few hours’ sleep and the most divisive legislation behind them, senators returned to work and proceeded to quickly make their way through dozens of bills awaiting passage.
The process of enacting legislation is not always pretty. Sometimes egos get in the way of ideals. Other times, politics trump practicality. But, when things go right, reasonable people find a way to disagree without being disagreeable. Well-meaning lawmakers take their best shot, advocate for views they believe are right, and move on when the vote doesn’t go their way. Each of us tries our best, and then respects our colleague’s efforts to do the same.
The First Regular Session of the 100th General Assembly has come to a close, but I remain at your service in the Missouri Senate. If we happen to meet at home in the District, please take a moment to share your views and let me know how Missouri state government can serve you more effectively.
It’s my honor to serve as your senator for the 16th District. If you have questions or need any assistance, please call my office at 573-751-5713 or log onto my webpage at https://www.senate.mo.gov/brown for more information.