JEFFERSON CITY— The Senate today (9-16) elected Sen. Ron Richard, R-Joplin, to serve as President Pro Tem of the Missouri Senate for the remainder of the 98th General Assembly. Before serving as Majority Floor Leader during the 97th and 98th General Assembly, he had served as Speaker of the House.
“I appreciate my colleagues’ support, and I look forward to working with them today and next session,” said Richard. “Over the last couple of years, we have worked well as a Senate to advance policies that create jobs and economic growth in our state. I intend to continue our tradition of honest hard work in the Senate.”
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, elected as Majority Floor Leader. Sen. Kehoe served as Assistant Majority Floor Leader previously. 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, elected as Assistant Majority Floor Leader. The position is responsible for assuming the Majority Floor Leader’s role in his or her absence.
Other previous elected Senate Majority Caucus Leadership positions include:
- Sen. Brian Munzlinger, R-Williamstown, previously elected as Majority Caucus Whip. Copied after Congress, the whip traditionally makes sure caucus members are present to cast votes.
- Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Glendale, previously elected as Majority Caucus Chairman.
- Sen. Jay Wasson, R-Nixa, previously elected as Majority Caucus Secretary.
“I am excited to work with Sen. Richard. He has proven he is able to work across party lines to get results, and he pushes efforts to create jobs for Missourians,” said newly elected Majority Floor Leader Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City. “I appreciate my colleagues’ support for Floor Leader, and I’m ready to get back to work this veto session.”
Richard said the entire caucus will meet in November to discuss priorities for the upcoming session. The 98th General Assembly will reconvene after veto session on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016.
Lauren Hieger, Senate Majority Caucus Communications Director
(573) 751-7266 – lauren.hieger@senate.mo.gov |
