This Week....
MO General Assembly Gavels In for 2025 Legislative Session
The Missouri legislature made history on Wednesday when they convened in Jefferson City for the first day of the 2025 legislative session. Newly elected and incumbent State Representatives/Senators took the oath of office, and members in both chambers elected leadership for the next two years.
The House of Representatives elected its first Asian American Speaker, Dr. Jon Patterson (R-Lee’s Summit), and the Senate elected Cindy O’Laughlin (R-Shelbina) as the first ever woman to serve as President Pro Tem of the Senate. Dr. Jon Patterson, a Republican surgeon from Lee’s Summit, was elected Speaker by a vote of 152-10, successfully fending off an unprecedented last-minute challenge from Rep. Justin Sparks (R-Wildwood). The 10 representatives who broke ranks and voted for Rep. Sparks (all Republicans) were Mazzie Christensen, Bob Titus, Dale Wright, and freshmen representatives Lisa Durnell, Keith Elliott, Steve Jordan, Deanna Self, Burt Whaley, and Bryant Wolfin. Meanwhile, the Senate unanimously voted for Cindy O’Laughlin to serve as President Pro Tem. Read more.
We expect committees, committee chairmanships, and committee assignments from both chambers to be announced mid to late next week.
House and Senate Leadership Outline Top Priorities
Speaker of the House Jon Patterson and Senate Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin both gave ceremonial speeches in their respective chambers outlining elements of their top priorities for the legislative session. In his speech, Rep. Patterson highlighted the importance of respecting the will of the voters, but emphasized the need to clarify provisions of Amendment 3 to “make Missouri the most pro-life state it can be”. He asked the body to immediately pass and send legislation to the Senate that would mandate the state apply for benefits of foster children with deceased parents. He said he also plans to increase funding for youth mental health services and would like to see legislation pass to promote the recruitment and retention of high quality law enforcement officers. Lastly, he asked his fellow Representatives to take up and pass legislation to provide incentives to businesses and childcare facilities to increase the number of available childcare slots. Click here to watch his speech.
Over in the Senate, newly-elected Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin spoke about her desire to return to Missouri’s “core values and principles” by focusing on policies to support and strengthen healthy families - expand access to quality education and ensure Missouri families have a safe place to raise their children by supporting our law enforcement officers. She criticized diversity, equality and inclusion initiatives, Missouri’s Children’s Division, and the current state of public education in Missouri. Click here to watch her speech.
Governor-Elect Kehoe Announces More Appointments
Governor-Elect Mike Kehoe announced the appointments of several individuals to serve on his staff in the Governor’s Office:
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Halle Herbert, Senior Policy Advisor
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Johnathan Shiflett, Senior Policy Advisor
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Sydney Scott, Policy Advisor
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Jordan Roling, Deputy General Counsel
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Keri Stuart, Boards and Commissions Director
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Sheila Luebbert, Constituent Services Director
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Carley Travis, Chief of Staff to the First Lady
Since last week, Governor-Elect Kehoe has also announced the following departmental appointments:
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Brigadier General Charles D. Hausman to serve as the next Adjutant General (TAG) of the Missouri National Guard
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Angela Nelson as Director of the Department of Commerce and Insurance
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Trish Vincent as Director of the Department of Revenue
Budget Update
State Budget Director Dan Haug reported that December 2024 net general revenue collections increased by 19.0% compared to December 2023, reaching $1.30 billion. Fiscal year-to-date revenue for 2025 showed a slight increase of 0.1% from the previous year, totaling $6.14 billion.
Despite positive revenue growth, preliminary conversations with members of Governor-Elect Kehoe’s budget staff suggest this year’s state budget will be tight, and next year’s even worse. Additionally, all ARPA and COVID relief funds that helped support the state budget in recent years have been expended.
Governor’s Inauguration Details
Monday, January 13
The following inaugural events are open to the public. Click here to view a complete schedule. A live stream of the inauguration ceremony will be available on Governor Kehoe’s Facebook page, the State of Missouri Facebook page and the State of Missouri website.
9:00am - Salute to Heroes - First Floor Rotunda, Missouri State Capitol
11:30am - Inauguration Ceremony - South Lawn, Missouri State Capitol
1:45pm - Promenade of the Budweiser Clydesdales - Missouri State Capitol to the Governor’s Mansion
2:00pm - Meet and Greet with Governor Mike Kehoe and First Lady Claudia Kehoe - Missouri Governor’s Mansion
7:00pm - Grand March and Inaugural Ball - Missouri State Capitol
2025 General Assembly Dates of Interest
First Day of Session: Wednesday, January 8
Governor’s Inauguration: Monday, January 13
MLK Day - No Session: Monday, January 20
State of the State Address: Tuesday, January 28
Spring Break: March 17 - March 21
Easter Break - No Session: Monday, April 21
Last Day of Session: Friday, May 16
Veto Session: Wednesday, September 10
Reviewed 2025-02-05