SESSION BEGINS
The 2025 legislative session began at noon on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Newly elected members were sworn in, and key leadership elections were held during the session.
The Senate elected Sen. Cindy O'Laughlin as President Pro Tem. Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer will serve as Majority Floor Leader, and Sen. Doug Beck will serve as Minority Floor Leader. The Senate also convened on January 9, primarily for further introduction of bills and other procedural actions before adjourning until next week. Sen. O'Laughlin also made appointments this week to core committees necessary for the function of the Senate: the Committee on Administration, the Committee on Rules, Joint Rules, and Resolutions, and the Committee on Gubernatorial Appointments. Other committee appointments are expected to be made next week.
Sen. O'Laughlin gave opening remarks. Sen. O'Laughlin briefly referenced changes to reproductive rights (following voter approval of Amendment 3) and eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. O'Laughlin also spoke to improving the state's child welfare system and challenged all education stakeholders to work to improve student early grade literacy, critical thinking skills, and student career preparation. O'Laughlin also mentioned the need to improve public safety.
The election for House Speaker was a contested election, with Rep. Jonathan Patterson elected as House Speaker with 152 votes to 10 votes for Rep. Justin Sparks. Rep. Alex Riley will serve as Majority Floor Leader, and Rep. Ashley Aune will serve as Minority Floor Leader. The House held a technical session on January 9 before adjourning for the week. House committee appointments are also expected to be released next week.
Speaker Patterson also delivered opening remarks. Rep. Patterson also referenced changes to reproductive rights. Patterson indicated his other priorities included improving child foster care and child mental health services, improving public safety, and reducing childcare costs.
GOVERNOR INAUGURATION
Governor-Elect Mike Kehoe will be sworn into office on January 13, 2025, as the 58th Governor of Missouri. Kehoe has already made several announcements of cabinet appointments he will make for state agency directors. Assuming that the Senate approves HCR 1 (Alex Riley), Governor Kehoe will make his first State of the State Address to a joint session of the legislature on January 28, 2025.
MNEA'S EDUCATION ADVOCACY
Students are at the center of Missouri NEA’s legislative advocacy. MNEA believes that every child has a basic right to attend a great public school. The Association strives to ensure that all students have the time and resources to learn, caring and qualified teachers and an education that inspires their natural curiosity and desire to learn.
MNEA also continues to lead the fight to defeat the proposals that would harm public education. The Association’s legislative advocacy must ensure that legislators fulfill their commitments to stand up for children and public education during the legislative session.
BECOME AN MNEA EDUCATION ADVOCATE!
Commit to be an advocate in your legislative district! MNEA’s Education Advocate program seeks members who will be in contact with their respective State House or Senate members on public education issues. MNEA’s Government Relations department will pair members with their legislators and provide information and resources to conduct important legislative outreach throughout the year.
You can find more information and sign up at https://mnea.org/edadvocates.