By Otto Fajen
MNEA Legislative Director
LEGISLATURE TO OBSERVE MLK HOLIDAY
The legislature concluded the session for the week on January 16. Both chambers will observe the Martin Luther King Holiday on January 20 and reconvene on January 21 in the afternoon.
GOVERNOR INAUGURATION
Newly elected Governor Mike Kehoe was sworn into office on January 13, 2025, as the 58th governor of Missouri. The Governor gave brief remarks and mentioned support for strengthening public education and expanding school choice, but with few specifics. Inauguration events in and around the Capitol complex lasted throughout the day and ended with the Inaugural Ball in the Capitol. Governor Kehoe will make his first State of the State Address at a joint session of the legislature on January 28, 2025.
COMMITTEES
The House approved HCS/House Resolution 7 (Alex Riley) on January 14. The resolution specifies the House rules for this session, including the names and subject matter areas for committees.
House committee chairs were announced this week. Rep. Ed Lewis will chair the Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education, Rep. Chris Brown will chair the Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development, and Rep. Ken Waller will chair the Committee on Pensions. House members appointed to the various committees will be made public next week.
The Senate approved Senate Resolution 19 (Cindy O'Laughlin) on January 15. The resolution amends the Senate rules regarding standing committees. Committee appointments were announced on January 16.
The Senate Committee on Education will consist of the following members:
Sen. Rick Brattin (chair)
Sen. Brad Hudson (vice-chair)
Sen. David Gregory
Sen. Mike Henderson
Sen. Nick Schroer
Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern
Sen. Stephen Webber
View past Legislative Updates at www.mnea.org/legupdate.