Missouri senators prepare to start the new legislative session.

Missouri senators prepare to start the new legislative session and, as always, reaching success means different things to different senators.

Incoming, new Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin of Shelbina says she went into this past year skeptically…

“But I think if you concentrate on the things that you know are important and you try to find common ground with the people who are in the Senate, you can find it. And I believe we did that.”

The First Regular Session of the 103rd General Assembly starts at noon on Wednesday.

Missouri Senate Minority Floor Leader Doug Beck of Affton says the Legislature was able to increase teacher salaries in 2024…

“We also need to look at staying competitive with the states around us. I think we need to look at that also as far as teacher salaries go. So we’ve made a start. We need to make a the continuation.”

Opening day is largely ceremonial, and includes swearing in all 34 Missouri senators. This year, there are 10 new Missouri senators.

Session will end in mid-May.

The budget is due one week prior.