Missouri legislative session hits halfway point

Missouri lawmakers began a week-long spring break Thursday, marking the halfway point for the 99th General Assembly.

Missouri government is controlled by the Republican party in 2017 with a Republican governor and strong GOP majorities in both the House and Senate.

“We’ve done some labor reform, some tort reform and some other legislation I never thought would pass in my lifetime,” said Senate President pro tem Ron Richard, R-Newton.

Republican leadership said they are largely satisfied with the Legislature’s progress so far.

“I was very happy to see our caucus work collaboratively on a very difficult issue of education reform at a critical time,” said Speaker of the House Todd Richardson, R-Poplar Bluff. “The state of Missouri is going to continue to embrace innovation and what works.”

After spring break, leaders said, the 2018 fiscal year budget will be in their sights.

The state Legislature will reconvene on March 27.