House and Senate leadership: “focus is on a smooth transition”

Senate and House leadership left more questions than answers their meeting with Lt. Gov. Mike Parson Wednesday morning.

House Speaker Todd Richardson, Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard and Senate Majority Leader Mike Kehoe met with Parson for a few hours to discuss what comes next for the lieutenant governor.

“Our focus is on a smooth transition,” said Richardson.

With the abrupt resignation of Gov. Eric Greitens Tuesday afternoon, Parson’s office has been a hub for capital and cabinet leaders.

Discussion on the sunset of the special session is ongoing, according to leaders, but there has been talk that Parson will give a joint address to the General Assembly before adjournment. The remainder of any session will be technical, said Richardson.

When it comes to whether the House committee will continue its work, Richardson, Richard and Kehoe didn’t have a definite answer.

“We’ll have that discussion over the coming days,” said Richardson. He reiterated that their focus now was on the transition.

There’s also still a discussion to be had about whether A New Missouri and Greitens for Missouri will have to provide documents to the House committee.

On Wednesday afternoon, Richardson and Richard will sign bills passed by the General Assembly and send them on to Gov. Greitens desk. Richardson said he wasn’t worried about last-minute vetoes by Greitens, but he hadn’t talked with him about it.

Richard said they are sharing their staff to help with the transition.

“There’s no happy time in a resignation so let’s just leave it at that and try to make a seamless transition,” said Richard.

Lt. Gov. Parson released the following statement:

“We are taking every step and working around the clock to ensure Missouri state government does not miss a beat throughout this transition. My commitment to all Missourians is to listen to them and work together to advance the interests of our great state,” Lt. Gov. Parson said.

Earlier today, Lt. Gov. Parson met with House Speaker Todd Richardson, Senate President Pro Tem Sen. Ron Richard, and legislators from both parties.

In addition to meeting with these leaders, Parson reached out to all cabinet members. Parson is planning to hold a meeting with the cabinet early next week.

On Thursday, Parson will receive a briefing from the Missouri Department of Public Safety’s State Emergency Management Agency and finalize the details of the swearing-in ceremony.”