Legislators weigh in on possible 2016 session topics

The Missouri legislative session begins in just under a week and there are several topics lawmakers could discuss.

Speaker Pro Tem Denny Hoskins said he’s spoken with his constituents across Missouri and they want the economy to be the government’s No. 1 priority.

“They want to make sure our economy continues to improve and that there’s enough jobs out there for people who want a job,” Hoskins said.

So he expects the state’s economy to take center stage for the 2016 session.

“We will definitely look at bills we feel will help promote job growth and job creation here in the state of Missouri,” he said.

But there are still other issues that need to be discussed, including the Syrian refugee crisis.

Hoskins thinks lawmakers are going to try to figure out how to approach the situation.

“We as Missourians are very compassionate people,” he said. “We want to help but we want to make sure we help people without putting our family and friends in harm’s way.”

Gov. Jay Nixon announced in November that Missouri would not ban refugees from the state.

Hoksins thinks the discussion is far from over, though.

“I think we will definitely take a look at the Syrian refugee situation and see what ways we can help while maintaining that our friends and family are safe.”

He also hinted that legislators could discuss the fall protests on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, and Republicans are expected to push Right To Work as well.