Missouri Senate leaders outline 2017 priorities

Missouri Senate leaders outlined their legislative priorities Thursday morning at the state capitol.

Among those who appeared were Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard, R-Joplin, and Senate Majority Floor Leader Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City.

The Republican party again holds majorities in both the Missouri House and Senate in 2017. Many party members are optimistic that it will be a productive session with the newly elected Republican governor, Eric Greitens.

Richard said ‘Right to Work’ will be the first bill to be assigned to a committee and likely the first one passed in the Senate.

That bill would prohibit employers in the state of Missouri from requiring employees to join a union of other labor organization. Greitens said during his campaign that he was in favor of such a measure.

Wednesday was the official start of the 2017 legislative session and marked the first meeting of the 99th Missouri General Assembly.