We didn’t get that great big red wave most of us were hoping for.
In the Missouri House, our Republican representation shifted from 114 seats to 111. While the Republicans still hold a …
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We didn’t get that great big red wave most of us were hoping for.
In the Missouri House, our Republican representation shifted from 114 seats to 111. While the Republicans still hold a supermajority in the House, this is the first time in decade our numbers decreased. I never would have expected it.
On the day after the election, the representatives gathered at the Capitol to elect leadership. When the dust settled, the new floor leader was decided by the younger and newly elected legislators. Dr. Jon Patterson, the new floor leader, will take the second-most powerful position in the House beginning in January.
The assistant floor leader is a member of my freshman class, Jamie Berger. Mike Henderson, a retired school superintendent, will assume the role of speaker pro tem. Hardy Billington will serve as whip. Chris Dinkins will be our caucus chair and Ann Kelley will return as our caucus secretary.
Dean Plocher, our new speaker of the house, was elected mid session. Speaker Plocher is currently on a trade mission with Governor Parson.
The Capitol is a flurry of activity immediately after an election. The next senior class will have the first pick of newly vacated offices. Each class draws numbers from a fish bowl. The representative with lowest number in each class gets the first pick of vacant offices. Seniority has the advantage for the better office space.
I drew a low number and will be moving to a third floor office near the entrance to the chamber. Jill Ryals, my legislative assistant will be moving with me.
The speaker is also beginning his committee assignments. I’ve asked to serve on the Rural Economic Development Committee, Special Committee on Small Business Tourism and Conservation, and Natural Resources. I would expect the speaker to make committee assignments by December.
Our Research department has been busy since the first of October. Prefiling for new bills begins on Dec. 1.
Thanks for your confidence in me. Please reach out to me or my office if there is anything we can do for you. Your opinion about all legislation is important to me.
