The 2015 legislative session began on Wednesday and will continue for the next five months.
Wednesday's opening ceremonies were unique in that they were interrupted by protests in the Senate Gallery. If nothing else, these protests will ensure that this opening day of session is remembered for many years to come.
In the coming weeks I look forward to participating in important discussions on a variety of topics and helping to craft Missouri's FY2016 budget.
With the beginning of a whole new legislative session the president pro tem will make new committee assignments and announce new committee chairs. I look forward to these committee assignments and am excited to move past the pomp and circumstance of the first days of a new session and get into the meat of policy and budget discussions.
This session, like every session, is significant for Missouri's future. The events in Ferguson this summer and fall are certain to result in a great deal of discussion, as will education funding, a balanced budget, transportation, ethics, regulatory actions that continue unabated at the federal level, and numerous other areas. We need to discuss these topics and we need to consider if there are good and prudent legislative actions needed for the benefit of Missourians.
The Senate is in good hands this session with the continued leadership of Sen. Tom Dempsey and Sen. Ron Richard, the president pro tem and majority floor leader. Both of these men understand Missouri and Missouri values and bring a consistent and pragmatic style of leadership to their respective positions.
I seek, and value greatly, your insights and perspective on issues that are important to you. Every year I endeavor to actively participate in conversations and listen to both sides of every issue, whether or not I have a definitive position on the topic. On those issues where I have an established position and perspective, I will always convey that to you candidly and without political waffling.
In addition to your insights and perspectives, I greatly value your prayers on behalf of my family and me, as well as on behalf of every member of the legislature.
My purpose and my intent is to serve the constituents of the 6th Senatorial District. If you are in the Capitol during the coming weeks and months, please stop by your office in Room 220.
State Sen. Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City, represents the 6th District.