The new session of the General Assembly has begun with Republicans in control of both chambers for the first time in almost a half century. The House made history, electing its first woman Speaker. Representative Catherine Hanaway of Warson Woods is the new woman in charge. In her initial speech to the House, Hanaway spoke of the budget concerns lawmakers must address and she warned Governor Bob Holden of the danger of sending the Legislature a budget that is balanced only through increased taxation, expansions in gambling, and borrowing from the Rainy Day Fund.
