The new session of the State Senate could be rather contentious. The unresolved issues that divided Republicans and Democrats last year – litigation reform, workers’ compensation reform, tax increase proposals – are back. And, the division remains. Senate Leader Peter Kinder of Cape Girardeau, a Republican, says Governor Bob Holden was wrong to veto litigation reform. He insists trial attorneys and their lawsuits are driving doctors and businesses out of the state. Senate Democratic Leader KenJacob of Columbia disagrees. He agrees there are problems with high malpractice insurance premiums, but he doesn’t blame the lawyers. Jacob says he’s not optimistic there’ll a lot of cooperation during this session.
