House Lawmakers Talk Bi-Partisanship As Session Opens

Legislative leaders talk cooperation and bi-partisanship, at least on the first day of the 93rd General Assembly. The top Democrat in the House, Representative Jeff Harris of Columbia, makes the jesture of cooperation in addressing newly elected Speaker Rod Jetton. Jetton, a representative from southeast Missouri’s Marble Hill, proposes changes to House rules to change a system which he says was designed to foster debate, but – instead – fosters partisan bickering. Jetton outlines a four-part agenda: Build a stronger economy, make government more accountable, properly fund services and protect traditional values. More ceremony is set for Mondy, the inauguration, then organization, then the real work of this legislative session begins.