Parties in Senate at Odds as Legislative Session Begins

Different parties, different priorities, as the 2006 legislative session begins. Majority Republicans in the State Senate say they want to build a stronger state on the foundation of reforms passed last year. Senate Leader Mike Gibbons of Kirkwood has a handful of issues on which he wants quick Senate action. They include a state energy policy and more money for schools. As for schools, Democrats say the state is still far from fully funding the formula or finding a source for the money. Republicans say the state has to act quickly to solve energy problems. Democrats say Republicans created more energy problems last year when they passed a pro-utility regulation bill. And, so it will go until adjournment in mid-May.