Democrats were in the vast minority of both chambers of the General Assembly whose last regular session wrapped Friday. They hope to gain more numbers in elections this year, and their leader in the House says they will have help.
House Minority Leader Jake Hummel (at podium) was one of 51 House Democrats at the end of the session that closed on Friday. (photo courtesy; Tim Bommel, Missouri House Communications)
“I’m very happy to say that all of our statewide elected officials are on board with helping us do that,” says Minority Leader Jake Hummel (D-St. Louis). “It’s very wonderful to have a renewed and strong Democratic party that’s soul interest is putting more members of the Democratic Party into the legislature.”
By “all of our statewide elected officials,” Hummel says that will include Governor Jay Nixon (D).
“I’ve had conversations with the governor, absolutely,” says Hummel, “and I’m very happy and grateful for his help in the future.”
Along with Governor Nixon, the Attorney General, Secretary of State and State Treasurer are all Democrats.
Hummel says the expansion of Medicaid eligibility will be a key issue in this year’s elections.
“Medicaid expansion polls extremely high,” says Hummel. “We will absolutely take it to the voters and let them know what their legislators are doing and what they’re not doing.”