Missouri Senate picks leaders, lists priorities (AUDIO)

Republican and Democratic legislative leaders have started outlining priorities for a legislative session where one party will have enough strength to pass its agenda without help from the other side.

Senator Tom Dempsey (R-St. Charles)

St. Charles Senator Tom Dempsey remains the leader of the Senate. His top priority is passage of the agriculture bill vetoed last year by the Governor, but without the captive cervid language that killed the issue last year.

After that, he says, “We’re going to continue to work on those policies that are going to spur growth in our economy and get people working.” He also lists “continued commitment to education achievement through funding and through policy” as a high priority. He’s also sure there will be issues related to Ferguson, too.

Dempsey has 25 members of his caucus. The nine Democrats have picked St. Louis Senator Joseph Keveany as their floor leader.

He agrees that economic development and job creation should be a priority. And he thinks Democrats can be significant players although outnumbered more than two-to-one. “Sometimes we may not be able to pass a whole lot but we can stop things, ” he says, “So I like to think that we can stimulate intelligent discussion and try to move things in the right direction.”

Senator Joe Keaveny (D-St. Louis)

Republicans, however, have shown they can act without needing Democratic votes. GOP Senators passed a motion during the veto session that cut off a Democratic filibuster on the 72-hour abortion waiting period bill, allowing an override vote on party lines.

Pre-filing of bills for the 2015 session starts in 24 days. The session begins January 7th.

AUDIO: Senate news conference 24:00

AUDIO: Keveany interview 15:49

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