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.
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.