The first regular session of the 103rd General Assembly began Wednesday. History was made in the Missouri House and Senate on the first day.
For the first time, the state Senate has chosen a woman to serve as its top leader. Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin, R-Shelbina, is the new president pro-tem.
The new Senate leader established her vision for what she thinks will make a difference in the lives of everyday Missourians.
“Throughout my time in public service, I’ve held firm in my belief about what truly makes Missouri great. Our greatness is rooted in the strength of responsible families who work hard, educate their children, and build resilience and faith,” she told the upper chamber.
Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin (property of Missourinet)
She called upon her colleagues to help Missourians.
“We must support strong healthy families, expand access to quality education, ensure safe neighborhoods, and set high expectations for the next generation. This is the foundation for success and prosperity,” said O’Laughlin.
She celebrated what she said makes Missouri great, and what she said does not.
“Our greatness does not come from diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that prioritize superficial measures over merit and responsibility. Our greatness does not stem from policies that make abortion easy and accessible, while devaluing the sanctity of life and undermining the sanctity of the family,” O’Laughlin said.
The president pro tem is elected by the entire body to manage procedural functions and rule on parliamentary matters. Not only was O’Laughlin unanimously elected, but she was also joined by a large group of former female senators in a show of support.
In the Missouri House of Representatives, the first Asian American will serve as House speaker – Rep. Jonathan Patterson, R-Lee’s Summit. He is the first speaker from Jackson County in 157 years and the first medical doctor to serve in the role in 140 years.
“Let’s get to work for Missouri families,” Patterson said during his address Wednesday to the lower chamber. He said the last General Assembly left “unfinished business on the table.”
Patterson wants to prioritize a bill that would ban Missouri from seizing the Social Security benefits of foster children who are orphaned or have disabilities.
“We must prioritize the most vulnerable among us, especially our foster kids. Therefore, I will refer that same legislation to committee next week, and I ask that it be the first bill out of the House and sent to the Senate for their consideration,” he said.
Patterson also wants to prioritize funding for pediatric mental health care.
“Mental health continues to be a problem afflicting our youth,” according to Patterson. “It is an issue that is seemingly getting worse each and every year. I ask that our budget committee be formed and continue to make investments in pediatric mental health.”
In addition, he wants to prioritize the passage of a childcare tax credit package.
“Missouri’s families continue to be burdened with trying to find childcare spots that are too hard to find and too expensive. This is something I personally heard time and time again from constituents as I visited with them this past summer. The lack of affordable and accessible childcare causes billions of dollars of losses and around $5,500 per working parent each year,” Patterson said.
The newly-elected House speaker said changes to abortion rights will be a priority.
“For Missouri families, there can be no greater gift than the gift of life. That means, as we respect the will of the people, we must clarify the provisions of Amendment 3 and make Missouri the most pro-life state it can be,” said Patterson.
House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, D-Kansas City, said Missouri voters spoke last November.
“It was clear in the language what they were voting on,” said Aune. “And I think it is insulting to voters to come down here and for the majority party to say, ‘No, we know better than you.’”
Amendment Three allows a right to abortion until a fetus could likely survive outside the womb without special medical help, which is about six months into pregnancy.
By Anthony Morabith and Alisa Nelson
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