Missouri’s 2026 legislative session kicked off on Wednesday.
Senate President Pro-Tem Cindy O’Laughlin, entering her final year in the chamber, said she wants to challenge state government to focus on the basics.
“Missourians want results, they want better roads, better schools, they want more private home ownership,” said O’Lauglin. “They want safe streets and neighborhoods. They want better jobs, they want thriving communities, and they want less dependence on the government at all levels.”
O’Laughlin, R-Shelbina, said lawmakers should focus on families and demand better results.
“Over the last five years, Missouri’s overall budget has grown by 40%,” said O’Laughlin. “During that same time, wage growth has been modest at about 3 or 4% per year. State spending increased at two to three times the rate of record high inflation. That kind of government largesse is unsustainable.”
House Democrats say they’ll focus on practical solutions and transparency while pushing back against what they call GOP failures, pledging to advocate for working families and protect fundamental rights as the session runs through May 15th.
Senate Democrats and Republicans are planning a press conference Thursday afternoon.
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