New Legislative Session Starts in Jefferson City

Missouri's newly elected legislative leaders are citing good schools and jobs among their priorities. 
Republican House Speaker Elijah Haahr promised Wednesday that lawmakers will "create bold solutions" for the challenges facing the state. In addition to focusing on education and the economy, Haahr said lawmakers must extend hope to those trapped in opioid addiction and opportunity to those in what he called "a broken criminal justice system." Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz said lawmakers also must "reduce the burden of government" by pursing reforms to taxes, regulations and lawsuit procedures.
Schatz encouraged civility among lawmakers by citing a Bible verse imploring people to live at peace with everyone. Haahr and Schatz were elected to leadership positions by their colleagues shortly after lawmakers took the oath of office.