New Faces and Outlook for 2011 Legislative Session

NEWS - Missouri House of Representatives 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:	CONTACT:    Rep. Shelley Keeney
Date: January 7, 2011	(573) 751-5912

New Faces and Outlook for 2011 Legislative Session 

opening day - taking oath of officeJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri State House Republicans opened the 96^th Legislative session with a new sense of character this week. Historic gains at the polls last November ushered in not only a record number of Republican State House members, but a rejuvenated group of public officials.

Newly elected Speaker of the House Steve Tilley (R-Perryville) believes the rejuvenation comes partly from the momentum of the elections. ‘The Missouri legislature must lead by example,” said Tilley. “This year we will prove to the citizens of our state that government can and will tighten its belt and do more with less.”

Tilley also stressed the importance of challenging the status quo and changing the culture in Jefferson City. One area where he personally initiated change was in tapping 3 Democrats to chair substantive committees. “We’re not always going to agree – even with our own parties, but we must not let partisanship get in the way of good ideas,” said Tilley. 

Republicans also set forth a bold and aggressive legislative agenda known as the Show Me Solutions initiative. Tilley challenged reaching the goals of their initiative in the first 50 legislative days, half the time their colleagues in Washington DC typically shoot for.

The Show Me Solutions initiative encompasses 5 areas: Taxes and Spending, Job Creation, Government Accountability, Education, and Healthcare.

Tilley says these 5 areas were developed out of core principles - fiscal prudence, limited government, personal responsibility, and individual freedom which Republicans value. Tilley also added that the proposals in each area would be grounded in common sense.

Rep. Shelley Keeney (R-Marble Hill) said, "I believe the people who I represent in the 156^th District will be glad to know that there is a commitment to hold the line on taxes & live within our means.  Simply put, we will oppose unnecessary tax increases, balance our budget and keep spending under control so Missouri doesn’t become like Washington, DC and accumulate outrageous debt."

The legislative session convenes in Jefferson City from January 5 through May each year.