Back for Special Session

NEWS RELEASE    ---     From the Office of Representative Shelley Keeney - 156^th District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:	CONTACT:    Rep. Shelley Keeney
September 1, 2011	(573) 751-5912

Back for Special Session

Every few years, the Governor issues a Proclamation calling Missouri lawmakers to come back to Jefferson City to resolve unfinished business. This is one of those years. 

Missouri statutes also provide that a special session may be called “by joint proclamation of the president pro tem of the Senate and the speaker of the House, upon filing with the secretary of state a petition signed by three-fourths of the members of the Senate and House,”  but this option has never been used. The terminology for this type of session may also be referred to as an “Extraordinary” session.

On Sept. 6, members of the General Assembly will return to the State Capitol to debate only the items as laid out by the Governor - which means that no one can introduce or debate any other legislation.  Although the legislature worked on these measures throughout the regular session, they ultimately ran out of time in which to reach a compromise between the House and the Senate.

We start over on these measures during the extraordinary, or special, session.  Legislators have been working during the interim to further study the issues and gain information on the topics to be addressed.

Rightfully so, citizens can have concerns about the cost of a special session. We also recognize this, which is why leadership works to keep a special session short.  The chamber’s work schedules are arranged so all General Assembly lawmakers are not required to be at the Capitol for the entire duration.  Essentially, House members will meet for a couple of days and then the Senate will meet for a couple of days.

A special session is a rare occurrence, and is only done when priority issues remain to be addressed after the General Assembly adjourns in May.  My hope is we do the work of the people and, no matter what we decide, make the best use of the taxpayers’ money for folks throughout the state.

September 11 – Ten-Year Memorial

Do you remember where you were when you first heard the horrible news on September 11, 2001?  Most of us will never forget.

As you approach this date, I hope you will remember those who lost their lives on that day and their families who were left to grieve.  Many were injured -- some even now are just realizing the damage to their health due to contaminant exposure while offering their assistance at Ground Zero that fateful day.  We should extend a thank you to everyone who stepped up and helped in some way.

I will be flying my flag to show that I remember as well as continue to pray for the safety of our great country!

Please let me know if you would like to receive my weekly updates via electronic E-Mail, by sending an email with your name to: Shelley.Keeney@house.mo.gov

As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns about state government.  Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-5912.  You may write me at: Shelley Keeney; Missouri House of Representatives; State Capitol -- Room 313; Jefferson City, MO 65101-6806 or email me.