èßäapp

This week...

Mike Kehoe Inaugurated as 58th Governor of èßäapp

The èßäapp General Assembly put a final bow on the ceremonial start to the 2025 session this week with the oath of office of all of the statewide officers including Governor Mike Kehoe. The attendance at the swearing in ceremony was massive despite frigid temperatures, a testimony to the excitement surrounding Governor Kehoe’s election as the 58th Governor of the state of èßäapp. In his , Governor Kehoe emphasized four priorities: public safety, economic development, agriculture, and education. Law enforcement presence was impressive at all events throughout the day as families, friends, and constituents of newly elected officials gathered in Jefferson City to celebrate. The capitol was filled with excitement about the promise of this legislative session. 

New Committees, Chairmanships Announced

House and Senate leadership released committee chairmanships and committee assignments for the next two years.

New Gubernatorial Appointments, Staff

Governor Kehoe to serve as Director of Department of Health and Senior Services. The Governor also announced the following state department legislative liaisons:

• Tyler Hobbs, Department of Commerce and Insurance

• Jayln Talbot, Department of Public Safety

• Aly Gatwood, Department of Natural Resources

• Hannah Swann, Office of Administration

• TJ Graven, Department of Conservation

• Taylor Hagenhoff, Department of Corrections

• Ryan Stauffer, Department of Economic Development

• Perry Gorrell, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

• Wes Sutton, Professional Registration

• Zach Wyatt, Department of Revenue

• Adam Albach, Department of Social Services

• Patrick Flesch, Department of Transportation

• Dan Hutton, State Tax Commission

• Ethan Todd, Public Service Commission

• Lt. Alex Vivas, èßäapp State Highway Patrol

• Steven Marion, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

• Angie Stuckenschneider, Department of Mental Health

• Ben Terrell, Department of Health and Senior Services

Budget Update

All eyes were on House Speaker Patterson and Senate Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin’s picks for committee assignments associated with the highly coveted House Budget and Senate Appropriations Committees, which were announced this week.

In the House, Rep. Dirk Deaton (R-Noel) was appointed House Budget Chairman and Bishop Davidson (R-Republic) was named Vice Chair. to view all House Budget Committee members.

As for the Senate Appropriations Committee, there were no surprises. Pro Tem O’Laughlin appointed Lincoln Hough (R-Springfield) to serve as Appropriations Chair and Rusty Black (R-Chillicothe) as Vice Chair. to view all members of the Senate Appropriations Committee members. 

2025 General Assembly Dates of Interest

MLK Day - No Session: Monday, January 20

State of the State Address: Tuesday, January 28

Spring Break: March 17 - March 21

Easter Break - No Session: Monday, April 21

Last Day of Session: Friday, May 16

Veto Session: Wednesday, September 10