Columbia senator elected Senate Majority Floor Leader

(From the Missouri Senate Majority Caucus)

The Senate Majority Caucus elected Sen. Dave Schatz, R-Sullivan, to serve as president pro tem of the Missouri Senate for the 100th General Assembly. Senator Schatz previously served as the chairman of the Missouri Senate’s Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee.

“I am excited to work together with my current and newly elected colleagues, and I am looking forward to a productive 2019 legislative session,” said Sen. Schatz. “Voters sent a strong message on Election Day; they expect the Missouri Senate to continue its commonsense, conservative approach to governing our great state. In addition, my colleagues and I will continue working to make Missouri a more attractive place in the eyes of business owners and job creators.”

The president pro tem is responsible for appointing committee members, assigning legislation to committees and ruling on points of order raised during debate in the Senate Chamber, among other legislative duties.

Also elected to the Senate Majority Caucus Leadership Team:

*Senator Caleb Rowden, R-Columbia, elected as majority floor leader. The majority floor leader is responsible for setting the schedule of bills up for consideration by the full body, the time allotted for floor debate on legislation and session meeting times and dates.

*Senator Wayne Wallingford, R-Cape Girardeau, elected as assistant majority floor leader. This position is responsible for assuming the majority floor leader’s role in his absence.

*Senator Sandy Crawford, R-Buffalo, elected as majority caucus whip. Copied after Congress, the whip traditionally makes sure caucus members are present to cast votes.

*Senator Dan Hegeman, R-Cosby, re-elected as majority caucus chairman.

*Senator Jeanie Riddle, R-Holts Summit, elected as majority caucus secretary.

“I expect to have a good working relationship with every member of the Missouri Senate this session, and I look forward to working with the members of my caucus to accomplish each and every one of their goals,” said Majority Floor Leader Caleb Rowden, R-Columbia. “With good communication, we can work toward our goal of making Missouri a better place to live, work and raise a family.”

Schatz said the entire caucus will meet later this month to discuss priorities for the upcoming session. The 100th General Assembly will convene on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019.