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Missouri Senate says floor activity ended; members still weighing economic development package
Summary
The Missouri Senate concluded floor activity before a constitutionally mandated deadline, and leaders said lawmakers continue to consider an economic development benefits package. Sen. Steven Roberts also reported renewed interest in a possible St. Louis city-county merger, though he said it appears unlikely to advance now.
The Missouri Senate ended floor activity for its regular legislative session and adjourned its daily business ahead of a constitutionally mandated 6 p.m. May 16 deadline, Senate officials said. Senate leaders said lawmakers continue to discuss an economic development benefits package that had not been finalized when floor activity closed.
"And we are determined that if we can find some common ground there, we do have common ground. Whatever the result is, it will be a net positive for the people of Missouri," Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Cindy Laughlin said of ongoing talks over the economic development package.
Why it matters: the package under discussion could affect statewide economic incentives and development programs; Senators said they were still negotiating details at the close of floor action. The session’s floor work concluded while leaders continued talks rather than reporting a completed agreement to the chamber.
Sen. Steven Roberts of St. Louis said he is hearing renewed interest in a St. Louis city-county merger but expressed doubt it has a path forward now. "I don't think that has a path forward at this time. This might be one of those issues we disagree on, but, of course, would welcome a conversation," Roberts said.
The statements followed a report that lawmakers will adjourn the session sine die — with no appointed date for resumption — on May 30, according to coverage from the state capital. The transcript and public remarks captured in this report did not include a roll-call vote or formal recorded motion related to the economic package or the merger question; they reflect leaders' statements about the status of negotiations and interest in future conversations.
Reporting from the state capital, Dean Morgan noted the floor activity closing and the ongoing discussions among legislators. The transcript did not specify details of the economic development package, timelines for final decisions or the agencies that would administer any resulting programs.
Less critical details: speakers did not provide a dollar amount, specific incentive language or a schedule for bringing the economic package back to the floor. The discussion of a city-county merger for St. Louis was described as an interest reported to a senator rather than an active legislative proposal with filings or committee referrals recorded in the session’s floor activity.
