JEFFERSON CITY, MO. (AP) -- The Missouri Legislature is open for business.
The 95th General Assembly was gaveled into order Wednesday by Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder in the Senate and by Secretary of State Robin Carnahan in the House.
After newly elected lawmakers took their oaths of office, they moved to the election of their leaders - Senate President Pro Tem Charlie Shields of St. Joseph, and House Speaker Ron Richard of Joplin.
Republicans hold a 23-11 majority over Democrats in the Senate and a 89-74 majority in the House.
Getting top billing this year are the economy and the state's impending budget troubles.
Gov.-elect Jay Nixon says he wants lawmakers to pass a job creation plan before their spring break in mid-March. Nixon is to be sworn in as governor next Monday.
(Copyright ©2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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