Lt. Gov. David Wasinger Calls for Legislative Reform in Missouri
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri’s new Lieutenant Governor, David Wasinger, is advocating for significant changes within the state legislature, particularly criticizing the Missouri Senate’s efficiency. Displaying a sign on his desk that reads, “We’ve always done it that way,” he expresses a clear intention to move away from stagnation in legislative practices.
As the legislative session nears its conclusion, Wasinger highlighted the stark contrast in bill passage among neighboring states, with Missouri currently only having sent 14 bills to the governor, of which four have become law. This is a stark decline from a time when Missouri regularly surpassed triple-digit bill approvals. Wasinger suggests that citizens are turning to ballot initiatives, such as online gaming and marijuana regulations, because the legislature is not effectively addressing these matters.
Among Wasinger’s proposed reforms is the re-evaluation of the Senate’s filibuster rules, which allow a small group of senators to indefinitely delay legislation. While he seeks collaborative input from lawmakers and grassroots organizations, his remarks have garnered criticism. Senate leader Cindy O’Laughlin admonished Wasinger for disrespecting the Senate during his speech, emphasizing the challenge of achieving consensus within the body.
As lawmakers are set to focus on Missouri’s primary obligation—balancing the state budget—Sen. Lincoln Hough welcomed dialogue with Wasinger, defending the budget process as open and transparent. With one week left in the session, leaders aim to address contentious topics such as abortion and paid sick leave, while Wasinger’s push for reform promises to stir ongoing discussions about the future of Missouri’s legislative efficiency.
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