Missouri lawmakers have left Jefferson City for their annual spring break.
House Republicans touted their first half accomplishments during a press conference following Thursday's adjournment, while downplaying controversy over Speaker Steven Tilley’s decision to induct Rush Limbaugh into the Hall of Famous Missourians. Tilley (R, Perryville) told reporters that House GOP leaders have accomplished 70 percent of their goals for this year’s session.
“That agenda focused on taxpayers, jobs, schools and values," Tilley said. "We passed our Speaker Pro-tem’s voter I-D bill, our justice reinvestment act, debt disclosure and transparency...we've sent two significant bills with workers' comp and employment law to the Governor's desk."
But Tilley’s decision to induct Limbaugh into the Hall of Famous Missourians has drawn fire from House Democrats, who want the Speaker to rescind the honor. Minority Floor Leader Mike Talboy (D, Kansas City) says they’re considering taking some sort of action to pressure Tilley into changing his mind.
“We’re taking a look at that," Talboy said.
Aside from the Limbaugh controversy, Talboy described the first half of the 2012 regular session as, "the craziest 38 days that I've ever had to start a session." He described the GOP's accomplishments as a myriad of bad things, and he blamed the lack of a comprehensive education reform bill on Republican leaders taking orders from billionaire Rex Sinquefield.
"If Daddy Rex says that something needs to be in there, then Daddy Rex is gonna get what he wants," Talboy said.
House is set to reconvene March 19. The Senate, meanwhile, returns next Friday.
