Term limits will prevent 73 of the House's 163 representatives and 12 of the Senate's 34 members from returning in January. Included in those casualties are House Speaker Jim Kreider and Senate Majority Leader Bill Kenney. They occupy two of the most powerful leadership positions in the entire legislature.
Immediately after Childers' amendment was adopted, the bill was put on hold. Senate Majority Floor Leader Bill Kenney, R-Lee's Summit, who decides the order in which the Senate debates bills, said he was disappointed that his constituents in Jackson County would be excluded under the bill's new language. He said he had not yet decided whether the bill would come up again.
Immediately after Childers' amendment was adopted, the bill was put on hold. Senate Majority Floor Leader Bill Kenney, R-Lee's Summit, who decides the order in which the Senate debates bills, said he was disappointed that his constituents in Jackson County would be excluded under the bill's new language. He said he had not yet decided whether the bill would come up again.
House Speaker Jim Kreider and Senate Majority Leader Bill Kenney are among 85 lawmakers ineligible to run for re-election. Complicating the issue further is redistricting, which Republicans say gives them a good chance to win control of the House and retain control of the Senate.
DePasco showed satisfaction about the only amendment passed on the bill, sponsored by Sen. Bill Kenney, R-Lee's Summit. The amendment would force the payday loan business to draft a report every two years about their activity, including the number of loans and the percentage charged.
The bill eventually passed without major change but Democratic opposition resumed on the next bill when Sen. Ted House, St. Charles, offered an amendment to use budget reserve money to boost funding for local schools. After conferring with Republican Floor Leader Bill Kenney, Russell withdrew the budget bill in frustration.
After adjournment Republican Floor Leader Bill Kenney, R-Lee's Summit, said he would bring the bill up again "sooner than later" but indicated that next week is the earliest it would reappear. With the legislative session scheduled to end May 17 and consideration from the House still necessary, time is running short. Westfall said he remains "cautiously optimistic" the bill will pass this session, but acknowledged that if it doesn't clear the Senate by the end of next week that will be..