Missouri Legislature begins new session with partisan divisions still evident

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The Missouri Capitol once again teems with life as lawmakers return to work.

Missouri lawmakers returned to the Capitol on Wednesday for the start of the 2026 legislative session, greeted by protesters and carrying forward tensions from last year’s divisive end. Lawmakers still await details on the governor’s highly anticipated income tax plan, set to be revealed next week during his State of the State address.

Demonstrators with horns and cowbells welcomed legislators back while reminding them of their responsibilities to constituents.

“We wanted to welcome back all the legislators to session and let them know we are here representing millions of Missourians who are concerned,” said Frida Tucker with We Stand United Missouri.

The Missouri House of Representatives and Senate began their work for 2026 with past conflicts still affecting relationships between parties.

“There’s still a lot of frustration leftover from last year,” said Democratic leader Rep. Ashley Aune.

Aune referenced ongoing tension over a Republican maneuver used to end last year’s legislative session by overturning two voter-approved measures. The action called for another vote on abortion and ended required paid sick leave for part-time workers.

Republican Senate Floor Leader Tony Luetkemeyer said he remains optimistic the parties can work together this year despite initial discomfort.

“I think we may get off to a little slower of a start at the beginning of the session, but that’s not abnormal,” said Leutkemeyer.

Leutkemeyer’s party plans to pursue income tax cuts this year.

“A proposal that is as close as possible to budget neutral, meaning that we would still be able to provide critical services to the citizens of Missouri that they’ve grown accustomed to, and so we look forward to working with the governor on that,” Leutkemeyer said.

Aune raised concerns about depleting state revenue and the impact tax cuts could have on the state budget.

“I think that we are going to have to have a lot of very difficult conversations about how our lives are going to change as Missourians,” Aune said.

Income tax makes up more than half of Missouri’s general revenue. General revenue is the money left to be spent, there is more money that’s already been allocated to specific state departments. About 60 percent of Missouri’s general revenue comes from income taxes.

The state’s budget is already shrinking, according to a new report from the Missouri Auditor that warns if spending doesn’t slow, the state could run out of general revenue by 2028.