House Democrats will work to improve Missouri in 2025

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The 2025 legislative session got underway today with House Democrats advocating for an agenda that emphasizes expanding economic opportunities, strengthening public education and protecting the health, safety and personal autonomy of all Missourians.

House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, flanked by members of the Democratic Caucus, briefs the press on the group's plans to emphasize improving the economy, education, health care and public safety. January 8, 2025.

“Missourians are eager for solutions, and House Democrats plan to use every moment available until the clock runs out in May addressing their concerns and doing all we can to improve their lives,” said House Minority Floor Leader Ashley Aune, D-Kansas City. “The legislature must focus on making life easier for folks—increasing economic prosperity and decreasing household costs—not wasting time and taxpayer dollars on political antics that do nothing to improve our state.”

Republicans have controlled both the House of Representatives and Senate since the 2003 legislative session. During that time legislative output has steadily decreased, dropping from 234 policy bills winning final passage in 2003 to a record-low of just 28 policy bills clearing the legislature in 2024, which marked the fifth consecutive year the lawmakers failed to crack the 50-bill mark.

House Democrats have re-filed several bills in 2025 that received widespread, bipartisan support last year but that the Republican supermajority ultimately failed to pass, including a package of child care tax credits, which was cited as departing Gov. Mike Parson’s number one priority last year. 

“Ridiculous infighting in the majority forced us all to skip the final check of the $51 billion state budget last year,” said Rep. Marlon Anderson, D-St. Louis City. “Even obvious, common sense bills on which almost every single person in this building agreed, didn’t get to the finish line. Even the Republican-sponsored child marriage ban failed to pass – with a Republican super-majority.” 

House Democrats have been listening to their fellow Missourians and plan to do everything in their power in 2025 to keep the chamber focused on issues like the cost of groceries, access to affordable child care and the survival of rural hospitals. 

“Missourians continue to face dwindling access to reliable child care, mental health resources, and rural medical services,” said Rep Aaron Crossley, D-Independence. "Meanwhile, those entrusted by voters with the legislative majority have shown time and again their true loyalty lies with wealthy campaign donors, not with working families struggling to put food on the table."

The legislative session runs through May 16. Following the normal legislative schedule, that gives lawmakers approximately 70 work days to debate and pass legislation, as well as complete work on the state budget.