狐狸少女 General Assembly Gavels In:
This week, the 狐狸少女 General Assembly kicked off the 2026 legislative session.
In the Senate, Senator Cindy O鈥橪aughlin gave a ceremonial speech outlining the Senate's priorities. Those priorities included reducing spending, reaching across party lines and passing bills that benefit 狐狸少女 families.
In the House, Speaker Jon Patterson did not give a ceremonial speech, and the chamber passed the usual rules and ceremonial resolutions.
Both chambers passed a number of bills to committees, with some bills being heard in committees next week.
Party Leadership and Committee Membership Changes:
This session, party leadership for both Democrats and Republicans remains the same.
House Democrat Leadership: Rep. Ashley Aune (Minority Floor Leader), Rep. Marlon Anderson (Assistant Minority Floor Leader), Rep. Aaron Crossley (Minority Whip).
House Republican Leadership: Speaker Jon Patterson (Speaker of the House), Rep. Alex Riley (Majority Floor Leader), Rep. Chad Perkins (Speaker Pro Tempore), Rep. Lane Roberts (Assistant Majority Floor Leader), Rep. Hardy Billington (Majority Whip).
Senate Democrat Leadership: Senator Doug Beck (Minority Floor Leader), Senator Steven Roberts (Assistant Minority Floor Leader), and Senator Brian Williams (Minority Caucus Whip).
Senate Republican Leadership: Senator Cindy O鈥橪aughlin (President of the Senate), Senator Tony Luetkemeyer (Majority Floor Leader), Senator Curtis Trent (Assistant Majority Floor Leader), Senator Jill Carter (Majority Caucus Whip).
In committees, the only change is that Senator Lincoln Hough is no longer the Budget Chair of the Senate. Senator Rusty Black was named the new Budget Chair of the Senate for 2026.
Governor Kehoe鈥檚 State of the State:
Next Tuesday, Jan. 13, Governor Mike Kehoe will deliver his State of the State address at 3 p.m. In his address, it is expected that Governor Kehoe will outline his plan to phase out the elimination of the state income tax, give an outline of his budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year and detail the legislative priorities of the majority party this session.
Local News Roundup:
This week, State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick released a report stating critical cuts are needed to ensure a healthy state budget. Fitzpatrick noted that, 鈥淸...] the state will deplete the General Revenue Fund balance in FY 2028 if FY 2026 expenditures remain unchanged and revenues grow at the rate of the latest CRE.鈥 To read more on Auditor Fitzpatrick's report, .
In addition to Auditor Fitzpatrick鈥檚 report, State Budget Director Dan Haug reported that the net general revenue collections in December 2025 declined slightly (0.5%) compared to December 2024. Director Haug and other budget experts have warned that budget cuts are necessary to balance the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. However, the revenue reports at the end of the year are positive trends.
2026 Dates of Interest:
Tuesday, Jan. 13: Governor鈥檚 Annual State of the State Address (3:00 p.m.)
Monday, Jan. 19: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (No Session)
Wednesday, Jan. 28: State of the Judiciary (10:30 a.m.)
Monday, Feb. 16: President鈥檚 Day (No Session in the Senate, House will still convene)
Thursday, Feb. 26: Last Day to File Bills in the House and Senate
March 12-22: Legislative Spring Break (No Session)
Monday, April 6: Easter Holiday (No Session)
Friday, May 8: Deadline to Pass a Balanced Budget for FY 2027
Friday, May 15: Last Day of Session
Wednesday, Sept. 16: Veto Session
Reviewed 2026-01-09