But the outgoing House Democratic floor leader, Rick Johnson, warns that the postelection pledges of bipartisanship might not be anything more than promises.
Coleman's message of cooperation matched with the replacement of floor leader, Rep. Rick Johnson, suggests the Democrats may be seeking a less confrontational tack.
Democratic leaders of both chambers brought up priorities they said Republicans have neglected to address so far this session. House Minority Floor Leader Rick Johnson, D-High Ridge, said prescription drug coverage for seniors should be priority. He also said the legislature needs to address a bill that would help law enforcement comply with the conceal and carry law passed last year.
House Minority Floor Leader Rick Johnson, D-High Ridge, said he voted against the lower education budget because it should have received more funding. With a budget that's $1 billion larger than last year, Johnson said the legislature should use $600 million of it to fully fund the foundation formula for public schools.
"We should be ashamed that we could not take care of our funding responsiblities, and we passed it off to the local districts instead," said House Minority Leader Rick Johnson, D-High Ridge.
House Democratic Leader, Rick Johnson, says he is still studying the bill, but that Democrats already pledged to make sure as much money as possible makes it to the classroom.
At a post-session news conference, House Democratic Floor Leader Rick Johnson, D-High Ridge, criticized Republicans for abandoning crucial and difficult budget decisions last year. Johnson said his party intends to work with the Republicans, but he will "respond appropriately" to issues that incite him.
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