Members of the House Majority Caucus this week unanimously supported Rep. Tim Jones, R-Eureka, as the next speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives.
Jones, who currently serves as majority floor leader, will be designated as speaker-elect until the beginning of the 2013 legislative session when the full body will have the opportunity to officially elect him to the position of speaker.
House Republicans currently hold an historic majority with 106 seats. Assuming Republicans hold their majority, Jones will replace current House Speaker Steven Tilley, R-Perryville, who will be termed out of office after 2012.
“I’m humbled and honored to have the support of my caucus to serve as their leader in the coming years,” Jones stated in a news release. “We have had outstanding leadership with Speaker Tilley, and I hope to build on his success while continuing the common sense conservative agenda the people of Missouri want and need, especially during these challenging times.”
Jones will continue in his role as majority floor leader for the 2012 session while also working with Tilley to gain a deeper understanding of the duties of the speaker, according to the release. As floor leader, Jones controls the flow of legislation on the House floor and works with the speaker to set the legislative agenda.
As speaker, Jones will be responsible for determining the legislative agenda for the Missouri House, selecting committee chairmen and assigning bills to committee.
“We have accomplished a bold agenda over the last few years but still have much to do to move Missouri forward,” Jones stated. “I look forward to leading my caucus as we continue to promote limited government, fiscal responsibility, and work every day to create good-paying, family-supporting jobs.”
