Opening day for Missouri lawmakers started with a lot of ceremony.
But after the festivities, lawmakers know they face a tough year ahead with the troubled economy.
Coming into 2009, Missouri lawmakers face a budget shortfall in the state. On opening day, there's at least one priority many can agree on this legislative session ... job creation in the state.
State representatives new and old gathered in house chambers to start work. Many southwest Missouri lawmakers can already list their priorities for the year.
"A family recovery plan, looking at job creation, economic development, property tax reform." said Rep. Bob Dixon, (R) Springfield.

"Challenge the status quo, challenge budget projections, challenge how we can solve economic issue in Missouri," said Rep. Sara Lampe, (D) Springfield.

"The focus we should have at this time is building job growth. I'm a strong advocate for Missouri Quality Jobs Act," said Rep. Eric Burlison, (R) Springfield.

A $350 to $500 million budget shortfall in the state will force lawmakers to get creative.
"To look at each line item. I don't want us to say we're going to take all money from AG or education. We need to look at each item very, very carefully," Lampe said.

"There's no doubt it's going to be a tough year. My goal as we go through that is protecting education K-16," Dixon said.

Lampe agrees education can't go by the wayside ... Because good education can help create jobs in the state ... Which is something all parties agree the state needs.
Many legislators say this is the year for a real bipartisan effort in the state to get Missouri back on track.
Lampe is wasting no time submitting her bills ... She filed four today (1-7-) including her butter bill, a bill to reduce red tape for small businesses, and one to get Greene county another judge.