The Missouri House is considering a shorter work week to save some money. Meanwhile, the Missouri Senate may consider an effort to cut the membership of the Missouri House.

Skipping a formal Thursday floor session would spare the state from paying legislators their daily expense allotment.

Missouri lawmakers generally hold floor sessions Monday through Thursday. But this week, Republican House leaders may wrap up the work week on Wednesday.

The annual legislative session started about three weeks ago, so most of the work on bills is being completed by committees rather than the full chamber.

Missouri Senator Jim Lembke of St Louis is behind an effort to cut the Missouri House from 163 members to 101. Lembke says he knows a smaller House of Representatives would mean more work for each representative. But he says it would be manageable.

Lobbyist and former state representative Todd Smith thinks that’s a false economy. Smith says the proposal won’t save any money and will cause problems for the remaining members. Smith also feels it would lessen lawmakers’ contact with votes.