The 97th Missouri General Assembly convened at noon Wednesday in Jefferson City.

Both chambers of the assembly opened the 2013 legislative session which is expected to be ruled by tax cuts and Medicaid.

Republicans control 24 of the 34 Senate seats and 109 of the 163 House seats with two vacancies. About one-third of members in each chamber are freshmen.

Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon wants lawmakers to expand Medicaid coverage for lower-income adults, as envisioned by President Barack Obama’s health care law. But Republican lawmakers are reluctant to do so.

Republicans also plan to pursue business-friendly changes to the state’s legal system, a bonding proposal for colleges, job-protection changes for public teachers and potentially a new transportation funding plan.

Republican House Speaker Tim Jones opened business with a lengthy speech outlying his priorities for the legislative session.

“The citizens that entrusted us with this duty want nothing more than a government that removes the barriers to success rather than create’s them, that keeps the playing field level rather than tipped in favor in one group or another, that focuses it’s attention on the needs of all the people rather than the political schemes of a powerful few,” Jones said.

Meanwhile, Senate President Pro-Tem Tom Dempsey does not see right-to-work making it through during this years session.

“If you talk to people who are trying to bring companies to their state, they will talk that right to work is one of the factors. It is not the only factor, but it is one of the factors,” Dempsey said.  “But the Governor  Nixon, has made is position clear and the votes are not there to override the objections of the governor.”

Lawmakers are expected to be in session until May 17th.