JEFFERSON CITY - About 50 Joplin residents were on hand Thursday morning to witness the historic debate in Missouri's Senate.
Representatives of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce headed to the Capitol for the annual "Joplin Day," an event designed to bring current and future leaders of the Joplin business community together with state lawmakers.
"It was a great time," said Rep. Bryan Stevenson, R-Webb City. "It's a great opportunity for them."
Stevenson, who was chosen to serve as Speaker of the House for the day, presided over the House action -- which centered Thursday on issues such as gay marriage and economic development. The "Joplin Day" attendees had the opportunity to stand in the side gallery and observe the debate, and Stevenson said it was an honor to be able to recognize the Joplin business leaders as special guests.
The attendees then made their way to the Senate later in the morning, and had the chance to witness the highly unusual struggle between Senate Democrats and Republicans over lawsuit liability limits. The combative Senate session saw Republicans invoke a rare motion to end debate -- a move that has only successfully been used five times in the last 35 years.