Missouri legislature begins 2008 session

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The Missouri legislative session is under way with illegal immigration, health care, taxes and education atop the agenda.

The House and Senate convened around noon Wednesday for their 2008 session, which runs through mid-May.

Republican Governor Matt Blunt and the Republican leaders in each chamber listed efforts to combat illegal immigration among their priorities. They also are touting tax cuts for homeowners facing rising property values or for military veterans.

Other top issues include an expansion of government-subsidized health care to the uninsured and higher funding for teachers' salaries, college scholarships and schools in general.

Politics sometimes slows progress on policies during election years such as this. On opening day, however, the governor and lawmakers all were expressing a desire to work together.