(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., AP) — Changes in Missouri’s tax code will be near the top of the agenda for Republicans in the state Senate during the 2013 session.

Sen. Tom Dempsey, of St. Charles, is expected to be elected as presiding officer when the Senate convenes in January. He says majority party Republicans want to act quickly on legislation to provide “income tax relief.” The specifics remain to be finalized but could include income tax cuts for individuals, small businesses or corporations.

Dempsey says the Senate also will consider an overhaul of the state’s tax credit programs; address financial shortfalls in the state’s Second Injury Fund for disabled workers; and restore occupational diseases as ailments covered by workers’ compensation.

Dempsey says he hopes the Senate can tackle all of those items before its spring break.