Lt. Gov. Brad Owen says there has been "significant progress" in talks between Senate Democrats and a new Republican-majority caucus that is expected to take control of the Senate next month.

Jeff Reading, deputy chief of staff for Senate Democrats, said Friday that at a meeting in SeaTac convened by Owen the "majority coalition" caucus comprised of 23 Republicans and two Democrats was recognized as the likely majority. As a result, there will be a change of offices on the Senate floor and in the wings before the legislative session begins on Jan. 14. And as the presumed leader of the majority caucus, Sen. Rodney Tom, D-Medina, will gain the Senate majority office.

Currently, Democrats are on the left hand side of the Senate, and Republicans on the right.