2017 Veto Session
This past week the General Assembly gathered in Jefferson City for the annual veto session. The governor vetoed five measures passed during the regular session. In order to override a governor’s veto, lawmakers must approve each vetoed bill by a two-thirds vote in order for it to become law. There were no votes taken to override a veto this week.
The highest-profile measure that could have been taken up for consideration is House Committee Bill 3. This legislation would have authorized the commissioner of the Office of Administration to do a one-time sweep of $35.4 million in unused funds from Missouri’s various boards, agencies and commissions. The money would then be deposited into the Missouri Senior Services Protection Fund to help provide in-home and nursing care services.
Legislative leadership in both chambers established a work group tasked with finding a funding solution that will preserve the much needed in-home and nursing care for more than 8,000 disabled Missourians. Also to be considered is restoring provider rate cuts including cuts to private duty nurses who administer in-home care. Lawmakers who are part of the group have been asked to have a plan drafted in the next few weeks. It is my hope that after a plan is developed, we can gather for a special session to pass legislation to fix this problem that is plaguing so many Missourians.
During veto session the Senate did vote to censure Senator Maria Chappelle-Nadal after her comments on social media calling for the assassination of President Trump. I was supportive of efforts to expel the Senator which did not receive enough support. Regardless of party or title it is wrong for anyone, especially elected officials, to call for violence. We are better than this as people and a state. While I am pleased the Senator Chappelle-Nadal apologized, there must be consequences for actions of this magnitude.
As always, please feel free to call, email, or write with your ideas or concerns. My Capitol office number is (573) 751-1415, my email is dan.hegeman@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 332, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.