Veto Session / Special Legislative Session

NEWS RELEASE    ---     From the Office of Representative Shelley Keeney - 156^th District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:	CONTACT:    Rep. Shelley Keeney
September 16, 2011	(573) 751-5912

Veto Session / Special Legislative Session

Of the bills passed by the Missouri Legislature in 2011, there were fourteen which were not approved by a veto of the Governor.  During our annual Veto Session, lawmakers in the House and the Senate did not attempt to override any of the bills. 

Special Session discussion can only pertain to those measures outlined by Governor Nixon in his Proclamation which announced the dates of the session.  The House and the Senate have each discussed measures begun in their body to somewhat expedite the process.  The Senate passed an economic development (jobs) bill which now comes to the House.  It no longer has a $300 million tax credit for warehouse developers involving international cargo shipment at the St. Louis Lambert Airport.  An amendment offered in the Senate Chamber by Senator Rob Schaaf (R-St. Joseph) narrowly (17-16) retained the circuit breaker tax credit for senior citizens and disabled Missourians.   

Another measure receiving a vote this week was SCS SB 1, the Public School employees’ “social media” bill that, due to a lawsuit, has been blocked by a Cole County Circuit Judge’s temporary injunction.  Although this topic was included in Governor Nixon’s initial legislative session’s call, there is discussion that the Senate’s action this week should have been to repeal it; while the Senate believes there is precedence to actually rewrite the part that caused the injunction.  The rewritten language, passing the Senate on a 33-0 vote, makes provisions for local school districts to develop their own policies by early next year. This bill is now assigned to the House Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education where it will be heard before coming to the full House for a vote.

Session may continue for another week.  To keep costs lower, each legislative body only has members in the Capitol when there is actual work to be done in committees or for voting on bills in the House Chamber. 

I hope everyone is enjoying the wonderful fall weather like I am.  It was great to see all of the participation at the Fort Benton Civil War Re-enactment commemorative event last weekend.  Patterson Community Center and the Wayne County Historical Society did a really great job in coordinating the festivities and are to be commended.

Please let me know if you would like to receive my weekly updates via electronic E-Mail, by sending an email with your name to: Shelley.Keeney@house.mo.gov

As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns about state government.  Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-5912.  You may write me at: Shelley Keeney; Missouri House of Representatives; State Capitol -- Room 313; Jefferson City, MO 65101-6806 or email me.