Capitol Report September 14th, 2017

As mandated by the Missouri Constitution, the General Assembly met yesterday to consider bills that were passed by the House and Senate but vetoed by the governor. The annual Veto Session gives legislators a final opportunity to enact their ideas into law despite the governor’s objections. In both chambers, a two-thirds vote is required to override a veto. In the House that is equal to 109 votes. Twenty-three votes are needed in the Senate to successfully complete an override motion.

Of the bills sent to his desk by the legislature, Governor Greitens vetoed only one House Bill, one House Committee Bill, one House Concurrent Resolution, and two Senate Bills. He also issued line item vetoes in three appropriations bills. Of these vetoed bills, the House decided to take up one bill—HCB 3. More on the results of this motion below.

Missouri Senate and House to Develop Funding Solution for In-Home and Nursing Care for Disabled Missourians

As noted above, the House came together yesterday afternoon to discuss the pieces of legislation that were approved by the General Assembly but vetoed by the governor. Of the handful of bills to consider, only HCB 3 received a motion for override, and this motion came from the minority party. Members debated the merits of overriding the governor’s veto versus working together to find another funding solution to preserve in-home and nursing care for more than 8,000 disabled Missourians.

HCB 3 was approved by the House on the last day of the legislative session in an attempt to preserve nursing and in-home care services for some of Missouri’s most vulnerable citizens. In the days leading up to the conclusion of the session, House and Senate members had worked to find a solution that would keep the vital services intact. The House had passed a version of the bill that would end the renter’s portion of the senior citizens property tax credit (Circuit Breaker) in order to generate funds that would be used to protect the existing level of service. The Senate countered by passing a version of the bill that would raise the funds by “sweeping” the unexpended monies from several state funds associated with regulatory boards and commissions.

With the Senate being unwilling to negotiate and no other options on the table, the House then approved the Senate solution and sent it to the governor’s desk. The governor vetoed the bill calling it a “one-time gimmick” that drained funds from programs to prevent child abuse and neglect, assist injured workers, and to train police officers and firefighters.

While all House members agreed action was necessary to prevent the vital services from being cut off for Missourians in need, the majority of members voted against the attempt to override the governor’s veto. The motion failed by a vote of 49-106. Members instead favor finding a more responsible solution that will allow the more than 8,000 disabled Missourians to receive the care they need.

As House members discussed a possible veto override of HCB 3, Senate Leader Ron Richard and House Speaker Todd Richardson announced that their two chambers will work together to develop a funding solution that will preserve 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 neonatal care.

Richard and Richardson have asked Sen. Mike Cunningham and House Budget Chair Scott Fitzpatrick to work together, and to work with their colleagues from both parties, to formulate a fiscally responsible plan that will ensure services are maintained for those in need.

House Members Celebrate Master Key Anniversary at State Capitol

Also, this week, members of the General Assembly and visitors to the State Capitol celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Capitol Commission Board's acceptance of the master key and custody of the Missouri State Capitol building. The Friends of the Missouri State Museum and the Missouri State Capitol Commission sponsored a reception and silent auction to commemorate the anniversary on Wednesday, September 13. One hundred years ago, the State Capitol Commission Board received keys to the nearly-complete Missouri State Capitol. Lawmakers and members of the public gathered in the rotunda on the third floor of the Capitol for the event. The silent auction featured 17 special prints of historic Capitol photographs from the Missouri State Museum's collection with proceeds from the auction to benefit the conservation of the Museum's diverse collection of artifacts. This special event served as the finale to a series of centennial events commemorating construction of the Capitol building.

Lee's Summit Jr. ROTC helps remember 9/11

Lee’s Summit Jr. ROTC helped us remember 9/11/2001 last Monday. Thanks to UCM for keeping this important day meaningful to the next generation. Never forget!

It is an honor to serve the 51st District in the Missouri House of Representatives. Each week I will issue a capitol report to keep you informed of activities in Jefferson City. Any concerns or issues you might have are of great interest to me. I look forward to your input and thoughts, so please feel free to contact me at any time if you have questions, concerns, or ideas to improve our state government and the quality of life for all Missourians. My telephone number is 573-751-2204 or you may contact me by email at dean.dohrman@house.mo.gov. Thank you for working with me to make Missouri a great place to live.