JEFFERSON CITY — To advise the public regarding the negative consequences that would occur for Missouri if lawmakers override the governor’s veto of HB 253 — a measure addressing income tax and sales and use taxes — Sen. Joe Keaveny, D-St. Louis, will participate in a news conference alongside the governor today at Commerce Bank (8000 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, MO 63105) at 1:00 p.m. Throughout the 2013 legislative session, which concluded in May, Sen. Keaveny stood firm in opposition against HB 253, which he says would dramatically raise tax burdens on Missouri citizens.

“I support the governor’s veto of HB 253, and it is my hope that Missouri lawmakers do not attempt to override his decision come veto session in September,” Sen. Keaveny said. “It’s estimated that the legislation would come with a price sticker of up to $800 million for our state, not to mention the bill is anticipated to jeopardize education and raise taxes on prescription drugs. At a time when our state’s foundation formula is underfunded, it is not the time to slash certain taxes and use our children’s education as barter in the competition with our border states for the lowest income taxes.”

Senator Keaveny continued, “House Bill 253 is fiscally irresponsible and would put countless Missourians, particularly low-income citizens, in financial peril. Missouri is proud to call itself a fiscally responsible, low-tax state — we should not bear the reputation of cutting income taxes for large businesses and entities and raising taxes on hard-working citizens and families.”

At the end of June, the governor announced that he would withhold $400 million from Missouri’s FY 2014 operating budget, which took effect on July 1. These withholds are due to the threat of the HB 253 veto override and the costs associated with the legislation, which, as noted by the executive office, would create budget shortfalls.

The Missouri Legislature’s annual veto session falls on Wednesday, Sept. 11. Only the primary sponsor of a bill can make the motion to override the governor’s veto. If the bill receives a veto override in its originating chamber, the primary handler of that legislation in the other chamber may take it up for veto override consideration. Both chambers must vote to override a veto by a two-thirds constitutional majority.

For more about HB 253, visit the Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov.