Statement from Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal
on the Veto of Senate Bill 493

JEFFERSON CITY — It is with great sadness today that I must issue a response to the governor's veto of Senate Bill 493.  I am a minority within the minority party, within the smaller legislative chamber.  I only represent 180,000 people.  But SB 493 was a statement from more than just myself.  It was a statement from the legislative body — a co-equal branch of government.

I offer my humble apologies to the families and students that must deal with this educational limbo. We assumed the voice of the legislators representing a vast majority of Missourians would prevail. We will have to wait until September, likely too late to help those students or the receiving schools.

However, I would like to ask the governor, “Why is his Department of Elementary and Secondary Education issuing guidelines that contradict state law?"  I understand he may not have all the details, but it appears its recent “recommendations” memo actually mimics many of the solutions in the bill he just vetoed.   When department members were asked if their recommendations violated state law, his Department REFUSED TO ANSWER.  

Governor, please advise if our schools should follow state law, or DESE law?

— State Senator Maria Chappelle-Nadal
14th Senatorial District