JEFFERSON CITY— As the annual veto session began today (9-10) at the Capitol, Senate leaders expressed their frustration at the governor’s vetoes of more than 30 bills and more than 100 budget items that would have provided numerous benefits to the Show-Me state. Senate Leader Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles, said the Senate will stand strong against a disconnected governor who remains aloof and disinterested in the legislative process.

“The governor remained completely disengaged for five months throughout the regular legislative session, only descending from his ‘ivory tower’ to veto the bills we have worked so hard on,” said Dempsey. “He continues to push his agenda through speeches and fly arounds instead of working together with legislators to craft real solutions to the complex issues facing Missouri.”

Dempsey said the governor was consistently uncooperative in piece after piece of crucial legislation passed this year by the General Assembly.

 “One of the most pressing problems facing our state this session was the need to provide all of Missouri’s children access to a quality education close to home,” said Dempsey. “In spite of the months of bipartisan work that went into crafting the legislation, the governor vetoed the bill. This is the same governor who for months had no interest in helping draft a workable solution to Missouri’s education woes. His action makes our children pawns in a pointless political game.”

By law, the General Assembly can take up to 10 days during veto session to override the governor’s vetoes. While Senate leaders said not every bill will be brought up for an override, the legislation most critical to help improve our economic environment will be a top priority.

Majority Floor Leader Ron Richard, R-Joplin, said the distant governor has no idea what Missourians want and need.

For example, Senate Bill 662 contains a provision requiring the Department of Revenue to notify businesses of sales tax changes.

“The DOR has been practicing a system of ‘notification by audit’ by not telling Missourians of changes in sales tax policies, causing them to pay thousands in back taxes and penalties,” said Richard. “This is not only unfair, but it’s also unevenly enforced, putting some businesses at a competitive disadvantage.”

Dempsey also said Senate Bill 829 and Senate Bill 673 will be top priorities. Senate Bill 673 would tie the number of weeks of unemployment to the unemployment rate.

“It makes sense to reduce the number of weeks people receive unemployment when jobs are more plentiful. This bill will also ensure Missourians will be able to keep more of their money to reinvest in their businesses and communities,” said Dempsey.

“We want Missouri to be ‘open for business.’ We will override the governor’s misguided vetoes that serve to block innovation, add ‘red tape’ and discourage investment in our economy,” said Richard.

Dempsey said the governor’s attempts to threaten the Legislature against overriding his vetoes has not worked, and the Senate will continue to work for the people of Missouri.

“We came together as a Senate to create solutions to real and complicated issues facing our state. Those bipartisan efforts will not go to waste. We are committed to moving our state forward and will continue to work together towards this goal despite resistance from our disengaged and apathetic governor.”

To learn more about the vetoed bills and other bills or to track their progress, visit www.senate.mo.gov.