Shown above, Sen. Gina Walsh discusses legislation on the floor of the Missouri Senate during the 2015 session.

The 2015 legislative veto session saw another attempt (House Bill 116) by members of the Majority Caucus to harm Missouri’s working families by passing so-called “right to work” legislation. Year after year, anti-worker lawmakers in the General Assembly have misguidedly blamed union members for hindering economic growth, maintaining that it stifles our ability to attract new businesses to the Show-Me State. Session after session, they continue to blatantly disregard the fact that workers in right-to-work “for less” states are paid lower wages, work on more dangerous jobsites, and receive less comprehensive benefits and specialized training than union workers.

Organized labor is helping to strengthen Missouri’s middle class at a time when the rich get richer, while the poor only get poorer. Labor unions are beneficial for women and minorities. Since the pay scales in most union contracts are open information, collective bargaining agreements shine a light on wage differences and inequalities. That transparency makes it much more difficult for wage discrimination to thrive. Consider the following statistics:

• Median earnings for women union workers were $877 per week in 2012, or $214 higher per week (32.3 percent more) than for non-union women workers; and
• Median earnings for African American union workers were $784 per week in 2012, or $185 higher (30.9 percent more) than for non-union African American workers.

If we truly want to close the wage gap and are committed to helping women and minorities move out of poverty and into the middle class, then we must be in a position to offer good-paying jobs with decent benefits.

Although the Legislature initially passed HB 116, the measure was vetoed by the governor. In the veto letter the governor noted that this extreme measure would take our state backward, squeeze the middle-class, lower wages for Missouri families, and subject businesses to criminal and civil liability. It was brought up again during veto session, but failed to garner the necessary two-thirds majority vote in the House and died. With supermajorities in both chambers, lawmakers could’ve easily overridden the veto of HB 116 had they voted along party lines. I am proud that lawmakers from both parties stood up to protect Missouri families and voted against the measure, demonstrating a bipartisan effort and belief that right-to-work is wrong for Missouri.

According to a new poll released in August 2015, nearly six in 10 Americans stated they approve of labor unions. Efforts by working people to rally around issues ranging from raising wages to improved access to collective bargaining have led to the highest approval rating since 2008. In addition, millennials reported being more pro-union than any other age group, while the number of respondents who want workers to have more influence in public debate has risen 12 points since 2009. I will always fight for real workers’ rights – like the right to organize, bargain collectively, be paid fairly and retire with dignity and security.

On Wednesday, Sept. 16, Missouri lawmakers returned to Jefferson City for the General Assembly’s annual veto session. In total, state legislators voted to override 10 measures previously vetoed by the governor. Unlike regular session, when only a simple majority is required to pass a bill, a successful veto override requires a two-thirds majority in each chamber: 23 votes in the Senate and 109 votes in the House.

While there were four veto overrides I supported, there were six that I did not feel were right for Missouri and its citizens. Unfortunately, supermajorities in both the House and Senate made sustaining the governor’s vetoes on these measures an uphill battle. I’m disappointed to report that measures punishing children and families by cutting Missouri’s unemployment benefits timeframe to one of the shortest in the nation are among the vetoed measures that are now set to become law.

The following chart includes the 10 vetoed measures overridden during the 2015 veto session:

In October 2014, Missouri’s governor announced the creation of the Ferguson Commission to study the social and economic conditions in the St. Louis region; tap the expertise needed to address the concerns identified by the commission; and offer specific recommendations for making the St. Louis region a stronger, fairer place for everyone to live. On Monday, Sept. 14, the commission released its 200-page report, detailing its findings and recommendations, including strengthening the public-transit system.

Creating a public-transit system will enable Missourians to work more easily, which is why I support extending MetroLink on the proposed North-South corridor. The Northside-Southside MetroLink expansion is an entirely new line that would stretch up to 17 miles across North St. Louis, South St. Louis and downtown, providing residents with improved access to public transportation. The preferred route for the Northside portion would run right through the heart of Ferguson on its way to Florissant Valley Community College. The research has been done, a plan has been approved and it’s now time to move forward. A project like the Northside-Southside expansion doesn’t just mean additional travel options for local residents – it also means improving their quality of life. The study estimated a ridership of nearly 15,000 trips per day. That’s thousands of opportunities for the men, women and children of St. Louis to access education and jobs that previously were out of reach. Public transportation also opens the door for new development, often revitalizing distressed neighborhoods.

Several upcoming events are being hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation, and constituents are encouraged to take advantage of these fun and free opportunities located in the 13th Senatorial District. All three events will be held at the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area, near the Confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. Reservations can be made any time Wed.-Fri., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (314) 877-6014.

The Fall Flying Milkweed

Thoughts of spring and summer may be fading away, but planning can start in the crisp days of October. Milkweed seed needs to spend time outside in the cold days of fall and winter to produce a plant worthy of the beautiful colors and monarch butterflies that accompany it. Paint your own outdoor craft to rival the colors of fall and give a milkweed seed a home. We will discuss monarchs, their decline, the food they need to survive and how to grow your own milkweed plant. Each participant will receive their own milkweed seed and paver. Reserve by Oct. 12.

When: Monday, Oct. 12, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Who: All ages

Bats, Oh My!

Have you seen a bat? Should you be on the lookout for vampire bats? Explore the life cycle of Missouri bats through song, story and art. After creating a puppet, act out the bat life cycle and nibble on a few crispy critters. Bobcats, Bears, Bats, Oh My! Reserve by Oct. 15.

When: Thursday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Who: Ages 5-10

October Sunrise at the Confluence

What do Miami and Columbia Bottom Conservation Area have in common? Both have beautiful sunrises over a large body of water! Thankfully, our Confluence at the Mississippi and Missouri rivers is much easier to access. Join us in the crisp morning air for the latest sunrise of the year. Bring your camera for the “Golden Hour.” Share your photos with us, so we may display them in the Visitor Center. Meet at the front entrance gate. Reservations begin Oct. 15 and must be made by Oct. 29.

When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 6:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Who: Ages 7 and up

The open enrollment period for 2016 health coverage will run from Nov. 1, 2015, through Jan. 31, 2016. There are several ways to learn more about the Affordable Care Act or the federal Health Insurance Marketplace:

• Call the Marketplace Call Center: 1-800-318-2596 or TTY: 1-855-889-4325. Someone is available to assist you 24/7.
• Visit www.healthcare.gov for live chat assistance.
• Visit CuidadoDeSalud.gov for Spanish.
• Visit www.enrollmissouri.org.
• Visit www.covermissouri.org.

You may also visit my Senate Health Care Reform Resource Center for additional information and links to helpful websites.