Previewing the Veto and Extraordinary Sessions
A few weeks ago, the governor called for an extraordinary session of the Missouri General Assembly to deal with two ongoing legislative issues: STEM education and drug treatment courts. On Monday, Sept. 10, the Legislature will convene for the extraordinary session, which is currently set to conclude on Friday, Sept. 14. On Wednesday, Sept. 12, in the midst of the extraordinary session, the Legislature will also conduct its annual veto session, when lawmakers consider whether to override any of the governor’s legislative vetoes. While lawmakers are gathered in Jefferson City, several legislative committees will also meet to address various concerns.
Article IV, Section 9, of the Missouri Constitution grants the governor the power to call the General Assembly into an extraordinary session, so named because it occurs outside of the regular legislative session that runs from January to May of each year. Traditionally, the governor has only exercised this power when there is a pressing need for the Legislature to address a certain matter before the start of a new regular session.
One goal of this extraordinary session is to consider a career awareness program for students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, often abbreviated as “STEM.” STEM is an increasingly important part of our state and national economy, so it’s critical we educate students on the opportunities available in this area. The Legislature will also weigh an expansion of Missouri’s drug treatment courts, which seek to rehabilitate offenders suffering from drug addiction. I look forward to discussing these matters when the Legislature convenes.
As always, please feel free to call, email or write with your ideas or concerns. My Capitol office number is (573) 751-1415, my email is dan.hegeman@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 332, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.