JEFFERSON CITY — On Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2014, the Missouri General Assembly convened its annual session to consider a record number of gubernatorial vetoes: 33 bills and more than 150 budget items. The members of the Legislature voted to override vetoes on 10 bills and 47 appropriation line items.  Senator Bob Dixon, R-Springfield, released the following statement today (9-12). reflecting on the outcome of the veto session:      

“At times such as veto session, when we consider the vetoes made and objections raised by the governor, there is a heightened awareness of our responsibility to be deliberative but decisive. None of these decisions — these votes — are made lightly. It is a time to be quick to listen and slow to speak, so that all sides of an issue might be heard.  In a representative democracy, the majority may prevail, but the minority will be heard. 

This veto session was historic in many respects. In one instance, 140 of Missouri’s 197 legislators, elected by the people of Missouri to represent them, voted in favor of overriding the governor’s veto of House Bill 1307, relating to the minimum waiting period before an abortion can be performed. 

On this subject, the differences of opinion may seem more apparent. However, we cannot lose sight of the fact that a bipartisan legislative majority also took vote after vote to override the governor’s vetoes of budget items and reverse their negative impact on Missouri’s most vulnerable citizens. The General Assembly rallied behind the common priorities reflected in the budget it passed earlier this year, including votes to restore funding for:

• Reading instruction for students in struggling school districts;
• Forensic exams on abused children;
• Services to sexual assault victims;
• Additional newborn screening services;
• Funds to equip water patrol boats with defibrillators;
• Health initiatives in rural Missouri; and
• Funding for independent living centers and sheltered workshop programs.
  

Each year, as the members of the General Assembly work to promote a positive vision for our state and its citizens, I always keep in mind that, as Thomas Jefferson stated, ‘every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle.’ On the budget, legislators were united by principle and purpose. That sends a message that the governor should hear and take to heart.”