Gov. Jay Nixon address senior citizens about House Bill 253

Governor Jay Nixon and republican lawmakers continue to battle over a bill the governor vetoes last month.

It’s main purpose would be to lower Missourian’s personal income tax over several years, but the governor addresses a group of seniors today about the bill’s wording that would also raise the sales tax on prescriptions drugs.

Republican lawmakers today not only defend the bill, but say the sales tax was a mistake.

Governor Nixon’s main focus in today’s speech was not raising taxes eight percent on prescription drugs.

But some say his focus is all wrong.

State representative Rocky Miller from Tuscumbia tells me that a portion of the bill is a typo.

The governor says it’s a “reckless fiscal experiment” passing house bill 253, undermining mid-Missouri education.

“This is my fifth year as governor, I have managed our resources of your state through as difficult a time as in my lifetime,” Gov. Nixon said.

If lawmakers override the veto, Nixon claims Columbia public school’s could lose $4-7 million dollars.

Jefferson city school district up to $2.5 million.

“We are at the cusp of so many things, raising the bar, more kids are going to college, additional dollars in the community colleges and training programs for non traditional workers,” said Nixon.

Nixon also says the bill would not only get rid of Missourian’s personal income tax, it would also cut funding for prescription drugs.

State representative Rocky Miller, of Tuscumbia is passionate about this bill.

“The reason he said he vetoed it was because there was actually a typo in the bill and it allows for prescriptions to be taxed again. That’s a mistake and that can easily and quickly be corrected and if he’s serious about it he’d call us in to a special session.” Rep. Miller said.

Rep. Miller says Gov. Nixon is using scare tactics to keep pushing what he wants to happen with this bill.

Lawmakers could veto house bill 253 in September when they reconvene.