Missouri lawmakers to square off in veto session

Starting Wednesday at noon, Missouri Republicans and Democrats will square off in a fight that has garnered national attention.

The New York Times published an article Tuesday about the Missouri veto session, specifically discussing the debate over House Bill 253.

Essentially, the bill calls for an income tax cut for business and individuals.

On one side, Gov. Jay Nixon and Democrats claim the state cannot afford the cut. On the other, the Republican majority is hoping to get enough votes to override the governor’s veto.

After a summer of campaigning, lawmakers will need to make a decision on how to vote.

“The buildup to this veto session is like nothing I’ve ever seen,” said Missourinet’s Bob Priddy.

He has covered politics at the Capitol for more than 40 years.

“We haven’t had a summer of campaigning quite like this one,” he said. “Primarily because of 253, the infamous House Bill 253.”

Gov. Nixon has been campaigning to keep his veto of the bill in place. All summer, he made stops and speeches across the state, trying to rally people and groups to pressure local legislators to keep his veto.

Nixon argues the state cannot afford to give up $800 million in revenue.

“With the other problems with the bill, there’s a fork in the road,” Nixon has said. “We must choose the right path. If we don’t, we can’t continue moving forward.”

Dan Mehan, the president of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, spent recent weeks traveling around the state to campaign as well.

However, he is arguing that Missouri cannot afford not to pass House Bill 253.

“House Bill 253 is an important tool to put in the toolbox for Missouri to market itself, expand its economy and expand the job base,” he said. “It’s a tax cut that affects every working Missourian in the state.”

The number of votes needed in the House of Representatives to override the governor’s veto is 109.

“I’m cautiously optimistic we have enough Republicans opposing it, but will House Majority Leader John Diehl even bring it up?” asked Rep. Chris Kelly of Columbia.

“The sponsor of the bill has the option not to bring it up for debate,” explained Priddy. “The indication is Republicans need every one of their members to override it.”

Chamber of Commerce leaders aren’t sure if the bill will be brought up for debate.

“I put it at 50-50,” said Mehan. “There are constituencies on both sides that want to win. We want it overridden for the economic aspects, the competitive aspects, and because we can do this. We have the money to give back to citizens.”

Senate floor leader Ron Richard told ABC 17’s Ryan Tate he wants the veto session to be done by Wednesday. He said it all depends on what happens in the House.

Gov. Nixon vetoed 29 bills, one of the largest numbers in Missouri history.

The governor’s veto has been overridden twice in the last two years: Once in 2011 and again in 2012.