Lt. Governor urges Senate to address Chappelle-Nadal comment and vetoed bill

Lieutenant Governor Michael Parson today called on the state Senate to hold a special session to discuss a controversial comment by a Missouri Senator and a bill that Governor Eric Greitens vetoed in June.

Senator Maria Chappelle-Nadal (D) posted a comment on Facebook in August saying she hoped President Trump is assassinated, and has since been facing numerous calls to resign.

Chappelle-Nadal said she will not resign for her comment, but the Senate does have the authority to expel her from her position. Governor Greitens (R) tweeted in support of the Senate removing Chappelle-Nadal last month.

Parson said he personally believes Chapelle-Nadal should be removed, but he believes the Senate should decide what action to take.

The other purpose of Parson’s request for a special session was to discuss a bill Greitens vetoed in June. House Committee Bill 3 was passed in May, and would authorize a one-time sweep of over $35 million in leftover funds from various agency into the Senior Services Protection Fund (SSPF).

The SSPF offers services to seniors and veterans such as in-home nursing. Greitens vetoed the bill saying it raised a constitutional issue by spending money without “specific appropriation authority.” He said the Missouri Constitution prohibits the spending of state funds for a previously-undefined purpose.

Supporters of the bill hope the state legislature can undo the Governor’s veto during the veto session, which starts Sept. 15. The SSPF supports “for over 8,000 seniors, disabled Missourians and veterans,” according to Lieutenant Governor Parson’s press release.

Missouri Senator Denny Hoskins (R) was disappointed by the Governor’s veto, but he is “hopeful the general assembly can work with [Governor Greitens] in order to find another option.”