MO Senate overrides veto of bill cutting unemployment benefits

Jefferson City – The Missouri Senate last week voted to override Governor Jay Nixon’s veto of a bill that cuts the state’s unemployment benefits.

Their decision may end up in court because the Senate acted months after the Missouri House held its successful override vote. Nixon contends the delayed Senate action violates the state’s constitution. Republican legislative leaders disagree.

LOCAL CONTROL

Some legislators also predict a court fight over HB722, the bill restricting local governments when it comes to curbing plastic bags or hiking the minimum wage. Such a suit would likely center on the fact that plastic bags and wages are unrelated matters, a reason the state Supreme Court has tossed out previous bills.

MISSOURI ALREADY
NEAR THE BOTTOM

Missouri currently allows up to 20 weeks in unemployment benefits – among the lowest in the nation.

The Senate’s action resurrects HB150, which cuts those benefits to 13 weeks when Missouri’s unemployment rate is below 6 percent.

The state’s most recent figure, for July, had unemployment at 5.8 percent.

(Information for this report from St. Louis Public Radio)