On an “old school” edition of Politically Speaking, St. Louis Public Radio’s Jason Rosenbaum, Jo Mannies and Marshall Griffin provide a preview of the Missouri General Assembly’s upcoming veto session.
The annual event usually provides finality for some hot-button issues brought up during the legislative session – and this year is no exception. Lawmakers could take up “right to work” legislation, which would bar employers and unions from forcing employees to pay union dues if a majority voted to organize.
Supporters of “right to work” are facing an uphill battle to get to 109 votes in the Missouri House. And in recent weeks, interest groups on both sides of the issue have been spending money on advertisements and intensely lobbying lawmakers on the issue. If the bill doesn’t get overridden, “right to work” is expected to be a major issue in next year’s governor’s race.
Other bills that could receive an override attempt include:
- A measure that would bar local plastic bag bans and minimum wage increases. This bill is being watched carefully in Kansas City and St. Louis, two jurisdictions that recently passed minimum wage increases.
- Legislation banning undocumented immigrants from participating in the state’s A+ scholarship program.
- A bill that restricting unemployment benefits. This override could be controversial, because it was overridden in the House and not in the Senate during regular session.
Meanwhile, dozens of lawmakers are expected to hold fundraisers during veto session. These soirees come as lawmakers are taking stock of how women are treated in the Missouri State Capitol. A House task force may release some new guidelines for interns during veto session.
Follow Jason Rosenbaum on Twitter: @jrosenbaum
Follow Jo Mannies on Twitter: @jmannies
Follow Marshall Griffin on Twttier: @MarshallGReport
Music: “Me vs. Maradona vs. Elvis” by Brand New
