Governor’s Legislative Vetoes Remain after MO Senate Inaction

Amounting to a value of over $555 million, all of Governor Parson’s vetoes remain in effect after Missouri’s 2023 veto session, despite the House of Representatives’ approval of 14 budget overrides. The Senate refused to consider any of the overrides, which led to criticisms from Democrat and Republican lawmakers alike. 

On the Senate Floor, Senator Bill Eigel (R-Weldon Spring) questioned why none of the House’s budget overrides were being brought to a vote. Eigel said Parson’s vetoes ignored important needs in his St. Charles community, such as contamination in the county’s drinking water, and mentioned his displeasure with the Senate’s inaction. Several members of the Missouri House held the same sentiment, including Representative Peter Merideth (D-St. Louis), who questioned whether the state’s legislative body had its priorities in the proper order. 

A minimum vote of two-thirds of both the House and the Senate is required to override a governor’s veto. Responding to senators asking why no vote was brought to the table, Senator Lincoln Hough (R-Springfield), Senate Appropriations Chairman, said he didn’t expect there to be enough votes in the Senate to pass the items. According to a statement from Governor Parson, the cuts to the $51 billion state budget were to address potential future costs. Among the cuts were $23 million for new police and 911 facilities in St. Louis and $28 million to widen Interstate 44.