SB 509: the moment when all hope for the future of Missouri died

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General Assembly, Jay Nixon, Keith English, missouri, override, SB 509, taxes, veto

This morning the House took up the vote to override Governor Jay Nixon’s veto of SB 509. The republican majority needed 109 votes to override the governor’s veto. After quickly calling the previous question, the majority forced a vote without floor debate. The board was held open, amounting to a significant delay, waiting for the vote of Representative Keith English. Interestingly, the republican majority allowed that lone member of the minority party the final and deciding vote. Don’t you just love their bipartisan spirit?

During the wait the quips from the floor included, “Maybe we should all stand and applaud when he walks in” and “If this is such a good bill, what’s he hiding for?”

Representative Keith English, escorted in by Representative Ron Hicks (r), quickly approached his desk, pushed the vote button, and just as quickly left the House floor. The republican majority stood and applauded.

The final vote to override Governor Jay Nixon’s veto of SB 509. Representative Jeremy LaFaver (D) (left) – bearing witness, Representative Keith English (center) – casting the 109th vote necessary for the override, and Representative Ron Hicks (r) (right) – his escort on and off the House floor.

The override vote was 109-46.

Governor Jay Nixon (D) made the following statement:

Gov. Nixon issues statement on Senate Bill 509 veto override

May 6, 2014

Jefferson City, MO

Gov. Jay Nixon today issued the following statement regarding the legislature’s override of his veto of Senate Bill 509:

“Missouri families and businesses know that public education is the best economic development tool there is, and that is why I vetoed Senate Bill 509,” Gov. Nixon said. “While scaled back from last year’s billion-dollar House Bill 253, Senate Bill 509 fails to prioritize or adequately protect public education at a time when quality public schools are more important than ever to our ability to create jobs in the global economy. And while its authors may have delayed its impact, Senate Bill 509 remains a very real threat to the principles of fiscal discipline that have helped us maintain our spotless AAA rating for decades. As I have from Day One, I will continue to manage the budget with the resources available and keep our state moving forward.”

Rough translation: Representative Keith English won’t be sitting next to me at the next Democratic Party dinner.

Meanwhile, the rest of us are royally screwed.

Previously:

New Missouri Rule: if the governor governs right of center you can’t call him a “liberal” (July 1, 2013)

Bill signing Kabuki (July 12, 2013)

Rep. Chris Kelly (D): HB 253 – “I’d like to know what your opinion is.” (July 19, 2013)

Rep. Denny Hoskins (r): probably not gonna sustain the Governor’s veto of HB 253 (August 19, 2013)

Sec. of State Jason Kander (D) to Texas Gov. Rick Perry (r): You forgot about that Medicaid thing? (August 23, 2013)

Rep. Denny Hoskins (r) to UCM on HB 253: I don’t care, I’d rather be the new Speaker Pro Tem (August 24, 2013)

Rep. Denny Hoskins (r): your constituents know what you’re doing to them (August 26, 2013)

HB 253: Because those dissolute leeches at the public trough should shut up, that’s why! (August 28, 2013)

Missouri Democratic Party on HB 253: Yes, yes, let’s talk about Texas Gov. Rick Perry (r)…. (August 28, 2013)