Yesterday at the Missouri Ethics Commission:

C001135 06/12/2015 A BETTER MISSOURI WITH GOVERNOR JAY NIXON UAW V CAP 8000 East Jefferson Avenue Detroit MI 48214 6/10/2015 $50,000.00

[emphasis added]

That’s a lot.

As far as we can tell Governor Jay Nixon isn’t running for another political office in 2016.

Previously:

Campaign Finance: What’s up with that? (December 18, 2014)

Campaign Finance: What’s up with that? – part 2 (December 28, 2014)

Uh, yeah.

Today from Attorney General Chris Koster (D) via Twitter:

Chris Koster ‏@Koster4Missouri

MO motto: “The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law.” #RTW harms families. Thank @GovJayNixon for his veto [….] 9:45 AM – 5 Jun 2015

Right to get paid less isn’t a good thing for working people.

Previously:

HB 116 & 569: great moments in legislative prognostication (February 11, 2015)

Not so smart ALECs (May 12, 2015)

A reminder (May 12, 2015)

Gov. Jay Nixon: your General Assembly in action (May 17, 2015)

Right to get paid less and have fewer benefits (June 2, 2015)

Gov. Jay Nixon: Veto of HB 116 & 569 – Right to Get Paid Less (June 4, 2015)

Reason enough (June 4, 2015)

“…The “right to work” moniker is a misnomer. Right to work laws create a less skilled workforce, drive down wages and directly interfere with a business owner’s right to contract…”

Governor Jay Nixon [June 2014 file photo].

Governor Jay Nixon vetoed anti-labor HB 116 & 569 today. His veto message:

GOVERNOR OF MISSOURI

JEFFERSON CITY

65102

June 4, 2015

TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI

Herewith I return to you Senate Committee Substitute for House Committee Substitute for House Bill Nos. 116 & 569 entitled:

AN ACT:

To amend chapter 290, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to labor organizations, with penalty provisions.

I disapprove of Senate Committee Substitute for House Committee Substitute for House Bill Nos. 116 & 569. My reasons for disapproval are as follows:

Senate Committee Substitute for House Committee Substitute for House Bill Nos. 116 & 569 (House Bill No. 1 l6) is a so-called “right to work” law that would prohibit employers from requiring the payment of “any dues, fees, assessments, or other similar charges however denominated of any kind or amount to a labor organization” as a condition of employment or continued employment. It would also prohibit employers from conditioning employment or continued employment on an employee or applicant becoming or “refrain[ing] from becoming a member of a labor organization.”

The “right to work” moniker is a misnomer. Right to work laws create a less skilled workforce, drive down wages and directly interfere with a business owner’s right to contract. House Bill No. 116 takes this ill-advised policy one step further by also subjecting employers and others to state criminal prosecution and unlimited civil liability. House Bill No. 116 is wrong for workers, wrong for business owners and wrong for Missouri.

There are three specific reasons for my veto:

I. House Bill No. 116 Is Bad for Our Economy

House Bill No. 116 is misguided legislation designed to undermine labor organizations that produce highly skilled workers for Missouri employers. This attack on working Missourians would stunt economic growth by reducing workforce training opportunities and driving down wages. For generations, the right to collectively bargain has yielded benefits for all workers. Labor organizations, through training, apprenticeships and other programs – paid for by their members – play a valuable role by providing the skilled workers that businesses need to compete in the global economy. House Bill No. 116 would curb the ability of labor organizations to make these critical investments. Here in Missouri we have seen the benefits of a skilled workforce, where large employers with organized workers have added thousands of jobs and made massive capital investments. Talented, union-trained workers are a key asset in attracting such investments and creating good paying jobs. House Bill No. 116 would thwart this momentum by reducing training resources which will, in turn, result in fewer skilled workers for our businesses and create a more difficult environment for employers and labor organizations to expand our economy.

House Bill No. 116 would also drive down wages for all workers, regardless of whether such workers are members of a labor organization. On average, workers in so-called “right to work” states make considerably less per year than workers in non-right to work states. Paying workers less, whether members of labor organizations or not, and giving them fewer opportunities to learn the skills necessary to succeed, will not move our state forward.

II. House Bill No. 116 Constitutes Unwarranted Governmental Interference Into the Operations of Missouri Businesses

House Bill No. 116 constitutes unwarranted governmental interference into Missouri businesses. Currently, the only way that union membership or dues payment are required as a condition of employment is if an employer agrees to that condition. Absent the employer’s agreement, there can be no such condition. Accordingly, at its core, a so-called “right to work” law is a government-mandated prohibition directed against an employer’s right to contract. Through this governmental interference, House Bill No. 116 would take away the rights of an employer to decide for itself how to run its business. This attack on the freedom and autonomy of Missouri employers cannot become the law of this state.

III. House Bill No. 116 Exposes Businesses to Criminal Prosecution and Unlimited Civil Liability

House Bill No. 116 would subject employers to state criminal prosecution and unlimited civil liability for using labor organization membership as a condition of employment. These penalty provisions were added in a Senate committee after the bill had initially passed the House. Not only would this new crime and new liability ensnare businesses that desire to require their employees be union members, it would also authorize sanctions against businesses that attempt to condition employment on an employee “refraining” from becoming a member of a labor organization.

House Bill No. 116 would create a broad new crime, a class C misdemeanor, for any person who “directly or indirectly violates” the provisions of the bill. It would give each of the 115 local prosecuting attorneys and the attorney general sweeping authority to launch investigations into complaints of “violation or threatened violation” of its provisions, and to use “all means at their command” to enforce compliance. It is not infrequent during labor organizing campaigns, for example, for disputes to arise over an employer’s hiring and firing decisions, i.e., conditions or continuation of employment, allegedly made on the basis of support for the labor organization. Under the terms of House Bill No. 116, such allegations could expose an employer to criminal prosecution. The bill would also criminalize a bargained for agreement that includes a union security clause that an employer is now free to make under current law.

On the civil side, House Bill No. 116 would expose business owners to lawsuits seeking “any and all damages of any character” that result from a “violation” or “threatened violation” of its provisions. This government overreach, enforced with the threat of criminal prosecution and civil damages, would inject new uncertainty into the operations of Missouri businesses without any positive impact on our economy.

IV. Conclusion

Missouri’s greatest assets are its highly skilled, well-trained workers. These Missourians produce goods and services that are consumed around the world. Their efforts and talents allow our companies to expand while also attracting new businesses to locate or move to the Show Me State. They are our relatives and our neighbors. They are the backbone of our economy.

House Bill No. 116 would represent a significant step backwards for Missouri. It would reduce wages, limit training opportunities, undermine business owners’ autonomy, and expose employers and others to the threat of state criminal prosecution and unlimited civil liability. This is not a path Missouri should follow. I stand with the workers of Missouri and reject this wrongheaded legislation that will hurt our economy, our families and our businesses.

In accordance with the above stated reasons for disapproval, I am returning Senate Committee Substitute for House Committee Substitute for House Bill Nos. 116 & 569 without my approval.

Respectfully submitted

s/

Jeremiah W. Jay Nixon

Governor

Some of the reactions via Twitter:

Tony Messenger ‏@tonymess

If Missouri Republicans really believe #RTW is a winner with voters (not donors), they should put it on the ballot in 2016. 12:04 PM – 4 Jun 2015

And a couple of pointed reactions to that reaction:

Matt LaCasse ‏@MattLaCasse

.@tonymess That sounds dangerously like actual democracy, though… 12:05 PM – 4 Jun 2015

Mid-MO Royals Fan ‏@MidMORoyalsFan

@tonymess It would fail miserably and they know it. 12:07 PM – 4 Jun 2015

Indeed it would.

Cathy Sherwin ‏@cathysherwin

Thanks @GovJayNixon for standing up for Missouri’s working families and all middle class w/veto of #RightToWork #righttoworkiswrong #moleg 12:00 PM – 4 Jun 2015

Previously:

HB 116 & 569: great moments in legislative prognostication (February 11, 2015)

Not so smart ALECs (May 12, 2015)

A reminder (May 12, 2015)

Gov. Jay Nixon: your General Assembly in action (May 17, 2015)

Right to get paid less and have fewer benefits (June 2, 2015)

A television commercial running this evening in the Kansas City media market:

Right to work. It has nothing to do with rights or work. It’s about greed. It’s about CEOs who make around three hundred and sixty times what the average worker makes getting more. And it’s about politicians overreaching to give big out of state corporations who fill their campaign coffers more power to cut wages and benefits. Right to work isn’t right and it doesn’t work. Call Governor Nixon. Thank him for protecting our workers and opposing so called right to work law.

[Call Governor Nixon

855-463-8386

Thank him for

opposing

right to work]

[MiddleclassMO.org

Paid for by Preserve Middle Class America]

Previously:

HB 116 & 569: great moments in legislative prognostication (February 11, 2015)

Not so smart ALECs (May 12, 2015)

A reminder (May 12, 2015)

“…Cooperating doesn’t mean compromising on your principles. And when the General Assembly passes legislation that would take our state backwards, like they did this past week, I won’t hesitate to use my veto pen to protect the interests of the people of Missouri.

I’ll lay out my objections in greater detail in my veto message, but it’s clear that attacking workers and threatening businesses is the wrong economic development strategy for our state and it’s not what Missourians sent us here to do…”

Governor Jay Nixon [June 2014 file photo].

From Governor Jay Nixon’s office:

Remarks by Gov. Nixon regarding the 98th General Assembly

May 15, 2015

Jefferson City, MO

Below are the prepared remarks given by Gov. Jay Nixon upon the adjournment of the 98th General Assembly:

Good afternoon and thanks for being here. I know many of you have had some long days this week so I’ll have just a few comments and then be glad to take any questions.

First I want to congratulate Representative Todd Richardson, a well-respected and talented legislator, on his election as Speaker of the Missouri House. I spoke to Todd last night and told him that I was committed to working with him next session to restore trust and move the state forward.

Earlier this year, at the beginning of session, I talked about the values we share as Missourians… and encouraged the General Assembly to rise above partisanship… and do the right thing by the working families of our state.

Because we’re all here for the same purpose: to represent the people of Missouri – folks who are working hard to make ends meet, provide for their families, and build a brighter future for their children.

And during this session, we were able to reach across aisle to get things done on a host of important issues:

   I’m eager to review the legislature’s bill to reform municipal courts – a top priority I called for in my State of the State address.

   We also took steps to strengthen our agriculture industry with a bill to help dairy farmers and encourage more young people to pursue careers in agriculture.

   Last week I signed legislation restoring caps on noneconomic damages against health providers – a reasonable, bipartisan solution to a long-standing and vexing challenge.

   The bonding package is another example of bipartisan progress. Everyone understands the critical role of higher education in maintaining our competitiveness in a global economy, and giving our students the skills they need for the jobs of the future.

   So last year, after the legislature passed additional bonding capacity, we reached out to legislators and higher education institutions around the state to chart a path forward.

   Our public colleges and universities identified their top priorities for bringing their higher education facilities up to the level our students deserve.  Six months later, that bill is on my desk – and it’s going to create thousands of good jobs in every corner of the state, while strengthening Missouri’s position as a leader in college affordability and quality.

   On the budget, again – there was more agreement than disagreement. From providing record funding for K-12 education, to investing in small businesses – the legislature passed the budget on time and answered my call for smart, strategic investments that will pay dividends for years to come.

   For example, the budget includes the spending authority needed for us to continue moving forward on a new Fulton State Hospital – replacing one that opened in 1851. I called for it… the legislature passed it… and in a couple weeks we’ll be breaking ground on that new state-of-the-art facility.

   I also want to thank the Senate for upholding my veto of a bill that would have unfairly denied working people the unemployment insurance benefits they’ve earned in the workplace.

But make no mistake, we don’t always agree.

Cooperating doesn’t mean compromising on your principles. And when the General Assembly passes legislation that would take our state backwards, like they did this past week, I won’t hesitate to use my veto pen to protect the interests of the people of Missouri.

The bill to make Missouri a so-called “Right-to-Work” state would stifle our economic growth, weaken the middle class – and even subject Missouri employers to criminal and unlimited civil liability.  

I’ll lay out my objections in greater detail in my veto message, but it’s clear that attacking workers and threatening businesses is the wrong economic development strategy for our state and it’s not what Missourians sent us here to do.

The legislature also left some major unfinished business that, for the good of our state, must be addressed when they return next year. That includes giving working people access to affordable health care, funding our roads and bridges, updating the state statute governing deadly force to be consistent with constitutional requirements and U. S. Supreme Court precedent, and finally reforming our ethics laws.

Now before I take questions, I want to talk briefly about the events of the past week.

The State Capitol should represent the best of Missouri….. a place where public servants carry out the people’s business transparently and ethically… and where young women and men can learn how their government works without fear of harassment, intimidation or other inappropriate conduct.

Now, there are many good people in this building, upstanding individuals who are here to serve the public interest.

But sadly, the past week has been a jarring reminder of what happens when people lose sight of what they’re here to do – and who they’re here to serve.

Now that the session has come to a close, members of the General Assembly face a choice – of whether the past few days will simply reinforce the low expectations many Missourians already have for the legislative process, or whether these events will serve as a wakeup call to do better and act in ways that will make Missourians proud.

That’s why I hope that, as they return to their districts this summer, members go home and get some perspective.  Spend time with their families… talk with their constituents… and recommit themselves to values that called them to public service and the people they’re here to represent.

Not lobbyists and special interests… but ordinary Missourians who work hard… go to church… and look out for their neighbors.

The autoworker on the line in Claycomo…The student working his way through school in Kirksville… The veteran starting her own business in St. Louis.

We’re here to deliver on their priorities: balanced budgets… good-paying jobs… quality schools… strong, inclusive communities…. and a government that reflects the highest ethical and moral standards.

Those are the priorities I’ve fought for as Governor over the last six years, and they’re the priorities I’ll continue to fight for in the months and years ahead.

Uh, yep, there will be a veto.

Governor Jay Nixon vetoed HB 150 today. The release:

Gov. Nixon vetoes bill that would hurt workers, weaken the economy

May 5, 2015

Causing further harm to workers who have been laid off by taking away insurance benefits they’ve earned will not grow our economy, Governor says

Gov. Jay Nixon today vetoed House Bill 150, which would have reduced the maximum duration of unemployment insurance benefits from 20 weeks to 13 weeks for Missourians who find themselves unemployed through no fault of their own. House Bill No. 150 would also reduce unemployment insurance benefits for those Missourians who upon losing their job receive some severance pay. The Governor’s veto of similar legislation last year was sustained.

“Unemployment insurance benefits provide a bridge for hardworking Missourians looking for another job, while strengthening local economies at the same time,” Gov. Nixon said. “Supporters of this bill have forgotten that workers earn these insurance benefits by working, and that tough economic times often last longer than a mere 13 weeks.”

The unemployment insurance system, jointly administered by the federal and state governments, serves as a bridge to future employment for those who are out of work due to circumstances beyond their control.  

Missouri’s average weekly unemployment insurance benefit of $243.63 ranks 43rd out of all 50 states. Missouri’s current cap of 20 weeks of assistance places Missouri among eight states that pay less than the national norm of 26 weeks, while only about one third of Missourians who apply for unemployment insurance benefits actually receive them.

“There is no sound fiscal argument for this bill. In fact, Missouri’s unemployment insurance trust fund remains, and is projected to remain, financially sound,” Gov. Nixon said. “Therefore, the changes sought by House Bill 150 are not needed, and their impact on both individuals and our economy are unfair and ill-advised.”

“The Missouri AFL-CIO applauds Governor Nixon on his veto of HB 150, a dangerous bill that would take away unemployment benefits at a time when they are most needed by Missouri’s working families,” said Mike Louis, President of the Missouri AFL-CIO. “At a time when running out of unemployment insurance could mean running out of clothing for a family, running out of money to make the car payment or house payment or not even being able to put food on the table is not a time when Missouri legislators should turn their backs.  Thank you, Governor Nixon, for standing for Missouri’s working families.”

“Taking away the insurance benefits Missouri workers have earned in the workforce is just wrong,” said Jeff Aboussie, executive secretary-treasurer at the St. Louis Building and Construction Trades Council. “Pulling the rug out from working people is no way to strengthen our economy. The men and women of the St. Louis building and construction trades are proud to stand with Governor Nixon in opposing this legislation.”

“This bill is bad for workers and it’s bad for our economy,” said UAW Region 5 Director Gary Jones. “On behalf of autoworkers across Missouri, I thank Governor Nixon for once again standing up for the hardworking men and women of our state and vetoing this harmful and unnecessary bill.”

[….]

[emphasis in original]

Yes, they still are.

Previously:

Gov. Jay Nixon’s Veto of SB 24: “Mean People Suck” (April 30, 2015)

SB 24: luckily, Jonathan Swift proposed a modest solution (May 5, 2015)

Previously:

Gov. Jay Nixon’s Veto of SB 24: “Mean People Suck” (April 30, 2015)

Via Twitter:

Jason Hancock ‏@J_Hancock

Following the Senate vote last night, House just voted 113-42 to override @GovJayNixon veto of welfare bill #moleg 12:05 PM – 5 May 2015

House Communications ‏@MOHOUSECOMM

By a vote of 113-42, #MOHouse approves motion to override veto of SB 24 (Nonmedical Public Assistance). 12:05 PM – 5 May 2015

VirginiaYoung ‏@VirginiaYoung

House has enacted the bill over governor’s veto. Vote was 113-42 — more than the 109 needed and the 111 bill got last time in House. #moleg 12:06 PM – 5 May 2015

Sarcasm:

Jeremy LaFaver ‏@jeremylafaver

Everybody knows that the best way to strengthen families is to take food away from them. #MOLeg logic. 12:03 PM – 5 May 2015

Jeremy LaFaver ‏@jeremylafaver

A hungry family is a strong family. #MOLeg #sb24 12:09 PM – 5 May 2015

Missouri House Dems ‏@MOLegDems

With override of SB 24, Republicans in #moleg cost the state $400K while taking away food assistance from 6,000 needy kids. Terrible idea. 12:15 PM – 5 May 2015

During the debate:

VirginiaYoung ‏@VirginiaYoung

House speaker @johndiehljr scolded @jeremylafaver for yelling out on floor w/o recognition: “We don’t act like barbarians.” #moleg 11:41 AM – 5 May 2015

A response:

Gina Mitten @gcmitts

Except when cutting benefits to MO’s poor kids….  11:44 AM – 5 May 2015

God and the republican controlled Missouri General Assembly must really love poor and hungry children, they’re making so many of them.  

“…We don’t strengthen families by hurting children…”

Governor Jay Nixon [2014 file photo].

Governor Jay Nixon vetoed SB 24 which would have cut a large number of poor Missourians from assistance:

April 30, 2015

“I don’t sign bills that hurt kids – period,” Gov. Nixon says of bill that would affect an estimated 6,400 needy children in Missouri

Kansas City, MO

Gov. Jay Nixon today joined advocates for children and families at Operation Breakthrough in Kansas City to announce his veto of Senate Bill 24, which would hurt needy children. The bill would remove an estimated 6,400 poor children from public assistance, including more than 2,600 children under the age of five.

“Children already suffer lifelong consequences from poverty; penalizing them further for their parents’ behavior is mean-spirited and just plain wrong,” said Gov. Nixon. “When it comes to adults, we can all agree on the need for personal responsibility, but these are children.  I don’t sign bills that hurt kids – period.”

The legislation contains two provisions that would negatively impact needy children.  First, the bill would reduce the lifetime limit for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits to 45 months, without providing an exception for children. As a result, if Senate Bill 24 became law, approximately 6,465 children would be cut off from benefits on January 1st, 2016.  An estimated 40 percent of these children are under the age of five.  In addition, the bill would also impose a penalty on the child of a parent who fails to engage in work activities and fails to authorize, as it has in other circumstances, a protective payee to receive and administer the child’s share of the benefits.

“There are ways that the legislature could ensure that parents are held accountable for their decisions while at the same time protecting kids — for example, by providing benefits through a responsible guardian,” said Gov. Nixon. “But again, legislators left children unprotected.  They say they’re trying to crack down on adults, but they’ve made kids the collateral damage.”

The legislation is opposed by Empower Missouri, the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence, Operation Breakthrough, the Missouri Association for Community Action, Missouri Faith Voices, Child Care Aware of Missouri, the American Academy of Pediatrics-Missouri Chapter, the Missouri Children’s Leadership Council, Paraquad and other groups representing children and families across Missouri.

“I cannot condone the hardships imposed on innocent children that Senate Bill No. 24 would require – first, by unnecessarily cutting the length of time that children can receive benefits even when their parents are working and second, by cruelly eliminating their benefits if their parents are not meeting work requirements,” the Governor’s veto message reads. “Missouri law should not mandate such meanness toward innocent children.”

In Fiscal Year 2014, 13 percent fewer families received TANF benefits than did so in Fiscal Year 2013.

[….]

The Governor’s office provided a transcript of his remarks:

Gov. Nixon announces his veto of Senate Bill 24

April 30, 2015

Good morning and thank you for joining us.  I’d like to first thank the many dedicated advocates, educators and caregivers here with us here today.

These folks see the devastating impact that poverty can have on a child’s well-being and development.  Through no fault of their own, thousands of Missouri children know what it means to go without.

Some of the signs are obvious, like kids showing up at school without coats in the winter.  Some of the more pernicious effects of poverty – hunger, homelessness, neglect — may not be as immediately obvious, but over time exact a heavy toll.

For thousands of Missouri children, going without can mean not having access to simple, but critical things, like books, preschool, healthy food and safe places to play and exercise. Things that help children thrive and grow in mind and body.  It can mean being unable to imagine a future outside of poverty.

As Missourians and as Americans – we want every child to grow up healthy and strong.

That’s why, this morning, I vetoed Senate Bill 24.

SB 24 is a misguided measure that punishes poor children in the legislature’s zeal to reduce reliance on government assistance.

Supporters of this bill have called it the “Strengthening Missouri Families Act.”

Let me be clear.

We don’t strengthen families by hurting children.

If this bill were to become law, an estimated sixty-four hundred children – twenty-six hundred of whom are under the age of five — would be cut off on January 1st – even if their parents are complying with work requirements.  

Six-thousand four hundred kids… and tens of thousands more in the future.

Now the legislature could have protected children and infants from this arbitrary cutoff with any number of safeguards – but they didn’t.

That’s fundamentally unfair and it’s wrong.

And that’s not even the only provision in this bill children would have to be worried about.

Senate Bill 24 would also penalize a child for their parent’s failure to engage in work activities.

When it comes to adults, we can all agree on the need for personal responsibility… but these are kids.

There are methods in use right now in other situations that the legislature could ensure that parents are held accountable for their decisions – while at the same time protecting kids.  For example, by providing benefits through a responsible guardian.

But again, legislators left children unprotected.  They say they’re trying to crack down on adults – but they’ve made kids the collateral damage.

Folks, I don’t sign bills that hurt kids. Period.

Now, I understand that members of the legislature want to do more to encourage people to get off public assistance and into the workforce.

I share that concern.  That’s why, as Governor, I have fought for affordable health care and public education and invested in workforce development and job-training programs that work.

When parents get the education and skills they need to find good-paying jobs that can support their families – it’s better for everyone.

And if you look at the current trend, the number of families receiving temporary assistance is declining as a result of our growing economy.

In fiscal year 2014, the number of families receiving temporary assistance was down by 13 percent from the prior year.

That’s solid progress.

Now is the time to build on this progress – not undermine it by hurting kids.

Here in Missouri, protecting children has never been about politics.

In fact, the last time I was here at Operation Breakthrough I was signing bipartisan legislation to improve children’s health and safety and strengthen requirements on child care providers.

Children already suffer lifelong consequences from poverty; penalizing them further for their parents’ behavior is mean-spirited and just plain wrong.

It’s not who we are and I will not support it.

Once again, there are ways to do this that protect kids.  The legislature should shelve this unfair and harmful bill, and work together to do the right thing by children, families and all our citizens.

Thank you and now I’ll be happy to take any questions the press may have.

The Missouri General Assembly is dominated by a number of mean people.

From the office of Governor Jay Nixon:

Nicole Galloway will be new State Auditor, Gov. Nixon announces

April 14, 2015

Jefferson City, MO

Gov. Jay Nixon today announced that Boone County Treasurer Nicole R. Galloway will be the new Missouri State Auditor. She will take over the position from State Auditor John Watson, who was appointed by the Governor to serve in the position on an interim basis following the death of the previous Auditor, Thomas Schweich.

Galloway, a certified public accountant and certified fraud examiner, has served as the Boone County Treasurer since April 2011. She is a Democrat.

“The office of the State Auditor is responsible for safeguarding taxpayer dollars; rooting out waste, fraud and abuse; and ensuring that state government programs operate with the efficiency, effectiveness and accountability Missourians expect and deserve,” Gov. Nixon said. “As a CPA and certified fraud examiner, Nicole Galloway is uniquely qualified to step into this important role.”

“Every Missourian should know that this office will continue to hold itself – and others – to the highest standards of excellence and accountability,” Galloway said. “The people of Missouri have my commitment that I will be an independent watchdog that reviews all levels of government with even-handedness and integrity. The office will be committed to protecting taxpayers and ensuring that government is held accountable for the resources it uses and to the citizens it serves.”

As Boone County Treasurer, Galloway has managed the county’s investment portfolio and annual revenue and made Boone County adopt a debt management policy, which made it a model for counties around the state.

Galloway also has served as secretary/treasurer of the County Employment Retirement Fund, which is responsible for managing the pensions of 16,000 participants around the state, and as a board member of the Missouri County Treasurers’ Association. As the secretary/treasurer of the Missouri Technology Corporation, she has helped cultivate high-tech startups and entrepreneurs.

Galloway, age 32, holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Crosby MBA Program at the University of Missouri, and obtained her undergraduate degree in applied mathematics and economics from the Missouri University of Science & Technology. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.

Before becoming County Treasurer, Galloway was a corporate auditor for Shelter Insurance Companies and an auditor for Brown Smith Wallace LLC in Creve Coeur, where she was responsible for auditing Fortune 500 corporations and insurance companies. She also served as an actuarial analyst from Allstate Insurance Company.

A native of Fenton, Galloway lives in Columbia with her husband, Jon, and their two sons, William and Benjamin.

“Tom Schweich’s death was a terrible loss for our state and a deeply personal tragedy for his family and loved ones,” Gov. Nixon said. “I know that Nicole Galloway will provide the judgment, integrity and experience that this statewide office requires, and which were provided by Auditor Watson during a difficult time. I also greatly appreciate John providing a steady hand to oversee the Auditor’s Office so it could continue to serve the people of this state.”

Galloway will be sworn in to office during the week of April 27, following the resignation of Watson. She will fill the remainder of the term for State Auditor, which will expire in January 2019.

A statement from State Treasurer Clint Zweifel (D):

[….]

State Treasurer Clint Zweifel releases statement regarding Nicole Galloway’s appointment as State Auditor

JEFFERSON CITY – Treasurer Zweifel today released the following statement upon the appointment of Nicole Galloway as the new Missouri State Auditor.

“Nicole has proven to be a committed public servant as Boone County Treasurer, fighting for government transparency and accountability to taxpayers, and will bring that experience to Jefferson City. The Auditor serves a vital role as watchdog for Missouri taxpayers, and as a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner, I know Nicole is up to the challenge. She will conduct the office with discipline and integrity, and I look forward to working with her.”

###

Today at the Missouri Ethics Commission:

C001135 12/28/2014 A BETTER MISSOURI WITH GOVERNOR JAY NIXON UAW V CAP 8000 East Jefferson Avenue Detroit MI 48214 12/26/2014 $10,000.00

[emphasis added]

Let us guess. Anti-worker (“Right to Get Paid Less”) legislation in the next session of the General Assembly?

Previously:

Campaign Finance: What’s up with that? (December 18, 2014)