The Missouri legislature is not finished with “right to work.”
The first ever “right to work” bill to clear the state legislature was vetoed by Governor Jay Nixon (D), and the state House on Wednesday fell 13 votes short of overriding that veto. That killed the issue for 2015, but legislative leaders leave little doubt it will be back.
“The topic is not going to go away,” said Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard (R-Joplin). “We’ve made it farther than it ever made it in the history of Missouri. I think it’s going to be an issue in debate with the governor’s race, and I think we’re going to be in for the long haul. It’s going to happen in Missouri sooner or later and I’m willing to be part of it.”
House Speaker Todd Richardson wouldn’t commit to it returning in 2016.
“Obviously I’m disappointed that ‘right to work’ didn’t pass. I believe it’s good economic policy for this state, but I also know it’s a very difficult issue for some members of our [House Republican] caucus,” said Richardson.
Richard is more anxious for the issue to be raised in the new session that starts in January.
“We’re pretty serious about the Senate. I think we have the votes to pass it,” said Richard. “We hope it does. I’ll talk to the Speaker about it.”
Richardson said the issue would be discussed, “and what that means in terms of a specific legislative proposal is something to be decided another day. We’ll work very closely with President Pro Tem Richard and [Senate Majority Floor Leader Senator Mike] Kehoe to find out what their appetite is and we’ll work very closely with our caucus members on the front end to try to build a coalition to override a veto if we take it up.”
Earlier stories:
‘Right to work’ legislation dies in Missouri veto session
How they voted: ‘Right to work’ fails in Missouri veto session