On Wednesday, the legislature convened for its annual veto session as required by the constitution. Unlike the previous few years, which were characterized by record numbers of vetoes and veto-overrides, there were no motions made to override any of the governor's few vetoes. The limited number of vetoes and the absence of overrides indicate the legislature and the executive branch are working together toward common goals. This does not mean the two branches always agree, as this is not the case in any human relationship, but it does mean the two branches are working with one another toward the goal of improving Missouri's economy and moving the state forward.
One of the main topics of discussion going into the veto session were the comments made by Senator Chappelle-Nadal expressing her desire for the assassination of the President of the United States. In response to these comments, and in response to the senator's resistance to broad and bipartisan calls for her resignation, the Senate explored all potential disciplinary actions available in the Missouri Constitution and the Senate Rules during a veto session. The Senate has the right and the responsibility to discipline members for disorderly conduct, which her comments certainly were.
On Wednesday, I was pleased to offer a censure resolution, which is the strongest disciplinary action allowed by the constitution during a veto session. This resolution was passed with strong bipartisan support and marks the first time, in the history of the Missouri Senate, a senator has been censured. The censure resolution also includes a path for additional discipline when the Senate reconvenes during its next session as expulsion can only be considered, per our constitution, during a non-veto session.
I believe Senator Chappelle-Nadal should resign her seat and have publicly joined many of my colleagues in calling for her to do so, as her comments were reckless and unbecoming. Censuring a sitting member has never been done before and is not something the Senate takes lightly. Senator Chappelle-Nadal should not take being censured lightly and I firmly believe the right thing for her to do, in light of this unprecedented censure, is to resign her seat immediately.
One of the vetoed bills not considered for an override was HCB3, which provided funding for the Senior Services Protection Fund which facilitates services to thousands of Missouri's most vulnerable citizens. I voted for HCB3 during the regular session and I am still very much interested in finding a solution to this issue. The problem that HCB3 addressed does not go away simply because the legislation is not enacted. In realization of this truth, on Wednesday, the President Pro Tem of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives agreed to appoint bipartisan teams from both chambers to come up with potential solutions for this funding shortfall so that a plan, supported by both chambers, can be presented to the governor no later than October 6th. Accompanying the plan will be a request that he immediately convene a special session to fix the funding shortfall and to protect the lives and livelihoods of many Missourians. Some estimates from the Department of Senior Services put the number at risk of not receiving care at over 8,000; this is unacceptable. I am grateful for the leadership of Senator Richard and Speaker Richardson on this issue, and I look forward to the teams' successful work that ultimately leads to a successful special session to address a serious problem.
As we observed the anniversary of the attacks of September 11th this week, it is important that we never forget, or take for granted, the efforts of law enforcement, first responders and members of the armed forces who work daily to keep us safe. I am grateful for the work these men and women have done and continue to do.
I encourage you to visit our new blog - mosenatesidebar.wordpress.com. Here you will be able to find more information about the bills in progress as well as watch videos and read some news.