The Missouri Senate today overrode a veto by Governor Jay Nixon (D) that would make changes to the state’s workers’ compensation system.
But the likelihood that the House will also override the Governor’s veto is virtually nonexistent, according to Majority Floor Leader Tim Jones (R, Eureka). He says they just don’t have the votes, even within their own party.
“We would have to first convince our caucus," Jones said. "And even if we did, we’re still simply three votes short on a bill that no Democrat, I believe, has supported to this point…that’s a tough vote.”
The bill would have barred employees from suing each other over workplace injuries and illnesses, and occupational disease claims would have been removed from courts and restored to the workers’ comp system.
Nixon vetoed the measure earlier this month. The bill was a priority for Republican legislative leaders and business groups. It tweaks a 2005 law that overhauled Missouri's workers' compensation system.
