In the first of what may be several visits to highlight his many other vetoes from this summer, Gov. Jay Nixon told reporters in Springfield that he opposes $22 million in new and increased license fees on Missourians.
Nixon was referring to SB 51, which modifies provisions related to the regulation of motor vehicles. The bill,vetoed on June 26, was one of 29 struck down by the Governor.
“It increases the price tag of government while doing nothing to improve the product, and that’s not a Missouri value,” says Nixon.
Nixon says Tuesday’s stop in Springfield to speak out against SB 51 comes as Republican lawmakers say they’ll look at a number of bills to possibly override during the September veto session.
“It’s much more fun to sign bills and move the state forward than it is to veto them,” says Nixon. “I don’t come to the process thinking I want to veto them, but when I do, it’s because I feel very strongly that it’s not the best policy for the Show-Me state.”
Nixon says he will continue talks with legislators over the bills in the coming weeks.
Until now, Nixon’s primary focus ahead of the veto session has been to build support for his veto of HB 253 to prevent an override of the tax cutting legislation. It has included more than two dozen news conferences around the state.
On Wednesday, Nixon will be in Kansas City and St. Louis to discuss his veto of HB 301, which changes laws regarding certain sexual offenses. The Governor says it will weaken public safety. House members have expressed a desire to attempt an override.
The veto session begins September 11.