Speaker pushes for override of Nixon's tax cut veto

Rep. Jeanie Riddle, R-Mokane, discusses state tax cut legislation vetoed by Gov. Jay Nixon with Missouri House Speaker Tim Jones, R-Eureka, Tuesday prior to a press conference in Fulton.
Rep. Jeanie Riddle, R-Mokane, discusses state tax cut legislation vetoed by Gov. Jay Nixon with Missouri House Speaker Tim Jones, R-Eureka, Tuesday prior to a press conference in Fulton.

Missouri House Speaker Tim Jones, R-Eureka, came to Fulton Tuesday to urge Central Missourians to ask legislators to support an override of Gov. Jay Nixon's veto of a state tax cut designed to create jobs and spur the state's economy.

Jones charged Nixon campaigned as a conservative who boasted about his support of lower taxes.

But now that the election is over, Jones said Nixon has betrayed the voters and is traveling around the state campaigning against the tax cut measure.

Rep. Jeanie Riddle, R-Mokane, stood by Jones' side during his press conference Tuesday afternoon at the Callaway County Republican Party Headquarters in Fulton.

As members of the Missouri General Assembly ponder a potential veto override next month, Jones said the tax cut plan approved by the legislature and vetoed by Nixon has become the biggest political issue in Missouri this summer.

Jones said Republicans have not yet decided if they will attempt a veto override in September but he said it now appears likely if enough votes can be mustered.

He said all Republican votes in the House will be needed and help also is welcome from Democrats who believe in sound fiscal policies.

Jones said Republicans will examine all 29 of Nixon's vetoes, not just the tax cut bill when it meets in veto session next month.

He said Nixon kept quiet about the tax cut proposal until after the legislative session ended then decided to veto the tax cut measure after legislators had gone home.

"During the election last year, we had a leader in Missouri who proudly ran on reducing the tax burden on Missourians," Jones said.

Jones accused Nixon of betraying Missourians by now opposing the tax cut measure after the election and contending the tax cut would cripple state government. He said Nixon is squandering tax money by flying at taxpayer expense all over the state campaigning against the tax cut.

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