Community Leaders Praise Governor's Veto of HB722, Legislative Attempt to Intervene in Local Decisions

Contact: 
Sean Soendker Nicholson, (573) 427-7326, [email protected]

COMMUNITY LEADERS PRAISE GOVERNOR NIXON’S VETO OF LEGISLATURE’S ATTEMPT TO INTERVENE IN LOCAL DECISIONS

HB722 is part of a national effort by corporate interest groups to use state legislatures to block progress at local and county levels

Community leaders across Missouri today praised Governor Jay Nixon’s veto of House Bill 722, misguided legislation to eliminate the right of voters and local leaders to determine what’s best for their local communities and workplaces.  

“If a city or county sees a problem, it should be able to solve it through a local solution, especially if the state government won’t do anything about it,” said Lara Granich, Executive Director of Missouri Jobs With Justice. “The groundswell of support in Kansas City and St. Louis for raising the minimum wage, and strong leadership by community leaders, is a perfect example of good policy happening as Jefferson City politicians drag their feet.”

“I am very pleased about the Governor's actions in restoring local control to our city officials. City government is closest to the people we all serve and should have wide discretion in crafting policies to improve the lives of our residents,” said Columbia Councilman Michael Trapp

Last month, Springfield Mayor Robert L. Stephens and Springfield City Manager Greg Burris wrote, “We find it very ironic that a legislature which has taken a strong stand against Federal encroachment in State affairs apparently sees no conflict when they choose to interfere in the affairs of local governments.”

HB722 is part of a national effort by corporate interests, including the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and its sister organization, ACCE, to preempt local decision making at the state level.

HB722 did not pass the Missouri House of Representatives with enough votes to override the Governor’s veto.

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