From Missouri Digital News: https://mdn.org

CHESTERFIELD - Hours before Texas Gov. Rick Perry spoke in Missouri to encourage an override of Gov. Jay Nixon's veto of a tax cut bill, the state's attorney general sent a letter affirming Nixon's concerns about the bill.

Attorney General Chris Koster released a legal opinion which stated if legislators override the veto, taxpayers could potentially seek refunds from three previous tax years. He wrote it would put a $1.2 billion hole in the state budget.

The bill’s sponsor Rep. T.J. Berry, R-Kearney, renewed his call for an override vote despite Koster’s opinion, but also suggested a special session concurrent with the veto session may be necessary. Berry admitted a special session may fix issues with the bill that Nixon and Koster have raised.

In his speech Perry touted Texas’ business-friendly climate and encouraged Missouri legislators to override Governor Nixon’s veto. 

Perry said he came to the Show Me State because he believes the tax cut bill can make Missouri a leader in economic growth.

“This veto override is about the future of this state. We can make Missouri substantially stronger, and if Missouri is stronger, Kansas is stronger, Indiana is stronger, Texas is stronger, and this country is stronger,” Perry said.

House Speaker Tim Jones, R-Eureka, also supports the bill.

“Tax cuts fuel economic growth,” Jones said at the rally. “It’s time to move Missouri in a different direction. It’s time to provide tax relief for all of you.”

Nixon spent the day continuing his state-wide tour, imploring lawmakers to sustain his veto of the bill.

Jones called the override an “uphill battle” and said Nixon’s staffers are calling and pressuring his members to not override the veto.

It takes a two-third's vote of the House and Senate to override Nixon's veto -- 109 in the House and 23 in the Senate. The legislature returns to Jefferson City for its veto session Sep. 11.

---

Missouri Digital News is produced by Missouri Digital News, Inc. -- a non profit organization of current and former journalists.