JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Democratic Party is rallying support from Missourians to show support for Gov. Jay Nixon’s imminent veto on “Right to Work” legislation.
The Party’s executive director, Crystal Brinkley, emailed their followers, introducing the grassroots effort:
Not long after Governor Jay Nixon vowed to veto the first ever ‘Right to Work’ bill pushed through the legislature, Missouri Republicans across the state started discussing plans for an override attempt.
You heard right – GOP leaders want to force through a bill backed by wealthy extremists and out-of-state corporations, despite evidence that ‘Right to Work’ states have LOWER WAGES, LESS BENEFITS, and the LEAST SAFETY for working people. [sic]
Will you tell Governor Nixon that you’ve got his back? Share on Facebook or send a Tweet with the message below to say you will stand with his veto.
Supporters of the veto have shared a various messages on Twitter and Facebook with a picture of Nixon with text that reads “I stand with Governor Nixon against Right to Work” or “Think “Right to Work” (for less) is WRONG for MO?” with a link for supporter’s names to be signed online. Another message shows a quote from Nixon regarding the bill saying, “They know what will happen if Right to Work lands on my desk. They know that.”
“The response we’ve seen from our online petition has been outstanding and exemplifies further that Missourians are strongly opposed to Right-to-Work,” Brinkley told The Missouri Times. “Hundreds of people from every corner of the state continue to make their support for working families clear and stand behind Governor Nixon in opposition to the GOP’s attempt to weaken the middle class.”
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Eric Burlison, prohibits an employer from requiring a person to become a member of a labor organization as a condition or continuation of employment. Burlison has had an ongoing social media campaign lauding his message regarding “Right to Work.” HB 116 is the same legislation which effectively shut down the Senate in the last days of the regular session due to a motion to previous question, infuriating Democrats who blocked all action except for a quick take up on FRA legislation.
The bill was sent to the governor without a veto proof majority – passing the House with 92 yeses and 66 noes.
Rachael Herndon was the editor at The Missouri Times and also produced This Week in Missouri Politics, published Missouri Times Magazine, and co-hosted the #MoLeg podcast. She joined The Missouri Times in 2014, returning to political reporting after working as a campaign and legislative staffer.
Rachael studied at the University of Missouri – Columbia. She lives in Jefferson City with her husband, Brandon, and their two children.
