In May of 2015, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon vetoed House Bill 150,¹ which would significantly reduce the period of time an individual would be eligible to receive unemployment benefits after losing their job. The state House of Representatives acted swiftly to override the veto,² achieving the exact 109 votes it needed to do so. The state Senate would also have to override the veto for the law to become effective. Certain Republican Senators in the state have expressed to the media³ that they believe they can garner the two-thirds majority to override the veto when the vote takes place.

Further limitations in an already strict state

Missouri already has strict limits on unemployment, as residents may only receive benefits for a maximum of 20 weeks. The new law would tie the number of weeks of eligibility to the average state unemployment as follows:

·13 weeks = Below 6 percent unemployment

·14 weeks = 6 to 6.5 percent

·15 weeks = 6.5 to 7 percent

·16 weeks = 7 to 7.5 percent

·17 weeks = 7.5 to 8 percent

·18 weeks = 8 to 8.5 percent

·19 weeks = 8.5 to 9 percent

·20 weeks = Above 9 percent

The average state unemployment rate for Missouri was reportedly 5.8 percent as of July 2015.

Even if the Senate successfully votes to override the veto, there are some questions regarding the constitutionality of the veto because it did not take place in the last legislative session. We will watch and see the new developments regarding this potential law.

Contact an experienced St. Louis and St. Charles unemployment lawyer today

Unemployment laws can be complicated and can change on a regular basis. In order to ensure that you receive the full amount of benefits you deserve under the current laws, you should always seek assistance from a skilled unemployment attorney. At the Law Office of Kenneth P. Carp, we regularly help unemployed individuals in St. Louis, St. Charles, and beyond apply for unemployment, appeal denials, and handle any other matters they may face. Call today at 636-947-3600 for assistance.

¹http://www.house.mo.gov/billsummary.aspx?bill=HB150

²http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/missouri-house-overrides-nixons-veto-bill-lowers-unemployment-benefits#stream/0

³http://www.hannibal.net/article/20150825/NEWS/150829433/?Start=1