Missouri Senate Overrides Governor's Veto On Welfare Bill (Picture)

The Missouri Senate voted Monday to override Gov. Jay Nixon’s veto of a bill that severely restricts eligibility for welfare in the state, potentially barring thousands of low-income families from government assistance.

If the State House of Representatives also votes in favor of this bill, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program will be cut from five years to three years and nine months, and will impose stricter work requirements.

The Republican-dominated House is expected to override the governor’s veto, thus passing the bill.

Nixon and other opponents maintain that if this measure is implemented, it would punish children more than adults. “I don’t sign bills that hurt kids, period,” the Democratic governor said, calling the bill “misguided.” MOREHERE