FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Safety Group Applauds Gov. Nixon’s Veto of Missouri Anti-Worker Legislation

Gov. Nixon vetoes workers compensation bill, says SB 572 would weaken important workplace protections

St. Louis, Mo., Mar. 14, 2012 – Protect Missouri Workers is praising Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon’s veto of workers’ compensation Senate Bill SB 572, announced today. The bill was sent to the governor’s desk on March 8 and would have absolved corporations who knowingly exposed their employees to carcinogenic toxins from providing adequate relief to fatally injured workers and their families.

“Gov. Nixon has done the right thing for Missouri workers,” said Robert Kelley, Coalition Chairman of Protect Missouri Workers, the nonprofit organization opposing the legislation. “SB 572 would have given a free pass to companies who knowingly exposed hard-working Missouri citizens to poisonous toxins.”

In his letter to the Senate, Nixon stated the bill’s intent to take away the rights of workers suffering from serious and deadly occupational diseases was not acceptable.

According to Kelley, the legislation would have failed to adequately address the needs of thousands of current and future Missouri employees diagnosed with terminal conditions caused by toxic exposures like benzene, asbestos and lead in the workplace.

Senate Bill 572 and House Bill 1403 were a priority for Republican legislative leaders and business groups this session.

“Governor Nixon has again proven that the well being of hard-working Missouri residents is his top priority,” Kelley said.

About Protect Missouri Workers

Protect Missouri Workers is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the rights of hard working Missouri residents. It is made up of Missouri workers, their families, doctors and ordinary citizens who stand together in support of severely injured and diseased workers in the chemical, mining and asbestos industries. Learn more at http://www.promowo.wpengine.com.

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