FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Signs All Special Session Bills
JEFFERSON CITY—Gov. Matt Blunt today signed legislation sent to his desk by the Missouri General Assembly as part of the special legislative session which officially concluded this morning.
Blunt signed bills that will reduce the number of abortions in Missouri, ensure elected officials contact information can be posted online, enhances protection for children in foster care, fixes a drafting error in the state’s new workers’ compensation law and corrects conflicting language in several bills dealing with alcohol related issues and one dealing with individuals bringing prescription drugs to schools.
Blunt considers the special session a success and a fitting end to what has been an historic legislative year.
"I pledged to the people of this state after being sworn in as their governor that change would begin immediately," Blunt said. "I am pleased to report that working with a majority of lawmakers committed to the same goal I have honored that pledge and have refocused state government to prioritize its resources on public education, improving the state’s jobs climate and honoring traditional Missouri values such as protecting our most vulnerable citizens."
Blunt said he was disappointed with partisan Democrat legislators who failed to support an emergency clause on the workers’ compensation bill that would have immediately given protection to injured workers.
"It is disappointing that Democrats in the House and Senate turned their back on working families in our state by creating uncertainty regarding a system designed to assist them if there is a workplace injury," Blunt said. "I had hoped they would be able to put aside their partisan frustration to do the right thing for Missourians who are working hard toward the betterment of our state."
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