Senate overrides governor to block home care wage increase

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Senate has voted to override the governor and block a wage hike for home-care attendants.

Two-thirds of senators voted Wednesday to override Gov. Jay Nixon’s veto of a measure blocking the pay increase.

Lawmakers want to stop a proposed Department of Health and Senior Services rule that would raise the pay for home-care attendants from the $7.65 an hour to a range between $8.50 and $10.15. The workers care for aging Missourians and others who can’t care for themselves.

Some lawmakers said the agency doesn’t have the authority to give those workers raises.

Nixon vetoed the measure in February. His veto would allow the pay raise to go forward.

The veto override attempt now heads to the House for a vote.