JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri lawmakers have overridden a veto to enact a law removing several thousand low-income families from a welfare program.

The votes by the Republican-led Senate and House will reduce Missouri’s lifetime limit for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families cash-assistance program from five years to three years and nine months.

The new law also imposes stricter work requirements. It goes into effect in January.

Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon had vetoed the bill, citing concerns that it would punish children for the actions of their parents. The Senate overrode the veto on Monday, and the House acted Tuesday.

Republican supporters say the measure could end dependency on welfare by encouraging people to get jobs.

The program pays up to $292 a month to a parent with two children.