Veto

08/07/2009 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Press Secretary Aaron McLear issued the following statement regarding Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg’s lawsuit challenging the Governor’s constitutionally protected veto authority:

“The Governor’s constitutional authority to veto appropriations is unquestioned and will be upheld by the courts. Because the legislature failed to send him a balanced budget after months of debate the Governor was forced to make these difficult cuts. While Democrats are focused on a protracted legal battle to dig the state back into deficit the Governor will continue to focus on moving our state forward and getting Californians back to work.”    » read more »

July 1, 2009 -- HONOLULU – Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle vetoed HB 1405 today because this legislation has immediate and adverse consequences for residents and businesses of Hawaii. This legislation would place Hawaii companies at a competitive disadvantage. As a consequence of this bill, Hawaii businesses would no longer be able to receive commissions for advertisements on their website that link to numerous national and international firms that offer goods and services to Hawaii residents.    » read more »

Governor believes state must maintain reserves during period of economic uncertainty

June 23, 2009 -- (Salem) – Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski today vetoed the legislature’s decision to raid the state reserve funds, putting the economic and financial stability of the state at risk. The veto follows months of public statements and letters from the Governor expressing his position that the state should maintain a fiscally responsible level of reserve funds during this period of record unemployment and economic uncertainty.    » read more »

Statement of Governor Jim Douglas on his veto of H.441

June 1, 2009 -- “It is with great disappointment that I return H. 441 to the Legislature without my signature. I had hoped that our budget differences could be resolved and compromise reached without the need for a veto vote. Unfortunately, an agreement could not be achieved. These are unprecedented economic times and Vermonters need their elected officials to work together to get our state through this recession. I pledge to continue to work with legislators of all parties regardless of the outcome of tomorrow’s special session.”

Governor Jim Douglas today issued the following veto message on H.441, An Act Making Appropriations for the Support of Government:    » read more »

May 22, 2009 -- Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell today issued the following statement concerning House Bill 6578, An Act Concerning the Penalty for a Capital Felony:

“I appreciate the passionate beliefs of people on both sides of the death penalty debate. I fully understand the concerns and deeply held convictions of those who would like to see the death penalty abolished in Connecticut. However, I also fully understand the anguish and outrage of the families of victims who believe, as I do, that there are certain crimes so heinous – so fundamentally revolting to our humanity – that the death penalty is warranted.

“I will veto this bill as soon as it hits my desk.”

Source: Connecticut Governor

May 11, 2009 -- Following the adjournment of the 2009 Legislative Session, Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson reflected on the progress Kansas made despite a national recession.

“We have proven that we can put politics aside and accomplish a great deal when we work together. In just the past ten days, together we have taken action to put our state on the road to economic recovery. We have approved legislation that helps many struggling Kansas workers. We took a giant step toward a renewable energy future for our state. And finally, we created a bi-partisan solution to our budget situation that protects vital services, but still reflects a shared sacrifice for everyone – all without raising taxes.”

Highlights of the 2009 Legislative Veto Session include:    » read more »

Governor calls on legislature to resend legislation without labeling provisions

April 23, 2009 -- To support Kansas dairy farmers and consumers, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius has vetoed legislation concerning the labels on milk products.

“House Bill 2121 contains a number of provisions relating to pesticide and fertilizer laws and fees as well as dairy inspection and dairy-related fees. Without these fees, Kansas could lose important programs that support essential agricultural business operations in our state. I urge the legislature to send me these components in an independent bill so I can affix my signature and the Department of Agriculture can effectively administer these programs,” Sebelius said.    » read more »

Governor Also Vetoes Tip Credit Bill That Accompanied Increase

May 27, 2008 -- Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell today vetoed a bill that would have raised the state’s minimum wage from $7.65 to $8 beginning Jan. 1, 2009, and to $8.25 beginning Jan. 1, 2010.

Bridgeport, Connecticut: Photo by Noah G-L (CC)

In addition to vetoing House Bill 5105, An Act Concerning the Minimum Wage, the Governor also vetoed Senate Bill 55, An Act Concerning the Tip Credit, which is rendered unnecessary by the veto of House Bill 5105.    » read more »

Vetoes $269 Million

May 23, 2008, Anchorage, Alaska – Alaska Governor Sarah Palin signed into law House Bill 310, the FY2009 Operating Budget; House Bill 312, the FY2009 Mental Health Operating and Capital Budget; and Senate Bill 221, the FY2009 Capital Budget. The Governor also signed House Bill 314, authorizing $315 million in general obligation bonds for transportation projects to appear before voters on the November 2008 general election ballot.    » read more »

Veterans of the Wars in Iraq & Afghanistan Closer to Realizing Comprehensive Educational Benefits for their Service

May 22, 2008 -- Washington, DC—The Senate today overwhelmingly passed landmark legislation to provide post-9/11 veterans with comprehensive educational benefits, introduced by Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) seventeen months ago on his first day in office.

The measure—cosponsored by Sens. Chuck Hagel (R-NE), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), John Warner (R-VA) and a strong bipartisan majority of their colleagues—was passed in the House last week. Identical measures were included in the Iraq War emergency supplemental spending bills.

The following is a statement from Senator Webb:    » read more »

McCaskill votes to expand educational benefits for military men and women

May 22, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today voted with her colleagues in the Senate to overwhelmingly pass legislation that will expand educational benefits for today’s soldiers, similar to the benefits provided to America’s “Greatest Generation” under World War II’s “GI Bill.”

The bipartisan Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act (S.22), which passed with a vote of 75-22, will provide those who have served in the military since September 11, 2001, an opportunity to pursue a higher education. McCaskill co-sponsored the bill.    » read more »

May 22, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that by a vote of 75-22, the US Senate passed the domestic funding portion of the emergency supplemental bill that included an amendment to extend the current one year moratorium on a Medicaid rule regarding public health care providers that would have cut up to $255 million a year in federal funding to Illinois’ Medicaid program, including $179 million to Cook County.

This is the second time Durbin was able to extend the moratorium. The extension of the moratorium is until April 1, 2009 and was passed with a veto proof majority.    » read more »

Vows to fight Bush’s expected veto of the New GI Bill with action in Veterans’ Affairs Committee

May 22, 2008 -- Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka issued the following statement today regarding his votes in favor of passage of amendments to the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill (H.R. 2642):

Bush protester: Photo by Maggie Tacheny (CC)    » read more »

May 22, 2008 -- WASHINGTON – Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., today praised Senate passage of legislation to extend unemployment insurance benefits. The provision would extend benefits for 13 weeks, with an additional 13 weeks for states like Michigan with high unemployment rates.

Homeless man: Photo by EyeTunes (CC)

In the past year, 156,083 Michigan residents exhausted their unemployment benefits and could not find jobs. The legislation will next be taken up by the House of Representatives.

Levin’s statement follows:    » read more »

5/22/2008 -- "I was proud to stand with my Senate colleagues in overriding President Bush's veto of the Farm Bill by a vote of 82 to 13. This bill is now law, and will move us further down the path to energy independence, provide a safety net for family farmers, enhance nutrition programs, require Country-of-Origin labeling, and improve access to broadband in rural communities," said Senator Clinton.

Hillary Clinton: Photo by circulating (CC)    » read more »