June 17, 2011
The press release states:
Gov. Rick Perry announced his final decisions on major legislation passed during the 82nd Regular Legislative Session, including the veto of certain bills in order to protect ethics and public safety, and to limit government intrusion into Texans’ lives. The governor also thanked lawmakers for their continued work during the current special session to move Texas toward a final budget that is balanced, doesn’t raise taxes, lives within the state’s means, and does not use the state’s Rainy Day Fund in the next budget cycle.
“Our state faced significant challenges as we began the legislative session in January, and I am proud Texas will continue to live within its means while encouraging job creation and maintaining essential services. There is still some work to be done by lawmakers, but I am confident the bills I have signed will strengthen our economic momentum moving forward,” Gov. Perry said. “After thoroughly reviewing all legislation that reached my desk, there were some bills that would have done more harm than good to Texans, and I have used my authority to veto them.”
The governor signed House Bill 1, which is a significant step toward arriving at a final state budget that lives within its means, doesn’t raise taxes and protects the state’s Rainy Day Fund. Lawmakers are working to finalize budget matters in the special session to fund public schools and adopt other fiscal measures that will balance the state’s 2012-13 budget.
In order to ensure continued open, honest and efficient campaign finance reporting, the governor vetoed House Bill 1616, which would have allowed the filer of a campaign finance report to correct, without penalty, any report within 14 days after a sworn complaint has been filed with the commission, undermining the Texas Ethics Commission’s enforcement authority over campaign finance filings. The governor also vetoed House Bill 2327, which would have endangered motorists by allowing transit buses in certain urban counties to drive on highway shoulders during peak traffic hours, leaving no emergency lane. Also vetoed was House Bill 1768, which would have encroached on the rights of private enterprise and property owners while fundamentally altering and unnecessarily expanding the role of county government. The governor also vetoed House Bill 2972, which would have limited voters’ ability to vote on tax increases.
To see additional vetoes and all other action taken by the governor on legislation, please visit http://governor.state.tx.us/news/bills/.
Governor Rick Perry vetoed 25 bills from the 82nd Regular Session. To see a history of vetoed bills from previous sessions: http://www.lrl.state.tx.us/legis/Vetoes/lrlhome.cfm
