Carcieri won't say if he'll veto Assembly spending plan
5:15 PM Mon, Mar 30, 2009 | Permalink
Email this author | Email this entry |
 |
Projo Politics Blog |
|
« Sununu set to attend RI GOP spring event |
Main
| Sullivan among early opponents to supplemental budget »
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Governor Carcieri Monday would not say whether he would veto the General Assembly's mid-year budget revision, despite his strong opposition to a proposed 2 cent hike to the gasoline tax, reduced funding to cities and towns, and a lack of specific pension changes. "It's still too early," the governor said at an unrelated event when asked whether he would veto the Assembly's $7.2 billion spending plan. While the full House is set to vote Wednesday on the mid-year deficit avoidance proposal, known as a supplemental budget, Carcieri said he hoped the version adopted by the House Finance Committee Friday could be amended. House Democrats will hold a special caucus Tuesday to discuss the plan. "What we'll see is where are they when they come out of their caucus, and then we'll sit down and see, 'OK, can we come up with a compromise here,' because there are certain things I want," Carcieri said Monday afternoon. Among the things he wants the Assembly to do is to withdraw plans to increase the state gasoline tax by 2 cents. "I can't be any clearer," the governor said. "I'm not in favor of a gas tax increase." But he refused to say he would veto the budget if it was included. It's worth noting that the Assembly's tax-and-spend plan includes a $1 hike in the cigarette tax, which was originally proposed by the Carcieri. The House's tiny Republican caucus, which holds just six of 75 House seats, issued a statement Monday afternoon urging a veto. "We urge our house colleagues to reject this budget and we would urge the governor to veto it should it reach his desk, as is," said House Minority Leader Robert A. Watson. "House Republicans have drawn a line in the sand and want to be clear, all tax and fee increases are unacceptable and must come out." Of course, Carcieri's veto would be little more than symbolic. Democrats hold more than enough seats to easily override a veto, which would require a three-fifths majority of the members present and voting. 
CommentsLeave a comment |
New comments
New photos
Authors
New posts
Projo blogs
Archives
Governor, if you don't veto this cowardly supplementary budget you'll forever be associated with it. This is the budget that the feckless and corrupt Democrat leadership of the GA wants, let them over-ride your veto and forever be stained with it! I hope that those poor saps who are counting on a State pension over the next twenty to forty years understand what this budget means to them. The problems with the state pension system are NOT addressed in this budget which means that these problems and shortfalls will only DEEPEN. Governor, veto this despicable and gutless excuse for a budget!
Report Abuse
Governor, if you don't veto this cowardly supplementary budget you'll forever be associated with it. This is the budget that the feckless and corrupt Democrat leadership of the GA wants, let them over-ride your veto and forever be stained with it! I hope that those poor saps who are counting on a State pension over the next twenty to forty years understand what this budget means to them. The problems with the state pension system are NOT addressed in this budget which means that these problems and shortfalls will only DEEPEN. Governor, veto this despicable and gutless excuse for a budget!
Report Abuse