By Howard Fischer
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/knau/local-knau-686758.mp3
Phoenix, AZ – Governor Janet has rejected a legislative plan to freeze all state and university hiring. Arizona Public Radio's Howard Fischer explains.
In her second veto of the session, the governor called the measue
-- quote -- an unwarranted intrusion -- unquote -- into her power
as the state's chief executive. But Rep. Bob Robson who crafted
the bill said it is Napolitano who doesn't understand the
constitution.
(As far as I know we pass the budget, we appropriate money for
personnel lines, we appropriate money for agencies. I think we're
well within our authority.)
In her veto message Napolitano pointed out the legislation would
not have done anything because it didn't get enough votes to be
enacted immediately. Bills without emergency clauses don't take
effect until 90 days after the end of the session -- long after
this fiscal year is done. But Robson said she while it may only
be a sense of the legislature she should have signed it anyway
given the $1.2 billion state deficit.
(She didn't 'get it' from the standpoint that this would have
been a real opportunity for her to make a statement of saying,
yes, I'm joining in a bipartisan way with the legislature, and
actually these bills did go out in a bipartisan manner, just
recognizing the overall seriousness of it.)
Treasurer Dean Martin has said without a budget deal the state's
revenues for this year will dry up next month -- long before the
budget year actually ends June 30.
For Arizona Public Radio, this is Howard Fischer.