http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/knau/local-knau-946262.mp3
Phoenix, AZ – Brewer wants what's called line-item reduction authority. Right
now she has the power of line item veto: If she doesn't like
something, she can eliminate it from the budget. Gubernatorial
press aide Paul Senseman said that's not enough.
(The so-called line-item veto authority is not really that. It
ends up becoming an all or nothing proposition. It's really a
false choice. It's not really what the intent or spirit is of the
line item veto authority. That idea is to reduce spending.)
But members of the governor's own Republican Party, like Sen.
John McComish, are giving mixed reviews to letting the governor
substitute her own spending figure for what they have approved.
(At first blush, I don't think that's a good idea. It gives the
governor too much unilateral authority. Those are the kinds of
things we should negotiate.)
Rep. Frank Antenori said the experience of last year's budget
negotiations convinces him giving the Governor more power makes no
sense.
(We would have lost leverage to compromise on that budget because
she would have went in after we made an agreement, she would have
went in and (sfx - slashing sounds) lined that stuff out.)
Her proposal requires approval not only from lawmakers but
ultimately from voters. For Arizona Public Radio this is Howard
Fischer.