16 May 2005

Governor Sebelius signs budget bill, vetoes one other bill

Governor Kathleen Sebelius today signed the budget bill, vetoing only one line-item. She also vetoed another bill. The Governor has now signed 32 bills, and vetoed one bill, that were passed during the veto session, completing action on all bills the Legislature sent to her desk during that term. During the 2005 regular session, she signed 172 bills and vetoed four.

HB 2482: The 2005 Omnibus Budget

The Governor signed HB 2482, with one exception. Section 9(p) has been line-item vetoed.

Message from Governor Sebelius: “I veto Section 9(p) of Senate substitute for House Bill 2482. This proviso would prohibit moneys paid from the mental health and retardation services aid and assistance account from being used to pay membership dues or fees to any entity, unless that entity opened its financial records to the state upon request. This proviso represents an unreasonable government intrusion into the finances of private organizations, and it would expose these organizations’ financial records in their entirety, not just those that pertain to state business. Such a requirement goes well beyond any reasonable use of government power.”

The Governor also attached a message to the bill regarding the Circle K Ranch proviso.

Message from Governor Sebelius: “The State of Kansas has a clear public interest in slowing the rate of aquifer depletion in western Kansas, in restoring a more adequate flow to the Arkansas River, and in enhancing public recreation to diversify rural economies.

“Acquiring the Circle K Ranch serves all three of these interests, which is why I sought the budget authority to acquire this valuable property. The natural resources of our state are precious and often at risk. As governor, I must be a strong steward of these resources, to insure their wisest possible use.

“I look forward to working with the Legislature and all affected interests to make sure that Kansas acts in a responsible and far-sighted way as we address all the issues that surround the acquisition of the Circle K Ranch.”

HB 2507: Lowering the number of votes required for LCC action on certain measures

Governor Sebelius has vetoed HB 2507, issuing the following message:

“Pursuant to Article 2, Section 14 of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I veto House Bill 2507.

“One fundamental principle of representative democracy is that minority rights must be protected, especially when majorities are powerful. Legislative rules provide some protection for minority voices, as does the separation of powers. In the regular legislative session, majorities can govern, but their bills are subject to the executive’s veto.

“Within the legislative branch of government, the Legislative Coordinating Council is charged with serving the interests of all Kansas citizens while the legislature is out of session. Therefore, it is important that all of the elected representatives who serve as members of the Legislative Coordinating Council have an effective voice in the process.

“If enacted into law, HB 2507 would undermine the ability of minority-party representatives on the Legislative Coordinating Council to affect some crucial decisions. In that the council represents the Legislature as a whole, and by extension the entire Kansas citizenry, minority-party rights must be vigorously protected; otherwise, many citizens will go unrepresented by a body that has substantial policy-making authority.

“With these considerations in mind, I must veto House Bill 2507.”