Blog: Capital Focus
The battle between state lawmakers and the governor over vetoed capital projects is still raging today after first the House and then the Senate approved a version of the state's supplemental budget with about $70 million worth of capital projects Gov. Palin vetoed last year. You see, she can still veto them again.
Many in the Capitol think that's exactly what she will do. What happens after that is up in the air. Lawmakers could pull apart the governor's capital budget, for instance. (They already have to some extent, although neither side is calling that retribution.) Or they could drag their feet on some of her legislation.
This afternoon, Palin sent the following written statement to reporters:
"This is not a political battle of wills. Nor is it personal. As I consider options to deal with a growing capital project list that has been placed in the supplemental budget, I recognize we are spending other people’s money. That’s a responsibility I take seriously in determining a fair and appropriate budget process.
"I appreciate the legislators who have told me they were in a difficult position on the legislative floor, having to vote on the supplemental bill that is now full of capital projects. They expressed their desire to work out a solution that is in the best interest of all Alaskans.
"The best interest of all Alaskans will remain our focus as we move forward from here. This administration has been diligent in initiating and promoting a cooperative effort in developing a longer-term savings and spending plan. Although I am disappointed that legislative leaders chose not to take us up on our offer to work together toward this worthy goal, we remain committed to it."
Hints of repeat vetoes, for sure, but hardly a promise.
What do you think Gov. Palin will do? What do you think she should do?
If it was a fair process, then there wouldn't have been vetoes last year. Not every citizen lives in Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Mat-Su. Those vetoes impacted the smaller towns to a greater extent than anywhere else. It was a slap in the face to our small towns. It is wise of our legislators to see what is in store for them beforehand with survival of these projects. Legislators did what they were asked of by their constituents....seek funding for community approved projects. If those legislators felt that conflicted, they could have offered amendments. Doth someone protest too much? Is it a smokescreen to take scrutiny off the Operating Budget?
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