« Ind. Gov't. - Governor to replace IURC Chair | Main | Ind. Law - Fate of subdivision turns on 1935 deed »

Friday, April 29, 2005

Ind. Law - More on Governor's first veto

As reported here first yesterday afternoon, Gov. Daniels vetoed HEA 1224, which: "Establishes the aerospace and aeronautics initiative to be administered by the Indiana economic development corporation." Stories today include this story from Niki Kelly of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette , headlined "Daniels vetoes 1st bill, surprising lawmakers." Some quotes:

Lawmakers involved in the bill seemed surprised by the veto.

Rep. Eric Koch, R-Bedford, said the bill passed both chambers unanimously and was a fairly simple bill. He noted that it was supported by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and several aviation groups.

“I was surprised. They never approached us before,” said Sen. David Ford, R-Hartford City – the Senate sponsor of the bill. “There was nothing controversial as far as I could tell.”

He said the aerospace industry is starting to move again and “we need to capitalize on that.” He also hopes Daniels received that message even with the veto.

Lawmakers can override a veto with only a constitutional majority of 51 votes in the House and 26 votes in the Senate. In many other states, a two-thirds majority is needed.

It was unclear whether leaders in the House and Senate would call for an override. Lawmakers have tentatively agreed to meet June 8 to deal with any technical issues remaining from the session, including vetoes.

In addition to the veto, Daniels chose not to sign Senate Bill 512, which dealt with annexation issues for several specific communities around the state. It still becomes law without a signature.

Sen. Jeff Drozda, R-Westfield, was surprised to hear Daniels did not sign his legislation, saying he had “no discussion whatsoever from the governor’s office.”

The House sponsor, Rep. Matt Whetstone, R-Brownsburg, said Daniels had concerns about whether the bill was considered unconstitutional special legislation because it was tailored specifically to a number of cities and towns.

“Frankly if I were the governor I would have done the same thing,” Whetstone said.

Also, this story by Kevin Corcoran of the Indianapolis Star, headlined "Veto lets new entity set agenda: Legislative proposal would have required economic development panel to take action."

Posted by Marcia Oddi on April 29, 2005 08:53 AM
Posted to Indiana Law