Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced he has vetoed seven of the 958 bills adopted by the 2006 General Assembly. Midnight was the Governor+óGé¼Gäós deadline to act on legislation. Legislators are scheduled to consider the Governor+óGé¼Gäós vetoes and proposed amendments during a one-day Reconvened Session on Wednesday, April 19, 2006.
More after the flip.
Commonwealth Transportation Board appointments
SB 304/HB 673
Governor Kaine has vetoed legislation that would allow the General Assembly to appoint nine members of the Commonwealth Transportation Board +óGé¼GÇ£ appointments currently made by the Governor.
"During my first three months in office, my top priority has been working in a bipartisan way to find a long-term, fiscally responsible to approach our transportation challenges, and change the way Virginia approaches these issues," Governor Kaine said. "These bills would only serve to politicize the Commonwealth+óGé¼Gäós transportation planning process at the very time we should be working together to make the tough decisions that our transportation problems require -- and that our citizens demand."
"In addition, no reason exists for the Executive branch to cede this appointment power to the Legislative branch at this point. Any shift in the balance of power should occur in conjunction with a broader review of issues including the merits of a two-term governor," Governor Kaine said.
Tobacco Settlement Foundation appointment
HB 1545
The Governor has vetoed legislation that would change the power to appoint the director of the Tobacco Settlement Foundation from the Governor to the Board of Trustees of the Foundation.
"Some believe that allowing the governor to appoint the director threatens the Foundation+óGé¼Gäós continuity of operations,+óGé¼-¥ Governor Kaine said. +óGé¼+ôBecause the current director has served under the two previous governors and was then reappointed at the beginning of my administration, this argument is not compelling."
The Governor also said such a proposed shift in the power of gubernatorial appointments should occur in the context of a review of issues including the merits of a two-term governor.
Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission appointment
HB 706
The Governor also vetoed a bill that would change the power to appoint the director of the Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission from the Governor to the Commission.
"Given the crucial economic development responsibilities of the Commission, it is imperative that the Governor have the ability to appoint a professional who will work as part of the entire team of state officials who strive to promote business development and entrepreneurship, especially in Southside and Southwest Virginia," Governor Kaine said.
The Governor also said such a proposed shift in the power of gubernatorial appointments should occur in the context of a broader review of issues including the merits of a two-term governor.
Graduation Prayer
HB 493
This legislation would require the Virginia Board of Education to address high school graduation ceremonies in its guidelines for constitutional compliance for student prayer.
"Because the Board, with the assistance of the Attorney General+óGé¼Gäós office, has already developed the guidelines that are requested to be developed in this bill, I veto the bill," Governor Kaine said. "This bill is unnecessary, as the Board+óGé¼Gäós guidelines already address this issue in a comprehensive manner."
Concealed weapons
HB 1106
The Governor also has vetoed a proposal that would allow individuals without concealed weapon permits to store firearms in locked compartments in their vehicles.
"This measure runs contrary to existing state law regarding concealed weapon permits, allowing people who have not completed a criminal background check, and who are untrained with a handgun, to possess a firearm in a concealed manner within a locked compartment in their vehicles," Governor Kaine said.
+óGé¼+ôThe objections of law enforcement to this measure are compelling," the Governor added. +óGé¼+ôIt presents a danger to our law enforcement officers, who risk their lives for Virginians on a daily basis while patrolling the Commonwealth+óGé¼Gäós roads and highways."
Representation on Committee on Standards
HB 1178
The Governor has rejected legislation to eliminate a requirement that a member of the minority party be appointed to any three-member Committee on Standards that may be established by the Senate or House of Delegates.
"No matter the party in power, maintaining high ethical standards is a bipartisan goal," Governor Kaine said. "Depriving a committee charged with ethical oversight of its bipartisan representation would subvert the whole purpose of its existence."