Sunday, April 30, 2023

Bill Crawford: Leg Should Stop Scheming to Thwart Partial Vetoes

 Section 73 of Mississippi’s constitution gives the Governor power to veto parts of appropriations bills – “The Governor may veto parts of any appropriation bill, and approve parts of the same, and the portions approved shall be law.”

The Legislature over the years has worked to thwart the Governor’s partial veto power. When carefully crafted language in appropriation bills could not be parsed into distinct sections, the state Supreme Court would overrule partial vetoes.

That changed somewhat in 2020 when the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Gov. Tate Reeves’ partial vetoes of specific line items in H.B. 1782. In that bill, the Legislature appropriated COVID related funds to four state agencies. However, within the appropriations to each agency, the Legislature detailed line item amounts for specific purposes, e.g., $4,000 for each licensed assisted living facility up to a total of $452,000.

The court ruled “The monies were appropriated to multiple, distinct, and separate entities, thus they were multiple separate appropriations” and subject to partial vetoes.

So, the Legislature came up with a new scheme in 2022. Rather than begin H.B. 1353 as “An Act Making an Appropriation,” its authors wrote “An Act to Direct the State Treasurer to Transfer Funds” and treated it as a general bill. But much like H.B. 1782 in 2020, H.B. 1353 in 2022 provided line item amounts for specific purposes. 

Gov. Tate Reeves issued partial vetoes for 10 line items totaling almost $14 million. Interestingly, the Legislature neither challenged these vetoes in court nor moved to override them. 

In 2023, the Legislature used the same approach in two “transfer” bills passed through the Appropriations Committees. Gov. Reeves has issued 15 partial vetoes totaling $23.1 million in both bills, H.B. 1089 and H.B. 603.  

In 2020, House Speaker Philip Gunn and Speaker Pro Tempore Jason White challenged the Governor’s vetoes in court. In 2023, will Gunn and White, now the outgoing Speaker and likely incoming Speaker, go to court again?

If so, there could be an interesting twist to one of the bills. Gov. Reeves in his veto message warned legislators that a court fight over H.B. 603 would place in jeopardy the remaining $699 million allocated to numerous projects across the state. Arguing that the court would clearly deem the bill an omnibus appropriations bill, he cited a provision in the constitution that appropriations bills may not be passed in the last five days of a legislative session. H.B. 603 was passed four days prior to adjournment.

Whether you agree with what Gov. Reeves vetoes or not, he has the constitutional power to issue partial vetoes. 

At some point either the Supreme Court or the Legislature should put a halt to legislative scheming to thwart partial vetoes. The appropriate way for the Legislature to deal with vetoes is already in the state constitution. Section 72 provides that the Legislature can override any veto with a two-thirds vote in both houses.

“Professing to be wise, they became fools” – Romans 1:22.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ole Bill just can’t stand Tate

Anonymous said...

So the legislature is right as well as the Guv? Thanks Bill for a nothing burger

Anonymous said...

@9:45am - Not many people can.

Anonymous said...

Legislature has way too much power via election of Speaker & Lt Governor! & ability to pack a single bill. Governor needs to have authority to veto entire bill or parts.

Anonymous said...

@11:13am

But the bumbling Bubbas of Mississippi ushered him in anyway. Goofball Gibson or Saved Phil Fitch are probably next in line - both idiots and corrupt to the bone.

Anonymous said...

An appropriate scripture selection for you Billy.

Anonymous said...

9:45 & 10:24 - Bill is arguing that Tate is correct in this instance (Shocking, I know!). He argues that the legislature already has the means and the power to override the Governor's vetoes with a 2/3rds vote to override in both chambers. So, use it. Quit trying to be cute about what is and what is not an appropriation bill.

If a bill appropriates money, it is an appropriation bill. Our idiot legislators thought that by not labeling it an appropriation bill then it wasn't. Tate politely reminded them if they plan to argue it is just a general bill, then the constitution disallows general bills from being passed in the last 5 days of the session, and the entire bill would be declared unconstitutional by the MS Supreme Court.

Anonymous said...

11:48 is right. So, the rest of you Nabobs (who don't even the citizens have a referendum right) can just kiss the common man's ass and get over yourselves.

You minimal minions of mediocrity think you're sitting alongside Bennie where all the 'bill-packing' takes place to produce something that doesn't resemble the original bill in the least.

Anonymous said...

"You minimal minions of mediocrity" - not quite as memorable as "nattering nabobs of negativism" but it has potential ;-)


Recent Comments

Search Jackson Jambalaya

Subscribe to JJ's Youtube channel

Archives

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

Note: Security provided by INS
.