March 14, 2001

TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

GOVERNOR'S VETO MESSAGE FOR HOUSE BILL 724

I am returning House Bill Number 724: "AN ACT TO CREATE THE LEGISLATIVE EXTRAORDINARY SESSION EXPENSE REVOLVING FUND IN THE STATE TREASURY FOR THE PURPOSE OF PAYING ANY EXPENSES OF THE MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE; TO DIRECT THE STATE BOND COMMISSION TO GRANT NONINTEREST BEARING LOANS TO THE REVOLVING FUND FROM THE STATE TREASURER'S GENERAL FUND/SPECIAL FUND POOL, UPON THE JOINT REQUEST OF THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE AND THE SECRETARY OF THE SENATE; TO REQUIRE THE LEGISLATURE TO REPAY THE AMOUNT OF ANY LOAN GRANTED TO THE REVOLVING FUND WITHIN EIGHTEEN MONTHS AFTER THE END OF THE EXTRAORDINARY SESSION FOR WHICH THE LOAN WAS REQUESTED; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES" without my approval and assign the following reasons for my veto.

The Legislature proposes to borrow money in tight fiscal times from special funds to pay its own expenses incurred during legislative special sessions, yet refuses to consider seriously the same approach for critical public services.

While ignoring the administration's proposal to borrow moneys from special funds to be paid back with the annual settlement payment from AMS to provide a bridge for our public schools, universities and colleges, and correctional facilities over tough economic times, the Legislature has borrowed this approach to appropriate the necessary funds for anticipated expenses of special legislative sessions.

This is simply not right. I urge the members to make an honest assessment of our budget and to address the people's needs before accommodating their own.

Respectfully submitted,

RONNIE MUSGROVE
GOVERNOR