Judge Upholds Governor`s Authority to Veto Single Items in Appropriations Bills

The Governor used his line-item veto power last summer to remove a special-interest rider from an appropriations bill

Governor says cleaner air is in Oregon's future Salem-news.com

(SALEM) - Marion County Circuit Court Judge Mary James on Thursday upheld the Governor`s authority to veto single items in appropriations bills.

Senate Republican Leader Ted Ferrioli said Judge James is well known for throwing out Ballot Measure 37 because she believed that it violated the Constitution on six key grounds.

"We are reviewing whether it is best to address this decision with legislation or an appeal to more rational jurists."

The outcome he said guarantees that every new car sold in Oregon will increase in cost by $1,000 to $3,000.

Ferrioli added that the dispute is a fundamental disagreement about how new standards are to be imposed.

"The governor bypassed the legislative process and has acted unilaterally to do what by all rights should be the product of debate and compromise. He presents the image of one who supports public debate and an open process but shows his true colors as one who believes that his ends justify any means" he said.

Governor Kulongoski said the ruling is a major victory for the citizens of Oregon and the entire West Coast.

"I am pleased that the court upheld my authority as Governor to veto single items in appropriations bills. That authority is a longstanding part of the Oregon Constitution and is critical to our system of checks and balances.

"This decision clears the way for Oregon to make our temporary tailpipe emissions standards permanent and for Oregon to lead the nation in clean air and clean energy" he said.

The Governor used his line-item veto power last summer to remove a special-interest rider from an appropriations bill.

The rider, which was supported by corporate lobbying groups and Republican leaders, would have prohibited the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality from adopting cleaner vehicle emissions standards.