Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State-line Item Veto (this Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Would Provide The Governor With A Line-item Veto On The Budget And Other Bills For The Appropriation Of Money.)
Impact
Should S2225 be enacted, it would effectively alter Section 14 of Article IX of the Rhode Island Constitution. The introduction of a line-item veto would grant significant powers to the governor, arguably changing the dynamics of fiscal policy-making in the state. Supporters assert that this would lead to more responsible budgeting and streamline the process of approving state funds, as the governor could eliminate specific funding allocations deemed unnecessary. However, this also raises concerns among various legislators and advocacy groups who fear that it might create tensions between the executive and legislative branches, potentially leading to disputes over budgetary priorities.
Summary
S2225 is a joint resolution aimed at amending the Constitution of the State to introduce a line-item veto for the governor concerning budgetary appropriations and other related bills. This proposed constitutional change would allow the governor to reject specific items within budget bills, rather than being compelled to accept or reject entire bills as currently required. Proponents of the bill argue that this added authority could enable more precise fiscal governance and ensure that state funds are allocated more effectively by preventing unnecessary expenditures within larger appropriation bills. Additionally, it aims to enhance the checks and balances in state government by empowering the executive branch to manage financial appropriations more adeptly.
Contention
The primary points of contention surrounding S2225 include the balance of power between the governor and the legislature. Opponents argue that giving the governor a line-item veto could undermine the legislative process by allowing the executive to selectively disapprove funding, thus bypassing the legislature's authority to make comprehensive fiscal decisions. Critics express concerns about the potential for political motivations influencing the exercise of this veto power, which might adversely affect legislative intent and the allocation of funds for essential services. The resolution will ultimately be submitted to voters, making their perception of the change crucial for its potential passage.
JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- REFERENDUM ON LINE ITEM VETO (This proposed amendment to the Constitution would provide the governor with a line item veto on the budget and other bills for the appropriation of money.)
JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- LINE ITEM VETO (This proposed amendment to our state Constitution grants the governor a line-item veto on the budget and other appropriation bills.)
JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- LINE ITEM VETO (This proposed amendment to our state Constitution grants the governor a line-item veto on the budget and other appropriation bills.)
JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- REFERENDUM ON LINE ITEM VETO (Proposed amendment to the Constitution provides the governor with a line item veto on the budget and other bills for the appropriation of money.)
JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF SUFFRAGE (Would propose to the voters of the state a constitutional amendment regarding eligibility to vote and to be a candidate.)
JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF SUFFRAGE (Would propose to the voters of the state a constitutional amendment regarding eligibility to vote and to be a candidate.)
JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF SUFFRAGE (Proposes to the voters of the state a constitutional amendment regarding eligibility to vote and to be a candidate.)
JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF SUFFRAGE (Proposes to the voters of the state a constitutional amendment regarding eligibility to vote and to be a candidate.)
JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF THE LEGISLATIVE POWER (Proposes a state constitutional amendment that no department or other entity created by the state would have poser to incur debt in excess of $ 50,000, without express approval from the legislature and voters.)
JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF THE LEGISLATIVE POWER (Proposes a state constitutional amendment that no department or other entity created by the state would have poser to incur debt in excess of $ 50,000, without express approval from the legislature and voters.)
Relates to the line of succession for the governor and lieutenant-governor in cases where they are impeached or unable to perform the duties of the office.
Relates to the line of succession for the governor and lieutenant-governor in cases where they are impeached or unable to perform the duties of the office.