Sen. Sheehan commits to re-introduce line-item-veto legislation

Sen. Sheehan, if re-elected,

commits to re-introducing line item-veto legislation

NORTH KINGSTOWN – Senator James C. Sheehan (D-Dist. 36, Narragansett, North Kingstown) has announced that if re-elected he would re-introduce a constitutional amendment that, if approved, would give R.I. governors the ability to issue line-item vetoes.

“The legislative branch in Rhode Island has historically held disproportionate power relative to the executive and judicial branches of our government. Providing the governor with line-item vetoes could help level the playing field,” said Senator Sheehan.

Contrary to R.I.’s current gubernatorial veto powers that require the rejection of entire bills, line-item vetoes allow for the removal of wasteful spending and irresponsible provisions while keeping the outstanding sections of legislation intact.

Senator Sheehan, an appointee to the commission to study the effects of line-item vetoes, concluded that the amendment would “promote fiscal responsibility, preclude earmarking abuses, prevent ‘all or nothing’ dilemmas, and bolster the balance of our separation of powers.”

The Providence Journal reports that a 2016 poll conducted by Common Cause Rhode Island found that 66 percent of voters support the line-item veto.

If passed, the measure would allow voters to decide whether to amend the state constitution to join 44 states, including Massachusetts, in allowing line-item vetoes.

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