Rhode Island is among a small number of states that don’t have a gubernatorial line-item veto.Advocates are pressing lawmakers to take up the issue in the next legislative session.
Supporters say the line-item veto brings more accountability to the budget process. They say that’s especially important in Rhode Island, which has a particularly powerful legislature.
In the face of an independent challenge, state Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed has indicated her support for creating a line-item veto, an action which former gubernatorial candidate Ken Block is applauding. Block calls the line-item veto a basic check and balance for issues related to the budget.
House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello says he intends to consider supporting the veto in the next legislative session starting in January. Mattiello first has to overcome a re-election challenge from Republican Steven Frias.
