March 22, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Legislature sues governor for illegal line-item veto

(State Capitol, Phoenix) – The Legislature today filed suit against Gov. Janet Napolitano, challenging her unconstitutional line-item veto of a portion of the employee pay package.

The suit, filed with the Arizona Supreme Court, charges Napolitano illegally used her line-item veto authority to strike an important reform rather than an item of appropriation.

“In her zeal to get whatever she wants, Gov. Janet Napolitano smashed the bounds of legality with her line-item veto,” House Speaker Jim Weiers said. “The Legislature will defend the constitution and I look forward to having our day in court.”

President Ken Bennett said, “For someone who once was the state’s chief legal officer, the governor displays a stunning disregard for the clear legal boundaries of her authority.”

The lawsuit asks the Supreme Court to set aside her line-item veto and restore the provision that exempts employees above pay grade 24 from state personnel rules.

“This matter is of singular import because it goes to the heart of Arizona’s constitutional framework for enacting laws,” the lawsuit states.

Last month, both the House and Senate gave the Speaker and President, respectively, the authority to sue Governor Napolitano on this blatantly improper use of the powers granted to her office under Arizona’s constitution.

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For further information contact:
Nick Simonetta, Communications and Policy Advisor to the Majority
 Arizona State Senate
Office: (602) 926-5418, e-mail: nsimonet@azleg.gov
OR
Barrett Marson, Director of Communications
 Arizona House of Representatives
Office: (602) 926-3233, e-mail: bmarson@azleg.gov