[46 Pa.B. 1780]
[Saturday, April 9, 2016]Notice of Veto March 25, 2016
To the Honorable House of Representatives
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:Pursuant to Article IV, Section 15 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, I am returning herewith, without my approval, House Bill 1327, Printer's Number 2969.
This bill would continue a basic education funding distribution that I believe is one of the most inequitable in the nation. For instance, the bill's provisions permit the reduction of funds to certain school districts, which would otherwise be available, based solely on how the districts were funded earlier this year. My veto of this bill ensures that the school districts will not be subject to this undeserved treatment from a funding perspective.
Another reason for this veto concerns the $2.5 billion bond issuance provided under the bill. One aspect of this issuance is that it will occur without addressing the structural budget deficit. This is not a responsible course of action. As a result, I cannot authorize this policy as it not sensible for the Commonwealth to issue these bonds until we meaningfully address the structural deficit.
This bill also requires that any Clean Power Plan put forth by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) be submitted to the Legislature prior to its submission for federal approval. The plan could then be unilaterally disapproved by either legislative chamber. In the event of disapproval, the General Assembly would be permitted to direct DEP's amendment of the plan. This procedure not only permits an improper one-house veto, but also calls for an unwarranted intrusion upon executive authority, and I will not assent to these legislative actions.
The oil and gas regulations relating to conventional drilling, which began in the rulemaking process over two years ago, will be invalidated under this bill. The termination of the regulatory process would present a significant obstacle to DEP's efforts to enhance environmental safeguards for conventional oil and gas development. I do not consider this legislative proposal as being in the best interests of this Commonwealth, and I will not sanction it by agreeing to this bill.
For the reasons set forth above, I must withhold my signature from House Bill 1327, Printer's Number 2969.
Governor
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 16-587. Filed for public inspection April 8, 2016, 9:00 a.m.]
