PROVIDENCE -- Governor Carcieri today proposed three constitutional
changes to strengthen his hand in controlling state spending, including
the line-item veto.
He also proposed creation of a new state entity to promote tourism, one
of 18 bills representing the governor's legislative priorities for the
year.
The line-item veto is one of the governor's top priorities. He said he's
one of seven governors without the power to veto parts of the annual
budget.
Last year, the Republican governor vetoed the budget but was easily
overridden by the Democrat-controlled General Assembly.
Carcieri also wants any tax increase approved by a two-thirds majority,
rather than the current simple majority.
His third proposal would limit state spending increases to the
three-year average annual increase in personal income growth.
The governor would like all three proposals to be part of a single
ballot question. State lawmakers must approve putting the question on
the November ballot.
Carcieri last year failed to win support for the line-item veto. His GOP
predecessor, Lincoln Almond, was also a longtime advocate for the
proposal.
Other bills delivered to lawmakers this week cover issues such as
gambling, ethics, health care, homeland security the environment and
economic development.
Among those not previously released that the governor is expected to
discuss in a budget address later this month is one creating a state
tourism corporation.
The Rhode Island Tourism Development Corp. would coordinate efforts to
promote tourism statewide. It would oversee spending generated from the
state's hotel tax.
DIGITAL EXTRA:
Read the governor's press release detailing his legislative agenda.
ARTICLE TOOLS: 
