Fasano, Klarides: Failure to Challenge Governor’s Vetoes Puts Politics Before Policy

Hartford – Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano (R-North Haven) and House Republican Leader Themis Klarides (R-Derby) released the following statement regarding Democrat legislative leaders’ plans to accept Governor Dannel P. Malloy’s vetoes during Monday’s scheduled veto session.

“Failing to challenge the governor on his vetoes is putting politics before policy. The legislature has overridden past governors, including Rell and Weicker. But Democrat lawmakers have never overridden a single Malloy veto ever. Simply accepting the governor’s vetoes is failing to represent and protect our constituents. We have a constitutional duty to the public to reassess these bills.

“Fortunately, this is not a decision for only the majority leaders to make. Under our constitution it is up to the legislative body’s majority vote to consider an override of a governor’s veto. As such, there should be an opportunity for the assembly as a whole to voice its opinion. To gavel in and out without any reconsideration and without hearing input from all lawmakers violates our constitutional duty and therefore our obligations as elected representatives.

“At Monday’s veto session, Senate and House Republicans will be in attendance and remain ready, willing and able to vote in favor of overriding Governor Malloy’s vetoes on bills that the legislature has overwhelmingly supported. We have contacted and sent a letter to majority leaders regarding our intent.”