Hoeven will veto lawmakers plan to write budget

BISMARCK--Gov. John Hoeven said he will veto sections of two bills that restrict his budget-writing powers.

Hoeven revealed his plans around 1 a.m. this morning during a news media availability with Senate Majority Leader Bob Stenehjem and House Majority Leader Al Carlson, about a hour after the 2009 Legislature finished its session and adjourned "sine die."

The sections are in the legislative branch funding bill for 2009-11 and the Office of Management and Budget bill, he said.

There may be other vetoes or line-item vetoes, Hoeven said.

Carlson and other House Republicans had fought throughout the session to pass bills that expanded the Legislature's authority be involved in budget-writing before the governor presents his spending plans ahead of each session.

The House Republicans had also insisted on programs in the OMB budget bill to restrict how state agencies can fill vacant positions.