Kaine budget vetoes

Apparently, Governor Tim Kaine has signed off on the budget, which takes effect at midnight tonight. He vetoed just four items. From the press release:

The Governor also announced four line-item vetoes of technical language included in the re-enrolled appropriation bill.

“My four vetoes are technical, but they are substantive in that they maintain the practice of at least the past 20 years with respect to the Governor’s ability to take budget actions while the General Assembly is not in session,” Governor Kaine said. “In addition, my vetoes preserve the separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches.”

§ 4-1.02: Adds a number of limitations to the Governor’s authority to reduce appropriations administratively, in the event of an unanticipated revenue shortfall.

§ 4-1.06 b.: Includes language allowing the State Comptroller to authorize the disbursement of up to $3 million against appropriations of a subsequent fiscal year, when an emergency arises or when July l falls on a weekend, provided that the Auditor of Public Accounts provides written concurrence.

§ 4-6.01 b.: Includes new language that attempts to prohibit a Governor from withdrawing a Cabinet nomination during a General Assembly session and then reappointing the same person after adjournment of that legislative session.

§ 4-8.02 b. : Includes language requiring that agencies submit to the General Assembly copies of any budget reduction proposals provided to the Governor, the Governor’s Cabinet Secretaries, Chief-of-Staff, or the Department of Planning and Budget.

Was the estate tax repeal included in the budget? If so, he didn’t veto it.