House debating veto overrides, votes one down, working on second
In a still House chamber lawmakers today (May 17) debated a veto override attempt of Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s line-item veto of the human services bill — the $381 million veto of general assistance medical care grants.
In emotional debate — Rep. Jim Abeler, R-Anoka, lead Republican on the health care finance committee voted against the override — the House on a 87 to 47 vote failed to achieve the two-thirds necessary to override the govenor’s veto.
Immediately after the failed override attempt on health care, DFL House leaders set in motion an override attempt of the governor’s veto of the $1 billion tax increase bill passed and vetoed about a week ago.
Debate on the second override attempt continues into the early evening.
The 2009 legislative session ends tomorrow.
