Lawmakers will gather at the state Capitol Tuesday for a historic veto session. The legislature could vote on as many as 28 Republican-sponsored bills that Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed. Edwards stands by his vetoes, calling the bills unwise for the state.
“All of those vetoes were in the state’s interest in my estimation, and I stand by those, and we’ll see what happens,” said Edwards.
Two high-profile bills that the governor vetoed are concealed carry and legislation banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports. Insiders say it was the veto of the latter that inspired a majority of lawmakers to return for an override session.
House Republican Caucus Chairman Blake Miguez said the first veto session since the new state constitution was adopted in 1974, demonstrates a proper balance of government powers.
“The people back home are getting the best government possible, and I think that’s what you’re seeing and that a trend that’s changing in Louisiana,” said Miguez.
When asked if he believes a veto session will inhibit him from enacting his policies going forward for the remainder of his tenure, Edwards said no.
“You’ll see that the overwhelming majority of the work is being done in full cooperation between me and the House and the Senate and leadership and so forth. So, I don’t have that concern,” said Edwards.
Miguez however believes the highly conservative legislature will be able to counter when Edwards pushes a liberal agenda.
“Well, he’s getting to the end of his tenure, and he’s shown to be a little more socially liberal than he originally ran in his campaign, and Republicans passed a number of priorities which he disagreed with,” said Miguez.
To override an individual veto, it will take a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers. Miguez said this will require some Democratic and independent lawmakers to vote in favor of an override.
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