Rigby Displeased with Governor’s Veto of Election Bill, Subsequent Borrowing
HARRISBURG – Rep. Jim Rigby (R-Cambria/Somerset) has expressed his disappointment in the governor’s decision to veto the election bill which was passed by the General Assembly as a part of the budget process.
The bill contained several provisions including funding for upgrades to voting machines across the state and the elimination straight-party voting.
“I am extremely disappointed in the governor’s actions regarding this issue. His decision to veto seems, to me, to be purely political,” said Rigby. “However, I am even more disappointed in his decision to borrow money for updating voting machines without the approval of the General Assembly. We have a separation of powers for a reason, and that reason is to prevent unilateral action by the executive, especially actions that will hurt taxpayers.”
In his veto message, the governor cited concerns with the provision eliminating straight-party voting, even though Pennsylvania is one of only nine states that currently have a straight-party option. He also voiced concern that the bill’s proposed process to decertify voting machines would hinder the ability of the state to adjust to threats to election security.
After his veto last week, the governor today announced his decision to borrow up to $90 million to pay for new voting machines. The Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority (PEDFA) would issue the bonds, and the Department of State would make grants available to counties. He made this decision without legislative approval.
Representative Jim Rigby
71st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
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