Gov. Perdue Vetoes Senate Bill 727

You go Girl, lets hear for Bev,

Gov. Perdue today vetoed Senate Bill 727 and issued the following statement:

“This bill is nothing but a petty and vindictive attempt to seek retribution against a group that opposed the Republican budget. The bill unfairly singles out this one group for special treatment. The state Constitution requires organizations with similar missions to be treated equally. This bill clearly does not follow that requirement, therefore I veto it.” 

Below is the text of Gov. Perdue’s veto message:

GOVERNOR’S OBJECTIONS AND VETO MESSAGE

Senate Bill 727, “An Act to Eliminate the Dues Checkoff Option for Active and Retired Public School Employees” 

This bill is simply one more attack on teachers by the Republicans in the General Assembly.  The effect of Senate Bill 727 is to unfairly and arbitrarily single out one group given that State law allows a dues check off option for every other comparable association of employees.  It does so without even attempting to offer any rational basis why -- which is not surprising because no rational basis exists.  In addition to being unfair, this bill is also illegal because it violates the rule under our State Constitution that similar groups must be treated similarly.

In short, the Republican leadership is punishing teachers because teachers had the “audacity” to publicly protest a budget that contains the most devastating cuts to education in our State’s history.  Teachers have rights, and I refuse to allow the General Assembly to take them away.

Therefore, I veto this bill.

                                                                                    ______________________________

                                                                                    Beverly Eaves Perdue