Legislator Calls for Public Feedback on Budget Vetoes

State Rep. Nathan Ballentine, R-Lexington, invites the public to give their feedback on Gov. Nikki Haley's budget vetoes.

"Volunteers have placed over 2,000 flyers in newspaper boxes this week in Irmo [and] Chapin, and I’m getting great feedback," Ballentine said. "Most want to sustain all vetoes. Some want overrides of education and public safety."

"Regardless, just hearing from Republicans, Democrats, and Independents gives me a better understanding of what’s at stake."

Legislators return to Columbia on Tuesday to decide whether to override or sustain Haley's vetoes. 

To override the vetoes, a two-thirds vote of the House and Senate is needed. 

Before casting his vote, Ballentine has asked to hear from others through his website or by contacting him directly. 

"Every year since I’ve been in office there’s always a lot of talk about gubernatorial vetoes. Do I agree with some of them? Yes. All of them? No. What’s more important than that is what my constituents believe and how they view the expenditures of non-recurring dollars or “one time money," Ballentine said. 

When asked if there was a veto that he would push to override or maintain, Ballentine said he would sustain Haley's veto for the Irmo Veterans Park.

"After much consideration and talk with veterans, Irmo town leaders, and constituents, I plan to sustain the veto for Irmo Veteran’s Park," Balletine said. "People are starting to understand you must sacrifice at home if you expect others to sacrifice as well."

"They understand the big picture that politicians for years have been using – vote for mine and I’ll vote for yours. How about we just don’t spend state dollars on local projects and use the local funds we have access to and keep everyone’s hard earned dollars at home instead?"

Patch also asked Ballentine what he thought about Haley's , teacher raises, rape crisis centers and other health organizations.

"These are the ones I’m hearing the most about to override – and I plan to do so," Ballentine said. "Coming from someone who’s been recognized every year for my stewardship of tax dollars, that may surprise some people."

"Thing is, the will of the General Assembly is to spend the money so the choice is where.  Education and Public Safety, that impact the entire state, make much more sense to me than local projects.

"We’d have a whole different debate if the choice were those items or returning the money to the taxpayer; but that debate was settled during the budget. The money is going to be spent somewhere so let’s try to prioritize, listening to our constituents and thinking long-term for the benefit of our state."

Now it's your turn. Share your thoughts about the budget vetoes by visiting Ballentine's website.

You can also tell us what you think in the comments.