Comptroller Seeks AG Opinion On Abbott's Line-Item Vetoes

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AUSTIN (AP) — Texas' comptroller is seeking an opinion from the state attorney general on how to proceed after officials questioned the constitutionality of some of Gov. Gregg Abbott's line-item budget vetoes.

In a statement Wednesday, Comptroller Glenn Hegar said there are "complex questions" surrounding the vetoes. He asked fellow Republican and Attorney General Ken Paxton to issue a formal ruling on the matter.

At issue are $233 million in spending cuts Abbott used line-item vetoes to remove from the new state budget in June.

Last month, the nonpartisan Legislative Budget Board called the vetoes "unprecedented." Abbott's office responded by sharply criticizing the board.

Hegar said he wouldn't redistribute the funds Abbott cut until Paxton weighs in. He called the matter "a constitutional issue that goes to the heart of separation of powers."

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