Governor Brewer proves her moratorium, vetoes five bills

May 23, 2013

Governor Jan Brewer told lawmakers she wouldn't be signing any bills until progress was made on a state budget and Medicaid expansion. Late yesterday, her actions matched her words.

Governor Brewer vetoed five bills on Thursday after Senate President Andy Biggs sent them to her desk.

Biggs sent the bills this week despite a moratorium on signings the governor put in place more than two weeks ago. According to Biggs, he was never told not to transmit bills for her signature.

In her veto letter for all five bills, the Governor wrote it was disappointing she had to prove her moratorium was not an idle threat. Among the five was Senate Bill 1178, which would allow people to sue over potential violations of religious freedom.

The State Senate passed a budget last week, which included the approval of Medicaid expansion when six Republicans voted with 13 Democrats. But the House hasn't taken action. Speaker Andy Tobin opposes the Governor's plan and has broached the idea of sending the issue of Medicaid expansion to voters.