Political Updates
Chapter Seven: The Executive

Veto Power, pg. 301

During the regular session of the 77th Legislature in 2001, Governor Perry vetoed only by a few bills. But in what some critics termed the "Fathers Day Massacre," he exercised 78 postadjournment vetoes at 9 p.m. on the last possible day (17 June). His total of 82 vetoes seta record. Included were bills prohibiting the death sentence for mentally retarded murderers, setting standards for prompt medical-insurance payments to physicians and hospitals, expanding Medicaid coverage for uninsured and needy persons, requiring a career ladder and other improved working conditions for prison guards, allowing undocumented aliens to apply for a driver's license without providing a Social Security number, and preventing school districts within 50 miles of the Mexican border to require their contractors to pay workers more than prevailing local wages.