July 23, 2015 6:33 PM

Speaker Straus says debate on line item vetoes is simply about the proper role of branches of government

Straus issues statement after Lt. Gov. Patrick earlier in the day said “The Speaker's Office obviously decided not to sign on” to the letter from the LBB director

Texas House Speaker Joe Straus on Thursday evening spoke out personally on the controversy about Gov. Greg Abbott's line item vetoes that have come under intense scrutiny this week.

Legislative Budget Board Director Ursula Parks earlier in the week issued a memo in which she argued that the way Abbott tried to cut millions in spending expanded gubernatorial power in an unprecedented way. "Appropriations may be made by the Legislature and may also be vetoed by the Governor; the power of the veto is to prohibit a withdrawal of funds from the Treasury. It does not extend to vetoing the Legislature’s intent and direction," Parks said.

"My colleagues and I share Governor Abbott's commitment to fiscal discipline and accountability in the Texas budget," Straus said in a statement. "The discussion that has been taking place about vetoes is about nothing more than the proper roles of the legislative and executive branches in the budget process,” Straus said.

By Scott Braddock