August 26, 2015 4:25 PM

Comptroller Hegar asks AG for opinion on controversial Abbott line-item vetoes

“I have a fiduciary duty to Texas taxpayers to ensure their hard-earned dollars are spent in a manner that is consistent with the constitution of the state of Texas," Hegar said.

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar on Wednesday afternoon said he wants the Attorney General to weigh in with an official opinion about controversial line-item vetoes that have been questioned by the Legislative Budget Board and some members of The Legislature.

Abbott’s line-item vetoes of more than $200 million from the budget came under fire because he sought to rewrite parts of the budget rather than simply nixing the spending of money on certain items.

“I am lapsing the funds for all items objected to by the Governor and will treat the items in question as vetoed,” Hegar said in a written statement. “However, if advised otherwise, those appropriations can be made available immediately.

LBB Director Ursula Parks put it this way after she was asked to look into the matter by both the Lt. Governor's office as well as the office of the Speaker:

By Scott Braddock