Our Opinion: Fiscal restraint required during veto session

State spending will be the focal point when lawmakers convene at the Capitol on Wednesday for the annual veto session.

Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon set a personal record earlier this year when he vetoed 33 bills passed by the Republican-dominated Legislature.

The governor stamped a veto on measures ranging from abortion to agriculture, e-cigarettes to alcohol at Capitol events.

Among the vetoed money measures were 10 tax exemptions or reductions characterized by Nixon as the "Friday Favors" because they were approved on the final day of the regular session. The governor also cut the budget by about $144 million in line-item vetoes, in addition to planned withholds if revenues fall short.

Nixon, who now must watch from the wings, made a final pitch last week for legislators to sustain his vetoes. And he channeled fiscal conservatism in his remarks.

"We don't have the money for all this stuff," he said, adding veto overrides would "put Missouri on a permanent path to living beyond our means - and that is, simply, wrong."

Republicans may be rankled, but they all are realistic. They will count votes before risking repeated failed override attempts.

Regarding the "Friday Favors," we urge them to return to the drawing board. A more methodical approach is preferable and can succeed.

We refer to a successful override of a tax cut measure during the regular session. The measure was thoroughly vetted during two legislative sessions to eliminate errors, sharpen its focus and provide safeguards. The override, which earned our support, prevailed.

In contrast, the "Friday Favors" were approved hastily on the session's last day, without sufficient scrutiny, discussion and debate regarding both content and cost.

We urge GOP lawmakers to embrace the fiscal restraint that traditionally has been a fundamental component of their philosophy.

Successful overrides will not be the final word. Nixon cited his authority to withhold spending when he said: "If they (Republicans) dramatically continue to expand the size of government by their votes - that it doesn't match up to the level of revenue that we have - then I'll continue to have to make necessary restrictions."

The budgeting process this year has been fraught with conflict, antagonism and one-upmanship.

Missourians deserve better.

And both the legislative and executive branch have demonstrated they can do better when budget matters are subjected to reason, refinement and restraint.