Bennett v. Napolitano

OPINION

JONES, Chief Justice.

I. INTRODUCTION

¶ 1 On June 12, 2003, the legislature enacted and transmitted to the governor four bills comprising the state’s operating budget for fiscal year 2004 — the general appropriations bill (House Bill 2531) and three omnibus reconciliation bills (ORBs) consisting of the Public Finance ORB (House Bill 2533), the Education ORB (House Bill 2534), and the Health and Welfare ORB (House Bill 2535).

¶2 On June 17, 2003, the governor item vetoed some thirty-five separate provisions from the four bills, and, as required, sent a message to both legislative chambers…