THE LINE-ITEM VETO IN PRACTICE IN 10 SOUTHERN STATES

How frequently are line-item vetoes used? Doer the line-item veto resu lt in substantial reductions in annual appropriation totals? What reas ons do governors provide for their use of the line-item veto! This stu dy analyzes line-item vetoes cast in 10 southern states over the 1373- 32 period. Information from each state is analyzed in relation to char acteristics of state budgetary processes and political environments. T he study uses the first collection of in-depth, multistate data on the use of the line-item veto power. The use of the line-item veto varies greatly among the states. The non-use of the line-item veto is linked with biennial budgets, less itemized appropriations, large numbers of appropriation bills, same-party control of the legislative and execut ive branches, and limited gubernatorial terms in office. The only fact or associated with high usage of the line-item veto is divided party c ontrol; however divided party control is not associated with great amo unts of appropriation reduction.