McDonnell Correctly Vetoes PBS Funding

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell has used his line-item veto authority to strike $424,000 in taxpayer funding for public broadcasting. McDonnell had previously sought to reduce the spending twice, but the legislature approved the funds over his objections. The veto cannot be overridden.

Americans for Prosperity’s Virginia Director Trixie Averill issued the following statement:

“Despite reports to the contrary, Governor Bob McDonnell has not killed Big Bird. Neither has he silenced Elmo. He has simply made a common sense decision on state spending.

“There is simply no reason to ask the taxpayers to support a specific set of radio and television stations. Private broadcasters must compete in the free market for audience and advertisers and there should not be a selected class of stations that receive money, and therefore the blessing, of the government. If there truly is a demand for such programming, listeners, viewers and advertisers would support it.

“While the veto merely restores public broadcasting funding to 2010 levels at about $2.1 million, the governor’s action is a welcome first volley in what will likely be a long battle over state spending priorities. The governor’s persistence and dedication to eliminating wasteful expenditures is a breath of fresh air in a world overwhelmed with the excesses of government at all levels.

“By using his line-item veto, Governor McDonnell has exercised the power that Virginia governors enjoy, but sadly, Presidents of the United States do not. It is high time to grant the chief executive of the nation the same authority. Perhaps only then can Washington get its fiscal house in order, much the same way Virginia maintains its own.

"And don't worry. Big Bird and Elmo will be just fine."