Governor Vetoes Because Of Rider

Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell has vetoed a measure that would have specifically outlawed Flying Under The Influence (FWI) -- a move that stunned the state legislature.

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports Rendell wrote to legislators that the bill "destabilizes the financial condition of existing (transit) systems and fails to remedy their current financial crises."

Ironically, the governor's veto had little to do with the FWI legislation itself. Instead, he was reportedly concerned about a rider attached by members of the state senate. It provided some $6 million in emergency aid to rural transit systems. The Tribune-Review reports Rendell wants that sort of financing made permanent.

The bill starting wending its way through Pennsylvania's legislative process after the flight of John Salamone. The Pottstown pilot was sentenced to prison after he flew through the approach at Philadelphia International, then scared the operators of the Limerick Nuclear Power Plant so bad that, as he approached, they considered shutting down the reactor.

"It's appalling that Pennsylvania remains only one of three states that does not have a criminal penalty for flying under the influence," Rep. Katherine Watson told the newspaper. She and fellow legislator, Rep. Catherine Harper now say they'll reintroduce the bill when the Legislature gets back together after the holidays.

FMI: www.legis.state.pa.us/index.cfm