HENRY TO PROPOSE LEGISLATION TO ABOLISH OFFICE OF LT. GOVERNOR

HENRY TO PROPOSE LEGISLATION TO

ABOLISH OFFICE OF LT. GOVERNOR

State Rep. Cameron Henry says he is working on legislation which would abolish the office of lieutenant governor and redirect the functions of that office to other state agencies.

            "This legislation is currently being drafted for introduction at the upcoming legislative session," Henry said.  "During these tough economic times, this legislation would save money and  reduce the size of government.  Our lieutenant governor does not preside over the Senate as in some other states, so he has few formal powers or duties."

            At this time, the lieutenant governor's main responsibility is as commissioner of the Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism, duties that Henry says were transferred to the lieutenant governor's office in 1986 and could just as easily be absorbed by other agencies.

            In the event of a vacancy in the office of governor, or if the governor is unable to perform his duties, the lieutenant governor serves as governor.   Henry has not yet determined to which office this duty would fall.

            A constitutional amendment, which requires a two-thirds vote of both houses of the legislature, is necessary to abolish the office.   It would then go to the voters for consideration.