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Branstad: Workforce Development veto will prevail

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December 12th, 2011 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gov. Terry Branstad says he’s confident the Iowa Supreme Court will support his right to veto funding for Iowa Workforce Development offices, calling it a key test of gubernatorial authority.Branstad used his line item veto power to reject $3 million to pay for running Workforce Development offices around the state. Instead, the state has installed computer terminals at libraries and other spots where people can access employment services. A lawsuit charged that Branstad exceeded his authority, and last week a Polk County judge agreed.Speaking at his weekly news conference Monday, Branstad expressed confidence, saying he’ll seek an expedited Iowa Supreme Court review of the decision. Branstad says it’s an important marker for deciding how far the governor can go to control spending.