Legislative Messages of Hon. James V. Allred, Governor of Texas 1935-1939 Page: 62 of 263

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would
be breaking faith for me to disapprove of it. After careful consideration,
I have therefore concluded it is my duty to sign this bill.
Shortly after this bill came to my desk, in reply to the inquiry of newspaper
men, I stated that the question in my mind was "where is the
money coming from?" Upon reflection, I have concluded that this is
the Legislature's problem-not the Governor's.
This same inquiry applies to the appalling deficit to which your attention
was respectfully directed at the beginning of the session. It is not
the part of wisdom to spend money unless you have it, either in the
treasury or know where it is coming from.
We are going through a finish fight against "hot" oil and for sound
State home rule. I dislike in signing appropriation bills to face a future
of State "hot" checks and unsound State home rule. It will be in this
spirit that I either vote or give my signature to various bills.
The people must, of course, depend on the Legislature to provide
revenues. In my judgment, a sound Legislature will not leave Austin
without providing for money they have ordered spent.
This Legislature has determined to adjourn on May 11. That is your
constitutional prerogative and I have no desire to attempt to dictate to
you. The Governor, however, has certain constitutional prerogatives
and duties. Among these: he is privileged and required to communicate
to you from time to time his views on public questions.
May I therefore respectfully remind you that much remains to be
done before you shall have discharged your oaths of office.
The Legislature can provide revenues; the Governor cannot. The
Legislature can give tax relief; the Governor cannot. He can only
recommend, and that I have done in detail. I must ask, and I think
the people expect, this Legislature not to adjourn until it has provided
money for its worthy appropriations.
When the framers of the Constitution (and of the amendment adopted
five years ago) provided that the Legislature should remain over at
half pay after the expiration of the regular session they evidently contemplated
that sometime the interests of the public might require the
members, as patriots, to remain in session until unfinished business is
disposed of. We may as well be frank about it. Even aside from
revenue raising measures, other important questions, dealt with in the
party platform and in individual campaigns of many members, somehow,
for reasons best known to you, have not been voted upon.
Is it asking too much of this Legislature to suggest that the people
are entitled to have these important matters at least voted upon? If
they are disposed of at this regular session there will be no necessity
for calling the Legislature back at the regular rate of $10 a day, and
mileage, at an enormous expense to the taxpayers, to vote on questions
already decided. Surely no harm can come from each Legislator
expressing himself upon matters so greatly affecting the public interest.
Most important of all problems which assuredly should be dealt with
before adjournment is that of provision for relief of the unfortunate
people of this State after the present twenty million dollar bond issue
shall have been exhausted. It is commonly known that all unemployables
within the State will shortly be turned back upon local communities.