Judge: decision coming soon in challenge to vetoes

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HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A Helena judge says he will make a quick decision in a legal challenge to some line-item budget vetoes made earlier this year by Gov. Brian Schweitzer.

Six local governments are suing Schweitzer to undo the governor's vetoes of funding for their local bridge and water projects.

The local governments argue that House Bill 351 wasn't technically an appropriations bill that would provide Schweitzer with line-item veto authority.

But state lawyers counter that the governor's vetoes were clearly within his authority to strike line-item appropriations. Schweitzer struck down projects in districts represented by Republicans who voted against the overall infrastructure spending bill.

District Judge Jeffrey Sherlock told both sides Thursday that he will make a decision within three weeks so the fate of the projects can be settled.

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