Governor Byrne invoked that power when the Legislature balked at establishing a commission to control development.

The climax came in 2003, when the Legislature balked at Governor Pataki's budget proposal.

But the Legislature, controlled by Democrats, balked at cutting services and programs elsewhere to replace the lost fees.

Mr. Williams wanted to raise revenues through personal and corporate income taxes, but the Legislature balked.

But the Democratic-controlled Legislature has balked, and the budget gridlock remains.

This year he proposed limiting the checks to those making $100,000 or more, but the Legislature balked.

The Legislature, however, has consistently balked at extending the concept of contribution limits and other restraints on legislative campaigns.

In recent years, the Legislature has balked at serious efforts to contain Medicaid costs, which have been growing at about 15 percent a year statewide.

But that would cost $300 million, and the Legislature has balked, he said.

But the Legislature balked at an income tax, leading to the showdown in July 1976.