DEMOCRATS SUE GOV. ABBOTT OVER VETOING LEGISLATURE’S PAY
Democrats in the Texas House have filed a lawsuit against Governor Greg Abbott, claiming his decision to veto funding for the state legislature after they blocked passage of new voting restrictions was unconstitutional.
The lawsuit, filed Friday with the Texas Supreme Court, argues that Abbott violated the separation of powers as defined in the Texas Constitution.
Abbott’s veto, which would leave legislators and around 2,000 staffers without pay until 2023, came after Democrats broke quorum by walking out on a bill that would have instituted stricter voting laws.
Abbott previously said there would be “no pay for those who abandon their responsibilities.” He has said he will give lawmakers the chance to reinstate the money once they return for a special session, currently scheduled to begin July 8th.
Abbott’s press secretary, Renae Eze, said in a written statement on Friday that the Texas Constitution does not restrict the governor’s veto powers. She said, “The Democrats’ claims about the governor’s veto ‘cancelling’ the legislative branch are misleading and misguided.”