ABBOTT VETOS FUNDING FOR TEXAS LEGISLATURE & STAFF

  

Gov. Greg Abbott has followed through on a threat to veto a section of the state budget that funds the Texas Legislature, its staffers and legislative agencies, as punishment after House Democrats walked out in the final days of the regular legislative session.

The walkout blocked passage of Senate Bill 7, Abbott’s priority elections bill that would have overhauled voting rights in the state. The move also killed bail legislation that Abbott had earmarked as a priority.

In a statement, Friday, Abbott said that “funding should not be provided for those who quit their job early, leaving the state with unfinished business.

House Democratic Caucus Chair Chris Turner of Grand Prairie called the move an “abuse of power” and said the caucus “is exploring every option, including immediate legal options.”

Turner said “Texas has a governor, not a dictator.”

Lawmakers are paid $600 a month in addition to a per diem of $221 every day the Legislature is in session, during both regular and special sessions.

Abbott has said the Legislature is expected to convene for at least two special sessions.