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.
Article III, Sec 24 of the Texas Constitution is what allots and guarantees payments for the legislators. Can the governor not follow the Texas constitution? Did he somehow have a back room amendment passed by the very legislators from which he would withhold compensation? I think the legislators will be paid, it’s just that persons in their offices and certain offices in general will be unfunded.
To me, this seems like a rather shady political maneuver that may not be legal.
Well everyday working people don’t get paid if they don’t do their jobs, the Texas legislators should be no different.
Thank you Abbott for standing buy you word and doing the right thing.
Abbott 2022!
Abbott is the Man !!!!!!
It is a safe bet that the democratic caucus will have their wages funded by their constituents and democrats throughout the state. Governor knows this. It is just grandstanding in preparation for his national political ambitions. This, the 12 miles of wall funding, guns, etc are deflections from the real issues. North Texas just lost a thousand or more good jobs to Oklahoma from a large electric car manufacturer, because Texas can’t keep the lights on. Our state rates number 46 on the list for public education. Mental health and children’s protective services are a scandal.