Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced that he will veto the part of the state budget that funds the legislature, seeming retaliation for Texas Democrats’ walkout late Sunday that let them at least temporarily kill Republicans’ voting overhaul.
“No pay for those who abandon their responsibilities,” Abbott tweeted.
Democratic lawmakers slowly trickled out as the last day of the session inched towards midnight, all the remaining ones leaving around 10:30 p.m. local time, according to the Texas Tribune. They congregated at a nearby Baptist church, successfully running out the clock as their absence deprived the House of having the quorum needed to vote.
Abbott has called for the legislation to be passed in a special session.
“Whether it’s in a regular session or a special session, we will be here and we will fight,” said state Rep. Rafael Anchia (D) during a Monday press conference of Democratic state lawmakers.
Nasty, petty retribution after the Democrats refused to let them pass that odious, undemocratic power grab. Of course. He couldn’t just carry on and call the special session. He had to do this. Because he’s a member of the Trump Party and that’s how they roll.