By Sahar Chmais
After Democratic legislatures walked out of quorum to block the passage of Senate Bill 7, Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed Article 10 of the Texas budget that controls the pay for the Legislative branch.
“Funding should not be provided for those who quit their job early,” Abbott said in a statement, “leaving their state with unfinished business and exposing taxpayers to higher costs for an additional legislative session.”
State Rep. Erin Zwiener (D-Driftwood) joined her colleagues with the Texas House Democratic Caucus, AFL-CIO, to file suit against Abbott’s “unconstitutional veto.”
Article 3 of the Texas Constitution states that members of the Legislature receive $600 a month, at least.
“Members of the Legislature shall receive from the Public Treasury a salary of Six Hundred Dollars ($600) per month,” reads the Texas Constitution, “unless a greater amount is recommended by the Texas Ethics Commission and approved by the voters of this State in which case the salary is that amount.”
The suit asks that the Texas Supreme Court take immediate action and overturn Abbott’s veto from last week.
“This lawsuit is a blatant attempt to coerce Texas legislators,” Zwiener said. “Separation of powers is a core principle of American government. Governor Abbott’s actions undermine the Texas Constitution, harm the ability of legislators to represent our districts, endanger the livelihoods of 2100 Texas workers, and weaken democracy here in Texas.”
