The Republican War on Voting Thread

[ThelmaLou]

@flurb

Shit is getting real down here in Texas – Governor Abbott has threatened to veto the entire budget for the state legislature for the next two years over the Democratic walkout. Ignoring the point that this punishes the House Republicans who stood with him just as much as the Democrats (and the Senate, who passed the bill), there’s no more egregious break with democracy than denying a branch of government it’s basic ability to function. This wouldn’t just cut off legislator’s salaries – it would cut off their ability to hire staff, serve their constituents, conduct oversight, and do the basic work of legislating.

I posted this earlier today in the Stupid Republican idea thread:

@ThelmaLou

What a classy guy, (Follow-up to the Dems walkout.)

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott vows to defund state Legislature after voting…

“No pay for those who abandon their responsibilities,” Abbott tweeted Monday.

The threat is more symbolic than real-world, but still…

…
Abbott’s tweet referred to Article X of the budget, which pays not only lawmakers and staff but also funds legislative agencies, such as the Legislative Budget Board. Under the current budget, the legislative branch is funded through the end of August, and the budget Abbott is referring to covers the fiscal year starting Sept. 1.

Abbott has until June 20 to carry out the veto.

State lawmakers are paid $600 a month, equal to $7,200 per year. They also get a per diem of $221 for every day they are in session, including both regular and special sessions.