| (TEXAS) – Today, Governor Greg Abbott followed through on his threat to veto Article X of the state budget, which includes funding for the legislative branch. The following is a statement from HDC Chair Chris Turner (D-Grand Prairie) on the veto: “Texas has a governor, not a dictator or emperor. The tyrannical veto of the legislative branch is the latest indication that Governor Greg Abbott is simply out of control. “Abbott’s actions are an inexcusable and dangerous attack on the separation of powers, as his veto consolidates more power in his own office. Abbott has increasingly relied on an abuse of power as a governing strategy through the COVID-19 pandemic and has doubled down on this approach recently. Just in the last week, he has announced plans to unilaterally seize $250 million from criminal justice funds to build a Trump border wall; now, he tries to cancel the entire Legislature. “Let’s be clear – vetoing the legislative branch will cause direct harm to Texans. Members of the Legislature provide vital services in our districts – helping single parents receive child support payments, assisting a family with healthcare enrollment for their children or resolving a driver license issue. Our constituent services are the lifeblood of our public service, something Abbott should try learning about. By placing a termination date on the employment of all legislative staff, the governor is cutting off services to millions of Texans.” “Our caucus is exploring every option, including immediate legal options, to fight back against Greg Abbott’s abuse of power.” |
