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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed a portion of the state budget that funds the legislative branch on Friday, following through on a threat he made last month after Democratic lawmakers blocked a vote on a GOP-backed election bill.<\/p>\n
Abbott vetoed funding weeks after several Texas House Democrats walked off the floor and broke quorum before a planned vote on Senate Bill 7. As a result, lawmakers were unable to hold a vote on the election bill before the end of the legislative session.<\/p>\n
“Texans don\u2019t run from a legislative fight, and they don\u2019t walk away from unfinished business,” Abbott said in a statement. “Funding should not be provided for those who quit their job early, leaving their state with unfinished business and exposing taxpayers to higher costs for an additional legislative session. I therefore object to and disapprove of these appropriations.”<\/p>\n
Texas Democrats ripped Abbott when he first said he planned to veto funding, pointing out that the budget article also funds rank-and-file staffers such as clerical and maintenance workers.<\/p>\n
House Democratic Caucus Chair Chris Turner told the Texas Tribune that the party “is exploring every option, including immediate legal options, to fight back” against Abbott\u2019s decision.<\/p>\n
“Texas has a governor, not a dictator,” Turner said in a statement to the outlet. “The tyrannical veto of the legislative branch is the latest indication that [Abbott] is simply out of control.”<\/p>\n
Abbott has already indicated that he will convene a special session of the state legislature to vote on the election bill, which he has called a “must-pass emergency item.” Democrats have widely opposed the legislation.<\/p>\n
If enacted, the bill would make sweeping changes to state elections by expanding the authority of partisan poll watchers, enacting bans on 24-hour and drive-thru voting, and increasing penalties for election workers who violate protocols.<\/p>\n