In a new court filing, the attorney general said the governor duly used his veto power when he cut legislative funding in response to the Democrats’ strike in the House of Representatives over a Republican priority law for elections.
by Patrick Svitek
Jul 5, 20214 hours ago
Sign up for The Brief, our daily newsletter that keeps readers updated on the breaking news from Texas.
The state defends Governor Greg Abbott’s recent veto opposed the funding of laws as a bipartisan group of former leaders – as well as other Democrats – take a stand against the governor.
The state had a deadline on Monday to respond to a Democratic lawsuit calling the Supreme Court called on the state to overturn Abbott’s veto after the House Democrats struck a strike against the Republican priority electoral law at the end of the regular session in May. Abbott has promised to bring the bill back in a special session, and one is scheduled for Thursday; he has not yet announced the agenda.
« The governor has duly exercised the veto power conferred on him by the Texas Constitution and acted in accordance with the precedent of this court, » the state said in its response. « Under the Texas Constitution, the governor has the exclusive power to reject any bill. » intimidate and bypass democracy « . The letter was submitted by former House Speaker Joe Straus, a Republican; former House Speaker Pete Laney, a Democrat; and former Lt. Gov. Bill Ratliff, a Republican.
Abbott’s veto removed part of the state budget that finances the legislature, its staff, and legislative agencies. The budget covers fiscal year beginning September 1, and Abbott has announced that it could give lawmakers the option to restore funding in a special session until then.
The state cited this option in its response and argued that the Democrats lacked credit because they are not yet vetoed. Whatever happens, the state argued that Abbott’s veto was constitutionally unobjectionable and the courts « had no role in such a textbook dispute between. » playing the political branches « .
Another amicus letter surfaced Monday, arguing against Abbott’s veto and signed by all 13 Democrats in the Texas Senate, as well as a group of law professors and some current and former Republican MPs. GOP signatories included Rep. Lyle Larson of San Antonio and former Reps. Jimmie Don Aycock of Killeen and Sarah Davis of West University Place.
July 2, 2021
Updated: June 25, 2021
Updated: June 22, 2021
Maybe it goes without saying – but producing quality journalism is not cheap. At a time when newsroom resources and revenue are declining across the country, The Texas Tribune continues to be committed to upholding our mission: a more engaging, more informed Texas with every story we cover, every event we convene, and every one of us to create newsletters sent to us. As a nonprofit newsroom, we rely on our members to help keep our stories free and our events open to the public. Do you value our journalism? Show us with your support.
Keywords:
