The Texas Legislature closed out its biennial 140-day session today with sniping among the state’s top political leaders — and with lawmakers already well aware they will be back this calendar year for an overtime round. https://t.co/Pasvz05DWO
— Texas Tribune (@TexasTribune) May 31, 2021
After approving a series of memorial resolutions and technical changes to bills, the Senate prepared to gavel out for the final time this regular session. A hint at unfinished business rang out in Patrick’s closing remarks.“I normally say I’ll see you in 18 months, but I might see you in 18 days or so,” he said.
Patrick seems to think Abbott will call the Lege back into session a few days before June 20 in order to pressure House Dems not to obstruct the voting bill Abbott has staked the entire Texas government on. Patrick is aware a budget veto would impact staff and janitors and people’s who maintain the Capitol, but he thinks that’s a winner for him..
Of course, he also thought he was clever when he tried to get a bathroom bill through the last session in 2017. That one almost cost him his job.
But if he gets his special session and doesn’t get the bill passed before June 20, and Abbott vetoes the budget, what brings the Dems, or anyone, back to the Capitol in September for redistricting? No staff, no cafeteria workers, no janitors….yeah, I’d stay home, too. And then when do they redistrict? 2023? Do they let the government go without a legislative budget for 2 years? Do they think, even in Texas, that this is good governance?
Like I said, Dan Patrick isn’t good at this at all. He’s not the ranking member of the Senate because the majority of the Senators like him. It’s only because it’s an elective office. He doesn’t have to get along with the Senators. He’s probably going to wish he did, before very long.
In that, I suspect he’ll be joined by Greg Abbott.
It never ceases to amaze me, the ways that the several states have found to screw themselves. It seems to be where a lot of that legendary creativity in those labs of "democracy" goes.
ReplyDeletePatrick told the elderly in Texas to die already, and make way for youngsters to go back to work. He undoubtedly has similar sympathies for his staff, or the janitors and other workers in the Capitol who keep the building habitable.
DeleteIn fact, I suspect if Abbott carries out his threat the Capitol will be closed until further notice. People in Texas don't give a wet snap for the Lege, but they do like visiting the Capitol and grounds. I can see the Texas Rangers (the real ones, not the baseball team) closing the gates to the grounds and locking up the building, just because there's no one there to clean the place after the visitors have been through.
Yeah, I think people will notice.