Texas Governor restricts legislative pay over a walkout on voting rights

Texas Governor and member of the Republican Party Greg Abbott used his state executive power on Saturday to veto the budget line that is used to provide legislative pay in the state, according to US media reports.

The step was taken by the GOP Governor in response to a walkout by Texas’ House Democrats from the chambers, which resulted in an incomplete quorum of the assembly, denying a vote on legislation that would restrict voting in the state.

Abbott has previously threatened with the veto in case the House Democrats denied a vote.

The 63-year-old Governor said in a statement, “Texans don’t run from a legislative fight, and they don’t walk away from unfinished business”, reported NBC News.

He added, “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.”

Chris Turner, a member of the Democratic party and a Representative in the Texas House, said that Abbott was “out of control” and described his veto decision as “tyrannical”. He also revealed that the Democrats are exploring legal responses.

The budget, which is likely to be cut deeply by the veto, will take effect starting September 1, 2021.