What ultimatum? House tries to squash Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's leverage
Last week, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick threatened to force a special legislative session unless the House approved bills on two of his top priorities: restricting local property tax increases and prohibiting transgender Texans from using the bathrooms of their choice.
On Saturday afternoon, House Speaker Joe Straus answered Patricks ultimatum and Patrick likely wont be pleased.
First, the House approved a watered-down version of the property tax measure. Then, it moved to take away a bargaining chip claimed by Patrick, who leads the Senate, when he issued his ultimatum.
The showdown began when the House two weeks ago failed to approve a procedural bill needed to keep some state agencies open. Patrick pounced, saying he would hold up the Senate version of that bill, likely forcing a special session, unless Straus gave in to his demands.
Read more: http://www.statesman.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/what-ultimatum-house-tries-squash-gov-dan-patrick-leverage/HvsLFV2hThxpTIoQAp5ihN/