Former legislative leaders from both parties oppose Abbott veto of legislative funding as state

[TexasTowelie]

Former legislative leaders from both parties oppose Abbott veto of legislative funding as state defends him

by Patrick Svitek, Texas Tribune


The state is defending Gov. Greg Abbott's recent veto of legislative funding as a bipartisan group of former state leaders — as well as more Democrats — weigh in against the governor.

The state faced a Monday deadline to respond to a Democratic lawsuit asking the state Supreme Court to overturn Abbott's veto, which he issued after House Democrats staged a walkout that killed Republicans' priority elections bill at the end of the regular session in May. Abbott has promised to bring back the bill in a special session and scheduled one to begin Thursday; he has not announced the agenda yet.

“The Governor properly exercised the veto power bestowed upon him by the Texas Constitution and acted consistently with this Court’s precedent," the state said in its response. "Under the Texas Constitution, the Governor has the exclusive power to disapprove any bill."

At the same time, three former state leaders filed an amicus brief arguing Abbott's veto is "an attempt to intimidate members of the Legislature and circumvent democracy." The brief was filed by former House Speaker Joe Straus, a Republican; former House Speaker Pete Laney, a Democrat; and former Lt. Gov. Bill Ratliff, a Republican.

Read more: https://www.texastribune.org/2021/07/05/texas-abbott-veto-legislature-former-officials/

[duforsure]

1. Abbott will never win again,

His failed policies, and antics are backfiring on him.