After delaying the release of the 2017 Fiscal Responsibility Index to account for issues included in the current special session, we will release lawmaker ratings the week of August 20. We hope they complete the agenda set out by the governor – #PassThemAll!
Regardless, in nine days legislators will have had long enough to do the will of the people as expressed in Gov. Greg Abbott’s call.
Gov. Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick won historic elections in 2014 campaigning on these issues, which lawmakers failed to enact in the 140 days of the regular sessions of 2015 and 2017, and now so far in the 30-day special session.
The Senate has proven it’s not a matter of available time; it’s a matter of governing will.
For lawmakers who say they are serious about protecting taxpayers and limiting the growth of government, by Aug. 17, 2017, they will have had 310 days of legislative sessions – including 170 days this year – to do so.
Should items be left undone on Aug. 17, Gov. Abbott has the constitutional prerogative to call lawmakers into further special sessions. Perhaps a second, third or fourth set of special sessions might force lawmakers into finally enacting the policy outcomes Texas voters have so long and loudly demanded.
While we all want to see the policies enacted, taxpayers have seen enough to know where legislators truly stand. The legislative record reflects who is part of the problem and who is part of the solution. The record shows which lawmakers enable the Austin crony establishment, and who fights for taxpayers.
For the good of Texas, Accountability Season begins when this special session ends.
As a benefit to our donors, they will receive advance notice of lawmaker ratings. Donate today to be the first to see the 2017 Fiscal Responsibility Index ratings!
