Since the Texas Legislature convened in January, the Texas Senate has advanced legislation dealing with property taxes, criminal justice, and school choice. The Texas House has not debated, let alone passed, a single measure. On Friday, a majority of the Texas House simply refused to show up, forcing Speaker Dustin Burrows to try to call them in again on Saturday… to no avail. (The House did, finally, get a quorum yesterday afternoon.)
We asked readers if the Texas Constitution should be amended to dock lawmakers’ pay and benefits when they do not attend.
Here is a sampling of the responses we received from folks on the topic.
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“I doubt most want the job for ‘pay and benefits’ in the first place. Their ‘higher calling’ is to turn Texas blue. If they refuse to serve the people, they need to be removed.” – Tim Rhodes
“Sad that this question has to be asked. When campaigning for our vote, they implied a willingness to represent us; not showing up ain’t living up to their word.” – Nancy West
“You were elected to do a job for your constituents. Show up to work or be replaced.” – Lane Burgess
“These people were elected to do a job. They aren’t there to just draw a paycheck. Why has this continued this long? Yes, they need to be fined, or better yet, kicked out!” – Ann Cole
“Why should anyone care? The Republican Party is a circus, and the Democrats are liars and thieves. We need to primary all of them. They think themselves untouchable.” – Gerald Dietz
“The Texas House members’ work ethic has been a disgrace now for many years. They have one job—to vote on legislation mandated by us, the voters! They don’t seem to understand their purpose.” – Anne Pottinger
“They should be liable for some type of gross negligence penalty, criminal and/or civil. They ran for the position; they need to fulfill their responsibilities.” – D.M. Brewster
“There would be consequences if I didn’t show up for work. But then again, I’m just an average citizen, not an elite politician.” – Wendy Nylaan
“Each member should be censured as well as docked for dereliction of duty.” – Dennis Scharp
“If there are no repercussions, why would members of the Texas House show up? This has seemingly become a trend with them. Amend the Constitution immediately!” – Cathy Blake
“The real issue here is the honesty and integrity of our elected leaders. Burrows knows there wasn’t a quorum but tried to proceed.” – Mike Hess
“These people think they can do anything on my tax dollar! They should be treated like the rest of us; do your job or don’t get paid!” – Wanda Wilcox
“I have a bigger problem with those legislators who falsely accessed the voting system to cover for the absent Representatives. In most jobs I’ve had, punching someone else’s time card is a firing offense.” – John Bolgiano
“Pay and benefits? If I didn’t show up to work without a really good reason, I’d be FIRED!” – Doreen Cardenas
“This survey is really about common sense: if you don’t work, you don’t get paid, but this pathetic bunch of politicians we re-elected and elected for the first time are worse than Washington DC mess—sad days in Texas!” – Dave Sommers
