On the day the Texas Legislature adjourned its regular session, Gov. Greg Abbott announced plans to veto funding for the Legislature in the state budget.
I will veto Article 10 of the budget passed by the legislature.
Article 10 funds the legislative branch.
No pay for those who abandon their responsibilities.
Stay tuned.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) May 31, 2021
Abbott made the threat in a tweet early Monday afternoon.
Article 10 is the section of the budget that funds the Legislature, including agencies such as the Legislative Research Library and the Sunset Commission. It also includes pay for Capitol staff.
The fiscal year for the state begins in September, at least one month before the October special session on redistricting that Abbott has said must occur later this year.
His announcement gives credence to talk in Capitol circles that he may be forced to call the Legislature back for a special session during the summer, especially in light of priority legislation that was killed by the House in the past few weeks.
Though the Legislature meets for 140 days every two years, the governor can call a special session lasting up to 30 days at a time on items he chooses. Last week, Abbott reiterated that any items on a special session call would be those he deems priorities.