In an unprecedented move, the Texas House Administration Committee has unanimously approved significant increases to legislative office budgets without a vote from the full House.
Traditionally, such budgetary changes are enacted through a housekeeping resolution, which requires a vote by all members. However, Speaker Dustin Burrows declared a floor vote unnecessary, allowing the committee to implement the changes independently.
The approved adjustments include a $2,000 monthly increase to session office budgets, a $1,000 monthly increase to interim office budgets, the elimination of staff salary caps, and an increase in the annual carryover of unused funds to $30,000.
Notably, the 30 Democrat vice chairs of committees will receive an additional $5,000 per month, totaling an extra $3.6 million over the biennium. The vice chairs previously did not receive stipends.
The House Administration Committee comprises the following members:
- Chair: Charlie Geren (R-Fort Worth)
- Vice Chair: Sheryl Cole (D-Austin)
- Members:
- Angie Chen Button (R-Garland)
- Drew Darby (R-San Angelo)
- Sam Harless (R-Spring)
- Ken King (R-Canadian)
- Armando Martinez (D-Weslaco)
- Morgan Meyer (R-Dallas)
- Joe Moody (D-El Paso)
- Ron Reynolds (D-Missouri City)
- James Talarico (D-Austin)
The committee’s approval has drawn criticism from other legislators. State Rep. J.M. Lozano (R-Kingsville) expressed concern over the allocation of funds. In light of his position on the House Appropriations Committee, he stated that he opposes any increase in his budget.
I am currently in the Appropriations Committee Hearing. We just had a breakdown of the projected budget. Community Colleges, Trade/Technical/Career programs, and Universities in Texas are being cut $500 Million. We need a trained workforce.
And then I read that another … https://t.co/CbvZR79me8
— Rep. J.M. Lozano (@texasreplozano) February 18, 2025
State Rep. Nate Schatzline (R-Fort Worth) criticized the lack of transparency in the decision-making process:
🚨For the 1st time, House Administration just gave 30 Dem Vice Chair offices a $5k/month raise… WITHOUT a vote of the body‼️
This leadership team is committed to back room deals… I’m committed to exposing them. #txlege
— Nate Schatzline (@NateSchatzline) February 18, 2025
