April 11, 2024      12:00 PM

Dutton: Going to the Senate

In this op-ed, Rep. Harold Dutton argues a proposal to change the way the Speaker is elected would transfer the House’s power to Lt. Gov. Patrick and Gov. Abbott

According to the Texas Constitution, the Legislature's purpose is consideration of proposed laws and appropriation of all state and federal funds for the operation of government. Well, that purpose would be changed if the recent plan first offered by thirteen Republican House members and candidates to restrict the way the Speaker of the Texas House is elected becomes law.

Those thirteen, joined by a few others in the last couple days, would limit the Legislature's consideration to only "Republican" proposed laws and appropriation of state funds for the operation of only a "Republican" government.

Given today's political climate, the 2025 Session of the Texas Legislature is almost certain to be noted for either getting little to nothing done or outright chaos. While many are betting on the latter, the thirteen Republican disciples have simply decided to control the expected legislative fire by applying gasoline.

By Rep. Harold Dutton, Jr.

Copyright April 11, 2024, Harvey Kronberg, www.quorumreport.com, All rights are reserved