Rep. Nicole Collier (D-Texas) is letting Gov. Greg Abbott (R-Texas) know lawmakers do not “fall in line” after threatening to cut off their pay following a Democratic walkout to protest an election bill.
“Will it make us fall in line? We don’t fall in line. We do what we’re asked to do, what we were sent here to do and that’s to be the voice for our constituents. The fact that the governor is saying he would close down the paychecks of those who serve in the House of Representatives shows you how low he is willing to go to wield his power,” Collier told CNN on Tuesday.
He continued, “There’s no line item, just to say for Democrats, to cut their pay. It would have to be everyone just like we heard. It would be everyone in the House of Representatives and those innocent people, everyone would be cut just as well. So is he willing to harm those families?”
Watch her comments below:
TX State Rep. Nicole Collier (D) on Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) threatening to halt lawmaker pay after Dem walkout blocked voting bill:
— The Recount (@therecount) June 1, 2021
“Will it make us fall in line? We don’t fall in line." pic.twitter.com/o81rvdFddA
The Texas State Senate approved the Election Integrity and Bail Reform bill on Saturday. Still, as the House deliberated, Democrats walked out, and the House did not have the 100 members needed for a quorum.
Abbott called for a special session during which the details of the bill could be worked out.
“I declared Election Integrity and Bail Reform to be must-pass emergency items for this legislative session. It is deeply disappointing and concerning for Texans that neither will reach my desk,” Abbott said in a statement.
He continued, “Ensuring the integrity of our elections and reforming a broken bail system remain emergencies in Texas. They will be added to the special session agenda. Legislators will be expected to have worked out the details when they arrive at the Capitol for the special session.”
Abbott warned on Twitter Monday he “will veto Article 10 of the budget passed by the legislature.”
I will veto Article 10 of the budget passed by the legislature.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) May 31, 2021
Article 10 funds the legislative branch.
No pay for those who abandon their responsibilities.
Stay tuned.
He added, “Article 10 funds the legislative branch. No pay for those who abandon their responsibilities. Stay tuned.”