Should the Texas Legislature Meet More Frequently?
The Texas Legislatures currently meet for only five months every year. This should be increased because their absence creates a logjam of bills requiring special sessions to address them. Instead of the special sessions, the Legislature should just be meeting more frequently so that such issues are addressed immediately since they may be critical to the effective running of the state of Texas. When there are off years, the state’s budget experiences several challenges. Since the budget is subject to revisions, and there may be a need for supplementary budgets, the Legislators’ absence poses a challenge in making these revisions, which impacts service delivery.
Should The Texas Legislators be Paid More?
Currently, the state of Texas legislator earns an annual salary of seven thousand two hundred dollars. This should be increased to motivate the legislatures to carry out their mandate. The salary is relatively low, considering that the last time it was adjusted was in 1975. The pay amount used 45 years ago cannot be adequate at this time due to constant changes that impact the economy and the value of money. Even when they receive the additional one hundred and ninety dollars a day, which serves as the sitting allowance, the total amount is still low and must be readjusted upwards. While the low pay rate may be in line with preserving the spirit of the ‘citizen legislator’ and promoting limited government, it may negatively impact service delivery.
Should There Be Term Limits for Members of the Legislative Branch in Texas?
There should be term limits for a member of the Legislature. This would lead to a pure citizen legislature instead of the entrenched revolving system where incumbents, favored lobbyists and special interest groups get to control individual elected and how they work. Currently, there are no term limits on how long elected officials can serve. Allowing the same individual to serve in one position for long, like the governorship, allows consolidation of power by state agency board and commission appointments, which has proven to be problematic.