What happened with the vote on Dem chairs?

By now I’m sure you’ve heard something about the rules vote by the Texas House on Wednesday. Because I don’t know whether you’ve been told lies or half-truths, I’ll give you my perspective on what happened and what’s next.

No, the House Rules vote was NOT moved. Since I began in the Legislature, we have held the rules debate on the day following swearing-in. Last session was the exception because of added COVID protocols. Previous rules debates have been delayed as much as three weeks. That schedule is set by the Speaker, and cannot be set until a new speaker is elected.

No, the House did not vote on a rule to ban Democrat chairs. Whether by design or fault, the amendment’s author poorly drafted language that contradicted a rule we had just passed banning the use of state funds for political purposes. The amendment would have broken that rule.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The amendment’s author was one of two members to vote in support of state dollars (YOUR TAX DOLLARS) being used for political purposes. (see the record vote on HR 3).

Yes, I upheld my campaign commitment to push for chairmen to be punished if they break quorum. That rule passed as follows:

• members who break quorum can be expelled from service.

• members who break quorum are fined $500 a day personally.

• they may not use campaign or state funds to pay that penalty.

• the member is also responsible for costs to the sergeant-at-arms.

I do not know what will happen with committee assignments. I have been a vice chair for the past two sessions on important committees for my district. If I am appointed a chairman, I will consider it a great success in leadership and serving everyone in House District 64.