Texas Legislature
Should the Texas legislature meet more frequently?
Texas legislature should meet frequently. The reason is they only meet for five months per year, thus making it difficult to attend a special session, which is usually called by the governor. The Texas legislature has a logjam and often needs individual sessions of the body. In the Capitol, there is no need for the idea of having the lawmakers meet frequently. Some representatives have filed bills supporting the idea of legislators to meet in off years to make the budget of the country (Smith et al. 2017).
Should Texas lawmakers be paid more?
Texas lawmakers should not be added salary. The Texas constitution states the amount of money paid to every legislature per annum. To change this amount, constitutional amendment that has to be there, which does not seem to be soon. Salaries paid to legislators depend on the part-time legislature. The amount outlined in the constitution is $7,200 annually. Information from Texas State Historical Association stated that there were adjustments of the legislative salary in1975, as the payment was $4,800 per year. Besides, the Texas lawmakers make $190 daily-$5,600 during the regular session of 140 days. The amount is in per diem, which covers their total Austin expenses. Texas Ethics Commission, the body that sets the amount, coordinates the candidates, campaigns, and the public officials’ behavior. The low pay rate preserves the citizens’ spirit and gives the legislators limits.
Should there be term limits for members of the legislative branch in Texas?
Yes, there should be term limits. Although it may seem that having term limits the voters’ choices of having the legislator they want for as long as they want, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. Having the same people hold office year after year, after every election, may negatively affect the governance. They should be allowed to be in office for maybe one or two terms, and return to live under the laws they set, then let others get into the offices and come up with fresh ideas (Gibson, Ryan J, 2019).