Governing Texas
- Yes, Texas should adopt a full-time legislative model instead of a part-time model. First, the part-time model is inefficient. Secondly, the full-time model is the best since the legislators get time to do their work effectively. Currently, “it meets only once every two years for 140 days” (Champagne & Harpham, 2013), which clearly shows that they do not have enough time. Secondly, with the population growing, the demand for services is also expanding. A part-time basis cannot provide adequate time to address the needs of the public. Additionally, a full-time legislature is better placed to facilitate the passage of bills that are beneficial to the state.
- Yes, Texas should remove the governor’s line-item veto power and only give him the option of a full veto. Powerful governors have full responsibility to make critical decisions on issues such as budget making and other critical matters affecting the public. Giving the governor full powers allows them to make crucial decisions considering that it takes time for the legislature to meet. This means important matters are addressed without delay. Governors with veto power have the power to veto the entire legislative procedures (Champagne & Harpham, 2013). It also gives powers to the governor to establish control over different departments and control different agendas.
- Texas provides too much authority to the local government since they have the leeway to make crucial decisions. For instance, going by past events, local governments make decisions such as evacuations during times of floods as well as feeding and sheltering the affected individuals. However, they are prone to make poor decisions that worsen some occurrences. Therefore, more regulations should be instituted, particularly on matters of planning. A more comprehensive consultative committee should be formed to oversee critical issues affecting the Texans. The local governments are also responsible for different functions such as road constructions, bridges, keeping records administration of local services (Champagne & Harpham, 2013). Some of these duties should be delegated to increase efficiency.
Champagne, A., & Harpham, E. J. (2013). Governing Texas. WW Norton.