Texas Scorecard by By Brandon Waltens February 18, 2025
The House Administration Committee unanimously approved increased office budgets, including a new stipend for Democrat vice chairs.In an unprecedented move, the Texas House Administration Committee has unanimously approved significant increases to legislative office budgets without a vote from the full House.
Traditionally, such budgetary changes are enacted through a housekeeping resolution, which requires a vote by all members. However, Speaker Dustin Burrows declared a floor vote unnecessary, allowing the committee to implement the changes independently.
The approved adjustments include a $2,000 monthly increase to session office budgets, a $1,000 monthly increase to interim office budgets, the elimination of staff salary caps, and an increase in the annual carryover of unused funds to $30,000.
Notably, the 30 Democrat vice chairs of committees will receive an additional $5,000 per month, totaling an extra $3.6 million over the biennium. The vice chairs previously did not receive stipends.
More:
https://texasscorecard.com/state/house-committee-unilaterally-raises-office-budgets-gives-democrat-vice-chairs-3-6m-in-new-pay/
