In Legislature, Fresh Faces and an Experience Deficit
The 2010 election swept a huge number of new people into the Texas House — 35 of the 150 members, the vast majority of them Republicans.
That’s not unprecedented, but combined with the traditionally high turnover of a redistricting year, like the one we’re in, the next Legislature could be overflowing with people with little or no experience.
A legislative session only lasts 20 weeks. A tenderfoot spends some of that time finding the office, a place to stay, the cafeteria and the rest of the time wondering exactly how to pass a bill, what to look out for ...
Comments (2)
Neil Moyer via Texas Tribune on Facebook
TX Lege and State Offices have suffered a common sense deficit for years now...
David O
The inability to pass legislation may be a blessing for Texas rather than a problem. Having worked in Texas state government for a number of years before retiring, I can say that 90% of what the Legislature pass into law is useless and generally is a payback for the support of some special interest group. If you don't believe it, check out Rep. Bill Zedler's bills relative to the medical profession, as one example among many.
In law school, we used to joke that when they were drafting the Texas constitution, the legislature was originally supposed to be in session two days every 140 years but it got messed up at the printers. Maybe it is time to go back and correct the problem.
God Bless Texas