Texas Lawmakers Bracing for Budget Protests

Texas lawmakers are bracing for the possibility of a Wisconsin like back-lash.

Thousands of people have flocked to Madison, WI and stormed the capitol building. They are protesting a plan to limit the collective bargaining rights for public employees. The situation there is part of a budget crisis similar to the money crunch facing Texas lawmakers.

The Wisconsin situation comes with its own version of a Texas Two Step. Several lawmakers who are members Democratic Party have fled Wisconsin in order to prevent a vote on the controversial legislation. The tactic is a familiar move for some Texas Lawmakers.

State Representative Warren Chisum remembers how a group of Texas D’s bolted a few years ago. The Republican from Pampa doubts a dash like that will happen this session, but he would not be surprised if a lot of angry people decided to make a trip soon to Austin.

“There is a constituent behind every dollar so any time you cut a dollar out of the state budget there is a constituent who has an issue with that.,” said Chisum.

There have been a few rallies at the Texas Capitol since the session began, but nothing like the mass protest in Wisconsin. State Rep Jason Isaac, like other lawmakers is keeping an eye out.

“I think it will be happening here pretty soon. We can’t vote on anything in the first 60days unless it’s an emergency item declared by the governor. I think after that 60 day threshold when bills start hitting the floor and we start going full steam ahead, I think we are going to se a lot of activity pick up around here,” said Isaac.

That 60 day count down ends on March 11th.