Getting Paid Without Showing Up to Work

Recently a special session was held for lawmakers from May 31st - June 29th; however, many members of the House were absent but still getting paid.
Currently the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate receive a daily amount of $150 regardless of absentee status. As a result of such major absences the House had to adjourn during June 20th and 24th citing lack of quorum or at least 51 lawmakers were absent.
However, there were five Representatives that requested they not be paid during certain days of this special session. Also, Texas Senator Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, requested to not be paid while he was not in Austin.
The per Diem amount allotted to Senators and members of the House was recently decreased from $160 to $150 per day due to the $27 billion shortage for services.
I would think that people would want to read this article because it pertains to where the money for our state is going and all losses in some way impact every ones livelihood in Texas. We need to be aware of unnecessary spending and find better ways to cut back rather than from schools and from health care.

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