Texas House Leadership’s Push to Raise Budgets Without a Vote is a Direct Assault on Fiscal Responsibility and Democracy
The Texas House of Representatives is currently embroiled in a troubling move that raises serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility. Under the leadership of Speaker Dustin Burrows, and with backing from his establishment allies, there are efforts underway to increase office budgets—including to new Democrat vice-chairs—without a single vote from the full House. If allowed to proceed, this move would set a dangerous precedent and once again shows how entrenched interests are undermining the will of Texas voters.
Typically, the Housekeeping Resolution (HR3) is the standard procedure for approving administrative procedures and policies, as well as budget matters in the Texas House. It is a transparent process that ensures all members have an opportunity to weigh in on how taxpayer dollars are spent. Yet, Speaker Burrows, who was elected at the beginning of session by a coalition of Democrats and a minority of Republicans, has decided to bypass this vote altogether.
Rather than continuing with the consistent practice of the House for years, Speaker Burrows has indicated that the Committee on House Administration will unilaterally set office budgets and adopt policies for the operational needs of the House. This decision leaves voters and their representatives without a voice in critical budgetary and policy decisions, allowing a small group of insiders to exercise unchecked power.
As Representative Mike Olcott recently pointed out on social media, the House is operating “outside the bounds of tradition.” His statement follows an alarming pattern of silencing representative’s voices, from killing conservative amendments to disregarding long-standing procedural practices. Burrows’ decision to not bring HR3 to the floor is yet another example of this troubling trend. It shows a pattern of prioritizing the interests of the establishment over the voices of hardworking Texans.
The Speaker’s office has defended this move, arguing that the rules and procedures adopted last week provide the Committee on House Administration broad authority to handle these matters. Burrows’ office contends that the committee will “expeditiously” address office budgets and operational policies without needing to bring these issues to the full House.
But here’s the problem: this process, which removes the voice of the broader House, bypasses transparency and accountability—two key principles that should define any public office, especially when it comes to the spending of taxpayer dollars.
This is not merely an administrative issue. The Speaker’s decision to sideline the full House undermines the core values of fiscal conservatism. By centralizing budgetary power in the hands of a select few, Burrows and his allies are signaling a disregard for the will of the people and the very concept of limited government. This move isn’t just a technicality; it’s an affront to taxpayers who deserve transparency and accountability when it comes to how their hard-earned money is spent.
Texans for Fiscal Responsibility has strongly condemned this action, calling it “an insult to the voters and taxpayers across this great State.” And rightfully so—this process flies in the face of the principles of transparency, accountability, and limited government that conservatives claim to champion. Instead of empowering the representatives elected to serve the people, Speaker Burrows is empowering a committee to make these decisions in the shadows, far removed from public scrutiny.
The reality is that Texas voters have repeatedly called for responsible fiscal management and accountability from those in elected office. From the elimination of property taxes to curbing government spending and halting taxpayer-funded lobbying, Texans expect their elected officials to respect their money. This move by Burrows and his allies signals yet another betrayal of those expectations. Instead of standing up for fiscal conservatism, they’re consolidating power and undermining the democratic process.
In the face of this power grab, it’s vital that members of the Texas House stand firm and demand that issues like this be brought to a public vote. Texans deserve a voice in how their taxpayer dollars are spent, and the House should not allow a few insiders to control the purse strings without input from the full body of elected officials.
Texans for Fiscal Responsibility urges all voters to contact their representatives and demand that they protect the interests of taxpayers and push back against this undemocratic move. This is a critical moment in the Texas House, and the outcome will have lasting consequences on the future of the Lone Star State.
Texans for Fiscal Responsibility relies on the support of private donors across the Lone Star State in order to promote fiscal responsibility and pro-taxpayer government in Texas. Please consider supporting our efforts! Thank you!
Get The Fiscal Note, our free weekly roll-up on all the current events that could impact your wallet. Subscribe today!
