Texas Republican Wants Wendy Davis to Pay for Her Filibuster

Texas state Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, a Republican, probably thought he was being clever when he suggested that Democratic state Sen. Wendy Davis help foot the estimated $2.4 million bill that the Lone Star State’s unprecedented three special legislative sessions cost. Capriglione explained that Davis should pay for one of them because her 10-hour filibuster “forced” another special session, where the controversial anti-abortion bill she tried to stop was eventually passed.

“I firmly believe that Sen. Wendy Davis should reimburse the taxpayers for the entire cost of the second special session,” Capriglione said. “I am sure that she has raised enough money at her Washington, D.C., fundraiser to cover the cost.”

But Davis wouldn’t have any of that, dismissing her colleague’s criticism and turning the blame toward Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst.

“It’s unfortunate that the leadership in power squandered taxpayer dollars pursuing partisan politics before Texas priorities and forced an unnecessary special session,” she said.

Yahoo News:

In June, Davis was catapulted into the national spotlight after launching a 10-hour filibuster against a Texas Senate bill containing sweeping abortion restrictions. While the bill eventually was passed during a second special session in July, Gov. Rick Perry recently called for another session to tackle transportation funding.

…According to the Star-Telegram, a special session, which can last up to 30 days, costs the state about $800,000 after representatives and senators have received their living expenses and travel allowance. After three special sessions, that adds up to $2.4 million.

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— Posted by Tracy Bloom.