Representative David Simpson Asking for a Special Session

LONGVIEW — Longview State Representative David Simpson has sent a letter to state officials asking for a special session of the state legislature. It was sent to Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Attorney General Ken Paxton and Speaker Joe Straus. In the letter, sent shortly before 7:00 Monday morning, Simpson expresses concerns about decisions of state agencies to pay benefits for same-sex partners. According to Simpson, the Texas constitution prohibits new spending without legislative approval.

According to Simpson’s letter, “The further we are removed from the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) pertaining to marriage, the more concerned I become about the enforcement of our Texas Constitution and Texas statutes. While I do not agree with the decision, my main concern at this point is our state’s response.” He noted that Article 8, Section 6, of the Texas Constitution stipulates: “No money shall be drawn from the Treasury but in pursuance of specific appropriations made by law.” Simpson added, “There is no question that the appropriations made by the Texas Legislature did not include benefits for same-sex partners. In fact, such benefits have been intentionally prohibited by state law. The SCOTUS has the authority to decide a case, but it has no authority to appropriate state funds, and anyone who expends state funds without an appropriation is in violation of state law.”

Simpson requested a special session based on three issues.

1. State funding for benefits of those related to employees of the state

2. Protection of vendors who refuse service on any issue other than those expressly prohibited in the Texas Constitution;

3. Local ordinances that hold companies and individuals responsible for violations of discrimination for any cause not provided in the Texas Constitution; and

4. State licensing of marriage.