Texas has just cranked up the heat in its standoff with runaway lawmakers — and this time, it’s hitting them right in the wallet.
In a decisive vote, the Texas House stripped absent Democrat members of their direct deposit privileges, meaning no paycheck until they set foot back on Lone Star soil. On top of that, each holdout is racking up a $500 fine for every day they stay away, sending their tabs skyrocketing with each passing sunset.
The move comes after weeks of gridlock, as Democrats broke quorum to block a hotly contested voting bill. Texas leaders say they’re done playing games, while critics blast the crackdown as pure political payback.
Regardless of which side you’re on, one fact is crystal clear: the longer they hide out, the steeper the price they’ll pay when they finally come home.