In: Economics
The Texas State Legislature is considered a part-time or amateur legislature because of its infrequent meeting schedule of 140 days every other year. The part-time nature is meant to preserve the idea of a citizen legislature. Meeting biennially has advantages and disadvantages, but it is the system that we have become accustomed to. One of the drawbacks is that many professions do not afford the flexibility of time off to serve in the legislature. Think of your average store clerk, bank teller, or teacher.
Are these professions that allow for the equivalent of 4 months off every other year to serve in the House or Senate?
Additionally, the low wage does not allow for legislators to leave their professions so that they can focus full time on lawmaking. Do you think we need to make any changes to allow more people of different professional backgrounds to serve, or do you think it is fine the way it is? If you think we need to make changes, what changes would you make and why? If the sessionis fine the way it is, justify why.
What changes would you make to open up the legislature or do you believe that we need to keep the time and pay limited. Make sure you explain your answers