AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Gov. Rick Perry says its unacceptable for the Texas Legislature to finish its second special session without approving additional funding for transportation.
A proposed constitutional amendment would boost funding for road and bridge construction by more than $840 million annually garnered just 84 votes in the House on Monday. That’s 16 short of the two-thirds support needed for approval.
The House may reconsider Tuesday, the last day of the second special session. Perry says he’ll call lawmakers back to work if transportation funding increases aren’t passed.
In a statement late Monday, Perry said it was “disappointing that some members of the House today needlessly delayed” Texas’ ability to fund roads.
He added: “To go home without dealing with one of the most pressing issues facing all Texans is simply unacceptable.”