Rep. Lyle Larson, R-San Antonio, who authored House Bill 160, which mandates Gov. Rick Perry pay back the state for travel and security expenses incurred during his presidential campaign, got his chance to talk to Perry about it face to face.
"A lot of folks were frustrated by that - not only when he ran, but Governor Bush and going back to John Connally this has been taking place. I’m saying let’s reform it. If you make a decision that you are going to run for president, understand that you are going to pay for your security and travel expenses if you are the sitting governor of Texas," Larson said.
Larson said that did not sit well with Perry, who expressed concerns about the repercussions of the bill.
"He felt uncomfortable about how the bill was written. He felt like in some ways it could threaten the safety and security of his family. And I think it addresses the issues that people were contacting our office about, I think folks all across the state were concerned about the $3.7 million spent," Larson said.
Larson said Perry just needs to pay the money back, and that it isn’t fair to ask taxpayers to pay for something other presidential candidates pay for with their own money.
HB 160 is awaiting a vote in the House.
Larson also said the Governor inquired about the future of a term-limits bill authored by Sen. Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler, which would only allow a governor to be elected to office for two terms.
That bill is awaiting a vote in the House for a final passage to law.
