Our new “Money Behind the Committee Chair” series spotlights the Texas lawmakers chairing prominent committees during the 87th Legislative Session, and the individual donors and PACs who have supported their campaigns leading up to this session. 

First, Geren, who chairs the powerful House Administration committee, had to announce an updated and more rigorous sexual harassment policy after claiming just last month there was no need to discuss the policy because there had been no complaints of harassment.  In November, Geren told the Texas Tribune, “We don’t have any (referring to sexual harassment complaints). I don’t deal in ‘ifs.’ When there’s one, I’ll handle it. And that’s it.” Within weeks of Geren’s statement, multiple allegations of harassment surfaced in which victims claimed they had suffered predatory behavior and found little recourse. At least one of the alleged victims claims she reported the incident to Geren himself.

But this year was different. Governor Greg Abbott called legislators back to Austin this summer from July 18 – August 15 for a “Special Session” to address what Gov. Abbott considered unfinished business from the regular session. Unlike the regular session, there was no moratorium on politicians receiving donations during the special session. They could legally take money from those in Austin seeking to influence legislation. Some lawmakers publicly announced they wouldn’t take donations during the special session, while others remained silent. Several prominent elected officials took donations up until the day before the special session began, and then turned off the flow of money once the session began.