R.G. Ratcliffe of the Houston Chronicle writes:
The Republicans on Friday voted to enforce the fines by taking away certain senatorial privileges until the missing members return and pay the fines.
...
If the Democrats do not return and pay the fines, they and their staffs will lose parking on the Capitol grounds, state cell phone use, all purchasing for their offices, staff passes to the Senate floor, travel, use of conference rooms and subscriptions. Their postage will be limited to $200 a month.
Sounds to me like the Republicans are taking away the tools that the Democrats would need to use to represent their constituents. But then when did these stone Thugs ever really care about Democracy—or the rule of law for that matter?
Here's where to give to the Texas Democratic Party. Heck, why doesn't "Democrat" Warren Buffet stump up some money and give the Texas Democrats cell phones for life?