State House Votes To Stop 'Double Dipping'

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AUSTIN (AP) - The Texas House has overwhelmingly voted to prevent "double dipping," or elected officials who retire on paper to begin drawing state pensions while still in their jobs.

Officials have to be in office for many years to qualify, but aren't required to divulge when they file for retirement. That means determining how many double dip is unclear.

Still, Gov. Rick Perry admitted while running for president in 2011 that he was collecting retirement benefits — even though he didn't leave office until this January.

Grand Prairie Democrat Chris Turner's proposal was approved Monday 137-2. It can clear the chamber with a final, largely procedural vote.

Turner filed a similar measure last legislative session, but it stalled. This time, Gov. Greg Abbott has called for stricter ethics controls for elected officials.

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