AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday vetoed the portion of the state budget that funds the Texas Legislature.

He threatened to do so after Democrats led a walkout in the House in order to block his priority elections bill.

In a statement Friday he said that “funding should not be provided for those who quit their job early, leaving their state with unfinished business and exposing taxpayers to higher costs for an additional legislative session.”

“I therefore object to and disapprove of these appropriations,” he added.

The chair of the House Democratic Caucus said in a statement they’re “exploring every option, including immediate legal options, to fight back against Greg Abbott’s abuse of power.”

The veto would affect staff and legislative agencies that are funded by Article 10, the portion of the budget he vetoed.

Abbott told Capital Tonight recently he would add the item to a special session so lawmakers could restore the funding. The two-year budget begins Sept. 1, so lawmakers could pass a supplemental budget to restore that funding before then.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has supported Abbott’s move saying it could force Democrats to come back for a special session.