Final answer:
Marvin Griffin recommended duties for the Lieutenant Governor that include presiding over the Senate, influencing legislation through committee appointments and debate oversight, and playing a pivotal role in the state budget process. In cases where the governor is unable to serve, the Lieutenant Governor assumes their responsibilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the role of the Lieutenant Governor as proposed by Marvin Griffin. The Lieutenant Governor serves as the president of the Senate and has the power to break ties in Senate votes. An important duty recommended by political experts for the lieutenant governor involves their significant influence over legislation. They have control over committee appointments, oversight of debate, and the scheduling of legislation for floor votes. Furthermore, the lieutenant governor plays a key role in the budgetary process, as they oversee the committee responsible for creating and recommending the state budget.
In the event that the governor is unable to perform their duties or is outside of the state, the lieutenant governor assumes the governor's responsibilities. Additionally, if the lieutenant governor's office becomes vacant, the Senate has the authority to elect a successor from their members.
The significance of the role of the Lieutenant Governor of Texas is marked by the fact that they are considered by many political experts to be the most powerful elected official in the state due to their extensive legislative and executive powers.