Thursday, March 31, 2011

Texas Senator to the Backgate :" I do not support any cuts that will take away from public safety."

By Max Rodriguez, Backgate Website 


    Texas Senator John Whitmire, who heads the Senate committee on criminal justice, made the statement via email to the Backgate just days ago. Whitmire made the statement to the Backgate after we asked why lawmakers where having second thoughts about stripping TDCJ and DPS of vital operational funding to help balance the states budget. Whitmire stated that he would not vote for any measure that would take money from the two agencies and would strain the two agencies operations. He went on to say that public safety was still the most important topic.

The latest news out of the legislature was the initiative to replace money cut from the TDCJ and DPS budgets. Money in excess of 323 million dollars. 32 million of that was said to be earmarked for saving the Central unit that was once said to be a lost cause by legislators. A move that is sure to rattle Sugarland investors and real estate brokers if it materializes. The cost of housing those offenders removed from Central, along with the impact of relocating hundreds of TDCJ employees from the facility may have played some part in renewed interest to save the historical facility. The fate of the Central unit won't be assured until after legislators close out the session.
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3 comments:

  1. AnonymousApril 1, 2011 at 2:38 PM

    I am truely greatful they decided not to cut security's pay. That's a big weight lifted off my shoulder.

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  2. AnonymousApril 2, 2011 at 12:14 PM

    Those of us working at the Central unit will be holding our breath and crossing our fingers, in hopes that they will pass the proposal to keep CENTRAL open. And it is time Rep. Howard get out of our business and back to actually trying to make a positive change.LEAVE CENTRAL ALONE. Screw the greed and politics.Central, like all the other units, serves a vital purpose.Despite the animosity that Sen. Whitmire holds for TDCJ, and rightly so, he at least understands the needs of public safety.Kudos to him for that.

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  3. KevinApril 4, 2011 at 2:35 AM

    Bold words from someone who won't put their name to their comment. And no I don't live in state housing.

    ReplyDelete

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