Texas Border Business
Austin, Texas – This afternoon, State Representative Sergio Muñoz, Jr. and the House Appropriations Committee adopted several riders meant to improve overall state functions and provide additional revenue for local grants.
Some of the riders include:
- Additional funding for border prosecution grants;
- local grants for eligible non-profits to promote border economic development;
- An appropriation of $1,000,000 for grants to professional fire departments in the border region to assist in the acquisition of specialized equipment, maintenance, and medical supplies to support emergency services associated with the execution of security activities in the border region;
- an additional 2 million dollars to provide grants to reimburse district attorneys for costs associated with testing forensic evidence;
- An additional appropriation of $3,000,000 for veterans treatment courts grants;
- $500,000 to establish pilot programs that work with juveniles at the Juvenile Justice Department to provide trade skills and counseling to reduce recidivism;
- increase appropriations to prioritize the testing of Sexual Assault Kits and Improve Crime Lab Services at the Texas Department of Public Safety labs.
Rep. Muñoz remains dedicated to securing funds that will benefit the region and state. “I am hopeful that improvements can be made to benefit the state and improve state functions, working to identify additional resources for our local communities.”
Updates will be provided as the budget process progresses.
Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr. has served in the Texas Legislature since 2011 and represents all or parts of the cities of Hidalgo, Granjeno, McAllen, Mission, Palmview, and Pharr.
