November 26, 2014 1:36 PM

Darby: Proposal will extend and expand border surge

Rep. Drew Darby lays out the facts of the proposal to keep the border surge going into the New Year

As a member of the Legislative Budget Board, I’m looking forward to voting on Monday to extend and expand the state’s law enforcement surge in the border region. The proposal agreed to by the state’s leadership continues this state’s strong commitment to border security.

The proposal from Governor Perry, Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst and Speaker Straus significantly increases the presence of Department of Public Safety troopers along the Texas-Mexico border.

This plan provides $65 million to continue increased DPS activity through August 31, the vast majority of which will provide needed overtime pay for state troopers. Using those resources for overtime provides the equivalent coverage of hiring an additional 650 troopers to patrol the border region – but at about half the cost. This is a smart investment of our resources that will build on the success of Operation Strong Safety II that was launched this past fall.

In addition to allowing more patrol hours, it will also fund additional equipment and technology, as well as more aircraft flight time. Each of these is an important component of our fight against criminal elements along the border.

The complete column from Rep. Drew Darby, R-San Angelo, can be found in the R&D Department.

By Rep. Drew Darby, R-San Angelo