Governor Abbott Announces New Proposal on Police Funding

By Ashley Moss
Staff Writer

Gov. Greg Abbott has announced a plan that would block cities from raising property taxes if local governments defund local law enforcement. With the proposal, any city that defunds its police department will have its property tax revenue frozen at the current level. 

“Part of our job as state leaders is to ensure the safety and security of all Texans, and we will not allow this core function to be undermined by cities that seek to defund and dismantle law enforcement agencies that have a sworn duty to protect our communities,” said Gov. Abbott. “Defunding the police puts Texans in danger and invites lawlessness into our cities, and cities that endanger their residents should not be able to turn around and raise more taxes from those same Texans. I strongly urge the Texas Legislature to take up this important issue next session to protect their constituents and ensure law enforcement have the resources and support they need to protect their communities.” 

The proposal comes as many cities across the country are making plans to move funds from their local police departments to other government agencies. Many of these changes are in response to calls to address many issues, including police brutality and racism.