Border Security Funding on Chopping Block


By Rafael Carranza
Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 11:43 p.m.

Read more: Local, Border Security, Funding, Money, Legislators, State Representative Rene Oliveira, DPS, Overtime, Patrol, Units, Rio Grande Valley, Mexico, Border Violence

As the violence in Mexico continues to escalate, the Valley could end up with less protection along the border as legislators try to balance a looming state deficit.

State Representative Rene Oliveira told Action 4 News more than $11 million DPS uses for border security is in the chopping block.

The money is used to pay overtime for officers out on patrol.

In addition, funding to send nearly 41 DPS cars to the border are also on the list.

Oliveira has been working to convince other legislators cutting DPS funding for border security would be irresponsible.

“More and more, we’re able to get their attention and get them to understand that the border is just a gateway to their community,â€