The proposed funding would be used to cover the cost of salaries for the 250 troopers approved last year, recruitment for another 250 troopers and new technology and equipment. However, many Democrats are skeptical about whether the additional funding would be worth it, especially with worries about a tight state budget.
In February 2014, Gov. Greg Abbott proposed a $345 million plan to hire 500 additional border troopers. At the time, his goal was to halt drug cartels and increase security. As the Tribune’s Jay Root reports, border security has remained a top issue in Texas.