State rep. Blanco discusses 84th legislative session

With only about 20 days left in the 84th session of the Texas legislature, ABC-7 is getting an insider perspective on what’s going on in the Capitol.

Border security has been an increasing concern over the last year. But a lack of specific measurements of the success Texas Department of Public Safety efforts has El Paso Democrat state representative Cesar Blanco concerned about what the state is spending its money on.

“Well, this is about transparency and accountability,” Blanco said. “The legislature has problems funding $100 million for pre-K , but asks no questions when we’re spending half a billion dollars towards border security through DPS. And all I’ve asked is to make sure that we’re spending those dollars wisely.”

As more requests for increased funding come in, the Austin American-Statesman reports that less than 10 percent of the drug seizures over the last six months have been handled by DPS.

“I’d like to find out where these dollars are going,” Blanco said.

Also coming before the house soon, changes to how Texas veterans can use the Hazlewood Act, a tuition programs for veterans from Texas that served at least 181 days active duty. It covers 150 credit hours at Texas public universities, and the benefits can be passed on to dependents instead.

A bill passed by the Texas senate and now headed to the house would require six years of active duty for the benefits to be available to dependents, and limit it to 60 credit hours, or about two years to save costs for Texas universities.

“I’m a veteran, and I come from a long line of family service and active duty,” Blanco said. “And I think it’s a slap in the face to our veterans.”