Abbott vetoes $120 million in spending from $217 billion state budget Houston public safety program should still be able to get funding, governor says

Texas Governor Greg Abbott smiles from his desk as he wields a "Veto" stamp as he looks through bills in his Capitol office. On Monday, June 12, 2017, he cut $120 million from the state's $217 billion budget. Click through to see key issues of the 85th Texas Legislature's regular session. less Texas Governor Greg Abbott smiles from his desk as he wields a "Veto" stamp as he looks through bills in his Capitol office. On Monday, June 12, 2017, he cut $120 million from the state's $217 billion ... more Photo: 2017 Mike Ward / Houston Chronicle Photo: 2017 Mike Ward / Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 33 Caption Close Abbott vetoes $120 million in spending from $217 billion state budget 1 / 33 Back to Gallery

AUSTIN -- Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday signed a $217 billion budget meant to fund state operations for the next two years, vetoing a handful of earmarked items largely because he said the initiatives could be funded by other means.

Abbott cut about $120 million with line-item vetoes, according to his statement.

"This budget achieves all of these goals while restraining state-controlled spending below the growth in the state's estimated population and inflation, "Abbott said in a statement. "During the upcoming special session of the 85th Legislature, passage of legislation or a constitutional amendment to ensure the state continues to budget within responsible spending limitations will remain a top priority."

He added that the budget, the only bill state lawmakers must pass during a legislative session, funded critical state services, including pumping new funds in Child Protective Services and re-upping nearly $1 billion in border security efforts that lawmakers approved in 2015.

Among the governor's vetoes was a provision allocating $4 million in the next fiscal year to fund a public safety grant program in Houston. Lawmakers gave the money to the Texas Department of Public Safety with the intent that it go toward a non-profit in the greater Houston area that works to prevent and solve crimes through community engagement.

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In a note explaining his veto, Abbott said the state in recent years has tried to transfer grant-making authority from DPS to other non-law enforcement agencies. DPS also did not ask for the money in their request to legislators, he noted, adding that the allocation would "return the department to being a grant-making entity." While those funds will be unavailable for Houston non-profits, Abbott said other avenues for state funds remain open.

"This veto will not prevent Houston Crime Stoppers from being able to receive grant funding from the Office of the Governor's Criminal Justice Division—or encumber Houston Crime Stoppers' ability to provide awards to appropriate recipients," Abbott wrote. "I therefore object to and disapprove of this appropriation."