AUSTIN (1080 KRLD)- Governor Greg Abbott Thursday held a press conference at the Austin Police Association where he joined other state leaders to sign the “Texas Backs the Blue” pledge against defunding the police. The Governor also announced a new legislative proposal to discourage cities from defunding law enforcement. Under this proposal, cities that defund the police will lose their annexation powers, and residents in areas that have been annexed by the city will be able to vote to dis-annex from the city.
Previously, Governor Abbott announced a proposal in August that would freeze property tax revenues at the current level for any city that defunds law enforcement. “Combined together, all of these proposals will make it basically financially impossible to defund law enforcement,” said Abbott. “. "Cities have a responsibility to protect public safety, and this new proposal would discourage city leaders from taking the dangerous action of defunding law enforcement. We need all Texans and all candidates running for office to join our cause to support law enforcement and keep Texans safe."
Texas Democrats call the Governor’s action a political ploy. In a statement from the Party’s executive Director Manny Garcia said “Greg Abbott knows Texans are fed up with his mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic, so he tries a tired old trick to change the subject and manufacture fear. He’s desperate to change the narrative, so reporters stop asking him about his failure to protect Texans from COVID-19.”
Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa issued the following statement:
“Abbott’s pledge to defund cities that follow their values and prioritize local resources to better keep their communities safe essentially defunds the police. It’s nonsensical and a weak attempt to try to look tough in front of the cameras. Abbott can make all of the pledges he wants, but the reality is, Texans know what the real issues affecting their daily lives are.”