Landgraf: More law enforcement grant funding heading to West Texas

AUSTIN, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) – Legislation supported by State Representative Brooks Landgraf resulted in significant grant funding for law enforcement agencies in the four counties he represents in the Texas House of Representative, according to a release by his office. Landgraf voted for Senate Bill 22 during the 2023 legislative session to provide salary assistance for rural law enforcement, a need Landgraf said he is well aware of as the State Representative for the West Texas counties of Ector, Loving, Ward, and Winkler.

“I’m proud to fight for the men and women who risk everything to keep us safe. Supporting local law enforcement is always a top priority for me, and that is exactly what SB 22 is all about, law and order in the rural parts of our great state. If it wasn’t for all of the production taking place in the Permian Basin, the state of Texas wouldn’t be what it is today. I’m thankful to see some of these blessings come back our way in the form of funding for our dedicated sheriffs and district attorneys,” said Langraf.

SB 22 requires the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts to establish and administer grant programs to provide salary assistance for rural sheriffs’ offices, constables’ offices, and prosecutor’s offices in small and midsized counties, such as the ones in Landgraf’s district. Grant applications can be submitted annually and the funds can be used to provide salary increases, hire additional staff, or purchase vehicles, firearms, and safety equipment.

“Nobody exemplifies the West Texas work ethic like our law enforcement. I appreciate Comptroller Hegar for implementing SB 22 and rolling out the first round of grants so quickly. I’ll continue working with state leaders to do everything possible to support our law enforcement and keep Texans safe,” continued Landgraf.

Within the first year of grants awarded, the Rural Law Enforcement Salary Assistance Grant Program will award a total of $1.725 million in grants to law enforcement agencies represented by Landgraf. The following amounts will be granted to these awardees:

• $500,000 to the Ector County Sheriff’s Office
• $350,000 to the Ward County Sheriff’s Office
• $250,000 to the Winkler County Sheriff’s Office
• $275,000 to the Ector County District Attorney’s Office
• $175,000 to District Attorney’s Office for the counties of Reeves, Ward, and Loving
• $175,000 to District Attorney’s Office for the counties of Winkler and Crane.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin.