FORT WORTH, Texas — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday discussed his proposal for funding police departments, and it included a freeze on property tax increases for any city that slashes police budgets. 

What You Need To Know

  • Gov. Greg Abbott threatens to freeze property tax increases for cities that slash police budgets l

  • Abbott criticized Austin for cutting $150 million from Austin Police Department

  • Said funding issue will be taken up in next legislative session

"They will never be able to increase property tax revenue again," Abbott said. 

The governor was joined in Fort Worth by Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

"We are ready in the Senate for this bill and [to] make it a priority," Patrick said. "What they have done in Austin should never happen in any city in this state. We're going to pass legislation to be sure that never happens again." 

The announcement comes following criticism from the governor over Austin’s decision to cut the Austin Police Department’s budget by $150 million. Abbott vowed to rectify the situation via legislative action.

Following the move, Abbott issued the following statement:

“Some cities are more focused on political agendas than public safety. Austin’s decision puts the brave men and women of the Austin Police Department and their families at greater risk, and paves the way for lawlessness. Public safety is job one, and Austin has abandoned that duty. The legislature will take this issue up next session, but in the meantime, the Texas Department of Public Safety will stand in the gap to protect our capital city.”