By BJ Austin, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-839818.mp3
Dallas, TX – Programs to help the homeless in Texas cities could be getting a boost from state lawmakers. The Senate has approved 20 million dollars in its budget-plan.
Eight big-city mayors, including Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin and San Antonio, had asked for 50 million over the two-year budget.
Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert says it's time the state steps up to help others who are making an effort to deal with chronic homelessness.
Leppert: Keep in mind the city has put a major investment in it. We've received federal dollars. The county has stepped up to put a million dollars over five years. And the private sector in our community; they've put over 11 million dollars, too. So, the state is joining a partnership of all the different players
. Leppert says the money would go for mental health care and permanent supportive housing. It would be divided among cities based on the number of homeless.
Final approval is pending.