By KRWG News
Texas – One area of state government has survived the initial round of cuts: border security.
Budget writers tries to spare spending on border security operations while scaling back heavily on education, college funding and health care programs for the poor.
The lead House budget writer, Rep. Jim Pitts, said Wednesday the decision reflects a commitment to "ensure the safety of all Texans."
Texas is facing a $15 billion revenue shortfall, but that number could be as high as $27 billion when population and enrollment growth are taken into consideration.
The current budget has at least $40.8 million in spending for border security.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.