(AUSTIN)—Rural law enforcement agencies in Senate District 21 will receive $7,894,448 in salary-boosting grants authorized by the Texas Legislature in 2023, Senator Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) announced today. The funding was made possible by Senate Bill 22 by Senators Drew Springer (R-Muenster), Zaffirini and others, which created the Rural Law Enforcement Salary Assistance Grant Program in counties with populations of up to 300,000.

"This program is a boon to our brave public servants in law enforcement," Senator Zaffirini said. "It will be instrumental in providing better wages that enhance employee productivity, morale and recruitment."

Grant funding can be used to raise minimum salaries up to $75,000 for county sheriffs, $45,000 for constables and certain deputies and $40,000 for jailers. Counties that already pay these minimum salaries can use the funding for additional personnel or equipment. Prosecutor's offices also will be awarded amounts between $100,000 to $275,000, depending on the populations of their jurisdictions.

"I am grateful to law enforcement personnel, including sheriffs, prosecutors and constables, who came from across Texas to the State Capitol to testify in support of this critical legislation," Senator Zaffirini said. "I look forward to continue working with them to ensure they receive their fair share of funding appropriated by the legislature."

She added that this is “a tremendous win-win for law enforcement and our communities."

Sheriff Grant Awards
Caldwell County: 350,000
Dimmit County: $250,000
Duval County: $250,000
Guadalupe County: $500,000
Jim Hogg County: $250,000
Karnes County: $350,000
La Salle County: $250,000
Live Oak County: $350,000
McMullen County: $250,000
Starr County: $500,000
Webb County: $500,000
Wilson County: $350,000
Zapata County: $350,000

District Attorney Grant Awards
Atascosa, Frio, Karnes, La Salle, and Wilson Counties: $275,000
Bee, Live Oak, and McMullen Counties: $175,000
Maverick, Dimmit, and Zavala Counties: $275,000
Starr, Jim Hogg, and Duval: $275,000
Webb and Zapata Counties: $275,000

District & County Attorney Grant Awards
Guadalupe County: $275,000

Criminal District Attorney Grant Awards
Caldwell County: $175,000
Hays County: $275,000

County Attorney Grant Awards
Dimmit County: $100,000
Duval County: $100,000
Jim Hogg County: $100,000
Karnes County: $175,000
Live Oak County: $175,000
McMullen County: $100,000
Starr County: $275,000
Wilson County: $175,000
Zapata County: $175,000

Constable Grant Awards
Dimmit County: $15,237.53
Duval County: $4,211.20

###