RLC money for Trauma Centers:  "just another lie we can stack on top of the other lies."

http://www.ktrh.com/cc-common/mainheadlines3.html?feed=121300&article=9591739&fb_comment_id=fbc_10150484457383806_23109740_10150484566023806

Tuesday, January 10, 2012
REDLIGHT CAMERA MONEY STAYING PUT IN AUSTIN
Trauma Centers Left Scrambling
By NIK RAJKOVIC
 

They helped support the passage of red light cameras in communities across Texas, now local trauma centers are left empty-handed after being told their $46 million share of the revenue will stay in Austin.

Because of the state's budget crunch, tax collectors in Austin say that money instead will be used to help balance the books.

Camera opponent Byron Shirmbeck says "I told you so."

"They always pitch the cameras by saying all this money comes back to us to fund the trauma centers, that's why you saw so much support and endorsements from the hospital systems before the election," says Shirmbeck.  "This is just another lie we can stack on top of the other lies."

We reached out Memorial Hermann Healthcare System, but officials declined to comment.

State Senator John Whitmire opposes keeping the money, but adds this isn't the only the state uses at the end of budget cycle.

"It's the worst practice in state government, I can go on and on with other examples," the Houston Democrat says.  "It’s dishonest, it shows just how broken our state finances are, and it ought to stop."

Whitmire says he feels for local trauma centers, but says nothing will likely change until lawmakers meet again in 2013.

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Title
Comment	smaller | bigger
Name
Email
Write the displayed characters
Subscribe via email (registered users only)
	Add Comment Preview