Texas Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes funding that helps colonias

AUSTIN – The future of a state program that provides aid to residents of impoverished communities along the border is in jeopardy now that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has used his veto pen to zero out its funding.

Abbott on Monday vetoed nearly $860,000 in the state's operating budget slated for the Colonia Initiatives Program in the secretary of state's office.

The program places ombudsmen in counties with the most populous colonias, including El Paso, Nueces, Hidalgo, Starr, Webb, Cameron and Maverick.

The ombudsmen are tasked with assessing residents' needs and advocating for improvements in communities that often lack access to drinking water and wastewater services. They coordinate with local, state and federal officials to secure funding for water and infrastructure projects.

Read more: http://www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/politics/texlege/2017/06/13/texas-governor-vetoes-860-k-funding-colonias-initiative/390897001/