House Democrat seeks to restore funding for Public Integrity Unit

A Democratic member of the Texas House on Monday repeatedly reminded the body that the Public Integrity Unit, which investigates politicians’ ethical breaches and motor fuels tax and insurance fraud, has 400 active cases and needs continued funding.

State Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Houston, told the Texas House that he intends to ensure the Public Integrity Unit gets the money it requires to operate, despite Gov. Rick Perry’s veto Friday of the state’s $7.5 million appropriation to the office.

Turner has been fighting attempts for 10 years to move, de-fund and outright kill the Public Integrity Unit, which is based in the Travis County District Attorney’s office, he said.

But this year, the effort has been especially challenging since Travis County D.A. Rosemary Lehmberg was arrested and served time in jail for drunken driving.

More at http://www.statesman.com/news/news/house-discusses-funding-public-integrity-unit/nYNCZ/ .