STATEMENT
From the Office of State Senator Rodney Ellis

For Immediate Release
January 4, 2001
Contact: Jeremy Warren, (512) 463-0113

Austin -- Senate Finance Chairman Rodney Ellis' (D-Houston) comments on Border issues.

"The revenue estimates have just been released and the fact that the budget surplus is smaller than in years past makes it difficult to assign priorities at this time. It is clear, however, that the State of Texas must make the Border and our underserved areas more of a priority. But we must examine our budget realities to see how much and how fast we can act.

"I applaud Governor Perry for focusing on this issue and agree that, from the border to Fifth Ward in Houston, there are no second-rate dreams or second-class citizens. I look forward to working with Governor Perry, Lieutenant Governor Ratliff and other important leaders to address the problems in our Border communities."

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