Texas AG Takes Action Against Dallas Over Police Funding
In a bold move making headlines, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has thrown down the gauntlet against Dallas officials. The Republican candidate for U.S. Senate filed a lawsuit last Friday, claiming the city isn’t living up to a key promise voters made back in 2024. It’s all about public safety, and Paxton isn’t mincing words—he says Dallas is shortchanging its police force, which feels like a betrayal to everyone who thought their vote mattered.
What’s Proposition U All About?
Picture this: Dallas voters approved Proposition U as part of the city charter, a big ballot measure designed to beef up law enforcement. It requires that half of any new annual revenue the city brings in goes straight to police and fire pensions. Plus, it insists on keeping at least 4,000 officers on the force—that’s about 900 more than they had in 2024. It’s the kind of grassroots initiative that feels empowering, like the people deciding to protect their communities, no holds barred.
The Heart of the Lawsuit
Paxton’s legal filing zeros in on some serious alleged oversights by city leaders, naming City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert and CFO Jack Ireland Jr. as defendants. He argues Dallas undercounted its excess revenue for the 2025-2026 budget—it should be around $220 million, but they only claimed about $61 million. To make matters worse, the city skipped hiring an independent firm for an annual police pay survey, which feels like bureaucratic laziness or worse, intentional neglect.
Paxton’s Fiery Statements
“I filed this lawsuit to ensure Dallas fully funds law enforcement and stays accountable to its people,” Paxton declared in his press release. He passionately emphasized that when voters call for more support to cops, officials had better snap to it. In today’s climate, with attacks on police from “the radical Left,” as he puts it, funding feels like a lifeline for those brave men and women risking everything to keep us safe. It’s not just about money; it’s about respect and survival.
Dallas’s Partial Response
On the flip side, Dallas isn’t sitting idle—they claim they’re stepping up. According to local reports from Fox 4, the city council approved a massive 30-year, $11 billion funding plan for police pensions back in December. It’s progress, sure, but Paxton says it’s not enough. You can almost picture the tension here: leaders acting confident, but the AG pushing for stricter adherence, all while real officers wonder if they’ll get the backing they deserve.
Broader Implications and Calls to Action
This saga shines a light on bigger themes, like trust in government and the fight for public safety. As tensions rise nationally, lawsuits like this remind us why voters deserve better enforcement of their mandates. Paxton jets ahead, urging accountability that could set a precedent. Meanwhile, folks can grab the Fox News app to stay tuned for more twists. It’s a story that hits home: when laws are clear, following them should be too. What’s your take—does your city fulfill voter promises like this?
