Crime Victim's Fund Facing Major Financial Problems.
Experts have told Texas lawmakers that the crime victim's fund is facing major financial problems due to a drop in revenues.
First Assistant Attorney General Daniel Hodge told lawmakers that court fees that fund the program have dropped 3 percent since 2008. The result is a short-term deficit in the current two-year budget and a longer term problem keeping the fund going.
The House Criminal Justice Committee must decide whether to keep funding the program, which provides direct financial aid to victims and also supports non-profit groups that provide services to victims. About 65 percent of the fund relies on court fees and fines, but could require more taxpayer money.
Texas lawmakers had to cut $15 billion in state spending in 2011 and expect to face another shortfall in 2013.
