Charles L. Cotton wrote:As for cost v. revenue, I don't have any specific information. At full fee ($140 or $70) I seriously doubt that the State loses money on the program. However, we now have a lot of people who are not paying the full fee. Many people are only paying $35 for renewals rather than $70 and some number of people aren't paying any fee. I do know the FBI charges each submitting agency (DPS) $35 per fingerprint card to run background checks, so the senior renewal fee of $35 covers only the FBI background check and none of the work/processing done by DPS. I strongly suggest we not make fees an issue! If we do, someone's going to take a look at the true numbers and we'll be paying more for renewals.
Chas.
I hadnt considered that. Once again you are the voice of reason. Id hate to have to pay another 140 come time to renew. Itll probably be more than what it is currently anyway, but hopefully not by too much. I think the most we can do right now is come here and vent our frustrations, as like you said, nothing can be done until the next legislature anyway. In the meantime, we could contact our reps and express our displeasure with the system and ask that when they meet next that something besides discussion should be done about it. I didnt work for DPS directly, but I did work for the TDCJ-ID for 14 years until 2001, and I can say without a doubt that DPS and TDC are at the bottom of the pecking order when it comes to funding. Its that way now, and unfortunately will probably continue to be, regardless of what the politicians tell us about their concern for public safety, which should be the top priority in the legislature. For example, how many of you have seen the prison busses with the billboards on back saying they are hiring? What the signs dont say is how little the jobs pay. Thats one of the reasons they cant fill positions.They are so short staffed on the units that the Correctional Officers are required to work overtime. Its not an option. I dont know about DPS, but I have seen the signs on some of the cruisers too, so they may be in the same boat. Bottom line is the money is there, its just allocated to things other than LE and CHL. It needs to be fixed, and the only way to do it is to spend the money more wisely.End of rant. Thanks Charles.
