EDITORIAL: Mart TYC facilities have opportunity to streamline operations in hard times
Whatever else, the regular legislative session that ended Memorial Day weekend demonstrated to all that cutting the size of state government won’t come easy, especially when Texas already ranks near the bottom for funding of various state services.
Still, Texans can take some pride and satisfaction in the thoughtfulness displayed by the Texas Youth Commission in the streamlining of its services, including consolidation of Mart’s two prisons for children and teenagers.
Faced with managing a painful $117 million cut during two years, TYC board members Friday opted to close three facilities statewide while consolidating the two TYC facilities in Mart. Yes, some local jobs might be lost, unfortunate for those impacted. But the devastation to the Mart community could have been far greater. Tribune-Herald staff writer Michael Shapiro tells us that two plans up for consideration proposed closing at least one Mart facility; another called for shuttering both. The Mart units together employ nearly 560 workers.
We also remind Mart residents that they can enjoy some satisfaction in being part of the solution. As taxpayer dollars grow scarce and restructuring state operations is contemplated elsewhere, the consolidation of facilities in Mart may prove a model for greater governmental efficiency.
What’s more, the number of youths incarcerated at Mart — now about 270 — is sure to grow as inmates from other facilities marked for closure are moved to Mart. Based on what we’ve seen in more recent years, we’re confident Mart TYC officials can rise to the admittedly steep challenge of streamlining operations as austere times call for greater sacrifice and reinvention. That said, state leaders must also cough up more funding in the years ahead for county probation programs that are treating more and more of our troubled youths.
MORE IN EDITORIALS »
Magazine
New issue!
- Check out June's issue
- Summer swimwear, great teachers, El Conquistador & more
- Link: View the magazine as a virtual flipbook
In My Opinion
Most Read
Buddy Skeen's legal issues loom over McLennan County tax assessor election
Woman stabbed multiple times in downtown Waco
Mike Copeland: Eateries come, go in Waco
Conn's and Freebirds nearing Waco openings
Sheriff candidate Plemons had day in court over debt
Home sellers cautioned to hide medicines
Man doubts ruling, calling brother's death homicide
Buy, sell & more
Waco marketplace
- Boocoo auctions: Sell your stuff!
- WacoTribCars.com
- Jobs: Waco listings
- Real estate: Waco listings
- Buy & sell merchandise
- Classified ads for Waco
