Budget cuts could affect mental health care

HOUSTON At the request of state lawmakers, DHS as outlined nearly $246 million in possible cuts to help the State of Texas brace for a potential $18 billion shortfall in the next budget. That could mean more than 20,000 Texans currently receiving state funded mental health care might lose that service.

The proposed cuts include a potential $90 million reduction to the state's 39 publicly supported mental health care centers. Locally the impact could be significant. Texana Center, one of the state's largest community health centers, says it may have to cut service for between 250 and 350 clients.

Tonight at 6, learn how it is feared this decrease in funding could increase the population of those admitted to Fort Bend emergency rooms and the Fort Bend County jail.