Gov. asks Texans to sign pledge opposing defunding police

AUSTIN, Texas (KTRK) -- Governor Greg Abbott is asking Texans, including elected officials, to sign a "Back The Blue" pledge and oppose "defunding" police departments across the state.

In a video shared on Twitter Wednesday night, Abbott is calling for people to sign the pledge against defunding the police.

"Some cities in Texas want to defund and dismantle police departments in our state," he said. "This reckless action invites crime into our communities and it threatens the safety of all Texans, including our law enforcement officers and their families."



Abbott will also propose "broad strokes" for legislation related to police funding that he hopes the legislature will take up in the 2021 session.

RELATED: 'Driving while Black': Analysis shows racial disparities in several cities


Gov. Abbott has previously said the state might consider a takeover of the Austin Police Department after the city council removed a third of the department's budget.

SEE ALSO: Houston increases police budget as Dallas, Austin officials consider decreases

Calls for "defunding" police departments have gained momentum since the death of Houstonian George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police.

WATCH: ABC13 hosts 'Police & Our Communities of Color' town hall


RELATED LINK: Gov. Greg Abbott and other Texas leaders want to freeze property tax revenues for cities that cut police budgets