Texas Department of Public Safety trimming driver’s license offices

HOUSTON (AP) — The Texas Department of Public Safety is closing two driver’s license offices in Dallas, has trimmed hours at 11 of the state’s busiest license offices and is planning to lay off 108 people to address a $14 million shortfall in the current budget and another $7 million reduction beginning with the new budget in September.

The Houston Chronicle reports that the agency quietly disclosed the steps in an email to lawmakers and their staffs two weeks ago after the legislature ended its session.

The department has a $2.4 billion budget for the upcoming two-year cycle, with nearly one-third of the money intended for border security. Department spokesman Tom Vinger says the agency isn’t allowed to use border security money for other purposes.