Perry Makes State Schools Priority

AUSTIN (AP) _ Gov. Rick Perry on Tuesday declared fixing state institutions for the mentally disabled a top priority for lawmakers.

The declaration comes after a federal report outlined negligent and abusive care that led to dozens of deaths in Texas.

State Senator Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound) has filed a bill that would create an official to be appointed by the governor to investigate injuries and deaths at state schools.

The measure also would require better background checks for staff and audits of the schools twice a year.

Perry also says other emergency issues are:

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