(Austin)--Critical public safety and corrections issues in Texas will be the focus of Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Rylander's April 25 e-Texas public hearing in San Angelo. The e-Texas public safety and corrections task force hearing will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club of San Angelo Southside Unit, 2762 Ben Ficklin.

"Public safety and corrections represent a large share of state government spending, which has increased dramatically since 1985," Comptroller Rylander said. "Since 1996, the Texas Youth Commission's budget has increased 60 percent, while its population has soared 110 percent during that same time period.

"It is critical that the state examine the juvenile justice system. I encourage folks to come out, listen to our experts, and give us feedback on the issues they think are critical to improving the state's juvenile justice system."

Elizabeth Lang-Miers of Dallas, the e-Texas public safety and corrections task force commissioner, will lead discussions on the importance of extracurricular activities and youth programs and how the justice system addresses juvenile prosecution.

Panelists include Claire Noelke, Tom Green County assistant district attorney, Jose Mata, director of the Boys and Girls Club of San Angelo, and Dominic Reyes, an Angelo State University All-American football player.

The hearing is part of Comptroller Rylander's e-Texas citizen commission, which is charged with developing recommendations to help Texas state government meet the challenges of the Internet Age.

Those who cannot attend the hearing can make suggestions on improving the state's public safety and corrections system at: www.e-texas.org.