California, Texas land federal funds to jail illegal immigrants

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-immig-jail-funds-20111116,0,7717243.story?track=rss

California and Texas lawmakers formed a rare alliance to secure $240 million in federal funds to pay for jailing illegal immigrants despite a congressional drive to reduce Washington's red ink.

No money is provided for high-speed rail, a reflection of growing uneasiness in Congress over the cost of such projects as a proposed California bullet train. A California High-Speed Rail Authority spokeswoman said the agency wasn't anticipating federal funding before 2014. But the lack of federal funding for fiscal 2012 could spell trouble in future years. "High-speed rail funding is a luxury at a time when federal dollars are scarce," said House Appropriations Committee spokeswoman Jennifer Hinge.

Money for the community development block grant, a key funding source for local efforts to generate jobs, revitalize run-down neighborhoods and help low-income residents, also was cut.