Security along the U.S.-Mexico border could become a $1 billion expense to the state, following a total budget request from the Department of Public Safety for an additional $320 million — on top of a base budget of $750 million — in the new two-year budget.

The proposed funding would be used to cover the cost of salaries for the 250 troopers approved last year, recruitment for another 250 troopers and new technology and equipment. However, many Democrats are skeptical about whether the additional funding would be worth it, especially with worries about a tight state budget. State Rep. Rafael Anchia, D-Dallas, told the Dallas Morning News that “if DPS wants $1 billion — after getting almost a billion last session — taxpayers need to know what they are paying for.”

In February 2014, Gov. Greg Abbott proposed a $345 million plan to hire 500 additional border troopers. At the time, his goal was to halt drug cartels and increase security. Abbott has not commented on DPS’ request.

As the Tribune’s Jay Root reports, border security has remained a top issue in Texas. On Thursday, the brother of a U.S. Border Patrol agent who has been charged with capital murder in a reported Mexican cartel drug hit struck a plea deal. The defendant, Fernando Luna, pleaded guilty to drug possession and the murder of a Honduran immigrant.