Take this voter guide to the polls with you!
Here are the propositions coming up this election cycle. Propositions 2,5,6,7,8 & 10 add more Corporate Welfare to the constition – Here is the Huffines Liberty Foundation whitepaper on the subject.
Also, an article from The Texan: Here’s a Review of the Constitutional Amendments on Texas’ November 7 Ballot
Proposition Recommendations
Proposition 1 – HJR 126
“The constitutional amendment protecting the right to engage in farming, ranching, timber production, horticulture, and wildlife management.”
– YES, or “For” –
We shouldn’t need an amendment for this, but our constitution IS the place to codify our God-given rights.
Proposition 2 – SJR 64
“The constitutional amendment authorizing a local option exemption from ad valorem taxation by a county or municipality of all or part of the appraised value of real property used to operate a child-care facility.”
– NO, or “Against” –
Every time we exempt a select group from paying property tax, it results in a higher tax burden for EVERYONE else.
Proposition 3 – HJR 132
“The constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of an individual wealth or net worth tax, including a tax on the difference between the assets and liabilities of an individual or family.”
– YES or “For” –
We shouldn’t punish success, but does this really need to be a constitutional amendment?
Proposition 4 – HJR 2
from the second special session
“The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to establish a temporary limit on the maximum appraised value of real property other than a residence homestead for ad valorem tax purposes; to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads from $40,000 to $100,000; to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts; to except certain appropriations to pay for ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations; and to authorize the legislature to provide for a four-year term of office for a member of the board of directors of certain appraisal districts.”
– YES or “For” –
Although this will only give us temporary relief — with double digit appraisal increases, any relief this proposes to give us will be erased in short order.
Proposition 5 – HJR 3
“The constitutional amendment relating to the Texas University Fund, which provides funding to certain institutions of higher education to achieve national prominence as major research universities and drive the state economy.”
– NO or “Against” –
This equals NEW DEBT. Funds should be allocated using existing tax revenues through the regular appropriations process in the legislature, not permanently enshrining open ended debt in the Texas Constitution.
Proposition 6 – SJR 75
“The constitutional amendment creating the Texas water fund to assist in financing water projects in this state.”
– NO or “Against” –
This equals NEW DEBT. Funds should be allocated using existing tax revenues through the regular appropriations process in the legislature, not permanently enshrining open ended debt in the Texas Constitution. We passed a different constitutional amendment in recent years that already created a new debt instrument for water infrastructure — the legislature is addicted to debt when they’ve been blessed with record surpluses. Learn to budget and live within your means!
Proposition 7 – SJR 93
“The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the Texas energy fund to support the construction, maintenance, modernization, and operation of electric generating facilities.”
– NO or “Against” –
This equals NEW DEBT. Funds should be allocated using existing tax revenues through the regular appropriations process in the legislature, not permanently enshrining open ended debt in the Texas Constitution.
Proposition 8 – HJR 125
“The constitutional amendment creating the broadband infrastructure fund to expand high-speed broadband access and assist in the financing of connectivity projects.”
– NO or “Against” –
This equals NEW DEBT. Funds should be allocated using existing tax revenues through the regular appropriations process in the legislature, not permanently enshrining open ended debt in the Texas Constitution.
Proposition 9 – HJR 2,
from the regular session
“The constitutional amendment authorizing the 88th Legislature to provide a cost-of-living adjustment to certain annuitants of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.”
– NO or “Against” –
This should be done through the regular appropriations process, not permanently in the constitution. Economics change frequently, this is a dangerous commitment we may not be able to keep. It’s how they’ll force a tax hike later to ‘fulfill our legal obligations.’ Don’t fall for it!
Proposition 10 – SJR 87
“The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation equipment or inventory held by a manufacturer of medical or biomedical products to protect the Texas healthcare network and strengthen our medical supply chain.”
– NO or “Against” –
Every time we exempt a select group from paying property tax, it results in a higher tax burden for EVERYONE else.
Proposition 11 – SJR 32
“The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to permit conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County to issue bonds supported by ad valorem taxes to fund the development and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities.”
– NO or “Against” –
Why does every Texas voter need to change our constitution PERMANENTLY to allow El Paso County to indue MORE DEBT? They’re addicted to debt. Just say ‘No!’
Proposition 12 – HJR 134
“The constitutional amendment providing for the abolition of the office of county treasurer in Galveston County.”
– YES or “For” –
This is how out of hand our constitution has gotten, every Texas voter has to vote to get rid of this office because some prior legislature made it an amendment. Stop the insanity!
Proposition 13 – HJR 107
“The constitutional amendment to increase the mandatory age of retirement for state justices and judges.”
– LIA is undecided –
This would increase the age from 75 to 79. The amendment should tell you that. Americans are very sensitive to age-related dementia given the current occupant in the White House, so do what your conscience tells you on this one. Obviously the retirement age of 65 is considered young these days, and many very wise and capable judges can and should stay on the bench if they’re able to continue to serve. But we’ve all seen what happens when someone who doesn’t have the mental acuity to serve is allowed to stay in office and wreak havoc.
Proposition 14 – SJR 74
“The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the centennial parks conservation fund to be used for the creation and improvement of state parks.”
– No or “Against” –
This equals NEW DEBT. Funds should be allocated using existing tax revenues through the regular appropriations process in the legislature, not permanently enshrining open ended debt in the Texas Constitution.