By State Rep. Brooks Landgraf
On November 7th, fourteen proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution will be on the ballot for a statewide vote. For these amendments to pass, they must be approved by a majority of Texas voters. I am extending a friendly invitation for you to vote and have your voice be heard in this important election. I want to explain the nuts and bolts of each proposition so that you can confidently make an informed vote on each one.
Proposition 1 – Right to Farm and Ranch
This amendment would constitutionally establish the right to farming, ranching, timber production, horticulture, and wildlife management on personal property.
Proposition 2 – Child-Care Facility Tax Exemption
This amendment would authorize local governments to exempt properties used for operating child-care facilities from property taxes.
Proposition 3 – Prohibition of Wealth-Based Taxes
This amendment would prohibit the state from imposing taxes based on an individual or family’s wealth or net worth.
Proposition 4 – Homestead Tax Exemption Increase
This amendment would increase the homestead tax exemption from $40,000 to $100,000, starting from the 2023 tax year. Additionally, this amendment would require a reduction in property taxes for elderly or disabled homeowners with homesteads. Furthermore, it would allow for the creation of three elected positions in appraisal district boards of directors in counties with a population of 75,000 or more.
Proposition 5 – Renaming and Funding for Texas Universities
This amendment would rename the National Research University Fund to the Texas University Fund and allocate interest, dividends, and investment earnings from the Economic Stabilization Fund (rainy day fund) to the Texas University Fund for the benefit of Texas Tech, Texas State, UT Arlington, UT Dallas, UT El Paso, UT San Antonio, University of Houston and University of North Texas.
Proposition 6 – Texas Water Fund
This amendment would establish the Texas Water Fund to finance water infrastructure-related programs in the state. The fund would be administered by the Texas Water Development Board and would be funded through state appropriations, investment returns, and contributions.
Proposition 7 – Texas Energy Fund
This amendment would create the Texas Energy Fund to support the construction, maintenance, and operation of electric generating facilities. This is designed to strengthen the Texas grid.
Proposition 8 – Broadband Infrastructure Fund
This amendment would establish the Broadband Infrastructure Fund to enhance broadband and telecommunications services.
Proposition 9 – Teacher Retirement System Cost-of-Living Adjustments
This amendment would provide cost-of-living increases for retired teachers’ pensions from state funds, without raising taxes.
Proposition 10 – Exemption for Medical and Biomedical Manufacturers
This amendment would exempt tangible personal property used in the manufacturing of medical or biomedical products from property taxes.
Proposition 11 – Conservation and Reclamation Districts in El Paso County
This amendment would permit conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County to issue bonds for parks and recreational facilities and levy property taxes for bond repayment.
Proposition 12 – Abolishing Galveston County Treasurer
This amendment would abolish the Galveston County treasurer’s office and authorize the county to employ or contract qualified personnel or designate another county officer to fulfill the treasurer’s functions.
Proposition 13 – Increasing State Judges’ Retirement Age
This amendment would increase the mandatory retirement age for state judges and justices from 75 to 79 and the minimum retirement age from 70 to 75.
Proposition 14 – Centennial Parks Conservation Fund
This amendment would create the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund to support the creation and improvement of state parks.
I hope this helps explain these important measures that will be on your ballot. Early voting runs from Monday, October 23, 2023 to Friday, November 3, 2023. Election Day is Tuesday, November 7, 2021. Go out and vote and let West Texas be heard!
God bless Texas!
