Texans must decide whether to amend the Texas Constitution on 7 propositions. These issues were approved by two-thirds of the Texas House and Senate earlier this year, but now a majority of voters must approve them. Since the adoption of the Texas Constitution in 1876, voters have approved 484 amendments to the document.
I will be voting yes on all of these proposed Constitutional Amendments.
Proposition 1: Increasing the Homestead Property Tax Exemption.
This proposition would increase the mandatory homestead exemption on property taxes from $15,000 to $25,000 beginning with the 2015 taxable year, returning approximately $1.24 billion to Texas taxpayers. Local governments and schools will be reimbursed by the state for lost tax revenue using existing tax dollars collected from sales tax and other sources.
Proposition 2: Property Tax Exemption for Surviving Spouses of Veterans Classified as 100% Disabled.
Current law unintentionally creates two classes of surviving spouses of 100% disabled veterans: those veterans who died prior to January 1, 2010 and those that died on, or after that date. If the disabled veteran passed away after that date, the surviving spouse is eligible for a property tax exemption. This amendment corrects the inconsistency for this exemption. The surviving spouse would be eligible for exemption, regardless of the date of passing of the qualifying disabled veteran. The exemption would be allowed if 1) the surviving spouse has not remarried, 2) if the property was the homestead of the surviving spouse when the disabled veteran died, and 3) as long as the property remains the surviving spouse’s homestead.
Proposition 3: No Requirement to Live in Austin for Statewide Elected Officials.
This proposition would remove the requirement that statewide elected officials (e.g. Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Supreme Court Justices, Railroad Commissioner) must reside in the city of Austin. It would allow state officials to maintain a residency within Texas other than Austin. The residence of the governor does not apply to this provision.
Proposition 4: Professional Sports Team’s Charitable Foundations May Conduct Charitable Raffles.
This proposition authorizes the Legislature to allow a professional sports team’s charitable foundation to conduct charitable raffles under the law. The charitable foundation may also use raffle proceeds to pay reasonable advertising, promotional and administrative expenses.
Proposition 5: Allows Rural Counties with Populations Less than 7,500 to Construct Private Roads.
Currently, rural counties with populations less than 5,000 citizens can construct and maintain private roads. Proposition 5 would increase that population size to 7,500 to perform private road construction and maintenance. This proposition would not affect Smith County, as the current population is over 218,000.
Proposition 6: Establishes an Individual’s Right to Fish and Hunt in Texas.
This proposition would give constitutional weight to the right of Texans to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife subject to laws that promote wildlife conservation. This does not amend already-existing laws relating to trespass, property rights, or eminent domain.
Proposition 7: Dedicates a Portion of Sales Tax Revenue to the State Highway Fund.
If adopted, Proposition 7 would dedicate a portion of already existing general sales tax and motor vehicle sales tax revenue to the State Highway Fund. It will dedicate up to $2.5 billion each year for the construction of non-tolled highways beginning in 2018. Additionally, starting in 2020, 35 percent of the motor vehicle sales tax revenues above $5 billion will also be dedicated to highway construction. Both of the revenue streams can be reduced by future Legislatures by up to 50% in the event of budget crisis or other events.
Early voting continues until October 30th at the following locations:
Smith County Elections Administration
302 E Ferguson Street
Tyler, TX 75702
Whitehouse Municipal Court – Temporary Branch
311 E Main Street
Whitehouse, TX 75791
Early voting:
October 29-30: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
“A share in the sovereignty of the state, which is exercised by the citizens at large, in voting at elections is one of the most important rights of the subject, and in a republic ought to stand foremost in the estimation of the law.” – Alexander Hamilton
This Election Day, you have the opportunity to share in the sovereignty of the great State of Texas. Make sure Austin hears your voice on these important issues.
– Matt Schaefer
State Representative, District 6
