Suggested Votes On Constitutional Amendments From A Limited Government Point Of View
Proposition 1: FOR- A Definite YES
HJR 126: The constitutional amendment protecting the right to engage in farming,
ranching, timber production, horticulture, and wildlife management.
This Amendment is a strengthening of property rights for land owners. This is designed to prevent over regulation from interfering with a landowners right to grow food or engage in agriculture.
Proposition 2: AGAINST - This is a huge NO
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.
This is government giving preferred treatment to certain businesses and would require local taxpayers to fund these businesses. Currently the Texas Constitution requires equal taxation this amendment would eliminate that and is the equivalent taxpayer subsidies for businesses or corporations. Ad valorem taxes should end but not selectively.
Proposition 3: FOR - this is A Strong YES on this one
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.
The constitution of Texas does not prohibit the legislature from creating a “wealth tax”. This amendment would protect the citizens of Texas from that form of taxation.
Proposition 4: FOR- cautiously we should vote yes.
HJR 2 88(2): 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...; to increase the amount of the exemption from... taxation by a school
district...; to adjust the amount of... 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...; and to authorize the legislature to provide for a four-year term of office for... the board of directors of certain appraisal districts.
This is temporary measure which could either be an interim relief while moving towards the elimination of the ad valorem tax or it could be something to appease and silence the overtaxed voters. The recommendation are a yes vote while continuing to pressure for the elimination of the property tax.
Proposition 5: AGAINST
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.
Estimated Cost: $208,400,000 plus over $100,000,000 yearly.
Universities already get too much from taxpayers. The Texas constitution does not require the state to fund ”higher education”. If there are funds available to support universities it would be better to refund it to the tax payer than force the citizens to fund more indoctrination.
Proposition 6: AGAINST
SJR 75: The constitutional amendment creating the Texas water fund to assist in financing water projects in this state. Estimated Cost: $1,000,000,000
Another group has made the assessment that this works against the free market and expands government control. We tend to agree.
Suggested votes on constitutional amendments from a limited government point of view.
Proposition 7: AGAINST
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. Estimated Cost: $5,000,000,000.
This fund provides low interest rate loans, grants, or gifts to create more reliable or back up energy sources. Most agree that the energy infrastructure could use some improvements. We would prefer to see more deregulation to allow competition throughout the state as an incentive rather than grants or loans that would likely go to those companies some of which have already proven less than reliable. Hard call as government does have a valid position in infrastructure development.
Proposition 8: AGAINST
HJR 125: The constitutional amendment creating the broadband infrastructure fund to
expand high-speed broadband access and assist in the financing of connectivity projects.
Estimated Cost: $1,500,000,000
Technology in this field like satellite and cell towers is quickly making this a non issue. This unnecessary burden on tax payers would be a big win for lobbyists and corporations.
Proposition 9: AGAINST - Strong no on this one.
HJR 2: The constitutional amendment authorizing the 88th Legislature to provide a cost of living adjustment to certain annuitants of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
Estimated Cost: $3,355,000,000
This tug at emotions could negatively impact other retired people such as those on social security or other limited incomes. We have a responsibility to uphold the contracts between the state and the teachers, but nothing more. Since these funds will come from property tax it is an added burden to those on fixed incomes such as social security. Again the reduction or elimination of property tax would benefit everyone including retired teachers.
Proposition 10: AGAINST
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.
Estimated Cost: $79,000,000
This is corporate welfare. The Ad valorem taxes should be abolished until then taxation is supposed to be uniform.
Proposition 11: AGAINST
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.
El Paso can already issue bonds for parks and recreational facilities there is no reason for a state constitutional amendment.
Proposition 12: NEUTRAL
HJR 134: The constitutional amendment providing for the abolition of the office of
county treasurer in Galveston County.
ver, someday
This is a Galveston county issue this will only go into affect based on a majority of Galveston county votes.
Proposition 13: FOR
HJR 107: The constitutional amendment to increase the mandatory age of
retirement for state justices and judges.
Increases the age from 75 to 79. This is not term limits it is about forcing someone to retire due to their age. Unless one is mentally incapable of performing their duties they should not be forced into retirement.
Proposition 14: AGAINST
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. Estimated Cost: $1,000,000,000
We don’t need another government land grab at the expense of Texans. We have sufficient State parks. We need land Texans can use for farming, ranches, and homes.
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