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Brief Summary of Texas

Texas is truly a Republic. There are a multitude of items that to modify the state constitution must be modified. So there are times when Constitutional amendments are on the voting ballots. While I sometimes abhor the wording, the concept that all of those legally able to vote in Texas must vote on the change is a good one. And bills in Texas are generally short, making it easier for everyone to understand.

Voting 2023 Propositions Bonds Summary

Texas Propositions

Proposition 5, 6, 7, 8, and 14 all are wanting to create Constitutional funds outside the general revenue fund. While I am not saying that these are not good ideas for the Texas taxpayer, via the Texas government, to support; I am saying that shifting them outside the general revenue fund will create less transparency and oversight. This will make it harder for taxpayers, either directly or through legislatures, to get information as to how the funds are being spent. And if we look at the multitude of funds the Federal government has established, we can see that funds pour into these funds and become required spending over time. And this creates rampant overspending. That's why I say vote NO to all of these. Ensure that money is requested, and the legislature is ensuring our budget remains balanced.

Proposition 2, 4, 10 all deal with ad valorem taxes. Proposition 4 is an increased exemption for homestead exemptions and a check on ISD funding/rates. All very positive to taxpayers. Proposition 2 and 11 look to exempt certain industry from property taxes, or some portion thereof. Remember if an industry gets reduced property taxes, the remaining taxpayer's property taxes will increase to make up for the lost revenue. I'm actually certain that the increased homestead exemption will create a necessity for increases somewhere to make up for the losses. But since increase value is limited, I am also hoping the legislature can make headway and get rid of property taxes all together, replacing it with the current sales tax on all products and services, other than groceries.

Proposition 1 grants a right to engage in things that people are already doing, and protects it from future potential laws. Proposition 3 ensures no future wealth tax without a constitutional amendment getting rid of this change. Proposition 9 gives funding for some retired teachers to receive COLA raises, at least temporarily. Proposition 11 gives El Paso county the right to issue bonds, but would require El Paso voters to approve of them. Proposition 12 gets rid of the Galveston County treasurer. Proposition 13 wants to increase the mandatory retirement age for judges and justices.

Blogs About Voting 2023 Propositions Bonds

J.B. Williams, J.D. has published 1 blog on this subtopic. The most recent blog is summarized in the following section.

14 Propositions to modify the Texas Constitution and ... 5 bond proposals

Published: 2023-10-23
Too much modification of the Texas Constitution to move items outside of the general revenue fund. And Collin County is proposing over HALF-MILLION in bonds for a multitude of items that will lead to yet more property taxes because tax rates will rise for all of these that are approved.

Legislative Blog