Rural Texas must Make their Votes Count in the November elections on Statewide Propositions
Rural Texans can support five propositions on the November ballot that will directly impact our lives. As Texas becomes increasingly more urban, it is incumbent on rural Texans to continue to show up and vote and make a strong case for initiatives and investments in rural Texas so that we can continue to contribute in a big way to the state’s economic engine with our production of food, fiber, and fuel.
Prop 1 – Right to Farm and Ranch
Proposition 1 will officially put farmers and ranchers in the Texas Constitution and forever protect our right to engage in farming, ranching, timber production, horticulture, and wildlife management on property we own or lease. This protection is vital as the bigger cities grow and impose excessive regulations on land being used for agricultural purposes. Prop 1 faced opposition from liberal-leaning urban interests, and those forces almost killed similar amendments in Missouri and Oklahoma. This potential strong opposition reinforces the need for Rural Texans to go to the polls and vote to protect our heritage.
Recommend: Vote YES
Prop 4 – Increase the Homestead Exemption
Proposition 4 will increase the homestead exemption from school taxes on residential property from $40,000 to $100,000. Proposition 4 will provide necessary tax relief to many homeowners, especially in smaller, rural communities with lower property values. The bill's passage will not impact school funding, as the state has budgeted funds to make up the difference to schools where the tax values are lowered. If approved, the bill would also limit appraisal boards from raising the taxable value of your property by more than 20% for the next three years.
Recommend: Vote YES.
Prop 6 – Create the Texas Water Fund
Proposition 6 will create a special fund outside the general revenue fund that will be used to assist with funding water projects around that state, with a portion of the fund dedicated to funding infrastructure projects in rural areas. 25% of the fund will be used for the New Water Supply Fund for Texas, supporting projects that will increase the state’s water supply. Passage of Prop 6 will help the state in its strategy to meet long-term water needs.
Recommend: Vote YES.
Prop 8 – Create the Texas Broadband Fund
Proposition 8 will set aside $1.5 billion to help create the infrastructure to build on the broadband network and provide internet availability to Texans in underserved areas. The dollars in the Fund would help pay to develop and finance broadband and 911 services and provide matching funds with federal dollars. Proposition 8 is a necessary funding mechanism to help bring more reliable and accessible broadband to Texans in rural areas and across the state.
Recommend: Vote YES.
Prop 14 – Create the Parks Conservation Trust
Proposition 14, if passed, will establish the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund and allocate $1 billion from the state government surplus to acquire and develop new state parks across Texas. This is important, as state parks provide positive economic benefits to rural areas of the state and are visited by nearly 10 million people every year.
Recommend: Vote YES
You can find a sample ballot and link to explanations of the propositions on our website, https://www.texasruralreporter.com/