School taxes, state parks: Here are recommendations for Texas prop election | Opinion

Every couple years, for better or worse, voters are called on to amend our messy state constitution. Its poor construction means Texans have to vote on some picayune matters that apply to small parts or make modest policy changes. But sometimes, there are momentous questions, too. This year, that includes important policies on the future of property taxes, state parks, energy and water.

We observe again that most of these are questions that lawmakers should be able to handle themselves in our republican form of government, with voters holding them accountable in elections if they don’t like the results. But we are where we are, so here’s how we recommend voters respond to each of the 14 questions on the ballot.

Early voting begins Monday and concludes Nov. 3. Election Day is Nov. 7. Each proposition needs a simple majority to pass and be stuffed into the Texas Constitution.

Proposition 1: This would enshrine Texans’ rights to farm, ranch and otherwise productively use land they own. Private property rights are sacred here, but elevating this to the constitution could make it harder to adjudicate disputes around urban growth or protect wildlife. The Legislature and local governments can regulate as needed while still protecting landowners’ rights. Recommendation: Vote against.

Proposition 2: Cities and counties could exempt significant parts of the property value of child-care facilities from taxation. Taxpayers should be weary of the mounting number of such targeted breaks — every dime exempted must be paid by someone else. But this would give communities an optional tool to tackle an increasing problem, the lack of adequate child care. Recommendation: For

Proposition 3: Texas could not impose a wealth tax if this proposition passes. For economic and logistical reasons, such a tax is a terrible idea that should never be contemplated. Recommendation: For

Proposition 4: Homeowners have waited years for real property tax relief, and this is it. The amendment would raise the homestead exemption to $100,000 and make up the difference for schools with state funding. It’s not enough, but it’s a strong start. Recommendation: For

Proposition 5: Texas would tap interest and other income from its robust rainy day savings account to fund research and other development at universities beyond Texas A&M and UT Austin. It’s a great deal for North Texas and Texas Tech. Recommendation: For

Proposition 6: This amendment would allow for $1 billion from the state budget surplus to create a lasting fund for water development projects. In a growing state with longer, deeper droughts, this is a must. Recommendation: For

Proposition 7: Another ongoing fund, this time $5 billion to finance electricity development, would be created. The state needs more energy capacity fueled by natural gas. Ideally, the market would account for it. But we can’t risk another grid shutdown. Recommendation: For

Proposition 8: Texas would take up to $1.5 billion to finance broadband internet access. Too many rural communities have no reliable way to connect, an important concern for remote work and education. Recommendation: For

Proposition 9: Retired Texas teachers haven’t had a cost-of-living increase in two decades. Have you seen inflation lately? They need a raise. Recommendation: For

Proposition 10: If this amendment passes, the Legislature could exempt some medical product inventory from property taxes. As we hinted earlier, enough is enough on such tax carve-outs. Recommendation: Against

Proposition 11: El Paso County could have special districts to fund parks and recreation. It’s a pity they have to ask the rest of us for permission. Recommendation: For

Proposition 12: Galveston County wants to eliminate its elected treasurer position. Again, who are we to say no on such a local concern? Recommendation: For

Proposition 13: This would increase the mandatory retirement age for state judges from 75 to 79. That would probably help with staffing issues, but in the era of decrepit senators and octogenarian presidential candidates, let’s chip away at the gerontocracy. Recommendation: Against

Proposition 14: Texas would create a $1 billion fund to build or improve state parks. The debacle over Fairfield Lake State Park revealed an urgent need to plan for more preservation of nature and recreational space for a booming population. Recommendation: For

This story was originally published October 22, 2023 at 5:28 AM.