In the last two weekly articles, I began to outline the propositions on the November 8 ballot. This week I will conclude with the outline for the last three amendments on the ballot.
In approximately two weeks, Texans across the state will have the opportunity to support or oppose the ten constitutional amendments passed by the 82nd Texas Legislature. As a reminder for those that may not know, Constitutional amendments are changes to the Texas Constitution which may be proposed by the legislature in the form of a joint resolution. The joint resolution must pass both the Texas House and the Texas Senate by a two-thirds vote. Once the joint resolution passes the legislature, it must be approved by a majority of voters across the state to become a part of our state constitution.
This year’s November constitutional ballot election includes ten new propositions. Below is a breakdown of three of those propositions as provided by the Texas Secretary of State:
• SJR 16 would amend the constitution by requiring the legislature to provide for taxation of open space land devoted to water stewardship purposes on the basis of its productive capacity.
The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment providing for the appraisal for ad valorem tax purposes of open-space land devoted to water-stewardship purposes on the basis of its productive capacity.”
• SJR 9 would amend the constitution to authorize the governor, on the written recommendation and advice of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, to grant a pardon, reprieve, or commutation of punishment to a person who successfully completes a term of deferred adjudication community supervision.
The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the governor to grant a pardon to a person who successfully completes a term of deferred adjudication community supervision.”
• SJR 37 would amend the constitution by extending the length of the unexpired term that causes the automatic resignation of certain local elected officeholders if they announce candidacy or become candidates for another office from one year to one year and 30 days.
The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment to change the length of the unexpired term that causes the automatic resignation of certain elected county or district officeholders if they become candidates for another office.
For those wishing to vote early this year, early voting officially started on Monday October the 24th and will run through Friday November the 2nd. If you are unable to make it to a polling location to vote, mail in ballots are available. It is important however to remember that your request for a mail in ballot must be received by November 1st. Additional information on the November 8th election can be found on www.votexas.org which is administered by the Secretary of State.
QUICK NOTE
Applications for the Texas High School Aerospace Scholars are now available. This is an opportunity available to high school juniors who are interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Students chosen for the program will start web-based lessons during the Fall of 2011. Following the web-based lessons, students will go to Johnson Space Center for six days of on-site experience during the Summer of 2012. While at Johnson Space Center, students will be divided into teams and have the opportunity to work under the guidance of a NASA mentor, student mentor, and teacher to design a space exploration mission. If you would like to apply for this amazing opportunity or just get more information, you can click here.
If you have questions regarding any of the proposed constitutional amendments or the Texas High School Aerospace Scholars opportunity mentioned in this article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).
