• November 21, 2011

TEXANS ACROSS THE STATE APPROVE AND DISAPPROVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

TEXANS ACROSS THE STATE APPROVE AND DISAPPROVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

150 150 Elect Todd Hunter

TEXANS ACROSS THE STATE APPROVE AND DISAPPROVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

On November 8, Texans from across the state went to the voting booths to support or oppose ten constitutional amendments which passed the 82nd Legislature.  On election day approximately 685,000 Texans went to the voting booths to decided on these ten proposed amendments. Out of the ten proposed amendments, seven proposed amendments passed and three proposed amendments failed to get voter approval.

 

Below is a description of the amendments and the voting totals:

 

Proposition Number 1 (SJR 14) – The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a 100 percent or totally disabled veteran.  With 686,479 voters casting their votes, Proposition 1 passed 82.88% to 17.11%.

 

Proposition Number 2 (SJR 4) – The constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of additional general obligation bonds by the Texas Water Development Board in an amount not to exceed $6 billion at any time outstanding.  With 674,690 Texans voting, Proposition 2 passed 51.52% to 48.47%.

 

Proposition Number 3 (SJR 50) – The constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of general obligation bonds of the State of Texas to finance educational loans to students.  Proposition 3 received 682,168 total votes and passed with a 54.52% in favor to 45.47% opposed.

 

Proposition Number 4 (HJR 63) – The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to permit a county to issue bonds or notes to finance the development or redevelopment of an unproductive, underdeveloped, or blighted area and to pledge for repayment of the bonds or notes increases in ad valorem taxes imposed by the county on property in the area.  The amendment does not provide authority for increasing ad valorem tax rates.  With 668,477 voters casting their votes, Proposition 4 failed with 40.28% in favor to 59.71% opposed.

 

Proposition Number 5 (SJR 26) – The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to allow cities or counties to enter into interlocal contracts with other cities or counties without the imposition of a tax or the provision of a sinking fund.  With 664,764 Texans voting, Proposition 5 passed 57.77% to 42.22%.

 

Proposition Number 6 (HJR 109) – The constitutional amendment clarifying references to the permanent school fund, allowing the General Land Office to distribute revenue from permanent school fund land or other properties to the available school fund to provide additional funding for public education, and providing for an increase in the market value of the permanent school fund for the purpose of allowing increased distributions from the available school fund. Proposition 6 received 670,927 total votes and passed with a 51.57% in favor to 48.42% opposed.

 

Proposition Number 7 (SJR 28) – 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.  With 653,400 voters casting their votes, Proposition 7 failed 48.30% in favor to 51.69% opposed.

 

Proposition Number 8 (SJR 16) – 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.  With 659,106 Texans voting, Proposition 8 failed 47.00% to 52.99%.

Proposition Number 9 (SJR 9) – The constitutional amendment authorizing the governor to grant a pardon to a person who successfully completes a term of deferred adjudication community supervision.  With 669,639 Texans voting, Proposition 9 passed 57.31% to 42.68%.

 

Proposition Number 10 (SJR 37) – 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.  Proposition 10 received 663,962 total votes and passed with a 55.94% in favor to 44.05% opposed.

 

If you have questions regarding any of the constitutional amendments 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).

 

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!