Texas’ voting is unique from many other states in that citizens are able to vote directly on issues proposed by the legislature. The 2019 ballot has nine important propositions, five of which require action to uphold Texas values.
Something many Texans take for granted is that we do not pay state income tax. The Texas Constitution requires the issue of personal income tax to be put to a vote.
Texas Proposition 4 would protect individuals from a state income tax in the future. To be clear, a vote “for” would ban a future vote on state income taxes; a vote “against” could enact an income tax by a simple majority.
Texas Proposition 5 would allow all tax revenue from the sale of sporting goods to be used by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation and the Texas Historical Commission. A vote “for” would use this revenue to protect Texas nature and historical sites. Currently, these taxes are dispersed by the legislature.
Texas Proposition 6 would increase cancer research funding from $3 billion to $6 billion. A vote “for” would increase the budget to $6 billion.
Texas Proposition 7 would increase available state funding for public school from $300 million to $600 million a year. This money comes from revenue from state-owned lands, of which currently only $300 million can be transferred a year for schools. A vote “for” would allow this budget to double.
Texas Proposition 8 would create a constitutional amendment to create a flood infrastructure fund. A vote “for” would allow this amendment, and the future fund, to be created.
These five propositions — continuing to not pay income tax, protecting the environment, plans for future flood infrastructure, and doubling funding for cancer research and public schools are important issues from which our communities will directly benefit.
Early voting has already started and will continue until Nov. 5. Be part of the process; vote in local elections.