Each of our worlds are moving and grooving’! Shopping lists, kids’ homework, meetings at work, laundry to be done … and there never seems to be enough hours in the day much less scratching out time to go vote, I get it!
“Voters will look for a reason not to vote for you because it’s easier than making an effort to understand the issues,” concedes winlocalelection.com.
I rebel against such nonsense!! Early voting has begun in Texas and there are 14 state propositions to be decided upon by end of day Nov 7. Five decisions to be made by the electorates directly impact real estate at large and your home specifically!
Proposition 1: This proposition aims to increase landowners’ rights to regulate what happens on their property and limit state or federal interference. All homeowners should take notice and review further how passage or failure of this proposition effects them.
Proposition 4: Voters can decide to authorize a $100,000 property tax exemption for Texans’ primary homes. It also would establish a temporary 20% limit on annual value increases for non-homestead properties worth $5 million or less. Additionally, it would require members of appraisal board counties of over 75,000 people to serve staggered four-year terms as well as prevent funds allocated for property tax relieve from going against the state’s constitutional spending limit. The current limit on primary properties is 40K and there is no increase limit on investment properties! This proposition helps those being “taxed out of their homes” maintain their ability to stay where they are.
Proposition 6: Constituents can decide whether to establish the Texas Water Fund, which would support new and existing water projects across the state. The Texas Water Development Board would oversee the new fund. More lake development means more summer recreation opportunities, more vacation homes and, maybe, just maybe, fewer restrictions on watering the lawn on the hottest days.
Proposition 7: This proposal would establish the Texas Energy Fund, which would finance the construction, maintenance and operation of electric facilities to ensure the state power grid remains reliable. The Public Utility Commission of Texas would oversee the new fund. For those who either lived in the dark for 5 days in 2020 or who raced to charge their batteries between the rolling black-outs, this opportunity is important to understand.
Proposition 8: The people are asked to authorize the creation of the Texas Broadband infrastructure fund, which would help expand high-speed internet access statewide. The Texas Comptroller of Public accounts would oversee the new fund. Work from home? Better internet coverage means looking at greener acres will be feasible rather than having to stay close to the city limit.
Voting is more than a right, it’s a privilege. One not available world-wide and not exercised by the masses under the guise of not knowing, not caring or not making time. Stop making excuses and start making an impact.
Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston reminds us elections are “a window into the policy process,” and encourages voters to take “a chance to participate” in state affairs.