Important propositions on the ballot this November

It may not be a general election this year, but Texas REALTORS® still need to head to the polls on November 8. Texans will be asked to weigh in on 10 constitutional amendments, three of which are formally supported by the Texas Association of REALTORS®. Unfortunately, the ballot language, as usual, is less than clear. Hopefully this will help clear up some of the confusion.

We have nothing without water

Proposition 2 would give communities across the state a lower-cost financing option to provide water and wastewater infrastructure to their citizens.

The way the proposition is worded is unclear and perhaps misleading, and that’s unfortunate—it may be the most important item on the ballot and simply put, it must pass.

It boils down to this: These water- and wastewater-infrastructure projects are critical and must happen. The tremendous growth of the state and aging water systems in older communities have created a dire need for repair and expansion - without it, there will not be enough water to supply the needs of the people in Texas. Did you know that in some parts of the state, it is estimated that up to 45% of the water in the local water system is lost through leaking pipes?

The proposition saves taxpayers money because it expands the state's ability to provide lower cost financing to local communities by utilizing the state’s better bond rating. In other words, it saves taxpayer dollars because they will spend less money financing these much-needed water projects. 

The fact that much of the state remains in an exceptional drought illustrates that water- and wastewater-infrastructure improvements are critical for existing communities and future housing starts.

Recognizing water as a resource

Proposition 8 serves as an incentive to protect the fresh water in our state by extending a tax incentive to Texans who manage their land to conserve water and protect water quality.

This is similar to the exemption enjoyed by those who use their land to ranch, farm, or protect wildlife. It allows landowners who have what's commonly referred to as the "ag exemption" to shift their focus from ag operations to water stewardship in an effort to conserve our state's water resources. 90% of the state's water runs underneath privately-owners land in Texas and this is one way to help protect this vital resource.

Bottom line: incentivizing water conservation and quality is good for Texas.

It’s the right thing to do

Proposition 1 would allow the surviving spouse of a 100% or totally disabled veteran to retain the disabled veteran's property tax exemption after the veteran is deceased.

The exemption would remain as long as the surviving spouse has not remarried, the property was the residence homestead of the surviving spouse when the qualifying veteran died, and the property remains the residence homestead of the surviving spouse.

Here’s the bottom line: By easing the financial burden of remaining in the home, Proposition 1 not only honors the memory of the veteran, but the spouse, who also sacrificed for our great country.

Help spread the word … and don’t forget to vote!

Given the current political climate, the wording of these propositions could present a challenge—so if you hear some inaccuracies, don’t be afraid to clarify them.

You must be registered to vote by October 11 to be eligible to vote in the election.  Register to vote at the Secretary of State’s website. Early voting runs from October 24 through November 4, and Election Day is November 8. Represent the REALTOR® Party this fall!

 

Article Written by: Elizabeth Schneider, Central Texas Field Representative for the Texas Association of REALTORS®. She may be reached at eschneider@texasrealtors.com or 512-971-8334.