Part 1: Texas Constitutional Amendments on the November Ballot
ELECTION NOTICE: Nov. 7, 2023, Constitutional Amendments Election. This article covers Propositions 7, 9, 11, and 12. Please also read Part 2.
July 21, 2023 | Montgomery County, TX
Every election is important! Every vote counts! YOUR vote is YOUR voice!
This November, there will be an election to determine changes to the Texas Constitution. Many voters decide not to participate, then wonder why some laws have changed or have been added that they may not be in favor of.
The Montgomery County Republican Party encourages EVERY voter to take part in EVERY election. We will be publishing information to help you make informed decisions at the polls for you, your family, and your community. We are not here to tell you how to vote, but to give you information and make recommendations based on our research to help you make your own selections.
Below is the first of three installments regarding the 14 Constitutional Amendments on this year’s ballot. Every voter in Texas will be given the opportunity to let their voice be heard.
Specific information on each proposed amendment may be found here: 2023 ballot measures - Ballotpedia
14 Constitutional Amendments on Nov. 2023 Ballot: Part 1
This article covers Propositions 7, 9, 11, and 12.
Please note that the ballot order was drawn by the Secretary of State’s Office after we wrote this article. Click here to view the order in which the propositions will appear on the November ballot.
Proposition 7: Creation of State Energy Fund
A “for” vote supports creating the Texas Energy Fund to be administered by the Public Utilities Commission and authorizing the State Legislature to allocate funds for the modernization of electric generating facilities.
An “against” vote opposes creating the Texas Energy Fund to be administered by the Public Utilities Commission and authorizing the State Legislature to allocate funds for the modernization of electric generating facilities.
According to conservative activist Mark Ramsey, this is an electric utility lobbyists bill that breaks the Texas Legislature’s spending caps and grows government. Texas utility companies have the ability to raise their rates without taxpayer dollars being funneled into utility companies.
According to the MCRP Legislative Committee, “This amendment would rely on providing state money to electric generators, putting government between consumers and the market, rather than allowing market forces to select the most reliable and efficient forms of energy.”
Recommendation: Where do the funds for this fund come from? This is something taxpayers should investigate before deciding how to vote on this proposition. We contacted Senator Bettencourt’s office for information on what the impact to the taxpayer would be if this amendment passes, but have not heard back from his office. We will include updates to this article and future newsletters as we receive it, or you may personally contact him here or contact your Texas legislators here.
Additional Information Source: Texas Creation of State Energy Fund Amendment (2023) - Ballotpedia.
Proposition 9: Changes to Teacher Retirement System
A “for” vote supports amending the State Constitution to authorize the State Legislature to make cost-of-living adjustments to certain annuitants, as defined by law, of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
An “against” vote opposes amending the State Constitution to authorize the State Legislature to make cost-of-living adjustments to certain annuitants, as defined by law, of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
Note: This writer has a vested interest in this amendment, as a retired teacher.
This amendment would give eligible retired educators a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to their retirement payments for the first time in 20 years. The amount of the COLA is based on the length of time one has been retired: a 2% COLA for those who retired between Sep. 1, 2013 and Aug. 31, 2020; a 4% COLA for those who retired between Sept. 1, 2001 and Aug. 31, 2013; and a 6% COLA for those who retired on and before Aug. 31, 2001. The COLAs are not yet guaranteed as they are pending voter approval in November.
Information Source: 2023 TRS Retiree Benefit Enhancements (texas.gov)
Recommendation: FOR - Considering that retirees have not had a COLA “raise” in benefits in 20 years and amount is determined by length of time retired, this is much needed.
Proposition 11: Authorize Bond Issues in Conservation and Reclamation Districts in El Paso County
A “for” vote supports amending the State Constitution to authorize the State Legislature to permit conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County to issue bonds to fund parks and recreational facilities.
An “against” vote opposes this Constitutional Amendment, thereby maintaining that conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County cannot issue bonds.
According to Ballotpedia, the measure would amend section 59 of Article XVI of the State Constitution to authorize the Legislature to permit conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County to issue bonds to fund parks and recreational facilities and levy property taxes to repay the bonds.
Interesting Note: Unlike the Galveston County Treasurer amendment, this amendment will be decided by the voters of Texas, not just El Paso County. This amendment does provide that Property Taxes will pay for the bonds. Hence: Tax increase is likely.
Recommendation: AGAINST - Although this would not impact Texas voters, tax wise, it might set a precedent for other counties. During this time of financial uncertainty and inflation, a “no” vote might do the residents of El Paso County and all Texans a favor.
Information Source: Texas Authorize Bond Issues in Conservation and Reclamation Districts in El Paso County Amendment (2023) - Ballotpedia
Proposition 12: Abolish Galveston County Treasurer
A “for” vote supports amending the State Constitution to provide for the abolishment of the Galveston County Treasurer and authorizing the county to employ or contract a qualified person or designate another county officer to fulfill the function previously performed by the Treasurer.
An “against” vote opposes amending the State Constitution to provide for the abolishment of the Galveston County Treasurer. The actual wording of the amendment is:
The office of County Treasurer in Galveston County is abolished. The Commissioners Court of Galveston County may employ or contract with a qualified person or may designate another county officer to perform any of the functions that would have been performed by the County Treasurer if the office had not been abolished.
TEMPORARY PROVISION. (a) The Constitutional Amendment proposed by the 88th Legislature, Regular Session, 2023, abolishing the office of County Treasurer in Galveston County takes effect only if, at the statewide election at which the amendment is submitted to and approved by the voters, a majority of the voters of Galveston County voting on the question at that election also favor the amendment. The amendment takes effect January 1, 2024, if the conditions of this subsection are met.
(b) This temporary provision expires January 2, 2024. [3]
The present office holder, Hank Dugie, ran on the abolishment of this office. According to Dugie, the office is not needed. An abc13online article by Courtney Carpenter posted on Jan. 6, 2023, stated that the county could save approximately $500,000 a year by abolishing the position.
Interesting Note: Although the entire state votes on the amendment, the temporary provision states that unless the voters of Galveston County approve the amendment, it does not become law, regardless of the statewide vote.
Recommendation: FOR, remembering the ultimate choice belongs to Galveston County voters.