Monday, October 20, Early Voting Starts! Early voting for the November 4 election runs from 8:00am to 5:00pm thru Friday, October 24. The second week, October 27, 8:00am to 5:00pm until October 29 and then from 7:00am to 7:00pm on October 30 & 31. All early voting will be conducted at the Election Administration office on Washington St. in Greenville.

There are two big issues to be decided by the voters. Greenville ISD is asking us to pass a $399 million dollar bond for the construction of a new High School and additions and repairs to the other schools in the District. Folks, if we’d passed this bond several years ago it wouldn’t have cost so much, but no need crying over spilled milk. I encourage each of you in GISD to support this bond. We must build a new school to keep up with the growth and maintain the existing facilities.

There are 17 Texas Constitutional Amendments on the ballot. Listed below are our recommendations on the amendments.

Prop 1 – YES Texas State Technical College Funding.

This proposition creates funds for capital needs at Texas State Technical Colleges. It will fund working-class education. In plain English, it invests in classrooms, equipment, and infrastructure that prepare working-class Texans for better paying jobs.

Prop 2 – NO No Capital Gains Tax.

This is nothing but a constitutional handout for the wealthy. It bans any future attempt to tax profits from the sale of or gains on investments, as well as the money made by stock traders, hedge fund managers, and the ultra-rich.

Prop 3 – NO Denying Bail For Certain Crimes.

While the Republicans tout this proposition as a public safety measure to allow judges to deny bail for certain people accused of serious crimes if there’s evidence they’re a flight risk or a danger, the truth is it hands even more power to a criminal justice system that already targets Black and brown Texans at every stage.

Prop 4 – YES Dedicated Water Fund

This amendment would direct up to $1 billion per year into a Texas Water Fund to improve infrastructure. It is designed to assist cities with crumbling water infrastructure and create new water supply projects.

Prop 5 – Undecided – Exempt Animal Feed From Taxes

Would exempt feed being held for sale from being taxed. No guarantee this will benefit farmers and ranchers. You decide. We leaned towards no.

Prop 6 – NO Ban Stock Trade Tax.

It permanently bans Texas from ever taxing securities trades or imposing new fees on financial market operators. With the new stock exchange opening in Texas, this might be needed in the future.

Prop 7 – YES Property Tax Break for Surviving Spouses of Veterans.

This amendment provides property tax relief for surviving spouses of veterans who died from service-connected conditions which is a very small group.

Prop 8 – NO Ban Estate and Gift Taxes.

Texas doesn’t currently have estate or gift taxes, but this locks in a permanent ban, ensuring that future generations can’t ever be subject to progressive wealth taxes.

Prop 9 – Undecided – Business Equipment Tax Exemption.

This would exempt up to $250,000 worth of business equipment or tools from property taxes. On the surface, it helps small businesses, farmers, and self-employed Texans who really do need relief. However, the loophole is apparent. Corporations and large agribusinesses will likely find ways to exploit it. That means less money for schools and communities, while wealthy operators get another tax break. Neutral overall. It’s good for some, risky if abused. You decide.

Prop 10 – Undecided – Property Tax Relief After Home Fire.

This amendment lets homeowners temporarily avoid property taxes on a house that’s been destroyed by fire. That’s humane and compassionate, but it’s also limited since most homeowners already have insurance and disaster provisions in place. It’s a minor fix, not a game-changer. You decide.

Prop 11 –YES Increased School Tax Break for Elderly and Disabled.

This measure increases the school property tax exemption for elderly and disabled Texans from $10,000 to $60,000. That’s direct relief for vulnerable people who are often on fixed incomes, and the state covers the loss to schools, if the state will cover the losses.

Prop 12 –NO, BIG TIME NO! Judge Oversight Changes.

This expands and restructures the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, granting new powers and altering the disciplinary process. The State Commission on Judicial Conduct (SCJC) is a Texas state agency that investigates judicial misconduct and disability.

This proposed amendment addresses who selects the members in the following ways:

• The number of appointees by the governor Increases from five to seven;

The number of appointees by the Texas Bar decreases from two to zero; and

The number of appointees by the Supreme Court will remain at six.

• All the above will be subject to the advice and consent of the Texas Senate.

• The minimum age of appointees will increase from 30 to 35.

Prop 13 – Undecided – Increased School Tax Break for All Homeowners.

This raises the school homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000. This law requires that the state reimburses school districts, if they will. We know this will pass but it could be detrimental to public schools.

Prop 14 –YES Dementia Research Institute ($3B).

This would create a publicly funded research institute for dementia, Alzheimer’s, and related diseases, with $3 billion in dedicated funding.

Prop 15 – NO “Parental Rights” Amendment.

This sounds harmless, but it gives parents more power to dictate public school curriculum, etc. Texas parents already have the right to choose their children’s schools.

Prop 16 – NO Citizenship Requirement to Vote.

Voting in Texas is already limited to US citizens. This amendment is unnecessary.

Prop 17 – NO Border Security Tax Exemption.

This would exempt landowners in border counties from property taxes on “border security” infrastructure. They now get a “one time” payment for any border security structure on their property, but with no tax relief.