VOTE!
(but understand what you are voting for or against)
Since Early Voting for the November 7th Constitutional Election is now underway, this edition of the newsletter will begin with a helpful guide to the many Propositions.
Then, a recap of FCDP happenings so far in October and plans for November. Most importantly though, please make a note to attend the FCDP Social at Rohan’s Meadery/Blissful Folly Farm on Saturday, Nov 11, 2:30pm. Come out for a relaxing, fun afternoon. (See below for details)
I have to say that it’s been a tedious, process to finally tease out the identity of supporting corporate sponsors, meanings, and implications for voting Yes or No on the 14 Texas State Constitutional Amendments. Early Voting began on Monday. Others have done extensive research into these Propositions one of which is from the Henderson County Democratic Party, see below. Based on all I have read, additional Democratic Party sources have reached similar conclusions as those below.
2023 Constitutional Amendments Cheat Sheet
Only you can decide how to vote on these amendments, so study up using the various links below. The opinions below are examples of how one county party decided to vote.
Prop 1
"The constitutional amendment protecting the right to engage in farming, ranching, timber production, horticulture, and wildlife management." Our recommendation is VOTE NO, NO, NO!
The reason why is because there are plenty of laws already on the books that already protect farming. This law will actually strip the rights of people who have property (farms, ranches, etc.) near factory farmers. Right now nuisance laws are being used to fight back against these corporations who are polluting the waters. Those nuisance laws will become void under this proposition because it switches the power from local government to state government. Think Big Ag, factory hogs, chickens, and dairy farms.
Prop 2
"The constitutional amendment authorizing a local option exemption from ad valorem taxation by a county or municipality of all or part of the appraised value of real property used to operate a child-care facility." Our recommendation is VOTE NO!
The reason why is because most childcare throughout the state is run by corporations and not traditional babysitting situations where an old lady watches kids. Besides helping big business it also creates another carve out in the tax system. Our state tax system is a complete mess. It needs an overhaul but the Republicans refuse to do so and just want to keep creating tax carve outs. Keep in mind, property tax exemptions reduce public school funding.
Prop 3
"The constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of an individual wealth or net worth tax, including a tax on the difference between the assets and liabilities of an individual or family." Our recommendation is VOTE NO!
The reason why is because this is billionaire welfare. The wealthy are the biggest tax cheats in the nation and they cost us TRILLIONS in lost revenue for this nation. We could use that lost revenue money in many areas that need public funds such as healthcare, public education, getting homeless off the streets, and work toward addressing the root causes of poverty.
Prop 4
"The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to establish a temporary limit on the maximum appraised value of real property other than a residence homestead for ad valorem tax purposes; to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads from $40,000 to $100,000; to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts; to except certain appropriations to pay for ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations; and to authorize the legislature to provide for a four-year term of office for a member of the board of directors of certain appraisal districts." Our recommendation is VOTE NO!
The reason why is because this will devastate public education. We are already seeing schools shutting down due to lack of funds. Soon we may have entire counties with no school system in it.
Prop 5
"The constitutional amendment relating to the Texas University Fund, which provides funding to certain institutions of higher education to achieve national prominence as major research universities and drive the state economy." Our recommendation is VOTE YES!
The reason why is because Texas needs more research universities especially as certain laws that cause devastating effects to women's health are causing doctors to flee the state. So far our universities have kept high enrollment but many parents are telling their kids to look at other states and their universities.
Prop 6
"The constitutional amendment creating the Texas water fund to assist in financing water projects in this state." Our recommendation is VOTE YES!
The reason why is because it is needed, but there is worry it could be used to prop up fracking operations as they are considered water projects. Still a yes, but keep an eye on how it can be abused.
Prop 7
"The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the Texas energy fund to support the construction, maintenance, modernization, and operation of electric generating facilities." Our recommendation is VOTE NO!
The reason why is because there is something really shady about this proposition. PUC who runs ERCOT and is appointed by Greg Abbott will be the ones in charge of this. It focuses ONLY on carbon based pollution causing power generators while Texas currently leads in wind power generation. This is DESIGNED to hurt renewal energy sources and to give corporate welfare to the oil & gas corporations.
Prop 8
"The constitutional amendment creating the broadband infrastructure fund to expand high-speed broadband access and assist in the financing of connectivity projects." Our recommendation is VOTE YES!
The reason why is because this is in addition to the Biden Broadband money Texas is getting. This is going to help a lot of people who live in areas where there isn't good cell phone let alone internet service.
Prop 9
"The constitutional amendment authorizing the 88th Legislature to provide a cost-of-living adjustment to certain annuitants of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas." Our recommendation is VOTE YES, YES, YES!
The reason why is because Texas teachers are woefully underfunded, Texas teachers by state law do not pay into Social Security so the only retirement funds they have comes from this system. COLA has not been updated in years. Unfortunately this COLA adjustment expires in 2025. More needs to be done.
Prop 10
"The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation equipment or inventory held by a manufacturer of medical or biomedical products to protect the Texas healthcare network and strengthen our medical supply chain." Our recommendation is VOTE NO!
The reason why is because this is again a tax carve out specifically for big business.
Prop 11
"The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to permit conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County to issue bonds supported by ad valorem taxes to fund the development and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities." Our recommendation is VOTE YES!
The reason why is because El Paso is the biggest county to not already have conservation and reclamation districts.
Prop 12
"The constitutional amendment providing for the abolition of the office of county treasurer in Galveston County." Our recommendation is NO. VOTE NO!
The reason why is because this is a power grab by certain people in Galveston in order to get away with spending public money however they want. Or because the County Judge previously misused federal funds and made Galveston not be eligible for ANY FEMA funds, the state and federal government will impound the public money and the county will implode. Either way, there should always be a county treasurer to manage public money for the county.
Prop 13
"The constitutional amendment to increase the mandatory age of retirement for state justices and judges." Our recommendation is VOTE YES!
The reason why is because with the evolution of modern medicine we have people working and living longer. We have had in the past younger judges with cognitive decline that took a long time to get them out of office. We need cognitive tests instead of mandatory age retirements.
Prop 14
"The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the centennial parks conservation fund to be used for the creation and improvement of state parks." Our recommendation is VOTE YES, YES, YES!
The reason why is because we need more state parks and need to fix up our current state parks.
RESOURCES FOR MAKING SENSE OF IT ALL:
https://tlc.texas.gov/docs/amendments/analyses23.pdf The Texas Legislative Council, a non-partisan legislative agency that serves as a source of impartial research and information, gives pros and cons of each.
https://www.texastribune.org/2023/09/15/texas-constitutional-amendment-voter-guide/
Texas Tribune, as source for Propositions and what they mean. Also, an excellent source for all things about how and when to vote.
https://ballotpedia.org/Texas_2023_ballot_measures Ballotpedia (Click on Propositions for specific information) Pay attention to the who the sponsors of these proposed amendments are to better inform you.
https://www.lwvsouthcentraltx.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=735665&module_id=497503 League of Women Voters, Voters Guide, gives pros and cons of each.
https://mothersagainstgregabbott.com/2023-ballot-propositions Mothers Against Greg Abbott, click on each Proposition for their reasoning.
NOW YOU ARE READY!
VOTING REMINDER - EARLY VOTING - HAPPENING NOW
Early Voting started Monday, Oct 23rd - Friday, Oct 27th from 8am to 5pm
Monday, Oct 30th – Wednesday, Nov 1st from 8am to 5pm
Thursday, Nov 2nd - Friday, Nov 3rd 7am to 7pm
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov 7th
EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS
Fayette Co Elections Office – Meadows Building Voting Room – 275 Ellinger Rd, LaGrange
Precinct 425 Schulenburg – Schulenburg Public Library – 310 Simpson St.
Precinct 204 Fayetteville – Fayetteville Community Center – 202 West Main St
SPECIAL NOTE OF APPRECIATION: Thank you in advance to those FCDP volunteers working during the two week Early Elections time period and, as well, cheers to those of you who are working the Nov 7 Election Day as Alternate Election Judges and Clerks. You help make Democracy happen.
FCDP Social at Rohan’s Meadery & LaGrange Brewery
Join FCDP on Saturday, Nov 11th, 2:30 pm for a well deserved break and mingle awhile with like minded with your fellow Dems. Bring your smiles!
Now that cooler weather is here, won’t you join us for Rohan’s tasty selection of pizzas, artisanal beers, meads, wines, and Saturday’s live music at the farm. Your kind RSVP (812)-391-6518 will help us plan for food, but not essential. Just come! BLISSFUL FOLLY FARM - 6002 FM 2981 - LA GRANGE, TX
What About School Vouchers? The “FCDP 5” at the Boot Vouchers Rally on 10/19
FCDP Austin Lobby Day to Support Public Education
A little background first, the public education policy and advocacy group Raise Your Hand Texas, recognized 100 Texas legislators as “Public Education Champions” for their votes against Abbott’s School Voucher proposed during the 2023 Regular Session of the 88th Legislature. In appreciation of their steadfast and bipartisan support for public schools, a group of FCDP women got together to write then deliver thank you letters to all 100 award winners, urging them to continue to vote against ESAs/Vouchers during the current Special Session. It took a couple of trips to Austin to get around to all the offices, but without hesitation some 24 GOP Representatives, 1 GOP Senator, and all of our Democratic legislators committed to unwavering support for public education, opposition to ESAs/Vouchers, and demanded raises for teachers. (Without getting lost too much, we have now become experts in finding our way around the Capital Building, another not so small accomplishment, if you have ever been before you will understand.) Thank you to those Lobby Day Warriors, below! It was both productive & fun.
10/25 - Texas Tribune Special Session Update as the Current Special Session Winds Down: “Despite spending months trying to whip up support for education savings accounts, a voucher program that would allow families to use taxpayer money to send their children to private schools and pay for other educational expenses, Abbott so far has failed to break a coalition of Democrats and rural Republican House members who oppose the idea.”
October Democratic Neighbors Luncheon
Another well attended luncheon at La Marina Restaurant took place last Thursday where we were pleased to welcome our guest speaker, Theresa Ott Boisseau, who is running for Congress against US Congressman Michael McCaul, District 10. Yes, you read that sentence correctly! You can learn more about this gutsy, determined, and smart woman at her website by simply clicking this link Theresa4Texas. We wish her the very best as she begins her campaign. Be sure to check out her website. We hope to hear more from Theresa very soon. And thank you to our new volunteers who stepped up during our Field Operations Meetings to help with texting campaigns, attend our Lobby Days, and assist with upcoming October activities!! We are grateful for your time and efforts!
The next luncheon will be Thursday, 11/16, 11:30am, La Marina Restaurant, La Grange.
Even More FCDP Activities….
FCDP joined with the La Grange Juneteenth Committee for their Bake Sale this month. Cookies, cakes, breads, and quiches quickly disappeared off the sale table as folks stopped by and generously traded free will donations for sweet and savory treats which go toward helping the committee sponsor their annual Juneteenth Celebration. You may have seen us on the sidewalk in front of Fayette Co Medical Supplies waving wildly to attract potential buyers, very successfully. (I might add.)
FCDP Upcoming Activities
Trick or Treat around the LaGrange Square - Tuesday, 10/31 from 4-6pm Bring the kiddos, we’ll be set up in front of Celebrations with the “NO TRICKS JUST TREATS” sign and, well yes, treats, lots!
Become a Deputy Voter Registrar - Training Friday, 11/17, noon at LaGrange Library (We will study the materials together then go take the test, easy peasy.)
Schmeckenfest - Thursday, 12/7 from 5-8pm our booth will be in front of Celebrations on the LaGrange Square. Come, sip, savor, and then “VOTE for the FCDP Wassail” recipe. We had high marks for our “high test” Wassail concoction last year and believe we absolutely can win this year’s upcoming competition, with your votes. Just imagine for a moment, how sweet it would be for Democrats to win something in Fayette Co! So come on Dems, like Obama says, “Ya gotta show up!”
Send comments/questions/concerns/ideas to: fayettetxdemocrats@gmail
In the words of our Texas Democratic Party information guru, Marco…
Sigue la lucha! (The struggle continues!) Hang in there - Annette Holdeman, Editor
I know the prop research was a ton of hard work. Thank you so much for doing that. I was glad to see most of your recommendations are the same as CODA's. The event on Nov 11 sounds marvelous. Hope we can join you!
Thanks for all the info!