This November, millions of Texas voters will head to the polls to decide whether to approve or reject 17 proposed constitutional amendments by state lawmakers. It’s an annual process that plays out in the fall during odd-numbered years following a legislative session.
This year, however, the potential benefits for the Houston area are greater based on two key funding proposals: $1 billion annually for water projects and $300 million annually for a newly created Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT).
Secretary of State Jane Nelson drew the order for the November 4 ballot last month, following the end of the veto period. As the state’s top election official, the Secretary of State oversees organizing the constitutional election. The propositions are drawn at random to determine the order in which they appear on the ballot.
The two key propositions supported by the Partnership are as follows:
- Prop 4: “The constitutional amendment to dedicate a portion of the revenue derived from state sales and use taxes to the Texas water fund and to provide for the allocation and use of that revenue.”
- Prop 14: “The constitutional amendment providing for the establishment of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, establishing the Dementia Prevention and Research Fund to provide money for research on and prevention and treatment of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and related disorders in this state, and transferring to that fund $3 billion from state general revenue.”
The language above is precisely what will be included on the ballot. However, there is much more to these propositions and the legislation passed into law that makes these initiatives possible.
Read more about the potential $20 billion investment in water.
Learn more about the potential impact $3 billion in total funding for DPRIT could have on Houston’s medical research community.
Included in the additional 15 propositions are recommendations related to the creation of a dedicated fund to support skilled trade programs at Texas State Technical College, changing the state’s tax code, and providing a tax exemption to surviving spouses of fallen veterans in specific scenarios.
A complete list of the ballot order and prop language is available on the Secretary of State’s website.