Early voting begins today in the Lone Star State, where Texans will have the opportunity to vote on a variety of ballot propositions. Fourteen of them to be exact. While each of these propositions are important and should be considered thoughtfully by voters, there are three in particular that Texans should have on their radar.
Proposition 6 – SJR 75 “The Constitutional Amendment creating the Texas Water Fund to assist in financing water projects in this state”
As Texas prepares for an expected 70% increase in its population over the next half-century, a critical issue looms on the horizon – securing a reliable water supply, especially during prolonged droughts. Proposition 6, one of the key ballot measures, emerges as a solution to this impending challenge by helping develop new water sources to meet the rising demands of the expanding Texan populace.
Another pivotal concern centers around the astounding loss of water resources attributed to leaky water lines, which drain an average of 572,000 acre-feet of water annually – equivalent to filling a substantial lake. In a concerted effort to mitigate this waste and foster responsible water usage, Proposition 6 focuses on allocating resources to repair and replace decaying water infrastructure, including addressing leaky pipes. Moreover, the proposition seeks to raise awareness regarding the importance of water conservation.
Beyond the realm of conservation, these measures bear a direct impact on local communities and the thriving Texas economy. Local businesses rely heavily on access to water from these communities to sustain and generate employment opportunities. Proposition 6, in this context, sets out to bolster water and wastewater infrastructure within local areas, thereby safeguarding the foundation of Texas’ flourishing economic landscape.
Recommended Vote: YES
Proposition 7 – SJR 93 “The Constitutional Amendment providing for the creation of the Texas Energy Fund to support the construction, maintenance, modernization, and operation of electric generating facilities”
Ensuring a reliable electricity supply, particularly during extreme weather events, remains a paramount concern for both Texas residences and businesses. It is key to maintaining essential services, including lighting, climate control, and the uninterrupted operation of various industries such as manufacturing. Proposition 7 emerges as a crucial solution to this challenge, seeking to support the modernization and weatherization of electric generation facilities. By enhancing the resilience, this measure aims to ensure the continued functionality of these facilities even in the face of severe weather conditions.
As Texas experiences ongoing population growth, the demand for electricity continues to surge. Proposition 7 assumes a pivotal role in addressing this by facilitating the development of new and robust electricity infrastructure. This expansion is geared towards providing a more extensive and dependable electricity supply to cater to the evolving needs of the state’s expanding population.
Recognizing the financial strain on Texas households due to rising electricity bills, Proposition 7 takes measures to alleviate this concern. By increasing the availability of flexible, baseload generation, it seeks to protect Texas residents from further spikes in electricity costs and reduce the occurrence of costly shortage events. In doing so, it will protect Texans’ pocketbooks and provide energy security for households throughout the Lone Star State.
Recommended Vote: YES
Proposition 8 – HJR 125 “The Constitutional Amendment creating the Broadband Infrastructure Fund to expand high-speed broadband access and assist in the financing of connectivity projects”
Addressing the digital divide is crucial in Texas, where over 1.3 million households, equivalent to about 2.1 million residents, lack access to quality broadband services. This disparity in connectivity limits their ability to engage in online education, telehealth, and economic opportunities. Proposition 8 will help close this gap by expanding high-speed internet access in underserved regions. Additionally, it recognizes the role of effective fiscal and economic policies in attracting businesses and investors, highlighting high-speed internet as a fundamental requirement for growth and job creation. By optimizing funding and stimulating private and public investment, Proposition 8 will help the state’s economy continue to grow and generate good paying jobs.
In today’s interconnected world, Proposition 8 also acknowledges the need for robust broadband infrastructure to support public safety, prioritizing essential upgrades for emergency services. This initiative enhances access to critical services, contributing to the security and well-being of Texas communities.
Recommended Vote: YES
