Bexar County Voters Urged to Review Local Props A and B Plus 17 Statewide Amendments
As early voting has begun, it is most important that, as a voter, you must make your voices heard on all issues on the ballot.
Local Ballot Spotlight: Propositions A and B
Proposition A:
Authorizes $191.8 million in upgrades to the Frost Bank Center, Joe Freeman Coliseum, and Stock Show & Rodeo grounds to keep facilities functional year-round and protect taxpayer investments. Supported by the Spurs’ “Win Together” PAC, launched at a September rally at the Pearl, the measure focuses on repairs and modernization of existing venues.
Proposition B:
Proposes a $1.3 billion new downtown arena near Hemisfair, known as Project Marvel. The plan moves the Spurs from the Frost Bank Center, with funding shared between Bexar County ($311M), the City of San Antonio ($469M), and the Spurs ($500M plus overages). Passage would launch development of a new “Sports and Entertainment District” across I-37 from the Alamodome.
Further related opposition claims point to “a lack of transparency – given that the ‘independent study’ was not independent at all, as Spurs investors paid for it, with no true third party review behind done, thereby leaving taxpayers on the hook and in the dark.” Additional opposition points to “hidden costs to taxpayers,” given that similar projects have ended up costing millions more in unplanned expenses.”
Statewide Ballot: 17 Constitutional Amendments
Additional ballot measures include seventeen constitutional amendments, passed by the State Legislature which need voter approval before being added to the Constitution.
New Texas Constitutional amendments that will significantly impact residents’ lives:
Proposition 1:
It would create two revenue funds, specifically for capital investments and infrastructure at Texas State Technical System, which would exist “outside the general revenue stream.” The bill repeals an existing safeguard that caps TSTC’s allocation from constitutionally auto appropriation, without legislative approval and removes oversight.
Proposition 3:
Allows for denial of Bail, under certain circumstances. It would allow judges and magistrates to deny bail to individuals accused of specific felonies – murder, capital murder and aggravated sexual assault, under certain circumstances.
Proposition 5:
This law would dedicate a portion of the revenue from state sales taxes to the Texas Water Fund, seeking to “earmark up to $1 billion per year”, from the general revenue fund, limiting legislative flexibility.
Proposition 7:
This amendment would allow an exemption, from ad valorem taxation, for the surviving spouse of a veteran who died due to a service-connected condition.
Proposition 9:
Allows an exemption of $125,000, from school district taxation on tangible personal property which generated income.
Proposition 10:
Allows an increase in the exemption, from ad valorem taxation, from $10,000 to $60,000, for elderly and disabled homeowners.
Proposition 11:
Allows for the sanctioning of judges and justices, for misconduct and enhanced sanctions where deemed appropriate.
Proposition 12:
Allow for an increased exemption, from ad valorem taxation, for homeowners, from $100,000 to $140,000.
View all 17 amendments here.
The amendments up for voter approval deserve careful scrutiny, and the rewards of understanding them are well worth the effort. An informed voter is always best prepared to make sound decisions once they step into the voting booth.
