Proposition 1: Good Or Bad Idea?

Proposition 1: Good or bad idea? On November 3 of this year, Texans will have the opportunity to vote on several proposed amendments to the Texas constitution. The first of these, Proposition 1, proposes to increase the homestead exemption available to property owners from $15,000 to 25,000. Supporters of the measure claim the amendment would provide much needed tax relief for Texans across the state, among other benefits. On the other hand, opponents of the measure argue that this proposed amendment would alienate Texans who don't own property, in addition to other complaints. Is this amendment a good or bad idea? This essay will attempt to shed some light on the matter by analyzing the arguments for an against the amendment. I'll also argue

According to a summary by the Texas Legislative Council, the amendment would increase “the portion of the market value of a residence homestead that is exempt from ad valorem taxation for public school purposes from $15,000 to $25,000.” (8) An analysis by the Dallas Morning News observed the amendment as translating to a $120-130 a year relief for the average Texan. (Garrett) Additionally, the proposed amendment also increases the exemption amount for elderly or disabled persons. Finally, the amendment would also allow the Texas legislature to prohibit the reduction or elimination of a tax exemption imposed by the governing body of a political subdivision. (House Research Organization 5) A hearing on the measure was held by the Texas House Ways and Means Committee on May 12, 2015. (Proposition 1 Hearing) Based on the hearing, I believe the North Texas Tea Party and the Texas State Secretary Office (among others) are for the measure. Some opponents of the measure included the Center for Public Policy Priorities, the Texas Taxpayer Research Organization, and the Texas Association of Business. What arguments for an against the amendment do these contenders

Texas renters aren't specifically targeted by the measure so any supposed benefits to them are intangible and hard to quantify. The measure also proposes to reimburse schools for loss of funding by using surplus funds and tax money from oil and gas sales. It's questionable whether this method of reimbursement is sustainable over the long-term considering the proposed tax cuts from Proposition 1 would be permanent. Because of this, I don't think the measure is a good idea. Any efforts to provide tax relief for Texans should instead be focused on the sales tax. In the end, Proposition 1 doesn't provide tax relief for all Texans in a fair