2011 Constitutional Amendments – Views & Recommendations from Texans For Fiscal Responsibility

On November 8th, 2011, Texans will have the opportunity to vote on 10 proposed amendments to the state’s constitution. Texans for Fiscal Responsibility offers our views and recommendations.

PROPOSITION 1
Ballot reads– “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a 100 percent or totally disabled veteran.”

In other words – A surviving spouse of a deceased veteran will become exempt from all property taxes as long as they don’t get remarried, the property is the primary residence of the spouse at the time of death, and the property remains the primary residence of the surviving spouse.

TFR Stance – Support Proposition 1
Our Reasoning – While the state should look to phase out the property tax system and move to a more equitable system like the sales tax, this amendment provides relief to the dependents of our military veterans who have sacrificed so much for our nation.

Continue reading here.