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. Click here to read more about the potential $20 billion investment in water. Click here to 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.  

This year, Texas lawmakers passed a historic spending bill that increased the two-year funding total by more than $27 billion over the previous budget. A portion of that spending was included in the Supplemental Budget (House Bill 500), providing immediate funding for targeted projects. The direct impact on the Houston area over the next two years is significant: $1.22 billion in new programmatic funding for 47 school districts around the Houston region $1.17 billion across local medical schools Nearly $362 million in dedicated funding for flood prevention & water supply projects $135 million for regional operational centers for the Texas Department of Emergency Management and other emergency operations $12.8 million for upgrades to the Harris County Psychiatric Hospital Click here for an infographic highlighting other policy victories for the state and the city of Houston. These targeted investments are enormous for the Houston region, but there is also much more on the horizon. On November 4, Texas voters will decide on 17 constitutional propositions, two of which could bring more funding to local communities, including: Prop 4: Authorizing the legislature to dedicate $1 billion annually to the Texas Water Fund over the next 20 years Prop 14: Authorizing the creation of a Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and providing $3 billion over the next 10 years Exploring the Budget The Partnership has updated its Budget Explorer Tool with the final version passed by lawmakers. Using this tool, you can explore topline funding by agency, specific funding for water and education programs, and search new funding projections for individual school districts. There is also a table of contents that links to appropriations for each agency.  Here’s a quick reminder on how to read the state budget: Method of Financing: From where does the money come (i.e., state, federal, or other)? Strategy Funding: The highlighted funding for specific programs and targeted goals for the agency Riders: This is the last section of the agency funding in the bill, and it gives specific instructions on how the dollars are to be spent. Article IX: This is where you will find additional provisions on spending and revenue, as well as contingency funding.  For more updates and alerts on the Texas Legislature, click here to sign up for our policy newsletter.