Follow me in this next segment considering two more proposed constitutional amendments which will be on the November 7 ballot. I include edited explanatory text and short analysis.
Prop 5
“The constitutional amendment relating to the Texas University Fund, which provides funding to certain institutionsof highereducation to achieve national prominence as major research universities and drive the state economy.”
HJR 3 proposes a constitutional amendment to re-designate the National Research University Fund as the Texas University Fund (TUF), and to appropriate funds from the economic stabilization fund to the TUF. Funding for the TUF would come from the interest income, dividends, and investment earnings of the economic stabilization fund for the preceding state fiscal year. The appropriation amount is not to exceed $100 million for the state fiscal year beginning September 1, 2023, or an amount adjusted for the increase in the general price index, not to exceed two percent, in subsequent state fiscal years. The proposed amendment also would prohibit any state university that is entitled to participate in dedicated funding provided by Article VII, Section 18 of the Texas Constitution (the University of Texas System, and the Texas A&M system) from receiving money from the TUF.
The legislature passed and the governor signed HB 1595, the legislation that depends on this amendment and then implements the rules and criteria for funding. Four major institutions are listed as meeting the criteria at this time: Texas State University, Texas Tech University, University of Houston, and The University of North Texas. Institutions that already receive moneys through the Permanent University Fund, like Tarleton, are excluded.
It is good that the legislature provided significant funds for higher education. Strong research institutions should bring economic benefits. However, this approach may not be the best way to benefit Texans in general. Community colleges are attended by 43% of students who pursue education beyond high school (tacc.org), and did not receive any attention this last session. (The 87th Leg. established a commission to provide them with information on community colleges, but maybe the 88th Legislature did not read the assignment.)
Proposition 5 helps the upper branches of the educational tree, but perhaps leaves it top heavy. The 88th legislature and governor could not find a way to provide nourishment for the roots of Texas educational system, since the governor was holding out for a way to favor particular roots.
Prop 6
“The constitutional amendment creating the Texas water fund to assist in financing water projects in this state.”
Edited general information: Water resources are critical to Texas prosperity. In 2013 the Texas Legislature created the State Water Implementation Fund (SWIFT) with $2 billion. The 2022 Texas Water Plan, published by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), projects a need for projects totaling $80 B within the 50 yr planning horizon, with near $50B needed from the state. This is based on a projected 73% population increase and resulting water need, needed repairof existinginfrastructure, and dwindling groundwater resources. Contingent on the passage of Prop 6 (SJR 75), SB30 directs the transfer of $1 B from general revenue to a new water fund outside the general revenue fund for the purpose of funding various TWDB funds and accounts, which are set up to address major needs. The amendment specifies that (1) not less than 25% of the new fund be transferred to the New Water Supply for Texas fund. On passage of Prop 6, SB 28 specifies (2) spending on the SWIFT financial assistance program that provides lowcost financing for projects in the state water plan, (3) programs that provide lowcost financial assistance for planning, acquisition, design, and construction of water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater infrastructure; (4) Rural Water Assistance Program (utilities serving Erath County would qualify); (5) Public water awareness (expanded from conservation awareness); (6) Financial assistance; (7) State participation account, which allows the state to take temporary ownership and financial responsibility for projects to help entities complete costly project.
The 25% of the money earmarked for new water supplies can include desalinization, groundwater recharge, development of infrastructure to transport water, and other projects, with a target of development of 7 million acre-feet of new water supplies by 2033. Dublin gets its water from the Upper Leon River Municipal Water District. Stephenville gets water from wells into the Trinity Aquifer and has options to get water from the Upper Leon River. The Trinity Aquifer will not support much greater usage. The funding implemented by Prop 6 is a small amount toward improving Texas’ water security. —