Texas Senator Troy Fraser and Representative Jim Keffer have been traveling the state along with other politicians to promote the passage of Proposition 6 which will be on the election ballot in November. Proposition 6, if approved by the voters, will do a one-time transfer of $2 billion from the State’s Economic Stabilization Fund (Rainy Day Fund) to a dedicated revolving account for the sole purpose of implementing the State Water Plan to ensure a supply of water for the state for the next 50 years.
“This is the ultimate bi-partisan legislation,” said Fraser, “because whether you are Republican or Democrat, when you turn the tap on in the morning, you want to make sure water comes out.”
Senator Fraser recently appeared on a program on KXAN television in a panel with other water experts to discuss the challenges facing the state and Central Texas in regards to water and the importance of the passage of Proposition 6. Early voting for the Constitutional Amendment election began on Monday, October 21st, and runs through November 1st. Election Day is November 5th.
“I believe this vote possibly could be the most important vote that a person will make in their lifetime because we are ensuring that our children, grandchildren and future Texans are going to have a good supply of drinkable water,” said Fraser.Click here to view the KXAN Special Report on Assessing Water Needs for a Growing State.
Former Representative Bob Turner, now a rural issues consultant, recently issued a press release where he explained something many people are not telling the public—what Proposition 6 does not include. He explained the following:
1. There will be no grants – only loans – and they will be made to projects which have been prioritized as most important by the State’s Regional Water Planning Districts, in coordination with Texas Water Development.
2. Funds will not only be available to urban areas, there are 10% of the funds earmarked for rural and agricultural usage and an additional percentage for water conservation and re-use projects (for which rural and agricultural projects could well be qualified).
3. There will be no new tax created nor any expansion of existing taxes to fund or carry out the projects. Money will not come from General Revenue (GR) – thus taking GR away from such things as public education or health and human services
4. Loans will not be made to individuals or private for profit companies.
Local leaders also support this proposition. Brownwood City Manager Bobby Rountree stated that, “This is an important issue for the State of Texas, especially those of us who live in Central and West Texas.” The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors also voted to support Prop 6.
All citizens are encouraged to please take time to go to the polls and vote “YES” on Proposition 6 to make a brighter future for Texas’ water issues.
Pictured above is a portion of Lake Brownwood, which has been severely affected by the ongoing drought in Texas.
Below is a video of Senator Fraser further explaining Proposition 6 in a visit to Brownwood on August 1, 2013.
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