Next Proposition

Background: Military bases located in Texas provide economic benefits to the state, as well as to the counties and cities in which they are located. Development immediately next to a military base makes it more difficult for the base to expand when necessary, possibly leaving the base more likely to be closed as the number of bases is reduced by the federal government. Military bases also need roads, sewers and other public works improvements to continue to operate and grow, and cities and counties need to be able to fund such improvements.

City and counties do not currently have a way to finance the purchase of land around the bases to protect the land from development. Proposition 1 would allow the Legislature to authorize cities and counties to issue bonds to finance these purchases, and to finance other public improvements needed to serve the bases.

For: Military bases must be protected from encroaching development that could restrict training and operational missions and ultimately cause a military base to close. This proposed amendment would give local governments the power to borrow funds necessary to buy land and build infrastructure to help keep the bases functioning.

Against: Proposition 1 would allow cities and counties to build infrastructure under the broad justification of protecting a military base. This could lead to higher property taxes at a time when property owners are already feeling an economic burden. While protecting military bases is a worthy goal, cities and counties should not be allowed to increase property taxes to finance the bonds.

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the Scott Hochberg Campaign
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