Frequent Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Proposition 4?
Proposition 4 is one of 16 constitutional amendments that will go before Texas voters in the Nov. 6, 2007 statewide election. Proposition 4 stems from Senate Joint Resolution 65 and is part of significant new funding for state parks appropriated by the 80th Texas Legislature, but this part requires voter approval. It would also provide repair and renovation funding for DPS crime labs, historic sites and other facilities.
What would Proposition 4 do?
Proposition 4 would authorize up to $1 billion in bonds to pay for maintenance, improvement, repair, and construction projects for nine state agencies, including the Parks and Wildlife Department, Historical Commission, Department of Public Safety, Department of State Health Services, Department of Aging and Disability Services, Youth Commission, Building and Procurement Commission, Adjutant General's Department, and Department of Criminal Justice.
How would Proposition 4 affect Texas State Parks?
Texas State Parks stand to get $52 million in bond authority from Proposition 4 for 2008-2009, including $27 million for major repairs at parks across the state and $25 million to help fund a new dry berth to save the Battleship TEXAS from deterioration.
How would Proposition 4 affect Texas historic sites and courthouses?
Texas historic sites and courthouses would get $48 million from Proposition 4 for 2008-2009. This includes $17 million to help fund needed repairs at 20 historic sites and $31 million to continue Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program matching grants for cities and towns statewide.
How would Proposition 4 affect crime fighting in Texas?
Proposition 4 would improve statewide crime fighting by funding $200 million for the Department of Public Safety for 2008-2009. This would pay for new and expanded crime labs serving law enforcement organizations across Texas, which would speed up turnaround time for evidence analysis and prepare for caseload growth in the future. Most current crime labs are close to 30 years old with caseloads now up to eight times their original scope.
Does the Proposition 4 ballot language specify how bond dollars will be spent?
No, the ballot language voters will see in the voting booth is general. It says "The constitutional amendment authorizing the issuance of up to $1 billion in bonds payable from the general revenues of the state for maintenance, improvement, repair, and construction projects and for the purchase of needed equipment."
When and where can Texans vote early?
Any Texas registered voter can vote early, before the Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007 official election day. For this election, in-person early voting starts Monday, Oct. 22 and ends Friday, Nov. 2. To find out where to vote, contact your local elections clerk or see the elections Web site run by your city or county, or phone the Texas Secretary of State voter information line toll-free at (800) 252-VOTE (8683). More information is on the Secretary of State’s Voter Information Web page.
What are government bonds and how do they work?
Bonds such as those for Proposition 4 are like low-interest loans. The government sells bonds to investors, then pays them back with interest over time. Bonds are often used to fund deferred maintenance, which can prevent higher costs in the future.
Who is trying to educate voters about Proposition 4?
A coalition of state agencies affected by Proposition 4 is therefore working to help educate and inform voters, explaining how bond funds would be spent and how this will affect the public. State agencies are not advocating for or against the proposition, but they are urging citizens and state employees to get informed about Proposition 4 and exercise their right to vote.