Proposing a constitutional amendment limiting the rate of growth of appropriations for welfare programs.
Impact
This constitutional amendment is designed to impose stricter controls on state spending concerning welfare programs, which could have significant implications for services provided to needy populations. By creating a ceiling on the growth of appropriations, it potentially limits the state’s ability to adapt funding in response to rising demand or emergency situations. Lawmakers and advocates for social services may find themselves working within tighter financial constraints, which could adversely affect program availability and support for vulnerable communities.
Summary
HJR52 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment aimed at limiting the rate of growth of appropriations allocated for welfare programs in Texas. The primary focus of this amendment is to tie the growth of funding for welfare services to the overall rate of growth of the state budget. Specifically, it stipulates that for any state fiscal biennium, the increase in funding for welfare programs cannot exceed the growth rate prescribed by existing state budget laws. Welfare programs under this bill include medical assistance, the children's health insurance program, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, and any means-tested cash assistance programs.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HJR52 appears to be divided among legislators and advocacy groups. Proponents of the amendment argue that it promotes fiscal responsibility and ensures a balanced budget, protecting taxpayers from undue expenditure increases. They believe it will lead to a more manageable and predictable allocation of state resources. Conversely, opponents express concern that capping welfare funding could lead to inadequate support for those in need and further exacerbate poverty and health disparities within the state.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the impact of limiting welfare funding in an environment of economic uncertainty, especially during crises that increase the need for social services. Critics of HJR52 argue that by binding welfare programs to the general budget growth, essential services may be jeopardized in favor of fiscal prudence. There are apprehensions regarding the potential for this amendment to restrict the ability to respond effectively to the needs of disadvantaged populations.
Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.
Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.
Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.
Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of real property for ad valorem tax purposes and to except certain appropriations to pay for ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads, to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts, and to except certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads, to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts, and to except certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of real property for ad valorem tax purposes, to increase the amount of an exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads, to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts, and to except certain appropriations to pay for ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads, to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts, to provide supplemental payments to full-time classroom teachers in school districts, and to except certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.