Proposing a constitutional amendment concerning the limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations of revenue.
Impact
If passed, the amendment would alter Article VIII, Section 22 of the Texas Constitution, thereby introducing a formulaic approach to determining growth in appropriations. This mechanism would likely result in a more restrained budgetary process and may enforce greater discipline in fiscal policies. Legislators argue that this would enable better financial management and prevent excessive government spending that could lead to budgetary deficits. However, the proposal could also impact funding allocations for state services, as growth in appropriations would be constrained in line with population and inflation rates.
Summary
SJR1, a joint resolution from the Texas legislature, proposes an amendment to the Texas Constitution that aims to limit the rate of growth of appropriations from revenue sources, excluding federal funds. Specifically, the bill seeks to ensure that appropriations do not exceed the sum of the estimated growth rates of the state's population and the monetary inflation rate during a given fiscal biennium. This is presented as a measure to maintain fiscal responsibility and to provide a check on government spending growth relative to state demographic changes and economic conditions.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SJR1 appears to be divided along party lines. Proponents, primarily from the Republican party, assert that the legislation is a necessary step towards ensuring sustainable state revenue management and curbing unnecessary growth in government expenditures. Meanwhile, opponents express concerns that such limitations could hinder the state's ability to respond to emergencies or invest in critical public services when needed, labeling the bill as overly restrictive and potentially damaging to state capabilities.
Contention
Key points of contention surrounding SJR1 include debates over fiscal responsibility versus the need for flexibility in budgeting, especially during economic downturns when state-level appropriations may need to rise to meet urgent needs. Critics highlight that tying appropriations strictly to population growth and inflation might not account for complex, real-world scenarios requiring agile financial responses. This debate encapsulates the broader struggle between promoting fiscal conservatism and ensuring adequate public service funding.
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 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 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 relating to the appropriation of the net revenue received from the imposition of state sales and use taxes on sporting goods.
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.
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.