Texas Senate Bill SJR27

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

• Filed: 12/19/16

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment repealing county authority to provide for manual labor poor houses and farms.

Impact

Should SJR27 pass, it would lead to significant alterations in how Texas counties handle their welfare responsibilities. By eliminating the authority to provide manual labor assistance, counties may need to seek alternative methods for supporting economically disadvantaged individuals. The repeal could impact the local economy, especially in rural areas where such programs may historically have provided necessary support for those in need. The shift may also concentrate responsibility for poverty alleviation at the state level rather than allowing localized decision-making.

Summary

SJR27 proposes a constitutional amendment that seeks to repeal the authority of counties in Texas to establish manual labor poor houses and farms. This legislative measure is aimed at removing provisions that allow local governments to operate facilities intended to provide poor relief through manual labor. The resolution reflects a shift in the approach to managing welfare and poverty alleviation at the county level and promotes the idea of centralized governance with regard to economic assistance programs.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SJR27 appears to lean towards efficiency and modernization in state welfare systems; however, it also raises concerns among local governance advocates. Supporters believe that this amendment will streamline processes for handling poverty relief and reduce redundancy. In contrast, opponents caution that such a move could undermine local capacity to address unique community needs effectively, fearing that a one-size-fits-all approach may not cater to the diverse challenges faced by different regions across Texas.

Contention

Notable points of contention in discussions surrounding SJR27 center around the balance of power between state and county governments. Critics argue that dismantling local control over welfare programs may lead to inadequacies in addressing specific local issues related to poverty. Conversely, proponents assert that the current system is outdated and a constitutional amendment to eliminate county authority for manual labor poor houses and farms is a necessary step towards reforming Texas's approach to social assistance.